Phyl Clarkeon three beauty products to swoon over - a heady new perfume, a cleanser to rival Eve Lom, and a terrific tanner.
LOVE AT FIRST SNIFF
Oh my God, I think I'm in love with Tom Ford, however hopelessly inappropriate that may be . . . Check out that photo on the right - now would you kick him out for eating crisps? Didn't think so. But that's not the reason I love him so. Not even for creating some of the most beautiful clothes of recent times while designing for Gucci. Not because he is a home town boy from Texas who is refreshingly honest and down-to-earth, with none of the la-la talk that goes on in the fashion world.
No, he won my heart when his new fragrance arrived on my desk. To be fair, I mailed his press office afterwards and said "that bottle should come with a warning." The lid came off, and with the first spray I was swooning. What kind of a way is this to behave on a Tuesday morning, I thought as I recovered my senses.
Checking the accompanying notes, I read that Black Orchid Voile de Fleur is a veritable symphony of feminine mystery and charm, undercut with a dark glamour. Ooh Tom. It is exclusive to Brown Thomas and costs from €42.
TANFASTIC
Others come and go, but St Tropez is still the best fake tan on the market because, being tinted, it's a cinch to apply and gives the most natural finish. Over use of tanning products during the winter is not to be encouraged, but the party season is upon us and backs, shoulders and legs may be bared (but not all three at once, please). Check out the St Tropez seasonal gift sets, with a saving of up to €24. From department stores and selected pharmacies. upclarke@irish-times.ie
HERE'S MUD IN YOUR EYE
It would take some cleanser to impress me. I am an Eve Lom devotee, and as anyone who has ever used her cleanser will testify, there is nothing quite like its soothing, slightly medicinal texture for cleansing and gently exfoliating the skin.
But there's a rival in a new brand, called Ormorovicza, which comes from that mecca of spas, Budapest. The company produces an impressive range of skincare products based on the mineral-rich healing properties of the local waters, and Thermal Cleansing Balm is a star of the range. Thermal mud gives it its black colour. It feels beautiful on application, and gently dissolves all make-up, leaving skin glowing and silky. I love it. It costs €60, from Harvey Nichols, Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin 14.
You might notice a buzz...
...at the Nars counter today, and rightly so. International make-up artists Francesco, Benoit and Aga will be on hand to advise and beautify the women of Ireland using the latest colours and techniques Nars at Brown Thomas, Dublin 2, 01-6056666.