Louise McSharry: ‘These are my favourite classic products that have stood the test of time’

As I’ve said before in this column, MAC was ‘the brand’ when I was a teenager in the 90s. It was bold and creative, and the products were top tier. These days though, you don’t hear about it as much. There are so many brands now, I suppose, and the internet means we have access to almost all of them.

Also, so much of our purchasing decisions revolve around products we see used on the internet, and usually those products are new launches, sent out by PR companies to beauty influencers.

I suppose that line of thinking is what was behind the ‘something old/something new’ section included with this column each week. There’s so much new around that we tend to forget the products we used to love, or perhaps never found out about in the first place. With that in mind I thought I’d shine a light on some classic products that have really stood the test of time.

It seems only fitting to start with MAC, which has created so many of the staples in a makeup artist’s bag.

The three products which I turn to again and again are Studio Fix Powder Plus Foundation (€34 via brownthomas.com), Eye Kohl in Costa Riche (€18.50 via brownthomas.com) and Lipstick in Lady Danger (€20 via brownthomas.com). Studio Fix Powder Plus blew my mind as a teen and continues to do so now.

This powder mattifies brilliantly but also offers excellent coverage — there is no better product to have in your handbag on a night out for sorting out a sweaty face.

Costa Riche is a slightly warm and slightly pearly brown liner which applies easily and wears brilliantly. It can be used in the waterline or to create a soft liner effect, but I especially love it applied all over the lid as a base for a smokey eye.

Lady Danger is the perfect orangey red lipstick, which looks very rock and roll when paired with a smudgey eye. I have bought these products countless times, and I mean that in the literal sense.

Elsewhere, NARS Orgasm blush (€33 via arnotts.ie) is famous for a reason. The pinky-coral shade suits most people and has a slight golden glow meaning it’s incredibly flattering on the skin.

If you haven’t tried Armani Luminous Silk Foundation (€52 via brownthomas.com) and you like a buildable formula which isn’t overly matte, get on it. It’s gorgeous, and while lots of glowy foundations have come on the scene over the last number of years, I don’t think there’s one which replaces it.

In terms of skincare, Kiehls Ultra Facial Cream (€31 via spacenk.com) is so popular that globally 10 pots of it are sold every minute. It’s a gorgeous hydrating moisturiser which suits all skin types, I’ve given countless pots of it as gifts and never heard anything but a glowing report back.

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair (€95 via boots.ie) has developed a cult-like following over its 40 year existence thanks to its intensely hydrating properties which leaves the skin looking smooth and radiant. I recently reacquainted myself with it and it’s back in regular rotation. It just works.

I could go on, but I suppose the general message today is that new isn’t always better. If there’s a product you used to love, maybe pick it up again! It might be just what you’ve been looking for.

Buying Irish

I’ve been a fan of makeup artist Sarah Keary’s brushes for some time, so I was delighted when I heard she was launching a makeup brand, By SK. The initial collection includes a palette which includes six eyeshadows, a blush, a bronzer and a highlighter (€39 via sarahkeary.ie), a liquid liner (€19), four lipsticks (three nudes and a red, €18.50) and three eyeliners (black brown and nude, €15). The products are solid, I particular like the liners which apply easily and last well. The products are all vegan and cruelty-free.

Something old...

Clinique’s Even Better Makeup (€34 via boots.ie) has been around for more than a decade, and it is still turned to every day by countless makeup fans who want something more from their foundation. In addition to coverage, this product contains Vitamin C and antioxidants which work to fade the appearance of scars and dark spots. It offers buildable, skin-like coverage and works well on all skin types, but I’ve found my friends with combination or oily skin especially love it.

... Something new

NARS Light Reflecting Foundation (€48 via brownthomas.com) is a new complexion product which combines medium coverage with skincare properties for a buildable, breathable, skin-like finish. It claims to offer protection from blue light which I still feel a little sceptical about in terms of necessity, but given the hours I spend on a phone/laptop I’ll take anyway, and also to strengthen the skin barrier, keeping the skin hydrated. I don’t think NARS has ever let the side down when it comes to foundations, but this one is a dream for people like me who want their skin to look like skin and don’t want to feel like their skin is heavy with product. Available in 36 shades (an expansion of two), this will be a hit.