Best Make-Up Blogs

At 4Beauty we can think of no better way to spend a lunch hour than by reading a few make-up blogs. The best ones are honest, entertaining and up-to-the-minute in terms of new launches and colours. So we've put together a list of our favourite make-up bloggers for you to bookmark. Whether they're amateur enthusiasts, artists, industry insiders or just busy mums who like a bit of lippie, they all have one thing in common: they make you want to go and play with your eyeliner. Enjoy - and make sure you get back to work at 2pm on the dot...

For video tutorials

Pixiwoo
Professional make-up artists Sam and Nic Chapman run the now cult blog Pixiwoo. It's for make-up obsessives like them, and the emphasis is on practical tips and techniques with a creative twist. They have a hugely successful YouTube channel for their tutorials, which have a way of making the looks you see in magazines thoroughly achievable in your own bathroom mirror. If Pixiwoo.com leaves you wanting more, you can see exclusive tutorials from Sam and Nic in 4Beauty's Make-Up Video and Hair Video sections.

For talon talk

Just Nice Things
This blog is indeed just about nice things, which is why we love it so much. But it's mainly, as Helen tells us, about the talons. Born in February 2009, the blog is the brainchild of nail polish addict Helen and make-up artist Sheenie. Together, they bring you news and reviews covering everything from nail polish to make-up, from bikini waxing to the time one of them shared a spa with a certain disgraced politician...

For practical info

Lauren Dunn
4Beauty's inhouse make-up artist Lauren Dunn runs her own blog, where she shares her professional expertise and reviews products she's tested on herself and her clients (often on their wedding days). It's packed with practical, unbiased information. Visit 4Beauty's Make-Up Videos section to check out some of Lauren's tutorials.

For aspiring pros

Musings of a Make-up Artist
Kenneth Soh's work appears in Vogue, Tatler and Glamour, but thankfully, his blog is thoroughly down-to-earth - as well as highly informative and entertaining. Make-up geeks that we are, we love his lengthy descriptions of what he's used on a model or celebrity. Look out for his 'Inside My Kit' posts for valuable pro tips.

For insider info

British Beauty Blogger
This blog is updated every day by an experienced beauty writer with years in the industry behind her... and she doesn't suffer fools gladly. Not only will you get the scoop on new make-up brands and launches, you'll get an honest (and often very funny) opinion on how the products measure up once they've been tested. Essential.

For the stateside scoop

Nouveau Cheap
If, like us, your love of all things beauty is never satisfied, you'll want to know what's going on in make-up across the pond. Get your drugstore fix here - you can make a shopping list for your next trip over (or to buy online) - as well as find out about products you can buy here. G, the author, has genuine enthusiasm and her love of a bargain is infectious.

For girlie chat

Make Up to Make Out
We think half the fun of being a beauty lover is the 'going shopping' part, which is why we love this blog, written by self-confessed shopaholic Lina. She talks fast, she rambles, she raves... she even asks her readers for their opinion on everything from a new foundation to which outfit she should wear. It's like having a beauty obsessed best friend on hand whenever you need one.

For East meets West

Cosmetic Candy
Cosmetic Candy is like no other blog you will ever read. Rowena, its cat-loving, sarcastic author gives honest reviews, provides helpful swatches and takes great photos of her gigantic make-up collection. She covers European, US and Asian brands, and also trials hair and skin care. Prolific, addictive and often downright hilarious.

For dark-skinned beauty

Vex in the City
Yinka tells it like it is - which is why we can't get enough of Vex In The City. The blog isn't specifically for black women, but Yinka tests everything on her skin, so it's a good guide to whether something will suit you if your colouring is dark. She is also happy to post about a lipgloss one day, then about her love for New Kids On The Block the next. And why the hell not?

For yummy mummies

Bubblegarm
It's hard to believe looking at the photos of the stunning Muhsine on Bubblegarm that she is a new mum, but it's true. She's been a bit less prolific since the birth of her baby girl, but still manages to give the lowdown on her new make-up purchases and recommend products for tired, busy beauty lovers like her. She attracts loads of comments from her fans, which are almost as interesting as the posts themselves.

For fab photography

Lipglossiping
The layout, photography and slickness of this blog make it a delight to look at. And once you get reading, the approachable style of Charlotte, its author, makes you feel thoroughly at home. She is passionate, but refreshingly self-deprecating about her make-up artistry skills. And she loves a bargain, so you won't feel too overwhelmed by high-end brands. Check out her Wall of Nails - a feast for polish lovers...