The new spring colours are on the shelves, writes Phyl Clarke
EFFORTLESS STYLE
Here we have Gwyneth Paltrow, looking every inch the modern beauty, on board her yacht, dressed head-to-toe in white linen. The seemingly effortless style of the understated, clean American look is personified in the new Spring White Linen range from Estée Lauder. Well known for its skincare, the cosmetic range tended to be - well - a bit middle-aged, slightly fuddy duddy. If this in any way describes how you feel about the brand, prepare to be wowed. The spring colours are beautiful, the entire look refined and elegant with a modern twist. It's a triumph of understated chic, right down to the nails. There are two colour stories in the range: Newport Rose, which is sandwashed hues and sheer roses - the Ivory Box shadow is the most perfect neutral; and Nantucket Sun, which is sea-glass greens and corals. Check out the ultra-feminine Antique Rose nail colour.
THE EYES HAVE IT
You have to hand it to those clever marketing people. How best to launch a mascara that claims to withstand rain, swimming pool, tears, sweat and humidity? Send out three of the most weepy films ever made with the press pack, and see how it performs. So, dutifully, I sat through Love Story, Romeo and Juliet and Life is Beautiful, and insisted I was working when family members came in looking for their dinner. I can report that not only does the mascara have a lovely lengthening effect, it's budge-proof, too. CliniqueLash Power costs €19.
RASPBERRY RIPPLE
Pink is in this spring, then again it always is with Bobbi Brown. She talks about putting a "pop" of pink on the cheeks mid-afternoon to liven up the cheeks. I'm totally smitten with her new lip crayon in Raspberry Pink, as it is a subtle, universally-flattering shade. I'm convinced it makes my skin look smoother (that's impossible, isn't it?) and my teeth look whiter. It is very easy to apply and the colour seems to suit whatever colour I happen to be wearing. An instant update for €24.
MATCH MADE IN HEAVEN
Laurel and Hardy, Rogers and Astaire, fish and chips. When two greats get together, it can produce a sum which is greater than the two parts. NarsOrgasm blush, a multi-award winner, has been teamed up with the original multi-tasker - the Multiple Stick - to give us the flexibility and fabulous texture of the stick in that Orgasm colour. One of the most exciting new products in ages, it's sure to fly off the shelves. It costs €45.
NAIL ON THE HEAD
It's difficult to imagine life before Uma Thurman flashed those Rouge Noir nails in Pulp Fiction, and the stampede to the local Chanelcounters that followed. The company's nail laquer line has been trendsetting in a way that no other brand can match. Step forward Black Satin and take a bow. Ditto White Satin, which manages to avoid any Tippex connotations, not to mention one of the best neutral shades going, Rose Flamme. The latest star in the Chanel nail gallery is Blue Satin, which hits the right note for spring looks great with denim and black (also giving a nod to the blue/black combination which is so now). Phew, so many boxes ticked for €19.