This week, SHEmazing! were lucky enough to have a chat with the fabulous make-up artist Annette O'Brien about all things beauty. 

Annette is a highly-acclaimed make-up artist in Ireland having worked with big names such as Lucy Kennedy, Miriam O'Callaghan and even James Nesbitt. 

You can catch up with Annette on her website and have a look at some of her stunning work as well as on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube. 

1. What's your best budget beauty buy?
I have so many budget beauty buys but I love Carmex moisturising lip balm. I wear it every single day and it is so long wearing. It's fantastic to wear over lipstick and gives a glossy appearance too. It is one of my go-to products for a perfect red lip – exfoliate the lips and then apply a heavy layer of Carmex all over. A definite must in my makeup kit for brides. It's available in most pharmacies and Penneys also stock it now.

2. What's your top make-up tip?
The next time you are applying your makeup start off with the eyes. As a makeup artist, this is one of the most practical things I've learned. Once your eye makeup is done you can wipe all the residue from underneath the eye and apply fresh concealer and foundation then. No messy eye makeup here!

3. Do you have a favourite all-round beauty product?
I do for sure! I absolutely love Anastasia Beverly Hills Dip Down Pomade. This is the most amazing brow product I have found. So easy to use and a little goes a long way. Brows are such an important feature and they really shape the face. I love the sleek, defined shape this products gives. I use this gel-like product in every one of my makeup video tutorials and there you can see how easy it is to use. 

4. What's your earliest beauty memory?
I loved Barbie dolls when I was younger,didn't we all?  I loved them because they had hair I could cut and restyle, nails that could be painted and faces that I applied makeup to! I did this to every single one of my Barbies – as you can imagine they were "a sight for sore eyes" by the time I was finished with them!

5. Most girls have a signature scent – what's yours?
I have two! For daytime I love Zara White. It's a fresh, floral smell and it reminds me of summer and holidays. For night & special occasions I always go for Carolina Herrera 212 Sexy. A gorgeous, lingering perfume of bergamot and geranium that makes me feel so girly. Every time I wear it people ask about it. I have so many good memories from the scent. 

6. What's in your make-up bag right now? 

  •  Makeup Forever HD Foundation
  • Creme De La Mer – The Concentrate
  • Mac Prep & Prime – Radiance (my highlighter)
  • Mac Blush – Fleur Power
  • Chanel Satin Finish Radiance Powder
  • Anastasia Beverly Hills DipDown Pomade
  • Mac Lipliner – Hip n' Happy
  • Anastasia Beverly Hills #12 brow brush
  • Chanel lipstick in Gabrielle

Thanks for answering all of our questions, Annette! 

Annette was also kind enough to share her brand new make-up tutorial with us; gold glitter with smokey eye and a MAJOR flick – perfect for nights out with the girls.