Shopping for make-up can make a trip to the supermarket a bit more interesting, writes Phyl Clarke
After the laissez-faire, whatever's-in-the-fridge attitude to eating during the summer months, regular visits to the supermarket are now back on the agenda. I have to coerce myself into making the trip by promising myself a skinny cappuccino, but at least in recent years there has been another bright light in the aisles.
Cosmetic companies have cottoned on to the fact that a new lipstick or eye colour can sit happily alongside the dogfood and deodorant in your trolley. How much nicer to have to select between shades of lip colour than 23 types of detergent.
First stop is the Maybellinestand and the world's best-selling mascara. Great Lash mascara (€6.59), in its iconic pink and green packaging, adds length and volume to lashes.
Next stop if you are in Tescos is the fantastic Barbara Dalyrange. It's hard to choose badly here, and it's the first brand I point out to people watching their pennies. The colours and quality are usually only found in the much more expensive brands, and her Moisture Foundation (€10.16) could give Bobbi Browna run for her money. Here are a few other highlights: Face Lift (€8.89) can be worn alone or under make-up, and adds lustre and illumination to skin giving an instant "lift" effect. Glossover (€5.76) is a lip and cheek highlighter which adds a lovely finishing sheen. Eye Base at €6.50 is a great little product which evens out eyelids and makes eyeshadow last longer. It can also be used as a concealer.
Tesco's own Skin Wisdomrange was developed by celebrated holistic beauty therapist Bharti Vyas and is a terrific range at the price. Illuminating Eye Flash Balm (€8.49) refreshes, tones and illuminates the eye area. Detox Thermal Mask purifies and softens for just €1.68.
Jane Fonda, at 69, fronts the L'Orealcampaign for the Age Reperfect Replumping Foundation. Whether or not she has had a face-lift is a moot point, and forget for a minute the sophisticated lighting and airbrushing techniques, the lady still cuts it, so even skin tone and a radiant finish are promised for just €19.49.
The name Sally Hansonis synonymous with nail care, and you can pick up some of her hero products close to the rubber gloves aisle. Diamond Strengthener at €12.95 can be worn alone or under polish and a favourite is the Cuticle Massage Cream (€7.20), which nourishes and protects. Teflon Tuff is a terrific nail protector at €9.69 and don't forget to pick up a Crystal Nail File for €12.00 before you leave.
Further down the aisles you will see Kate Moss looking back at you from the Rimmel stand. Happily we are not gullible enough to imagine that using one of their products will give us a smidgen of her aura, but at these prices it's worth sampling a few of their wares. Top picks are the legendary Hide the Blemish, a master concealer at €5.99. If your skin tends to be a little dry, apply moisturiser before using the lipstick-shaped concealer. Tap, rather than rub, in to achieve a seamless effect. Rimmel's new Lash Maxx Mascara is on special introductory price of €6.95 and Soft Kohl Eyeliners come in great colours and glide across the eyelid for €4.35. Combine great cosmetics with some excellent skincare and hair products from the likes of Olay, RoC, Panteneand John Frieda, and a visit to the supermarket can supplement your beauty regime along with your fridge.