BEAUTY:When I was younger, my mother always gave me the day off school on my birthday, so on Monday I'll be continuing the tradition and giving myself free rein to make the day my own. This could include such treats as going to a movie in the afternoon (quite decadent to come out of the cinema to broad daylight, don't you think?) and I'll have my annual swing in the playground of my local park and wonder why I only do it once a year. Hopefully, I won't have to cook dinner and there'll be something to stick candles into for dessert. All in all, I'll be counting my blessings and if any of the following make an appearance, so much the better.
When Terryde Gunzburg worked for Yves St Laurent, she created what was to become its top-selling product, much imitated but never bettered.
Ironically, even when she left to start her own eponymous brand, the de Gunzburg version of Touche Éclat didn’t put a dent in the astronomical sales of her original formula for YSL. The secret is in the translation of the name: Radiant Touch is a highlighting pen that reflects light and conceals minor imperfections. As well as under the eye area, it’s also great used under the brow and on cheekbones for an instant lift, or try it just above the cupid’s bow on lips to enhance their fullness. The only drawback to this wonder pen was the fact that it was only available in a single shade in Ireland, and I had to stock up on the slightly darker No 2 shade when abroad. The good news is that all seven shades are now available in Ireland so you’re guaranteed a perfect match. Touche Éclat (€35) is on sale at YSL Brown Thomas now and all counters from August.
Sadly, as the years go on, the eye area droops. Every time I have my eyelashes curled, I vow to master the method, for its eye-opening effect simply can’t be achieved otherwise. Curling mascaras are effective, but nothing gives that wide-awake look like a dedicated eyelash curler. The tool looks like some sort of medieval torture device, but this scissoring/clamping design is used across all the brands. Shu Uemura is the curler of choice for those in the know, but given that Chanel has now brought one out (€30), I’m willing to give it a try.
If you can'tmanage to have Tom Ford waiting for me on his yacht in the Italian Riviera, I'd settle for something from his new Neroli Portofino collection. The range is an extension of the original scent, and includes a luxurious body oil (€50) containing Mediterranean olive, grape and date seed oils, infused with Italian lemon and bergamot. Now wouldn't that go perfectly with my morning cup of Earl Grey?
If a fairygodmother could grant me an alternative career, I'd ask to be a 'nose' for a fragrance house. Just think of it, mixing and matching gorgeous aromas all day, and debating the merits of different elements and notes – bliss. I realise that's a bit of an ask, so how about this insanely glamorous bottle? It's the brand new Aura by Swarovski, and it is the first fragrance from the famous jewellery house. Bottle designer Gwenaël Nicolas is such a stickler for perfection that he had 2,000 attempts before he was happy with the result. The sleek casing is topped off with a crystal which catches the light, and each bottle is refillable, for who could bear to throw it away? The fragrance will suit a dressy occasion or a big night out. Prices start from €33 and it's available from Arnotts, Debenhams and selected pharmacies nationwide.
