Compiled by PHYL CLARKE
Brush up
Catrice Cosmetics has a nifty line in brushes including a double-ended gel eyeliner brush, above, which allows you to choose either a very fine line or a heavier smoky finish. Each brush comes with application instructions and prices start at just €2.99. Available from Dunnes, Penneys and pharmacies. This soft synthetic brush, right, is densely packed with soft fibres to blend liquid foundation to a flawless finish. Use with powder products too – remember to tap off excess product before applying. Flat Top Kabuki Brush (€14) from blankcanvascosmetics.com
I can't live without Gillian Nevin, director of sales, Hilton & Conrad Ireland
Party Feet by Scholl
I am on my feet a lot when showing potential clients all areas of a hotel. It is important to dress smartly and heels are essential – thus Party Feet are imperative to my regime. Party Feet make the burning sensation across the ball of my feet a lot more bearable.
Chanel Perfection Lumière foundation
This glides onto the skin and gives all-day coverage. I never have enough time or patience during the day to touch up my make-up and this foundation is the best I have ever used.
Vaseline lip care
I have about four tins of this on the go at any time. It gives a great shine to your lips, stops them feeling dry and goes on nicely over lip pencil or lipstick. My only tip is not to buy the rose-tinted version as you forget you have it on until you see pink stains on your pillow, jacket . . .
Yves St Laurent Mascara – False Lash Effect
This mascara works best on my lashes and even on the mornings when I am running behind and don’t have enough time for eye shadow (with a 16-month-old to organise), this false lash mascara means that my eyes don’t look too bare.
Hair straighteners
What did I do without these? My hair must have been permanently frizzy. I don’t have curly hair or straight hair – just an inbetween do which looks so much sleeker and neater with a quick run through hot hair irons each morning.
Brighten up
Had enough of summer shades but not yet ready to take the plunge into next season’s rich palette? Span the seasonal gap with coral red – a wonderfully uplifting shade that works for all skin tones.
Clinique Chubby Stick in Two Ton Tomato (€19).
A lip conditioning crayon containing shea butter and jojoba oil, it glides on effortlessly giving a sheer wash of colour – the perfect low-key approach.
Nars lipstick in Heatwave (€25).
Full bodied and velvety, this bright shade is typical of the brand’s highly-pigmented colours.
YSL Rouge Pur Couture The Mats in Orange Imagine (€32).
A sophisticated stretch formula leaves lips smooth and supple while delivering a modern matte finish – it’s long lasting, too.
Revlon Red Bikini nail lacquer (€9.20)
A great alternative to the coral red lip – a go-with-anything shade that’s very now.
Marine magic
Polish range Ziaja uses laminaria algae and hydro retinol in their competitively priced range that includes an Active Firming Cream for just €6.99 - worth a try, eh? At pharmacies and originalbeauty.ie SkinCeuticals Emollience (€62) Dry and dehydrated skin will benefit from this rich combination of lipids and marine extracts. Order from skinceuticals.co.uk Creme de la Mer Soft Cream (€130)The original marine cream has many die hard fans (I'm among them) but the super rich balm is too heavy for some tastes. This new lighter formula delivers all the benefits and makes a great base for make-up.
