A step by step of Fabulous fresheners to lift your look for summer
1. DITCH THE NUDE LIPSTICK
There’s something about geraniums. They smell fresh and uplifting lipstick – try Sisley’s L’Eau Reve d’Hubert, an upmarket eau de toilette with peppery, leafy loveliness, from €92. Park your safe pinky beige lipstick, and try a geranium red instead.
Fine examples include Tom Ford’s Liquid Lip Luxe Matte in Scarlet Rouge, €51.
Nars Air Matte LipColour in Dragon Girl, €25.
2. CHIC CHEEK: BALMY BLUSHES
Blusher can add an instant glow, and an uplift for dull skin. This season, put aside your powders and try a balm or liquid formula to add a sunny flush that’s subtle and flattering. See more thegloss.ie. We’re inspired by Chanel’s Baume Essentiel Multi-Use Glow Stick in Rouge Frais €42.
and Vieve’s Sunset Blush Balm, €27.
3. NAIL YOUR COLOURS
Summer doesn’t have to mean pastel colours – some of us are resistant to baby blues and pinks.
But we can get behind manicurist Julia Diogo’s (@paintedbyjools) take on liquorice as an offbeat alternative.
Or try fancy tips: neon brights or metallics give a fresh take on the trad French manicure. We’re booking in for BIAB nails. Manicurist Annie Kilalea of Beauty by Annie in Howth says this gel polish is kinder to the nail plate than extensions and lasts up to four weeks. From €40 for the BIAB Base (choose from 16 colours) and add a brighter colour on top for an additional €5.
4. GET A HAIRCUT
“This summer, it’s all about a brilliant cut,” says salon owner Danielle Garner of Wildflower in Ranelagh, Dublin 6. “With the 1990s revival on the catwalks, we’re cutting layers back into hair and going for volume, curls and bouncy blowdries. Clients want to go back to their natural curls, if they have them, and we’re working with a more lived-in, soft and neutral colour palette of creamy shades and beiges for blondes.” Garner gives expert advice on refreshing grey hair, too. “We lighten and blend with toner so that regrowth is not as obvious.” She rates Act+Acre haircare, founded by Northern Irish couple Helen Reavey and Colm Mackin: it’s good for the scalp and encourages a natural curl back into the hair. www.wearewildflower.com.
5. CUSTOMISE YOUR GLOW
The best way to warm up your skin, just a little, without any hint of orange, is with self-tan drops – simply add to your own serum or moisturiser to create a customised glow. We favour the bronzing drops by Clarins, €26; www.clarins.ie and Pai, €22.45; www.lookfantastic.ie – we reckon they deliver the most natural-looking, foolproof finish. For the body, try Irish-owned Vegantan, €13; www.vegantan.ie.
6. BRUSH UP
We invest in fancy shampoos and hair masks, but then forget to replace the ancient hairbrush we’ve had for years. Regular brushing improves scalp health, increasing microcirculation and improving hair strength, tone and shine. We want an upgrade that’s made to last – French-made La Bonne Brosse brushes are hand-crafted using the best materials. Nice-looking, too, €120. www.labonnebrosse.com.
7. FRUIT UP THE ROOM
Bring the outside in – forget florals and opt for this Tomato candle by chic French brand Carrière Frères. It’s gorgeous, the nostalgic scent of a sun-warmed greenhouse. If you prefer a bright citrus, the Yuzu candle has a long-lasting natural scent, €55, at Brown Thomas. (NB the brand’s diffusers are expensive, but last for ages).
