Beauty

Compiled by PHYL CLARKE

Good fountains

Foundations have come a long way and can now offer so much more than just cover and colour. These modern bases include complexion-boosting ingredients which blur the line between skincare and make-up. There’s a high-tech formula for every skintype and budget.

Max Factor Ageless Elixir 2-in-1 Foundation + Serum (€19.99) The serum protects and hydrates while the foundation evens out skin tone with medium to full coverage.

Clarins Skin Illusion (€29)

Mineral and plant extracts combine in this medium coverage light reflecting oil-free formula which gives a lovely fresh radiance to skin.

Sisley Skinleya Anti-Ageing Lift Foundation (€123)

This top-of-the-range gel cream is a real treat for mature, lacklustre skin which has lost its mojo. It comes in nine shades.

Clinique Repairwear Laser Focus All-Smooth Make Up (€35) The latest product in this award winning range softens and smooths fine lines.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Gel Foundation (€15.99)

Superfruit therapy and a melt-in texture with a sheer, semi-matte finish.

Armani Designer Lift (€49.50)

Spanx in a bottle. It has a cosmetic ‘stretch’ formula inspired by the lifting and smoothing properties of fabrics such as lycra.

On the Line

With the Christmas rush just around the corner, opting for the comfort and choice that online shopping offers can be a blessed relief. Two new Irish beauty websites are now open for business.

Beautyboutique.ie is the brainchild of Ciara Lawless who has 15 years of beauty experience and has cherry picked her favourites, with an emphasis on innovation and results. Skincare ranges featuring natural ingredients include REN, Decleor, Carrita and lovely Greek range Korres.

Cloud10beauty.com offers free delivery and returns and includes brands such as DuWop and Sleek, which can be difficult to find in Ireland.

I can't live without

KATHY ROSE O’BRIEN

Actress, currently appearing as Meg in Little Women at the Gate Theatre

Lancôme Hydra Zen tinted moisturiser: I’m not a huge make-up girl but this tinted moisturiser is a total essential. It gives a little bit of coverage and a glow.

Rodin Olio Lusso face oil: I bought this in Liberty in London. It was a splurge (but it came with a goody bag of free beauty products and I tell myself this repeatedly as justification). It melts into my skin and smells divine thanks to its blend of essential oils including sweet almond oil, jasmine and neroli.

Tea tree oil: I have little bottles of this natural antiseptic all over the place to deal with the surprisingly rough business of being an actress . . . and a klutz!