Spring sees a continued focus on the eyes, with some attention-grabbing graphic liner looks (see Chanel Couture SS22, above). Yes, those of us continuing with mask-wearing means that striking eye make-up is still a thing – witness the teens wearing feathery false lashes and a ton of eyeliner to school. But for those of us who are 50 and above, eye make-up goes beyond trends; without a little mascara or brow-filling (Catrice SlimMatic does the job for €3.50), everything seems to disappear, and we can feel washed-out. There’s a reason Carine Roitfeld and Donatella Versace go big!

Eye make-up doesn’t have to be that dramatic, though. My own skills don’t go much beyond a bit of smokey liner on the lower waterline, or a hint of soft colour via Glossier’s Monochromes palette in Almond (€22) and plenty of Clarins Double Serum Eye – the equivalent of a caffeine shot – around the area.

In the same way I don’t buy into the idea of having to have an entirely unlined and smooth face, I think reframing the way you think about your lowering brow can be helpful; describe it as “hooded”, Charlotte Rampling-style, rather than saggy. As can using liner (I’m partial to moss green and inky blue, not just black or brown) and lashes as a distraction away from the less-than-firm area. I’m finding Shiseido ImperialLash MascaraInk perfect for lengthened, unclogged, liquorice-black lashes; try also iT Cosmetics Hello Lashes+ (right, €26.50, at Boots Dundrum and Liffey Valley, and online). Bear in mind the stern advice we spotted on one mascara packet: “Never apply this product in a moving vehicle”. Sage words indeed.

THE BIG EYE BOOST Yes, La Mer The Eye Concentrate is one of the most expensive eye creams you can try, at €215. But it’s undeniably soothing and firming, and tests have seen good results on dark circles, too. Try also Sunday Riley’s 5 Star Retinoid + Niacinamide Eye Serum, €69, a mini tube of serious support.

CLEANING UP Removing eye make-up – and the rest – is a cornerstone of any basic routine. And the many fans of Trinny London will be delighted to know that two new cleansers have launched in the bestselling line. Better Off AHA/PHA Gel Cleanser, (€34), and Be Your Best Enzyme Balm Cleanser (€39), are neat, no-nonsense and packaged in Trinny’s signature sunny yellow to cheer up your bathroom. Add €8.95 delivery; www.trinnylondon.com. 

ROSE SHADES I Iove this Makeup Revolution palette, now online at Boots.ie – so many good shades for just €15.99. I have always loved Tom Ford’s pots of pigmented eye colour, and Tilbury Eyes To Mesmerise follow in their footsteps. Beautiful new matte shades include Nude Cashmere and Smokey Taupe, €26.

LUSH LASHES Make an appointment for the Opulash Lash and Brow clinic in Monkstown in Co Dublin. Founder Carmel Mooney and team offer lash lifts, extensions, mink lashes … and even carefully treat post-illness lashes or wayward ones which just don’t grow straight; www.opulash.ie.