Beauty Cheer for February …
Carolina Herrera
HAUTE REDS
This year we can get behind Pantone’s “colour of the year”, Viva Magenta, an “animated red” that’s optimistic and emboldening. In make-up terms, red is the business – no other shade is as decisive or mood-altering, in my opinion, whether you go soft tint or full-strength matte. The big brands all feature hot reds this season, from Chanel to Tom Ford; try Charlotte Tilbury’s new Blossom Red (€32) and wear otherwise bare-faced, or with minimal make-up, for an effortless kind of glamour.
FRUIT & NUT FRAGRANCE
I’ve always been drawn to smoky green perfumes; Chanel No19 is an enduring favourite. And I’m fascinated by DS&Durga’s Pistachio eau de parfum, a rather unusual spin on green: its warm nutty blend of cardamom, roasted almond and a ton of creamy green pistachio on a base of vanilla has proven madly popular; www.noseparis.com. (Other DS&D scents are available at Brown Thomas). Meanwhile, Tom Ford Beauty is riffing on the cherry theme – though at €320 for 50ml, the two new takes are prohibitively expensive (try www.theloop.ie for reductions). Meanwhile, the newest Margiela Replica scent, On a Date (from €63), is a soft rosé pink perfume inspired by the humble grape. Kilian’s romantic Can’t Stop Loving You (€213) is a top take on orange blossom and honeyed vanilla.
BEST FACE FORWARD
Our latest discovery is French/Spanish skincare by Rowse, with its elegant, minimal packaging and botanical formulas. The Tangerine Cleansing Balm (€28) and Winter Body Oil (€50), with hints of rosemary, citrus and sweet almond, are both calling our name. Order online or seek out when you’re travelling in Paris, Barcelona or Madrid; see stockists at www.rowse.co.
SIMPLE PLEAURES
Manasi7 lip and cheek balms are the epitome of simple, fool-proof spring beauty: quick to use, and delivering a subtle and natural-looking flush. €39; www.floraison.ie.
WHERE TO SHOP
The bright, peach-coloured Duo store in Limerick has a lot to offer from its excellent range of eco-friendly home and beauty products; plus you can order it all online. Try coffee scrubs by UpCircle and skincare by REN, along with notebooks by Badly Made Books, and have a coffee while you’re in store. First into our basket is the Axiology Lip-to-Lid Balmie in Raspberry (€17.99), a multi-use crayon that’s packaging-free. www.duoireland.com.
EYE CREAM
A good eye cream can help counter how tired we look and feel. I don’t swear by many, but recently I’ve been using Eye-drate (€46), by Irish skin expert Marie Reynolds, which I find lastingly hydrating; www.marie reynoldslondon.ie and stockists including The Skin Hub in Howth. A tip – whether or not you use a soothing roller to apply it, your eye cream or serum needs to go on first, before your serum or moisturiser, for best results.
BEAUTY STASH
How do you store yours? Read this post for some tips on how to organise your beauty products, from make-up artist Christine Lucignano. TOP TIP: Keep glass candle jars to re-use as brush and eyeliner holders.
