ABOUT FACE:Autumn palettes are a riot of colour and texture, writes Phyl Clarke
Snake eyes
Parting with €85 for a palette is no joke, but Giorgio Armani's Python Collection could see you easily through the autumn without any further expenditure. Three harmonising shadows, grey taupe with a dark iridescent grey and a lighter luminous grey pearl give different affects depending on the occasion. Hidden underneath, a duo of beautiful lip shades complete the picture.
Beautiful retro
This neat little palette is inscribed with one of Elizabeth Arden's most famous proverbs: "To be beautiful
and natural is the birthright of every woman." Colour Intrigue eye shadowcovers autumnal tones perfectly with its limited edition shade duo Golden Moss (€23).
Spots before your eyes
This dinky set is so cute, with its spotted compact and a quartet of shimmery shades within. Prisme Again! Precious Shimmer from Givenchy (€41.50) will give a wash of iridescent colour and is the perfect alternative to the smoky eye look.
Mock croc
With its beautifully embossed crocodile leather finish, this trio from Dior's Impression Cuir (€54) has shades of pearlescent beige and browns and is spliced with a golden bronze. The combination of shades enables you to go from a subtle, natural eye to an ultra-sophisticated night time look.
All that jazz
The golden age of jazz has inspired Clarins this season and its Colour Quartet in So Chic (€39) includes two of this season's key shades - purple and moss - paired with a light base and dark liner. These shades blend well together.
Flower power
Lancôme has looked to India for inspiration and the jewel in the crown is undoubtabtly Lotus Splendor (€53). Combining an eye and lip duo, the "petals" open up to reveal the colours, and an all-important mirror. It comes in two colours, for fair and dark complexions.
Tuxedo trio
This year's YSL collection features the Black Tuxedo eye palette. Satin smooth glide-on textures in champagne, charcoal and sparkly black can be layered or mixed together to achieve as dramatic a smoky eye as you dare (€50).
The Pink Pound
October is breast cancer awareness month and, unfortunately, most of us know someone affected by the disease. You can do your bit this month by buying a product from a company that supports the campaign and donates a percentage of sales to research.
LASH OUT
Lashes are a huge focus this season and you will certainly make an entrance with these fabulous feathers from Make-up Forever (€20). If these are a tad OTT for you, they have more than 70 styles to choose from and also provide an application service. Phone 01-6799043 for appointment.
SMELL THE ROSES
Products by Jo Malone are a treat at any time and you can enjoy guilt-free pleasure by buying Red Roses Cologne (€49), a delicious blend of rose oils from all over the world, combined with lemon and spearmint which keep it fresh.
DOCTOR'S ORDERS
One of my favourite skin treats, Prescriptives Super Line Preventor Extreme (€49), is a cocktail of powerful antioxidants which gives a huge moisture burst to the skin. Use under your regular moisturiser to calm and smooth skin, it's the perfect primer, too.