We predicted late last year that the prestige brands would start to roll out their BB Creams and Dior is leading the charge with Hydra Life BB Creme ($85).  First up, if you're wondering what a BB Cream is, the short answer is that they're like a cross between a primer and a tinted moisturiser but they offer a whole host of skincare benefits too — we're talking everything from anti-ageing to evening skin tone and texture. Now you know that, you need to know that Hydra Life BB Creme has a thicker, full-coverage texture that's more in line with traditional BB Creams that are popular in Asia. So if you love the idea of a BB Cream but haven't found the coverage you desire from so far, this could be the one for you. With SPF 30 protection against UV rays alongside the moisturising and age-defying powers of the Hydra Life skincare line, you've got yourself coverage, radiance, sun protection, nourishment and protection against ageing.

Dior Hydra Life BB Creme will be available from April 19. Stockists: 02 9695 4800.

If you're someone who doesn't like to cart around 23 cosmetic items every day or you need a little sumthin' sumthin' to perk you up mid-afternoon but can only lay your hands on a lippy at the bottom of your bag, then let me ask you this, have you ever considered using lipstick as a blush to give you a cute and co-ordinating flush? If the answer's no, then you really should reconsider because it's one of the top tips that makeup artists recommend (after really massaging in your serum and moisturiser to create a natural, lit-from-within glow). This tip pretty much works with all colours — even if the pigment is very rich, by the time you buff it into the skin, it'll soften — but textures are a different matter. You don't want to go for a formula that's too glossy as it'll be sticky and mess with your foundation, however matte products are harder to manipulate. I recommend MAC Lipstick ($36), Illamasqua Lipstick ($39) and Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color ($44). Once you've decided on a shade, you've got a choice of two application techniques.

Pimples. Why do they always seem to appear before a big job interview or worse — the day of your hot date? But there’s good news, we've found a solution! Clearasil’s new Ultra Rapid Action Seal‐to‐Clear Gel ($14.99) not only seals your pimples to help protect them from bacteria on your hands, it also contains pimple-fighting ingredients to help visibly reduce pimple size in just four hours.

Using InvisaSkin™ technology, Ultra Rapid Action Seal‐to‐Clear Gel is the only product to provide an invisible barrier — helping to stop the spread of bacteria via touch — and house a unique reservoir of salicylic acid which helps to unclog pores and fight blemish-causing bacteria. In just four hours, this blemish buster will help solve all of your pimple problems!

I'll be honest, priming my eyes sits quite low on my list of priorities. I know, I know, I can just hear Napoleon chanting "'Tis a crime, not to prime," but frankly, whether it's 6am or 8pm, I'm all about keeping my makeup routine simple and short. Which is why I love multi-use items. If a product claims to do more than one thing, I'm pretty much hooked. Such is the case with my new-found lid love: CoverGirl Intense ShadowBlast ($14.95). Serving up a waterproof dose of rich pigment that wears beautifully, it comes with an in-built primer that helps the shadow to smooth on easily, last longer and the all important one — not crease. The fact that it does all of this for less than $20 is priceless. Available in six shades, my favourite is Extreme Green, a beautiful hybrid of antique gold and olive green. Other shades worth a look: Beige Blaze and Brown Bling.

Stockists: 1800 181 040

If you thought that beauty products with the royal seal of approval came and went with Kate and Wills' wedding, think again. The Queen is getting her very own products in honour of her Diamond Jubilee that fêtes 60 years on the throne. So far Butter London — the cult nail brand that launched the tongue in cheek No More Waity, Katy for Kate Middleton ahead of her nuptials — has come up with Lillibet’s Jubilee, a sparkly pewter polish which makes reference to the Queen's childhood nickname. Then there's the No. 1 Perfume: Imperial Jubilee which has been created by legendary nose Clive Christian. Launching in June, the exclusive scent reportedly features a higher concentration of perfume, which might (just) justify its US$1,300 price tag. If you're willing to splash the cash at least you can be safe in the knowledge that you're one of the lucky 500 to get your hands on the very limited edition release to honour Queen Elizabeth.