Secret agents

Secret agents: Bond’s back and along with the guns, gizmos and girls he now comes with his own scent – surprisingly the first…

Secret agents:Bond's back and along with the guns, gizmos and girls he now comes with his own scent – surprisingly the first one in his 50-year career. Made by PG, 007 contains a classic masculine mix of moss and vetiver but also shows Bond's softer side with the addition of lavender and apple, ah bless. €50 for the 125ml size which comes in a chunky flacon with a satisfyingly gadgety twist nozzle.

PRIME TIME

The secret agents of the beauty world are primers - working undercover to keep foundation fresh and in place all day with many delivering extra skincare benefits to boot.

Estee Lauder Illuminating Perfecting Primer €29.50This classic primer is sheer and absorbs quickly – good for saving precious minutes in the morning and the pearlescent pigments reflect light for a glowing start to the day

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Benefit 'that gal' brightening face primer €33A satiny pink formula which evens out redness and brightens complexion, it can also be used over make up for an extra boost during the day.

Laura Mercier foundation primerThe make up artist's favourite for perfecting skin and keeping foundation fresh. Used straight from the fridge the added vitamins calm and soothe puffy skin.

Lancome Effect Miracle Base €32A lightweight and invisible correcting base which comes in two shades and glides on to skin leaving a smooth and even base. Follow up with the matching foundation for a perfect finish.

Mac prep and prime Illuminating €39.50This specially targeted gel is a Godsend for oily and combination skin types who have the hardest time keeping foundation in place. The golden pearl particles add a healthy glow.

Paul and Joe Illuminating Pearl Foundation Primer €36Sparkling pearls in rainbow shades add a multifaceted youthful glow while skin-loving ingredients nourish and protect. asos.com

Smashbox Photo Finish Hydrating €34.50Renowned for its comprehensive range of primers for every skin type and condition (16 at last count) the latest addition adds a moisture boost while not feeling greasy or reneging on its main job.

Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch €28.70A wonder for filling in lines and pores and giving the smoothest base for foundation. The texture melts into skin leaving a velvety finish.

Nivea Express Hydration Primer €6.09.

Double action formula whi

ch holds make up and provides long lasting hydration, this purse friendly primer also comes in two variations for different skin types.

I can't live without . .

Diana Bunici, television presenter

A good bookI'm the biggest bookworm I know and always have my teeth sunk into a good story. There's nothing I love more than popping into my local bookstore and scouring the aisles looking for the next novel I can get lost in.

Peppermint teaGrowing up in Moldova my grandmother would make me a cup using fresh mint leaves from her garden and to this day a hot mug reminds me of her and the lovely chats we used to have together.

YSL Shocking MascaraFor long, voluminous lashes, this is my go-to product and I would forfeit all the items in my make up bag for this luxurious mascara. I usually stay away from scented products but this one has such a light, fresh smell – I absolutely love it. The brush is nice and thick too, making it incredibly easy to apply.

Benefit Moon BeamA recent addition to my make up bag, this beautiful highlighter was recommended to me by a friend. I find it gives a healthy glow and looks really well on camera.

D&G L'ImperatriceThe scent is fruity, fresh and feminine and the perfect perfume to take you from summer to autumn and right into winter. I wear it all the time. I just wish the bottle wasnt so big, it makes for a very heavy handbag.


Diana Bunici will host Nightmare At Smock Alley this weekend, as part of the Bram Stoker Festival. For further information, see the website bramstokerfestival.com