Beauty

Compiled by PHYL CLARKE

I can’t live without . . .

ANNE MARIE FORAN Director, AM Foran PR

MASCARAAnyone who knows me well knows that mascara is my desert island product. Lengthening, million-lash, volumisng, conditioning, strengthening . . . promises, promises – I want them all! The one that lengthens and thickens my lashes without clumping has to be YSL's Faux Cils. I've never had to fumble around with false lashes when Faux Cils is in my kit.

GOOD QUALITY SKINCAREWhen the recession hit, many things had to change in my spending habits, but one thing that has never suffered has been my skincare regime. My latest must-have is by American cult brand and celeb favourite — SkinCeuticals. Its Retexturing Activator serum is like nothing I have used before – a mix of an exfoliator and a hydration treatment without any redness or irritation – it's like having a pampering session for your skin in your own home – pure luxury!

FOUNDATIONArmani's Luminous Silk Foundation is my foundation soulmate. Not only does it provide a lightweight, even finish, but the texture is never too heavy or cakey on my skin.

PILATESLong before Pippa followed her famous sister down the aisle, I have been a lover of Pilates. It has widely known benefits of strengthening and toning muscles and it has an added bonus – many of its inverted positions ensure increased blood flow to the head and face area so shiny hair and a great complexion can be a result. The potential for a toned body and a natural "face lift" makes it easy to see why I'm such a fan.

Brighten up

Defy grey days with a shot of vivid colour strategically placed as a single accent on an otherwise neutral face. Bobbi Brown makes it easy with the Neon and Nude collection which allows for variations on the theme highlighting either eyes or lips. Pair nude eye shades with bright neon lips as seen right, or add a pop of vivid violet or blue eye colour with beige coloured lips. The pop of bright is an instant mood-lifter.

Get your vitamins

Antioxidant, healing and super hydrating, vitamin E is a real saviour for all skin types. The Body Shop’s Sink-in Moisture Mask, €19.99, is a make-up artist’s favourite (they apply the mask as a pre-make-up treatment to deliver dewy, plumped skin). Fruit of the Earth Vitamin E cream is one of those products which you’ve probably spotted in the chemist or supermarket – it is a great multitasker for the price and can be used on face, hands and body. €5.49

Although the name Jo Malone is more associated with candles and fragrance, she also produces a specialist range of vitamin E skincare. For an instant surge of goodness, the gel is hard to beat €78. Or for a lighter bit of luxury, check out the daily Moisturising Creme with an SPF 15, €62.

Ireland’s first hairdresser app comes courtesy of Hession Hairdressing (left). Make appointments, meet the team and get latest hair tips, and even submit an image of yourself for hair advice.

The 20 per cent discount on all hairdressing is back at Peter Mark countrywide; it also has the same discount on products such as Kerastase, Redkin and Moroccan oil and €25 off GHD styling irons. No excuse for bad hair days then.

One of the biggest innovations in the past few years has been the ammonia-free hair colour Inoa (left), which covers grey with none of the hard “helmet headed” hardness of chemical colour. The range is used in L’Oréal salons and has now been extended to home haircare products, which will help maintain colour treatments between salon visits. From €13.60.

TRY BEFORE YOU BUY

Crème de la Mer has just launched its Signature facial at the Brown Thomas Beauty Room – it’s a great way to try out the cult range if you’ve always wondered what all the fuss is about or an extra treat if you’re already a user. The one-hour treatment costs €75, which is redeemable against purchase so the facial is essentially free. Enjoy.