Top 10 beauty myths busted

Not so, says Chase Aston. "It's true that liner does act as an anchor for lip colour and can prevent colour from feathering into fine lines and wrinkles, but applying it first isn't a necessity," says Chase. "Simply take a firm lip brush and apply lip colour over a clean, flake-free lip surface, drawing colour all over lips and along the lip line. Once applied, blot with a tissue and re-apply the colour. This will give you a natural, modern, full and defined lip look." Bobbi Brown's retractable lip brush can be used to apply lip gloss or lipstick and comes with its own cap. Bobbi Brown Retractable Lip Brush, $40.

Contrary to popular belief, there's a fake tan to suit all skin types - whether you're trying to recreate that post-holiday summer glow or simply hoping to give your complexion a boost. "Bronzing gels, lotions, creams and powders are perfect for all skin tones - not just the pale and fair, but for all women of colour," says Chase Aston. "Depending on your natural skin tone, use bronzing shades from sheer and golden to deeper colours to create either a sheer golden glow or a rich, sun-kissed effect." If you're new to tanning, the St Tropez Bronzing Lotion Starter Kit is a great place to start. The kit includes St Tropez's original Self Tan Bronzing Lotion along with their tan optimising polisher and moisturiser - all in smaller bottles ideal for fake tan virgins.

This rule went out with the eighties, says Chase at The Body Shop. "This was a trend in the early days of make up and Hollywood glamour," he admits. "Nail shades and texture are now considered art and they are worn as individual statements." These days, most nail polish brands have a huge range of colours, meaning it's easier than ever before to find your perfect shade - whether it matches your lippie or not. OPI's Germany collection contains a gorgeous selection of pastels, pinks and darker hues which will be bang on trend in 2013. From $17.

While dousing yourself in glitter might not be the best way to emphasise the eye area once you're past your thirties, a subtle hint of shimmer can still work wonders. According to Chase at The Body Shop, it's all about the application. "Whilst overdosing on shimmer shades all over the eyelids can cause the powder to sit in fine lines and draw attention to wrinkles, the right shimmering and metallic shades can definitely be worn by the mature make up wearer - in moderation," says Chase. "The simple rule to follow is to never take the shimmering shade in questions along or above the brow bone, and never place it over and onto a hooded or heavy eyelid." Bobbi Brown's brand new Caviar and Oyster eye shadow palette contains eight fabulously on-trend shades - the wonderfully wearable pearlescent silver and shimmering pink shades are perfect for party season.

The high water and mineral of content of cucumber means that a couple of slices of cucumber can indeed banish those pesky eye bags. "Placing thin cucumber slices over closed eyes will cool and soothe sore and puffy eyes," says Chase. "For an irritated and sensitive complexion, pulp a cucumber into a bowl, then smooth all over the face and neck, leave on for fifteen minutes then rinse away. Incidentally, Vitamins E, K and C are all key ingredients that you should look for in lotions, potions and creams to de-puff the delicate eye area - when combined they will reduce swelling, moisturise and hydrate the delicate eye area, while brightening and smoothing fine lines and puffiness." If you're all out of cucumber, dab on Origins' No Puffery cooling mask - it will instantly cool, calms and brightens the eye area.

It turns out there really is some truth in the "no pain, no gain" theory, after all. "Rinsing with cold water will certainly boost shine," says Ken Picton. "The heat opens the cuticle so rinsing with cold water locks the cuticle, making it flatter, which results in more shine because the flatter the cuticle, the shinier the hair." If you want to boost the shine of your hair but don't fancy a cold shower, opt for Molton Brown Plum-kadu Glossing Shampoo, $40.

While it's important to choose the right hair care product for your hair type, using products from a different range just for the sake of it really won't make a difference. "While the myth about using different products isn't true, bear in mind that you will need to use different shampoos - even from within the same range - throughout the year or if you have changed the texture or colour of your hair," says Leah Butler, Artistic Director at Leah Durant Hair Salon. For example, throughout the winter months you may need to use a moisturising range and in the summer months you’ll need a range with sun protection. The key is to find a hydrating shampoo - Organic Colour Systems' Aqua Boost shampoo will keep your hair hydrated and shining with health.