PENNYS FROM HEAVEN
When the new Penneys beauty range hit my desk, it was the quirky retro packaging that I first admired. Then the cheery product names, such as “Ta Ta for Now” under-eye concealer, and 9½ Winks mascara. The prices? Well, they start at €2.50 and go all the way up to . . . €3.50 – yes, really. As we’re focusing on pink this week, I’ll draw your attention to two items. The Blusher Stick is a chubby dash of healthy pink (use sparingly) and Well Licked Ripple lipgloss imparts a berry fresh stain to lips without any of the gloopiness of far more expensive brands. It also comes with its own built-in light and mirror – yes, really. Outstanding value for money.
IN THE PINK
The Rose Romance collection from MAC is full of cool shades which are sophisticated and wearable, never veering into sugary babydoll territory.
Et, Tu, Bouquet (€15) is a frosted pink eyeshadow with a fleck of gold – more wearable than it sounds. Beauty Powders (€24.50) are complexion enhancers which liven up the face – choose either Blush of Youth, a clean pink, or Summer Rose, a soft violet, for darker skintones. Fix+Rose (€15) is a rosewater spritz which adds radiance and finishes make-up. Many other rose delights await at your nearest MAC counter.
THE PINK BOX
Recently I recommended a visit to the Bare Essentials counter to a friend who is conscious of her uneven skin tone. She emerged glowing and gorgeous after a consultation with Étáin Roe, who has an almost religious fervour for the range. A former make-up magpie, Roe has used nothing else since she discovered 100 per cent natural minerals. She sent her new convert home with the Get Started kit (€68), which includes everything you need to “go mineral”, including brushes and a how-to DVD. At branches of BT2.