My local beautician, You Skin and Beauty, offers Skincare and Makeup workshops for teenagers. They are not cheap but it is money well spent. You also get a goody bag to take home. Check beauticians in your area for similar workshops.

I just discovered this range of cosmetics. They are Australian owned and made, not tested on animals and are infused with superfoods. You can purchase them at selected chemists. So far I have only used their nail polish - which I loved. You can find their full range here. I think their kits are a great idea. At the moment they have a promotion where you receive a free Kabuki brush when you order two products online.

I found this skincare company called MooGoo. They have hundreds of testimonials from people who have tried their products and loved them. I'm trying out some of their products now. MooGoo started on a dairy farm in Perth (hence the name). They are environmentally friendly, not tested on animals, natural and made in Australia. Their range includes acne cream, dermatitis cream, soap, moisturiser, shampoo and other products. There is also a cosmetics range called Dusty Girls. You can purchase MooGoo online or at your local health food store or chemist. You can check out their website here.

FYI, let me start by saying at the outset, you don't have to shave your legs and armpits. If you decide you want to there are some things you need to know first. Kid's Health has some interesting information. This video was made by Gillette so they're promoting their products. It's American so they refer to shaving cream as shaving gel. If you have sensitive skin it can help to shave in a downward motion as opposed to upwards as shown in this video.

Ok, this is kind of yucky but very important. Squeezing pimples, while very satisfying, can cause  scarring, infection and can make the blemish worse rather than better. This video shows you how to prepare your skin before using a comedone extractor (you can buy these from the cosmetics department of your local department store or chemist). Good luck. 

Many women and girls try to avoid the hairdresser when they are growing their hair. According to www.whimn.com.au, the reality is that if your hair is damaged, that damage continues up the shaft and when you finally go to the hairdresser you will need to get more cut off. If you get it cut every 6-12 weeks you will end up with longer, healthier hair.

Apparently it's a mortal sin to not use a heat protection spray on your hair before using a hair dryer, curling wand or hair straightener. According to www.cosmopolitan.com.au these sprays are multi-purpose:

• They provide a physical barrier for your hair like sunscreen does for your skin
• They moisturise
• They make your hair dry faster

You can read the full article here. They also have product recommendations to suit student budgets.

Australia has one of the highest rates of skin cancer in the world. The Cancer Council has a fact sheet about sunscreen - you can read it here. To summarise, here are some important things to know when choosing a sunscreen:

• Choose one with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of 30 or higher.
• Is broad spectrum, meaning it will filter both UVA and UVB radiation
• Is water resistant
• Is labelled AS/NZS which means it has been tested to the Australian standard
• Has a valid expiry date.