Upwards and outwards

Ah, the power of make-up. There I was, battling one of those mysterious “viral bugs” (is that the fall-back diagnosis doctors use when they don’t actually know what’s wrong with you?) and feeling totally washed out and far from glamorous. But a five-minute visit to the ladies’ and voila – looking (and therefore feeling) better all round.

The key to this transformation was a skin-enhancing product that lifted my complexion with a faux-healthy glow. A bronzer won’t do the job as it’s usually one solid colour – and the key to faking it is to use a multi-shaded product for a more natural result. Who’s to know we don’t naturally possess a fresh-as-a-daisy complexion? To apply, smile and apply to the fullest part of cheeks, sweeping upward and outwards towards the temples. Get the glow for yourself with these face-enhancing palettes.

PEACHY BLUSHOpen the box containing L'Occitane Radiance Face Pearls (€31.50) and you'll be instantly cheered by the jewel-like beads in shimmering peach golds. Bonus points for the lovely scent.

ROSY GLOWIf you're looking for a perky pick-me-up, Giorgio Armani's Fall Blush Duo (€40) is a winning pair of cool pinks that give a believable flush to cheeks. Very natural and understated, in the best Armani tradition.

FLATTERING ALL TYPESClarins excels at glow-giving powders and its latest is no exception. The Barocco Face Palette (€55) is a natural-looking mix of warm beige and rosy corals for an instant pick-up. The embossed colour pattern is echoed in the compact design – retro glamour.

QUALITY QUARTETThe brand is fabulously old-school, but there's nothing dated about Guerlain's Blush 4 Éclats blush collection (€43). Available in six colour combinations, each set is a triumph of light and dark silicone-enriched powders. The shades can be used in different combinations. The top shades (which are lighter) give a natural daytime look; the bottom two shades, a sophisticated evening look. The bevelled brush makes application a cinch and you'll want to touch-up in public to show off the beautiful compact.

Guerlain available exclusively at Arnotts

GREAT SCOTTThe collaboration between Lancôme and über-stylish designer (and current squeeze of Mick Jagger) L'Wren Scott (left) has resulted in a covetable colour collection, notably this beautiful eye palette of subtly shimmering aqua shades for the sophisticated lady and Le Gris L'Wren, a nail shade originally developed for her runway show for Autumn/Winter (from €16)

Hair and beauty companies, a little word in your ear. With all the money spent on research, development, package design and advertising, do you think you could spare a few bob to give us a bit more actual leaflet? Too often all the relevant product information and instructions are squashed into a type size so small it would challenge the most keenly sighted among us. As my sister pointed out, by the time we can afford these products, our eyesight is not what it used to be and we can’t read the blooming things.