Brush away that pale complexion with a sweep of bronzer, writes Phyl Clarke.
It's all Coco Chanel's fault. She gave us lasting fashion statements such as the iconic jacket and pearls with everything, and she also made tanned skin desirable for the well-to-do. Before that, a milk-white complexion had signified wealth and privilege, as only the peasants had to work outdoors and suffer the consequences of the sun. But when the effortlessly glamorous Chanel returned from holiday glowing with healthy colour, a trend was born and now it's stronger than ever nearly a century later. Cosmetic companies fall over themselves to recreate the perfect-looking tan; it's an immediate morale booster, it makes you look thinner and even lithe. What's not to like?
My holiday kit is a stripped-down version of my city make-up bag, and the worst things I could forget are my powder bronzer and brush. A sweep of bronzer will give that "I've already been on my holidays look" during the first few days of your holidays, and it can be applied on the go for a lovely sun-kissed glow.
It's equally vital to bring along a good concealer. A dedicated concealer or a stick foundation such as Bobbi Brown or Laura Mercier will cover imperfections and even out your complexion, especially under the eyes and around the nose and chin areas, where many of us need a little more coverage.
Sweep the brush into your bronzer and then give it a good tap on the side of your hand to remove excess powder. It's easy to add more if you don't feel you have enough, more difficult to remove if you've overdone it. Build up colour in stages until you get the hang of it, concentrating on areas that the sun naturally hits - temples, cheekbones and the bridge of the nose. This is where a good brush comes into its own, giving even coverage. After that, a stroke of mascara and a dab of your favourite sheer lip colour is all you need.
Favourite bronzing products include:
Pout'sBronzer Duo, which contains crushed pearl and gives a subtle, natural glow (€28).
Dr Hauschka Bronzing Powder, for a supremely natural look. This is a good one for those new to bronzing, as it's nearly impossible to overdo (€21.88).
Benefit10 is bronzing and blush in one neat box, which comes with its own brush for touch-ups (€33).
Bobbi Brownhas a wide range of great bronzing powders for all skin tones (€32).
For men, Guerlainpowder bronzer comes in a natural matte finish, on special at €24.50 during the sale at Arnotts in Dublin.
Another great use for powder bronzers is to pep up your tan. Brushed onto feet of an evening it gives a lovely finish - and why stop there? Tops of arms, decollete - anywhere skin is on show will benefit from a bronzer. Some of the larger palettes come into their own here, such as IsadorasBronzing Powder (with an SPF), great value at €22.50 from selected pharmacies. Lancômehas a limited edition of its famous Star Bronzer at €50 which has a bamboo tree embossed onto the powder for an instant holiday feeling. Almost too beautiful to use.
Now all we need is the weather.