I’m lazy and I don’t feel a jot of shame admitting it. A lifelong love of make-up doesn’t mean I’m one of those people who spend 45 minutes blending eye make-up every morning. When the mood strikes, it’s nice to take time and make an effort. Most of the time, our lives are low on time and high on demand. That’s when clever, easy products that minimise effort but don’t look like it are exactly what’s needed. I love something that you can whack on haphazardly while eating a bagel, but will still look great. I apply almost everything except powders with my fingers, but still expect products to work hard so I don’t have to.
Giorgio Armani Maestro Glow Foundation (€46): Armani's foundation offerings are always worth paying attention to. This comes in nine shades and creates a beautifully luminous veil of coverage.
Mac Beauty Powder in Sunny Surprise (€26):
Now this is glorious. A rich, warm peach, it’s the colour of sun on fairer skins. Wear it as a blush, or instead of bronzer, and look like you’ve been strolling in the spring sunshine.
Sisley Phyto Eye Twist (€35):
Sisley is known for its famed (and expensive) skincare, but its cosmetics are unexpectedly fun and great quality. Try this in an everyday nude shade; just blend on to the lid. Job done in less than a minute.
Nails Inc Powered by Matcha Mayfair Market (€14):
This warm rose gold shade makes nails look neat and on-trend. A beautiful seasonal shade, a quick couple of coats of this will finish any outfit.
Giorgio Armani Chinese New Year Illuminating Palette (€85):
This is a collector’s item, but it’s also a fantastic luminising powder for dewy-looking, summery skin without the oiliness. It glows.
Catrice High Glow Mineral Highlighting Powder (€5.50):
I don’t wish to incite stampedes, but buy two of these immediately. A high-gloss, burnished highlighter that mimics high-end products for just over €5. It’s fantastic.
Chanel Stylo Yeux Waterproof Long-Lasting Eyeliner in Fervent Blue (€24):
Potent blues are a seasonal spring colour, but they’re easier to wear than you might think. I love this as an interesting touch on the waterline of a smoky eye, or blended into the centre of the eyelid.
Pixi by Petra Sweet Peach Shea Butter Lip Balm (€11):
Pixi is now available in Ireland in selected Marks and Spencer beauty halls, and is one of my favourite brands. Its affordable skincare is beyond compare, and this deliciously nourishing lip balm in a universal shade is a bargain.
Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm (€45):
I recommend a balm cleanser for every skin type (yes, even oily – cleansing with this will make your skin produce less oil, not more). This is the holy grail of balm cleansers. It smells divine, lasts forever, and skin loves it.
