Beauty

PHYL CLARKErounds up this week's beauty news in brief

GOOD FOUNDATIONS

Get it wrong and it’s almost impossible to correct, get it right and the compliments should follow. The right foundation can be as elusive as that perfect pair of jeans, but once you find it, the remainder of your make-up routine will simply be the icing on the cake. Here are some new contenders in a myriad of formulations.

The Radiant Reflection by Kevin Aucoin

A sheer stick which has an incredible hydrating texture and a creamy texture which allows different levels of coverage. Great concealing properties make it a two-in-one product. Available from Queen Beauty Emporium, Aungier Street, Dublin 2 (€47.50).

Crème de la Mer Treatment Powder

At €100, it ain’t cheap, but this luxurious and lightweight pressed powder is a winner for giving a wonderfully grown-up, groomed finish. Can be worn alone or for touching up any foundation. Fans of MAC’s Studio Fix will love it. SPF 15.

L’Oréal Roll’on True Match

If you think you’ve seen it all before, take a look at this new offering in make-up application. The built-in sponge roller is reminiscent of home decorating projects, but the results are surprisingly good. You’ll get even results with a velvet matte finish (€19.99).

Armani Lasting Silk

A long-wearing version of the mega successful Luminous Silk foundation, this featherlight liquid formula gives a dewy, semi-matt finish, combined with SPF 20 (€42).

CALLING ALL BRIDES

Planning a wedding should be one of the nicest projects you’ll ever undertake, but is often fraught with a landslide of big decisions to be made in a short stretch of time. The stress and financial implications can take their toll on a bride-to-be.

With this in mind, Fota Island Resort, near Cork city, is hosting a wedding forum next Thursday with a panel of experts who’ll be happy to share their knowledge.

• Sharon Hoey will be showing her selection of dresses including the Jenny Packham range, pictured. (Packham designed Liz Hurley's wedding dress.)

• Travel journalist of the year Pol O'Conghaile will be advising on honeymoon destinations.

• Menu advice will be given by Neil Forster, executive chef at Fota.

• Make up artist Leonard Daly, and yours truly, will be advising on looking your picture perfect best.

• Photographer Brian Terry will give a talk on how best to capture the big day.

Admission is free, but places are limited. Tel: 021-4883700.

DESK TO DINNER

With the social season upon us, it makes life much easier to have a few key items in your drawer for day-to-evening transformations.

• Curling tongs If you're not nipping out for a lunchtime hair fix, this can be your best friend, giving lift and shape. Go for a cordless model for complete flexibility. Check out the Braun and Babyliss models, both reasonably priced and widely available.

• Elnett hairspray The best, bar none. The mini size is neat for drawer storage and essential for fixing your hairstyle.

• Major mascara No holding back here, go for volume, curl and length in black. The Dior range is superb.

• A fabulous lipstick The right one will instantly take you from day to night-time glamour, and plum and red are this season's favourites. If you're a neutral girl, up the ante by adding gloss over your usual shade.

• A beautiful fragrance The final flourish before heading out the door. Coco Mademoiselle Shimmering Touch (€ 66) adds a subtle sparkle for party-ready skin.

EYEBROW QUEEN

There I was, happily chatting away with Bobbi Brown's counter manager Lisa Byrne, when I suddenly noticed her eyebrows. My discussion on new eye shades was replaced by a desperate curiosity to find out who had given her such beautiful brows, because it certainly wasn't Mother Nature. Lisa was happy to share her secret grooming weapon – Asta Gulbickaiteover at the Estée Lauder counter. With an unerring eye for shape and detail, Asta's expertise is very much in demand, so be prepared to wait up to six weeks for an appointment. Yes, she's that good. Booking fee is €25, redeemable on products from the Estée Lauder counter at Brown Thomas, Dublin 2, tel: 01-6056666.

pclarke@irishtimes.com