Phyl Clarke gives her make-up collection an autumn makeover
Well, I've finally done it. I know, I know, I've been saying I'd do it for the past month, but the good weather lulled me into a false sense of security, and we all hate the summer's end, don't we? But there is no denying that the days are getting shorter, and as I've been drawn to my winter wardrobe, the make-up drawer needed an overhaul, otherwise my summer sheers would crash into my winter opaques and it would all be a terrible mess altogether. So I did it. I laid out my entire make-up collection, and decided what had the X factor, and what would go in the bin.
First to go were tinted moisturisers, apart from for weekend wear. I think we all need to feel a little more insulated during the winter months, foundation-wise, so I'll be going with more coverage for the base. A column on foundation is in the works, but MAC Studio Fix (€31) is always a winter staple of mine. This is great for on-the-go touch-ups, as it combines colour and finish in one. Instant grooming in 40 shades.
The whispering veils of colour that suited summer eyes will not stand up to the weight of winter fabrics, so a silky powder is a good trans-seasonal choice. has some truly beautiful eye shades. "Kitten" is a suits-all neutral that costs a mere €19, and you will use every bit of it.
The winter face has a more grown-up look, so my eyeliner will come into its own. I favour a powder liner, as it is more forgiving to apply and requires less accuracy. But you do need the right brush for this. Nars smudge brush No. 15 (€29) is a short, stubby brush that gets a soft line close to the lashes. A base in a cream or vanilla shade applied to lid, with a dark (not black) liner can be very effective and is the perfect foil if you are going for this season's red lips. Accessorise with the new 1950s-style suit and you're ready for business.
My cream blush will be taking a back seat as I like the bloom only a powder can give. Eyebrow powder or pencil is also a must for the grown-up look, set with an eyebrow gel or clear mascara.
As I said, red is the lipstick colour of the season, but you don't have to go scarlet. Berry, russet or coral shades will give you the definition without the drama. Again, as this is about more defined lines, I will dig out my lip pencil. The ever popular "Spice" lip liner from MAC (€14.50) will not give a hard line. Apply in short, feathery strokes from the outside in, rather than trying to draw a line around your lips. You can also fill in lips with this shade, so you'll still have a stain, even if your lipstick wears off. I often fill in lips and apply a clear balm over it.
A finishing favourite of mine is BeneFit's "Dandelion" (€33.50), a baby pink face brightener with the merest hint of sparkle. Instant winter glow. Apply prior to doing brows, mascara and lipstick. It's also a great "picker-upper" in the dark mid-afternoon slump, or if you have an rendezvous after work.
Also at this time of year, it's a good idea to pay more attention to body care. Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Souffle Body Cream (€43) is a velvety treat, and Dr. Hauschka Blackthorn Body Oil (€20.60) feels and smells divine.
Now that I've finally done it, and the drawer is well organised for the coming months, I'm sure I've got everything I need. That is, until something catches my eye as I pass the beauty counter and I wonder how on earth I would get by without it.
Stockists - MAC: Brown Thomas and Dublin Airport; Stila: Brown Thomas and House of Fraser; Nars: Brown Thomas. BeneFit: Arnotts and Brown Thomas; Elizabeth Arden: Clerys and Arnotts; Dr. Hauschka: Down to Earth, Georges Street, Dublin 2, and selected pharmacies