The sun hit Irish soil at least a couple of times in recent weeks, and I’ll brook no argument on the subject. We are now allowed to hope for summer and better weather, and this is the beautiful window in our climate when you can wear a glowy make- up look during the day without total certainty of it hitting your neck by lunch time. I for one will savour this window – the brief time between central heating and indecisive summer humidity when your skin will behave itself just a bit more than usual.
Bioderma Hydrabio Crème (€18.50): A good hydrating moisturiser creates the perfect base for foundation. This one is rich enough to combat dryness and not too rich to use as a base for glowy make-up. It is particularly good for dehydration, which slackens skin's appearance and highlights fine lines.
Urban Decay Beached Bronzer (€29): If you like to bronze or contour, look no further. Finely milled and packed with pigment, this defines features beautifully.
Sisley So Curl Mascara (€47): This might be the most expensive mascara I've written about and it certainly won't be for everyone. That said, I used it on my sister-in-law when I did her wedding make-up and it created big, curled lashes. It didn't move all day, even when she got a bit teary-eyed.
Bobbi Brown Nude Finish Illuminating Powder (€50): Finishing powders can add all-over glow to finish your make-up or just be used as a highlight. However you use this, you'll look like you took a relaxed stroll in sunny climes.
Amazing Face Amazing Concealer (€27 for 6ml, €40 for 15ml online from M&S and amazingcosmetics.co.uk): To lighten any feeling of heaviness on the skin, skip foundation altogether and choose a highly effective concealer. Don't knock it before trying it – skin looks perfect rather than perfectly made up. This concealer comes in 20 shades to cater for the palest to the deepest complexions, and the coverage is incredible.
Aveda Daily Light Guard SPF30 (€52): If you're not an all-year round SPF advocate (and I am), you should certainly use an SPF now. This one from Aveda is excellent – SPF30, which is the minimum that should be used on the face. It doesn't clog or look chalky, doesn't interfere with skincare or make-up and it is small enough to fit in your carry-on luggage.
Chanel Rouge Coco Stylo (€32.50 from April 22nd): These lip pens are nothing short of glorious. The soft, buttery formulation glides on to leave a semi-opaque finish that has more pop than you would expect from something that feels so comfortable. I can see these flying off counter when they come out next Friday, so heads up on that.
Pixi Glowtion Day Dew (€30, from selected M&S stores): A glossy, sparkle- free liquid highlight, this is beautiful when mixed with foundation or worn over it.
PRODUCT OF THE WEEK
Essence Prettifying Lip Oil (
€2.50):
This little product is so affordable and lovely. Comfortable to wear, light and moisturising, it’s a brilliant addition to your make-up bag.
