New year, low energy levels. Am I right? Maybe it’s not just fatigue as the end of January approaches, but a general lack of enthusiasm for anything that takes too long or requires much effort.
At this time of the year, my make-up routine becomes intentionally pared back. These are the products I reach for when I want maximum impact with minimal fuss, that are still a joy to use.
Victoria Beckham The Foundation Drops
Beckham’s big foray into complexion continues to impress. I wrote about The Foundation Drops (€121 from Brown Thomas) when it launched a few months ago because it’s genuinely a one-and-done product. Arguably more skincare than make-up, it delivers multiple benefits to the skin: increased hydration, brightness and an improved appearance over time, thanks to Augustinus Bader’s award-winning technology.
[ Victoria Beckham’s ‘guilt-free foundation’ is skincare in disguiseOpens in new window ]
It also offers light to medium buildable coverage that looks and feels more skin-like, rather than “made up”. I find it so effective that I often don’t even use concealer – a gentle sweep around the eyes is enough on its own.
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Rare Beauty All of The Above Eyeshadow Sticks
Available in a range of shades, Rare Beauty All of The Above Eyeshadow Stick (€25 from Space NK) was one of my standout products of 2025. Firmly in the affordable category at €25, it’s beautifully formulated with an effortlessly creamy texture that glides on to the lids, delivering a complete eye look in just two or three swipes.
You can blend in with a brush, but I’ve found it performs just as well when you simply soften the edges with your fingers. Once applied, it stays in place until you decide to remove it.
Trinny London Trinity Sticks
Multi-use with a capital “M”. Trinny London Trinity Sticks (€44 from Brown Thomas) are dual-ended and designed for the eyes, cheeks and lips, making them perfect for car make-up, handbags, or any time you really can’t be bothered using more than one product.
My particular favourite of the three colour combinations is Mustique: a hot, blue-toned pink on one end, perfect for instantly brightening cheeks and lips, and a cool-toned brown on the other, excellent for quick contouring, bronzing or a soft eyeshadow look.
Sculpted by Aimee Complexion Duo Brush
Not a product per se, but a make-up brush that makes all applications feel more seamless. Sculpted by Aimee Complexion Duo Brush (€21 from Sculpted by Aimee) has long been in my collection.
One end features a soft, fluffy, dense foundation brush – obviously perfect for foundation, but also great for any cream products like blush or bronzer. The other end is smaller and denser, ideal again for foundation, concealer and more precise applications.
Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm
Soothing, conditioning and as pretty to look at as it is to use, Summer Fridays Lip Butter Balm (€26 from Space NK) is a new daily favourite. Another excellent skincare-meets-make-up hybrid, this banishes dryness, hydrates lips, and leaves a gorgeous glossy finish. Wear it alone, with your favourite lip liner, or over lipstick, and you’ll be just as hooked as I am. Available in 10 shades.
This week I’m loving ... Chanel Le Lift Flash Eye Patches
Chanel’s newly reformulated Le Lift Flash Eye Patches (€100 from Brown Thomas) are cooling, depuffing and undeniably chic. Formulated with low-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, they are already in contention for the skincare accessory of the season.
