Kevyn Aucoin

We have a little confession to make... We've recently acquired a very big crush on Lindy Klim — Michael Klim's super stylish (and gorgeous!) wife. She's not only a Balinese princess and former model, but also co-founder of the couple's burgeoning lifestyle brand, Milk & Co. A largely organic range, Milk & Co launched back in 2008 for men and babies, but the pair is currently working on a Milk By Lindy Klim line, as well as apparel. Recently listed as a finalist in the beauty category for the annual InStyle and Audi Women of Style Awards, we sat down with Lindy to quiz her on all things makeup, skincare, life in Bali and more.

Want more? Read our other Real Beauty interviews here.

Just one more sleep until Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Australia, and I'm starting to prepare my kit. Covering the shows from a beauty perspective is very different to fashion, because I'm backstage stalking hair and makeup artists and snapping models, instead of sitting front row dissecting the fashion trends. I start to see the beauty trends take shape while the model is being transformed in the chair — usually while nibbling on an apple or reading a book (cuteness!). I'm all about comfort when it comes to fashion week, because when you're covering over 40 shows in five days, all you really want is a hair tie, lip balm and deodorant. True story. Come with me!

It's no secret bold, straight boy brows are in, but don't be fooled into thinking the models on the runway are born with those power brows — they've had brow makeup applied to fill in any gaps and adapt their natural shape. Brow kits, powder, shadows and gels are all the rage right now, but we're taking it back to basics. An eyebrow pencil, when chosen wisely, will do just as good a job — plus you'll get a precision finish. The main thing you want to look out for is a spool brush on the end of the pencil, so you can brush your brows up and out to find the gaps in your natural shape. We love wind-up pencils, but traditional ones that need sharpening are perfectly fine, just make sure the end is sharp when you apply. Use soft, feathering strokes in an upwards motion to create natural looking hairs with the pencil — no drawing! Brows look better with slight definition (not heavily filled-in), and consider your complexion and hair colour before buying. Check out our five favourite pencils to suit all budgets. 

Shopping for cosmetics can be a tricky thing. We get it, some international brands are so much cheaper overseas, but if we neglect the Australian retail space we will eventually have to kiss goodbye to cosmetics counters where we can road-test the latest products before we buy. Luckily there's an answer. Australian distributors have started to cut prices in line with international costs so that we can still keep the love on our own soil. Yay! Here's a wrap up of 10 brands that have dropped their prices. We know what we'll be stocking up on at the weekend!