What Katie did next

There’s Katie Holmes, pictured right, looking rather fabulous (well, you would too if you’d just been done up by make-up maestro Bobbi Brown). She’ll front the brand’s next season campaigns, and was a natural fit for Brown, who describes her as a modern day Ali McGraw. The similarities between the two ar quite striking don’t you think? McGraw (pictured left) was the quintessential natural beauty of her day and her classic all-American look hasn’t dated. It’s surprising to note that although the two photographs were taken 42 years apart, both women look equally modern and timeless.

Holmes is full of admiration for Brown, who she says is very much what her make-up line stands for – no fuss, down to earth and real.

If you’d like to master the natural polished look for yourself and pick up signature tips and techniques, Bobbi Brown’s head of education, Nikki Taylor, will be hosting a beauty masterclass next Wednesday, September 26th at Arnotts, Dublin. The class will be complemented by a cookery demonstration and dinner with Clodagh McKenna. The evening costs €60, and reservations can be made on 065-9062563 or erin@clodaghmckenna.com

Floral Trance

Fragrance in the workplace is a bit of a minefield and finding the right balance between individual and professional is no easy task. Balenciaga's Florabotanica ticks a number of work-appropriate boxes - its quietly distinctive and sophisticated air will strike the right balance. It's not too floral either and an edge of mint cuts through any cloying sweetness. Prices start at €50, and it's available at Harvey Nichols now, and nationwide from next month.

Skin fixers

Target specific skin concerns with these problem solvers

Dull skin

Philosophy micro-delivery triple-acid brightening peel (€74.90)

Regular exfoliation is a must for fresh skin and it doesn’t get much easier than with these pre-saturated pads. A quick swipe over the face once a week ensures a brighter, more even skin tone. No need to rinse either.

Saggy cheeks

Elemis Pro Intense Lift Effect (€76)

You may have held off wrinkles by protecting and looking after your skin, but loss of firmness and drooping skin is difficult to combat. This product works to strengthen the skin’s network with papilactyl and claims to reduce the depth of jowls – clinical trials have shown impressive results. Available at Debenhams.

First lines

Weleda Wild Rose smoothing day cream (€18.95)

Our skin is aging from the day we are born, but cell activity slows down from the tender age of 25. This natural rose cream tackles the first signs of skin aging by preserving elasticity and softening first lines. Available at Nourish stores.

Boost required

L’Occitane Immortelle Precious Serum (€49.95)

This high-performing serum is packed with natural active ingredients to preserve, repair and enhance skin tone and texture. Each bottle contains the essence of more than 1,000 immortelle flowers, known for their collagen-boosting properties.

I can't live without ...

Emily Aoibheann, aerial dancer

Jojoba oilWhen you spend much of your day hefting yourself up ropes, swinging from trapeze and carrying people around on your shoulders, massage oil is a fundamental tool to feeling better and taking care of yourself. It's also good for your skin. It can be used as a moisturiser, for shaving prep, as a hair treatment and as a make-up remover.

Illamasqua white rich liquid foundationAn absolute must-have for the stage. I embrace the pale skinned look for all of my performances and photoshoots, and Illamasqua is the only brand I'm aware of that has such a wide selection of tones. Although it is not one I would use every day, I definitely recommend it for an elaborate night out.

Benefit rose-tinted stain for lips and skinOriginally designed by strippers to enhance their nipples ... it is my favourite cosmetic for my cheeks.

Gold and red glitterA pot of gold glitter gel from the Early Learning Centre or the Hobby Shop for eyes and cheeks, or a tube of red glitter from a pound shop for covering your lips. I learned this trade secret from burlesque beauty Epiphany DeMeanour: apply a layer of red lipstick, then dab plenty of red glitter over your lips for a stunning sparkle.

SpirulinaThis blue-green algae is one of the most nutrient-rich foods on the planet. When I'm working my body and my brain super hard I literally pile the teaspoon high with this stuff. Mix it well with some blueberry juice.

Emily Aoibheann is appearing in Constellations this weekend as part of the Dublin Fringe Festival. fringefest.com, tel: 1850-374643