Melanie Morris glams things up.
Right now, the pressure to appear looking transformed into a glowing goddess is almost unbearable. Thank goodness then, for the politically correctly named “holiday” collections. Here are but a few seasonal staples, but before you begin, remember …
MAKE-UP BAG STAPLES
The bag: €40 from Face Stockholm, Westbury Mall, D2 YSL Touche Blush in “Starry Earth”, €27.50 from counters countrywide. A subtle, sparkling dusting of glitter for face and shoulders. Givenchy Prisme Again compact, €33 from Arnotts. Four blending shades of pressed powder to keep shine at bay. Lancôme Brow Expert kit, €41 from counters countrywide. Powder to fill, gel to fix, plus brushes and tweezers for the perfect arch. Eyelure Individual lashes, €5.95 from Boots. Realistic, long-lasting and very cute when placed just at the outer edges. Comes with glue but can be fiddly. Get a friend to help. Stila Hair Refresher, €28 from Brown Thomas Helps bring hair back to life when you're caught on the hop. Apply, brush out, style as normal. Origins Ginger Glimmer, €36.50 from Arnotts. Festive-scented body moisturiser with a hint of gold. Great along shoulders, arms and down the centre of legs. Guinot Instant Radiance Vials, €15 for two from salons countrywide (0818-719303). Smooth over clean face and neck, then apply make-up. BeneFit “It was the Perfect Alibi”, €21.50 from counters countrywide. Eye and cheek highlighter in one cute compact. Du Wop Reverse Lipliner, €21 from Nue Blue Eriu. Colourless, matte pencil that’s applied outside the lip line to prevent lipstick and gloss bleeding or feathering.
LOOK 1: BERRY MERRY CHRISTMAS
Eyes: Pout eyeshadows, €18; MAC Glitter Mousse in Gold, €17.50 all from Brown Thomas. Shu Uemura pink/black pencil in “Asteroid”, stg£14 to order (00-44-207-2352375) and Estée Lauder Pure Color Eyeliner in “Plum Cassis”, €24.50 from counters countrywide, Smashbox black mascara, €21, Arnotts or Dublin Airport. Cheeks: Smashbox blush in “Smashing Beachwood”, €24 from Arnotts, Nars highlighter in “Gold Member”, €29 from BTs Lips: Nars lip gloss in “Dirty Shame”, €22 from Brown Thomas; Estée Lauder Pure Color lipstick in “Vintage Sherry”, €21 from counters countrywide and Molton Brown Wonder Lips gloss in “Jewelled” €31.50 from the Killarney Plaza Spa, Co Kerry
LOOK 2: A SMOKIN’ SEASON
Eyes: Giorgio Armani eyeshadows in 51 and 49, €20 each from Brown Thomas, Clinique Colour Surge Eyeshadow in “Velvet”, €17 from counters countrywide, Dior Crème Eyeshadow Pen in “Fashion Green”, €25.50 from counters countrywide, YSL Volume Mascara in No. 7, €23 from counters countrywide. Cheeks: Shu Uemura Glow On in 'Brown 76', €21 from Nue Blue Eriu, Pout Sherbet Shimmer in “Flush Blush”, €30. Lips: MAC lip liner in “Spice”, €14.50 from Brown Thomas, Stila Lipstick in 'Ginger', €17 from Brown Thomas; Clinique Colour Surge Lip gloss in “Vanilla Freeze”, €16.50 from counters countrywide.