Seven easy ways to up the glamour when time is of the essence …
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METALLIC MAGIC
The eyeliner champions Hildun have just launched some eyeshadow quads, which are extremely close to more expensive designer ones, but more affordable at €27. But the easiest way to make more of your eyes is with a metallic eyeliner – Hildun’s silver Immortal Metallic eyeliner (€18) delivers a lasting line of molten metal that propels your look from day to night. Instant party vibes for less than €20.
SEE MORE: The Best Liquid Eyeliners For Every Budget
EYE LIFT
Chanel’s winter make-up collection features cool pieces including a liquid eyeliner in dark plum (€42), perfect for a sweeping wing. We also love the limited-edition lavender-coloured Noir Allure mascara in Amethyste (€48) – a fun and fast way to wear a subtle hint of colour on the eyes without having to be skilled in any way.
GLOW UP
It’s expensive for the small amount (€30 for 15ml), but bareMinerals Complexion Rescue Highlighting Blush skin-blurring gel formula really glows. I like the way it catches the light if you dab a bit high on your cheekbones. There are different shades to suit your skintone and warm up your complexion if you need a bit of a colour boost. People will ask what your secret is, trust us! Also available here.
POWERFUL SCENT
A striking scent makes for an immediate talking point. My current favourites include Kilian’s Old Fashioned, a fabulous punchy whiskey cocktail that’s sophisticated, with an after-hours vibe. And the stunning Delphinus by Creed (from €235 at Brown Thomas), a warm and almondy elixir with delicious undertones of Bourbon vanilla, patchouli and earthy, airy orris.
The chic travel atomiser (€55) makes a beautiful gift and there are some lovely discovery sets available too, from €42 – the best way to find more gems from this fragrance house, which has a rich history going back 250 years, spanning seven generations of perfumers.
You may be familiar with Aventus, Creed’s biggest hit in recent years, but I’d urge you to explore other stalwarts in the collection. If you haven’t tried Virgin Island Water, for example, it’s a wonderfully summery scent that zings with coconut and lime. And the legendary Green Irish Tweed, a classic fougère inspired by green fields and sea air, has been a leading inspiration for men’s scents since it was released in 1985 by Oliver Creed and Pierre Bourdon (famed for Frederic Malle Editions Iris Poudre, Davidoff Cool Water and numerous others). It smells herbaceous and fresh, and makes a classy gift.
STATEMENT LIP
A strong lip colour provides an instant boost. Whether a soft berry or bold cherry, this is the season to augment your colour palette. If in doubt, mix some lipstick with lipbalm or gloss to keep it soft. Try Charlotte Tilbury’s Red Carpet Red or the blockbusting Hermes Rouge Casaque, which is also refillable; €74.40.
HAIR RAISING
A friend recently discovered Color Wow and now orders in bulk, delighted with the glossy new sheen to her hair. Another fast way to boost your hair is with a texture spray – if you haven’t managed to bag a coveted blow dry appointment, a sea salt spray can help jazz up tired hair. We love Sam McKnight’s beautifully lightweight Cool Girl Barely There Texture Mist (from €14, at Arnotts). It smells so good that it doubles as a scent, too.
FLAWLESS FACIAL
If you can nab an appointment, the Flawless Filter Facial (€220) exclusive to Ora, Dr Edel Woods’ medical aesthetic clinic in Dublin and Cork, is tagged as “the ultimate last-minute glow-up treatment”. It combines laser technology with a custom corrective peel that’s gentle yet effective. You’ll see a difference after the non-invasive laser genesis, a laser light treatment that targets redness, tone and texture; stimulating new collagen production. This is combined with lymphatic drainage massage, multi-masking and LED light therapy. End result? Brighter, smoother skin in no time. Therapist Karen treated my colleague, who was impressed with the results. There are other custom facials to suit your skin type, for example, acne-prone skin. We advise booking now for your skin rescue in January when we all need a boost. www.oraskinclinic.ie
SEE MORE: 3 Winter Wonders – Beauty Creams To See You Through
