The product that causes most womegrief in the make-up world is foundation - and the lighting in department stores does them no favours when they're trying to choose the correct shade. Best bet is to ask for a sample - go armed with a pill container (20c from the pharmacy across the road) - as there's no better place to get the correct impression that in your own mirror at home.
One of my favourite liquid formulas is back in the news. Clinique Superfit Makeup (€28) was revolutionary when it was launched almost 10 years ago. Breathable, comfortable and with eight-hour coverage, it was an instant hit. Now it has been updated with modern technology to give it a more lightweight feel on the skin while living up to its "superfit" billing. Shade "Neutral" is my favourite as it seems to give a bloom to the skin - it's the perfect beige, with equal parts yellow and pink - to both counteract redness and add warmth. Two years ago, Clarins Instant Smooth Perfecting Touch (€35) was an instant success when it hit the shelves. Nicknamed "the magic make-up base", it smoothed away lines and prominent pores in a single step. Now it's available in a foundation formula, giving a flawless complexion and a radiant glow. Eight shades use a reduced amount of soft focus pigments to keep a natural, healthy glow effect.
Brows beaten
In the current climate, women have to make decisions on how to spend their "because I'm worth it" money. Savings can certainly be made in some areas, but for sheer value for money and an instant transformation, professional eyebrow shaping is top of my list. Waxing and plucking can give great shape in expert hands, but threading is the A-list choice. Simply explained, threading is an ancient and natural hair removal technique which involves knotting and twisting a fine cotton thread around each hair and gently plucking it from the pore.
Neelu White has been threading for more than 20 years with a loyal clientele, and now she is opening Ireland's first threading bar in Dublin's city centre. Neelu is committed to chemical-free and natural treatments in her own salon, and threading is a natural extension of that ethos. The bar will be run on a "no appointment necessary" basis to fit in with busy lifestyles. Expect to see some beautifully shaped brows around town from November 20th.
Neelu's Brow Bar, Arnotts, Henry Street, Dublin