Compiled by PHYL CLARKE

Ole Ole

Tired eyes? Try Danish skin guru Ole Henriksen’s at home eye refresher recipe. It will de-puff, firm and lift the delicate tissue around the eye area. You’re welcome.

Cucumber ‘sushi’ roll

Grate half a cucumber finely and wrap in a piece of gauze or muslin. Place on the eyes for 10 minutes pressing firmly around the contours of the eye region allowing the vitamins and enzymes to release and to revive the eyes.

You're all set

Looking to streamline your make-up for the new year? Benefit’s Jetset is a nifty kit containing colour essentials with helpful intructions and expert tips for easy application.

You can achieve varying effects from casual to dramatic and the rosy-toned neutrals are almost universally flattering €39.50

I can't live without

Pukka Ayurveda Firming Face OilThis formula incorporates concentrated herbal extracts that have incredible rejuvenating effects on so many skins. It's got an amazing firming action too.

Herbal TeaWhere would I be without my herbal teas? I have about 10 flavours now and travel everywhere with a selection. Dr Bronner's Peppermint Liquid Soap I never travel anywhere without Dr Bronner's peppermint liquid soap because it's so much more than soap. It's a shower gel, a bath foam and a foot soak all in one. Apparently it has 18 different uses but I just love the smell and the tingle-all- over effect.

Lavera Mango Shampoo and ConditionerIt's really difficult to find effective natural shampoos and conditioners but these have been a firm favourite of mine for many years.

Weleda Calendula ToothpasteI try to avoid synthetic ingredients and have just tried this toothpaste for the first time.

It tastes amazing and is a really nice change from the usual peppermint flavours so will become my new “can’t live without” product.

Jo Matyear, natural skincare therapist

Bespoke beauty has come to town in the form of cult range Cosmetics à La Carte, a favourite of a-listers who have their pick of the brands. The service includes individually blended make-up and custom mixed skin tints, and – hurrah – they will recreate your favourite discontinued lipstick too. Prices start at €30 for a 30-minute consultation

Vedas Beauty, Dún Laoghaire, Co Dublin tel: 01-2140222 vedasbeauty.ie

French fancy

French women are known to take their skincare seriously and are schooled from a young age in the art of grooming. Until recently they have been keeping the Avène range to themselves (it's the best-selling skincare range in France). Now they're willing to share and we can see what all the fuss is about. The no-frills packaging belies the products within. All the basics are there, from masks to moisturisers and, at this inclement time of year, the Eau Thermale Cold Cream Body Lotion is a real treat for parched winter skin with the bonus of a delightfully fresh scent. €23 at chemists or avene.ie.