Bang for your buck

With holidays and book lists making a hole in your purse, what's not to like about products that multi-task, saving you time and money, asks PHYL CLARKE

Vichy Normaderm 3-in-1 Cleanser (€13.95). This product is so much more than a cleanser, although it does remove every trace of make-up when rinsed with warm water. Massage into skin weekly for an exfoliating scrub, or apply a thin layer to the face as a mask before washing off, for a fresh and clear complexion.

Barbara Daly Face Lift (€9.39). A multi-purpose product that can be worn as a light moisturiser or layered under foundation as a glow-giving primer. The light-reflecting particles give a fresh-faced lift to skin. At Tesco.

Nars The Multiple (€41). The original multi-tasking colour product always has a place in my make-up kit. The twist-up stick is simplicity itself to apply on eyes, lips and cheeks, and gives a sheeny wash of colour that blends easily.

Neostrata Triple Firming Neck Cream (€39.95). Honestly now, do you give your neck and decolletage the same loving attention as you do your face? After the eye area, the neck is an age giveaway and this dedicated cream is a good way to start looking after it. Three components work to tighten, increase volume and address sagging and discoloration due to age spots. See neostrata.ieor tel 0044-9334602 for stockists.

Sally Hansen Complete Care (€10.95). An all-in-one treatment that strengthens nails and smoothes out ridges when used as a base coat for polish. The proteins in the formula stimulate growth, and it also doubles up as a top coat, providing a chip-proof gloss finish.Clinique Even Better Concealer (€24.50) The right concealer is your best make-up friend and this multi-talented gem takes some beating. The formula targets hyper-pigmentation, while vitamin C adds brightness to the under-eye area. Twelve shades mean you'll get a perfect match and the long-wearing formula is water, sweat and humidity resistant.

I can't live without

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream – I’ve read others saying they can’t live without this product so I know it’s a cliche, but it’s true. I have very pale skin that is quite dry at times and I’m not good at drinking water and getting eight hours sleep, so this is the rescue remedy for my skin. I use it twice a week and my skin feels gorgeous in the morning.

My car – I went a bit mad and bought a new Audi A4 because I do so much driving and I thought it would be worth it. Turns out it’s the best thing I have ever done. I love driving and I’m not into designer clothes or handbags, so I reckoned I could treat myself to a good car. I didn’t want anything flashy so it’s a plain black model, but it is superb to drive and it makes me happy in a way that shopping for designer shoes never could.

Brow Zings by Benefit – I have light brown eyebrows so this wax and powder duo give them great definition and finish.

The sea – I’m from Meath and until quite recently lived a two-minute drive from the beach, where I loved to go for a walk on my own or to run with my three-year-old son. Having moved to Kilkenny, I realise how much I miss the sea air and blustery walks, being bombarded with sea spray.