ABOUT FACE: All that glisters is a recurring theme in the autumn collections, writes Phyl Clarke
Gold medal
Top of the gold trend class is Chanel. New creative director Peter Philips has infused the autumn collection with his Midas touch, taking inspiration from honeyed, slightly vintage-looking golden tones (above and left). The beautiful Facettes D'Or (€38.50) is a golden powder that aches to be dusted over cheekbones, forehead and brow bones. It's also stunning brushed over shoulders and décolleté. Reflects d'Ombre (€44) is a quad of eyeshadow shades that include both soft brown and blue grey, with neutral champagne and a gold highlight. Finish off your golden moment with the nail colour du jour, Gold Fiction (€20.50), a classic in the making, although I would have called it Gold Finger myself.
Lips
Moonbeam Reflective Gloss (€21.50) from Prescriptives utilises the latest technology in pigments to enhance the reflective qualities of light, giving a shimmering lip look without being sticky or tacky, while moisturising properties condition and soothe. Elipse is a pale, peachy gold shade. Dot in the centre of the bottom lip after applying lipcolour and then press lips together to distribute.
Eyes
Not new, but still very covetable, is metallic eye cream from Laura Mercier in the colour called Gold (€27). It is a creamy, understated shade that gives a gilded gleam to the eyelid. For 24-carat eyes, team with the new eye trio set in Midnight Sun (right, €45) from the l'Heure Magique collection which is a combination of matte and shimmer shades in warm golden tones.
Hair
I'm a great fan of leave-in conditioners as they save precious time and continuously hydrate hair, to beat the dreaded frizzies. Phyto has released a limited edition No 7 Or (€18.95) to celebrate its 40th anniversary. Infused with seven plant extracts, it smoothes and protects hair leaving it soft, smooth and shiny. From selected health stores.
Body
This multi-use dry oil is a treat for both skin and hair. Nuxe Hile Prodigieuse Or is absorbed quickly and gives a lustrous radiance to skin and adds shine to hair. €30 Available from Clerys
Face
The original beauty queen, Cleopatra, not only bathed in milk but wore a gold face mask to bed. They say there's nothing new under the sun and you can have your own Queen of the Nile moment during a Golden Light facial (€200). This luxurious treatment is based on the principle that when pure gold leaf - yes, you heard me - is applied to the skin, the reaction prompts a regeneration and plumping action, resulting in cell renewal and the diminishing of fine lines. It's a terrific gift for the girl who has everything. The cost includes a vial of golden oil to take home and it's available at the Sirana Spa at the Sheraton Athlone Hotel. www.sheraton.com/athlone
Skin
The Hungarian cult brand Omorovicza has a luxurious anti-aging cream (€140) which includes three different types of peptides as well as the magical metal. A real treat for dry or damaged skin. Available from Harvey Nichols, Dundrum, Dublin 14.