Triona McCarthy: Stride in style with the latest designer make-up, perfume and nail polish steals

One particular favourite is @dvdoublevanilla on Instagram. From Hermès sandals to dainty Van Cleef & Arpels necklaces, I love having a nose at what people wear while strolling through cities like New York, Los Angeles and Paris. But what about the rest of us? When it’s just not realistic to have a €5,000 Chanel handbag hanging on our arm, how do we get some luxury for less?

Well, the good news is that the names we associate with the rich and famous are putting their stamp on beauty lines that are a bit more affordable.

First up is Prada, the latest big fashion house to bring out an eco-aware skincare and beauty range that won’t break the bank. The Reveal Foundation (€60, prada.com) is €50 when you start refilling. Then there’s the matte lipsticks, Monochrome (€45) in the most chic silver packaging and six options of eyeshadow quads in the Dimensions line (€80 each). I should add that in the skincare section, some of the creams and serums are almost €400!

​Gucci have had a marvellous make-up line for a while now — the lipsticks are a particular fave of mine – but it is their fragrance line that’s super popular.

Bloom Eau de Parfum Intense (from €118 for 50ml, pharmacies nationwide) is a new scent inspired by the originally released Bloom. The Intense version is just as feminine as Gucci Bloom’s white floral blend, but with added depth. Expect top notes of Orange Blossom Absolute and a floral heart of Jasmine Sambac and Tuberose. It also has a hint of Lady of the Night, which is a night-blooming flower.

​Not forgetting our hands, Hermès has a chic range of nail enamels that look absolutely gorgeous before you even apply them. I love the bottle design and the orange shade, Orange Poppy (€49, hermes.com). There are 22 shades, ranging from pale pink to deep violet.

​Chanel Rouge Coco Gloss (€36, Brown Thomas) is the latest lust-have. It will keep lips moisturised for up to eight hours. I’m always a fan of a formula that isn’t sticky and this is one of them. Ingredients include natural waxes from jojoba, sunflower, mimosa, and a coconut oil derivative.

Giorgio Armani Power Fabric+ line is superb for anyone looking for a brighter, more even complexion. It includes a concealer, foundation and setting powder that will hide dark circles, blemishes and redness. The concealer (€41) will be in Brown Thomas from September.

Three of the best… male scents

1 Lynx Africa body spray deodorant, €6.49, boots.ie It was a nationwide survey that showed Lynx Africa’s iconic status – over 85pc of Irishmen have embraced its quintessential scent at some point in their lives – that inspired this choice. Apparently 80pc of Dubs said that they could accurately identify it blindfolded.

2 BOSS Bottled Pacific by Hugo Boss, €66.90, notino.ie The latest offering is a limited-edition eau de toilette that will transport you to Malibu’s sun-soaked beaches. Zesty lemon and salt notes evoke inviting the inviting sea, while coconut and cypress are at its heart.

3 Viktor&Rolf Spicebomb Infrared, €81, next.ie This eau de parfum includes top notes of red pepper accord and cinnamon oil, with base notes of resinous wood accord and patchouli oil. It’s a warm and heady mix, ideal for the autumn months ahead.