Beauty

Compiled by PHYL CLARKE

Easy on the eye

Take the quick route to eye colour with these two new formulas that make application a cinch.

Natural finish: The new cream powder shadows from Bobbi Brown are brilliantly easy to apply and reflect the brand’s no fuss approach to make-up. Simply pat it on eyelids with a finger and voila. The flexible formula blends to a smooth and long lasting finish. The eight earthy tones were inspired by a trip to Marrakech, and are a limited edition, but I’m predicting that this winning formula will make its way into the permanent collection. Rich Colour eye shadow (€22) is at Bobbi Brown counters nationwide.

Shimmer tones: The texture of Chanel’s Illusion d’Ombre (€28) is really quite fascinating. The cushion of colour has a dry mousse feel and is bouncy to the touch. It operates like a gel on application. The six shades in shimmery tones can be worn either as an eye shadow or as a liner applied with the excellent applicator brush. Clear diagrams show the versatility of this product, which doesn’t end with eye application – the brush doubles up for use with lip colour.

Back to school

Feeling stuck in a rut with your appearance? It’s easy to use the same old routine and methods, but this is one area where the phrase “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it” doesn’t apply.

Industry expert Liz Dwyer runs one-day Beauty Boot Camps at weekends, catering for all age groups and skill levels and aimed at women wanting to update their hair and make-up looks. This is a workshop where women can pick the brains of the specialists who will happily share the tricks of the trade and professional techniques. The practical, hands-on approach means you leave with the know-how to recreate the looks at home. The workshops costs €98 and are held in Fitzwilliam Square, Dublin. For bookings, see beautybootcamp.com or tel: 087-2271801.

Ever wondered where the creative talents draw their inspiration for a new season’s colour palettes? A tropical hot house at night, with lush shades of greens, plums and wines steaming under glass doesn’t sound too promising, but seen through the eyes of master colourist Lloyd Simmonds, the Midnight Garden Collection for Yves St Laurent is a vibrant mix of deep jewel tones, with highlights of aqua and purple.

The lip shades are a standout – if you’re in the market for a sophisticated red, no 111 Mysterious Red (€31) ticks all the boxes.

Scent of a woman

Lebanese designer Elie Saab likes womanly women, and judging by the number of red carpet gowns he creates for beautiful people, the feeling is mutual. His signature style is ethereal, often in nude tones and floaty fabrics that enhance, rather than overtake the wearer. No surprise then that his first fragrance is a feminine, floral affair, the sweetness tempered with cedarwood and rose honey. Elie Saab Le Parfum (€50), from House of Fraser, Debenhams and Brown
Thomas.