The first daffodil in my garden dared to show its face this week. It looked, frankly, rather shocked, and slumped over a bit drunkenly in the rain. But it was definitely a daffodil. It’s less cold outside, there’s talk of grand stretches, and that’s all you need to start looking forward to spring. I love the dramatic make-up of winter, but once January ends, I find myself longing for lighter textures, some colour, and that wonderful feeling of freshness when temperatures are moderate, and there are no radiator sweats or frozen noses. The weather interferes with your make-up less during spring than any other time, so wear what makes you feel happy, without worry.
M&S Autograph SS16 Eyeshadow Palette
(€20): If you’ve looked in your make-up bag and found a batch of crumbly, faded old eyeshadows, you don’t have to spend a lot to justify dumping them. This palette contains 12 shadows and a lovely highlighter, and will take you right to autumn.
Clarins Ombre Iridescente Eyeshadow
(€22.50): These shadows apply in seconds with fingers or a brush, stay put all day, and look beautifully fresh and subtle. Save the fuss of applying more than one shadow – these catch the light and add dimension without any work
Jo Malone Cologne Intense Orris & Sandalwood
(€130): Fragrance buffs will consider this worth saving for. Violet, Iris root and rich sandalwood make this intoxicatingly androgynous and a surprising, grown-up spring fragrance
Bagsy Flamingo Make-up Bag (€22 from feelunique.com and Debenhams): If you're in the mood for a spring clean, chucking old, mucky make-up bags will encourage brush washing and a general overhaul. Your everyday staples will look very jolly in this flamingo bag. It's the duck egg blue lining that captured me
Roger & Gallet Fleur d’Osmanthus Precious Revitalising Body Balm
(€23 from Marks & Spencer): Generally around this time of year, as temperatures warm, we realise we’ve neglected the skin on our bodies. This zesty, floral balm works on dry and dehydrated skin, and the scent sings of warmer weather
Chanel Limited Edition Exclusive Creation Blush
(€57): I have a friend who collects Chanel limited edition blushes, and this is certainly a collectors’ edition. The varied shades make this a multi-use product, but it’s also a work of art
YSL Touche Éclat Neutralizers
(€35): These new tinted versions of the iconic YSL highlighter help cancel out tones you’d rather hide. The violet version banishes yellowish shadows under eyes perfectly
Mac Viva Glam Ariana Grande Lipstick
(€20): If you want to stand out this spring, stick it to tradition with this dramatic matte deep plum lipstick. It rails against convention and the full retail price less VAT goes toward men, women and children living with and affected by HIV and AIDS
NYX Stay Matte But Not Flat Powder Foundation
(€9.49): This affordable powder comes in 18 shades. I wear it on top of light foundation for a hint of extra coverage. It absorbs oil beautifully
