Beauty

WEDDED BLISS:BACK IN THE day, a wedding was done and dusted by lunchtime – an early ceremony, followed by breakfast and the happy couple off on their honeymoon straight after. The modern Irish wedding can take at least three days, thanks to pre-wedding dinners, the day itself, and of course the all-important day after, with the postmortem on the big event.

It’s no mean feat looking your best, what with all that skin-dehydrating bubbly, rich food and late-night dancing playing havoc with your feet (which you have probably squeezed into party heels). Pre-planning is everything so approach a wedding with military precision and equip yourself with the appropriate survival kit.

THE BEAUTY KIT

Eye drops will calm eyes reddened by late nights and emotional tears. Visine is the best product and is now available outside the US online at drugstore.com.

Nail file and clear nail varnish. Great for stopping ladders in tights

Refreshing face spray. It “wakes up” tired skin between bouts.

Hydrating face mask. The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Mask (€15.40) is terrific for giving dehydrated skin a plumping boost. Also recommended is its Peppermint Foot Lotion (€13.70) – just the soothing touch for dancing feet.

A good primer. The multitasking Clarins Beauty Flash Balm (€35) not only brightens and tightens skin, giving a mini lift effect, but it also sets foundation for a long-lasting effect.

Face wipes, cotton buds, dental floss, sun screen.

Hand Mirror. This is essential for applying make-up in badly lit hotel rooms.

Hair spray, elastic bands, hairclips, curling tongs.

Your favourite fragrance.

An anti-shine product. This can be a pressed powder but be careful as repeated applications can result in a dry and caked look. Blotting papers are more effective when you get a bit hot and bothered. Blot Film (€16.50) from Mac Cosmetics are neatly portable leaves that remove shine without altering or removing make-up.

THE ‘COULD BE VERY GLAD OF IT’ KIT

Party Feet. These gel cushions ease the pain of sore feet. Also pop a pair of flat pumps into your handbag.

Safety pins, tissues, tweezers, toothpicks.

Masking tape for unravelled hems. It is also good for removing lint from dark fabrics.

Mini sewing kit.

Headache and indigestion tablets.

Plasters that match your skin tone.

Insect repellent.

Sunglasses, camera, umbrella.

Earring backs

MINERAL MAGIC

Mineral make-up has surged in popularity over the past few years, with many brands bringing out their own version of the skin-friendly powders. Made from pure, crushed minerals, with built-in sun protection, they are popular with acne and rosecea sufferers, as well as those with sensitive skins. The lack of chemicals and preservatives also appeals to a wider audience.

The undisputed leader in the field is Bare Escentuals – its Bare Minerals foundation (€28) is a best seller in the US – and now it is winning fans here. There was a definite buzz when I visited the Bare Escentuals counter at Grafton Streets BT2. Along with the usual teenage crew trying out the latest trends, I spotted a lady well into her 70s deliberating over lipgloss. That’s not a sight you see every day. The key product is foundation, now available in two formulas – original and the newer matte version, which is packed with added skin boosters and gives a matte velvet finish.

For a chance to try before you buy, visit your local stockist and mention The Irish Times to receive a free sample of foundation and a complimentary make-under – it doesn’t do make overs. One per customer while stocks last.

For a full list of Irish stockists see bareescentuals.com

A KIND OF BLUE

Midnight blue, a sophisticated alternative to black is the inspiration for the new male fragrance from Chanel, called Bleu. It is a complex blend of citrus, moss and ginger. The ad campaign is directed by Martin Scorsese with a soundtrack by the Rolling Stones – just too cool for school. Form an orderly queue, gentlemen. €73 per 100ml.