Phyl Clarke gets a new look from one of Kylie's make-up artists.
I've never denied that this job has perks. One of them came the other day, when I got a call asking if I could find time to meet a Laura Mercier make-up artist. I thought I could spare a few minutes for a private consultation: Mercier is the queen of understated chic, a favourite of Madonna and a mentor of Bobbi Brown. I knew her company's make-up primer, which regularly tops best-buy lists, and its tinted moisturiser, which is my perfect weekend base (and has the bonus of SPF20). But that was it, so I headed off to find out more.
I suspect that Abby Ireland, my consultant (her client list includes Kylie Minogue and Kate Winslet), expertly scanned my face, eye and hair colours when I walked in, and was already selecting products to suit me. After I confessed my limited knowledge of the range, Ireland was happy to take me through a vast display in front of us.
Of course I'd read about Secret Camouflage, a duo of industrial- strength concealers that you mix together to match your skin tone, to cover up a multitude of imperfections. Ireland then introduced me to Moisturizing Foundation, selecting the shade Warm Ivory, which I was sure from glancing at the bottle was too pale and would make me look like death warmed up. But a smoother, more refined face looked back at me from the mirror, skin tone evened out - and it didn't look heavy, either. Or too pale. I was starting to trust Ireland's judgment.
A new eye palette was next. Evolution of Colour for Eyes is a soft-as-suede arrangement of four complementary colours that you can use separately or together. With my blueTaupe Velvet was a refreshing change to my usual neutral of beigey browns. Then Ireland selected a deep-blue eyeliner. I explained that, even after spending ages in front of the mirror, I never seem to be able to apply eyeliner close enough to my lash line. Ireland showed me a great technique that I've been using ever since. She gently pulled up my eyelid to expose the underside of my lashes, then applied liner with a wet brush. Voilà! Instant definition - and subtle, too.
A new me was emerging, so I went with Ireland's choice of a seemingly candy-pink blush named Opera, but I was learning not to judge the Laura Mercier book by its cover. It brought an instant freshness - dare I say youthfulness - to my face. We finished with the matching Evolution of Colour for Lips palette in Plum Suede, a lovely berry mix for autumn. As I said my goodbyes, I felt an extra spring in my step for autumn.
THE GOODS
Laura Mercier Moisturising Foundation Gets my vote for flawless finish and sun protection. It also comes with a hygienic pump. €45 from Brown Thomas in Dublin, Cork and Limerick
Laura Mercier Evolution of Colour for Eyes Extremely easy to apply, and you can even smudge it on with your finger for subtle definition. €42 from Brown Thomas, as above
Laura Mercier Powder Blush in Opera Instant radiance for less than €30. Has a lavender undertone to take it out of the sugar-pink league. From Brown Thomas, as above