I can't live without...

AMY HUBERMAN, actress and novelist

For me, foundation is my beauty must have. I’m a bit Liz Taylor with my foundations and have many failed relationships with them in the past, while other times I find myself coming back to the ones I’ve always had a soft spot for. At the moment I’m having a wonderful affair with Mac Pro Long Wear Foundation and things are going great. It gives loads of long-lasting coverage without being heavy or cakey and gives a fabulous dewy, healthy looking complexion.

FROM WESTBURY TO WESTFIELD FOR ROWAN

Paula Rowan opened a boutique in London yesterday – an ambitious expansion for the Dublin glove designer. From the Westbury Mall in Dublin, where she has run her shop for five years, Rowan has spread her wings to the Westfield Shopping Centre near Shepherd’s Bush.

The move comes in tandem with her new business partner, former hedge-fund manager Laura Mulcahy, who has been a friend since their UCD student days. The London boutique will be a way of expanding her brand into Europe. Her current winter collection features a range of gloves in fur, leather (in more than two dozen colours), elbow-length suedes and others that are woven, quilted or ruched.

The Dublin shop also has bags, briefcases and shoes. See glovesbypaularowan.ie.

Penney wise

This simple grey herringbone dress with black side panels is part of a three-piece tailored collection that includes trousers and a jacket in the same material. The dress, which is lined, is not only a good, everyday work number, but its linear side insets have a wonderful slimming effect. The price tag is a trim €25. The jacket is also €25 and trousers €19, all from Penneys.

Landmark fashion

A fanciful fashion creation by Belfast designer Lizzie Agnew, which required a welder to complete it, made its debut at the London Lifestyle Awards this week after its unveiling in the Harland Wolff drawing offices, where Titanic was designed more than a century ago. The dress, embroidered by Helen Fitzpatrick from Lurgan (who has worked for Prada, Gucci and Valentino), was created to complement the outlines of Titanic Belfast, a new building that will be the world’s largest Titanic visitor attraction. This elaborate gown, made in metallic grey silk, supported by a central aluminium frame, will be used to promote the venture ahead of the building’s opening next spring.

OVERNIGHT SUCCESS

How many hours sleep did you get last night? The holy grail is eight, although there are those annoying exceptions who seem to flourish on barely half that. However, most of us can see the benefits of a good night’s sleep in the mirror next morning – it’s not called beauty sleep for nothing.

You can boost the natural beneficial effects of sleep by using some dedicated night-time skincare as your skin absorbs nutrients more deeply while resting, particularly between the hours of midnight and 4am.

Olay Regenerist Night Renewal Elixir (€36.99)

If you never seem to get around to exfoliating your face, this golden gel will be your new best friend. Dead skin cells are gently peeled away while you sleep, to reveal a smoother and brighter complexion. As your newly polished skin will be more susceptible to sunburn, make sure your daily moisturiser contains a sun block; there is an excellent one in the same range with SPF30. At pharmacies.

Crème de la Mer (€125)

The mere mention of the name elicits gasps of indignation at the price tag, but many neighbouring counters are selling creams at up to four times the price without causing a stir. To get the most for your money, make sure to use the recommended application method: rub a pea-sized amount between your palms before pressing on to the face, using up any residue on the back of your hands. The ultra-rich texture means a little goes a long way – the 30ml size should last around three months. Available from Harvey Nichols and Brown Thomas.

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate (€42)

Uma Thurman and Chloë Sevigny are said to be fans of this replenishing mix of essential oils, which include soothing lavender and repairing evening primrose. The rich texture and lovely aroma have a comforting effect that is perfect for bedtime. Kiehl’s, Wicklow Street, Dublin.

Bio Oil €9.99

Better known for its healing effects on scars, stretchmarks and uneven skintone, this great little multitasker can also be used as a face oil – it’s great for boosting dehydrated skin or after exposure to harsh weather conditions.

At Dunnes Stores, Superquinn, Supervalu and pharmacies nationwide.

Laundry head

Owen Mulholland of Laundry Room is becoming one of Ireland’s most travelled fashion hunter-gatherers. Not a month goes by but he is in New York, Tokyo, or in China visiting factories where Laundry Room’s Irish designs for their fashion collections are manufactured. This explains the success of their lighthearted, affordable clothes with prices for dresses, for example, from €59-€79. This little red riding coat is €89 and the patchwork dress is €79. Laundry Room continues has outlets in Arnotts, Dundrum Town Centre and BT2.