Enhance your reflection with the latest hydrating serum foundation, nourishing primers and fab colour palette
Mac, Too Faced, Pat McGrath Labs and Sculpted by Aimee have done it again with a revolutionary new range
“Women fall in love by what they hear. Men fall in love by what they see. That’s why women wear make-up and men lie” — that’s an interesting quote from the easy-on-the-eye Idris Elba. I’m not sure I completely agree with it, though — do you?
Men aside, I wear make-up because I think it’s empowering and lets me express my personality. Agree or not with Idris, the quote did get me thinking about new make-up and what’s happening this fall (yes, I’m American now).
I’m all about that base when it comes to a successful face. A foundation that blends well and gives great coverage without looking cakey is what I’m after. The new Studio Radiance Serum-Powered Foundation from MAC, €46, Brown Thomas, is loaded with skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid, so it hydrates and plumps the skin. It’s also buildable and evens out the skin without completely masking your best features. Available in 56 shades, there’s one to suit everyone.
More brands are cottoning on to the importance of make-up that nourishes as we wear it. Too Faced has just released a mascara primer that will add length and thickness to the lashes while conditioning them with grapeseed and argan oil. Better Than Sex Foreplay Mascara Primer, €30.51, cultbeauty.com, is the make-up brand’s raunchy release that will have you all a flutter — OK, maybe Idris is partly right. The mascara also comes in a travel size, so it’s perfect for romantic nights away.
A first for Pat McGrath Labs, this brand new IntensifEYES Longwear Primer, €30, patmcgrath.com, will prep and smooth the eyelids, making your shadows crease-proof and longer-lasting. It’s humidity-proof and water-resistant, which is no mean feat for those who tear up easily, or just get caught in the rain. The primer will also boost the colour of any shadow you use for added vibrancy.
Tying the knot or, er, not, Sculpted by Aimee has a new palette that’s a great one for the make-up bag. Called Wedding Palette, €39, sculptedbyaimee.com, it is part of Love Story — The Collection. Congratulations to Aimee on her recent nuptials which no doubt inspired this beautiful collection. The palette marries face and eye products in one compact. And seeing as Aimee also has years of experience as a make-up artist, she’s seen it all when it comes to beautiful bridal looks. The mirrored palette includes eight neutral and classic shades, including powder bronzer, cream highlighter, cream blush and a few shimmers, as well as matte eyeshadows.
Three of the best… Cleansers
1 The Body Shop, Camomile One-Step Jelly Cleanser, €19.50, thebodyshop.com
The well-priced, dermatologically-tested formula is perfect for quick make-up removal as it offers askin-soothing finish with hydrating glycerin and gentle chamomile water.
2 Skingredients Sally Cleanse 2% Salicylic Acid Oil Control Cleanser, €30, skingredients.com
This award-winning Irish cleanser is a game-changer against spots, blackheads and congestion. It also doubles as a body exfoliator, tackling ingrown hairs and dry skin.
3 Eve Lom Cleanser, €75, zolobeauty.com, millies.ie and McCauley Pharmacy
This world-renowned product has been voted one of the greatest skincare products of all time. With its unique blend of oils, it removes make-up, cleanses, tones, exfoliates and hydrates your skin all at once.
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