Want to know what's hot? We interviewed LA-based Daniel Chavez, an international makeup artists for cult brand Smashbox, to get his top makup tips.

This guy knows his stuff... he's made up some of the most famous faces in Hollywood! Read on to find out what's hot and see what impression Kiwi women's makeup made on him when he was last here...

What are the key trends for winter and going into spring?
Lips are making a HUGE comeback and lipsticks play a large roll in the new trend. For a natural makeup user, try a coral or pink lipstick and for more of a make up girl, use a darker rose color or red lipstick this season. Keep the eyes nice and simple - add a touch of natural cheek color and POP your look with a bold lip color! Tip: Make sure you’re lining your lips with a matching pencil that's not to dark or light for the lipstick you've chosen.

Which celebrities do you think get it right, in terms of makeup?
Drew Barrymore, Naomi Watts and Jennifer Aniston always seem to get it right. The trick is to find the look that works for you and stick to it, even when trying out a new seasonal trend!

And who needs a little help?
If a celebrity needs help with their look, I can't blame them. I blame the make up artist who doesn’t understand the person they are working on. A celebrity like Nicole Kidman and Angelina Jolie have a look that works for them, but once in a while you will see Angelina in a red lip or Nicole in a smoky eye and it doesn’t quite fit with the personality of the celebrity.

What are some simple ways a woman can update her look?
When new trends appear in your favorite fashion magazine, simply try one trend at a time. If you see that coloured eye liner is popular with the celebs, but the new look of the season is bright lips, simply choose one trend to work with and avoid changing your entire make up routine to match what the celebs and trend setters are wearing.

What's the biggest mistake women make when it comes to makeup?
Avoid liquid liners!! Unless you really want people to look at your makeup and not your eyes. A liquid liner dries and looks like a sticker you can peel off at the end of the night. Not to mention you have to be a magician to get to on just perfect. Instead, try Smashbox Cream Liner to get the "softer side" look of a liquid liner effect.

What would you like to see women wearing more of?
Colored mascara in place (or over top) of black mascara. Coloured mascara is the perfect way to dress up your look for any occasion, try Smashbox That’s a Wrap Mascara in teal or burgundy. Also, I think that every woman needs to own a gold lipgloss (like Smashbox Candid Gloss). A gold gloss instantly softens the look of your lips and makes your lips look fuller. Not to mention, it's what all the celebs are wearing this season!

From your fleeting visit here, do you think Kiwi women in general wear too much/ too little makeup?
Every woman I met in New Zealand was completely different from the next. I like that the Kiwi ladies have their own personality when it comes to their makeup application. But in general... I'd like to see more lips this season on the Kiwi ladies. This seemed to be the only thing missing from their makeup routines.

What technological advances are happening in makeup in the next few years?
You will see a lot of "skincare" properties added into your basic makeup products. Vitamins A, C & E will be in everything you purchase plus new anti-aging products like Dermaxyl Complex will appear in all your favorite beauty products. These cosmetics will keep you looking beautiful today and for the long term as well!

What's the best makeup trick a woman can learn?
Use a foundation brush when applying your foundation! The brush saves time and money, plus it allows you to control the amount of make up you’re applying.
1) Put one pump of foundation on the back of your hand and use your hand as a makeup palette
2) Pick up a small amount of foundation to the brush and begin on the cheeks... always blending downwards
3) After you have completed both cheeks, continue to apply to the T-Zone.
4) If you desire more coverage, simply repeat the same routine a second time, but only applying the foundation where you need the extra coverage.

Five products every makeup bag should have?
1) Smashbox Compact Anti Shine (for touch-ups during the day)
2) A Gold Gloss for the "perfect looking pout"
3) A natural looking bronzer that gives the skin a "sun kissed glow"
4) A rich black and burgundy mascara for that "up to the minute" look
5) Smashbox Cream Liner Palette to change your look at any given moment.

nzgirl - Tips from a Smashbox Makeup Arist