Get that "just back from holidays" look with help from two top products, writes Phyl Clarke
Although I felt like death warmed up, I had to think of my public. I made the best of myself, adjusted my halo and headed into the office.
The compliments started in the coffee shop, where I was having my usual large skinny cappuccino - "Hey Phyl, have you been away?" said one colleague. "You're looking very well today," said another. I'm not a well woman, I replied, but thanks for the compliment. No sympathy there then. I did a quick face check in my compact mirror. They were right - I did look fresh faced and - dare I be so vain, yes I must be truthful - radiant was the only word to use under the circumstances.
I racked my brain as I pounded up the 12 flights of stairs to my desk. My make-up routine had only varied in one way that morning. Instead of a foundation, I had used a tinted moisturiser, and dashed out the door, barely checking the results. That was the secret of my glowing, healthy look.
I suppose you want to know which one I was wearing, and although I don't have shares in , I was quite willing to try their new tinted bronzing gel, Soleil Lamé (€30), when they sent me a sample. Voila - instant two-weeks-at-a-health-
farm-in-exotic-location effect. It comes in two shades and is more of a cream than a gel. I've spread a little on the back of my hand as I'm writing this, and there is the merest hint of the finest milled golden sparkle catching the light. It's so fine as to be almost imperceptible, but trust Chanel never to be OTT. In my opinion, this is the secret ingredient that enhances and illuminates the skin.
One tip about wearing a tinted moisturiser - to get a good result, you need to use a concealer under the eyes, and around the nose and chin area. You can also feather concealer lightly onto cheeks if you have high colouring or broken veins, as this will even up the complexion.
This brings me to my other current favourite product of the moment, Clarins Instant Light Complexion Perfector (€26), which doesn't win any prizes for its tongue-twisting name, but is a wonder cream that seems to glide over skin, smoothing out any not-so-perfect bits. It also has the benefit of keeping make-up in place all day, while hydrating the skin and giving a flawless and, I'm going to use that word again, radiant finish. It can be worn alone, over moisturiser or under foundation. Truly a magical multi-tasker. Now there's a good name.