The look

Compiled by PHYL CLARKE

Polish pro

Removing nail polish got easier this year with the ingenious Bourjois 1 Second Magic Polish Remover. It’s as simple as this: insert a finger into the jar, which contains a foam-like substance, give it a little twist and voila – a cleaned nail with no mess or spillage. Ideal for all nail-polish-removal situations – you won’t know how you managed without it. Widely available, €6.99.

Ace base

A flawless face that feels bare of make-up sounds like the stuff of beauty wish lists, but the product developers at Armani surpassed all expectations with Maestro – a completely new base that is almost pure pigment.

The colour is held together with fine oils, which evaporate on contact with skin, leaving a perfected, evened-out complexion. It costs €45.

Glow better

A favourite of professionals, Laura Mercier’s primers have been winning awards for years. A new hydrating formula in the range means you get the same colour-true, all-day staying power, with added radiance.

It costs €40.

I can't live without

Grainne Walker, director, People’s Procession of Light on New Year’s Eve

Boots Botanic Skin Care RangeI have really sensitive skin and this range is so gentle and doesn't break the bank. My favourite is the face wash, which helps to wake me up in the morning.

My hairdryerMy hair doesn't look good dried naturally and I always have to use a hairdryer. No matter where I go on holiday, my hairdryer comes with me.

Max Factor 2000Calorie Dramatic Volume My eyelashes are very pale and this mascara really helps to accentuate them.

Elizabeth Arden LipProtectant Stick Working outdoors can take its toll on my lips. I find this lipstick absolutely incredible and am never without it.

For more information on the NYE Dublin Festival visit nyedublin.ie.

The game changer

Shiseido thought outside the box and came up with the Perfect Foundation Brush (€30). The angled slant of the hairs makes applying around the contours of the face a cinch, and it can be used to apply cream, liquid or powder foundation. The blend of different types and lengths of hairs ensures a seamless finish.

Aerin go bragh

The small but perfectly formed capsule collection by Aerin Lauder (grand daughter of Estée) debuted in September and sophisticated women of a certain age took to it immediately. Flattering neutrals enlivened with youthful pink meant subtle face enhancement was at hand, without a trend in sight. The sleek gold compact and velvet pouch complete a class act. At the Estée Lauder counter, Brown Thomas.

Skin deep

Want to get the most out of your skincare? Start with squeeky clean skin courtesty of the Clarisonic Mia, a nifty gadget with serious cleansing power, from the brains behind the electric toothbrush.The brush is said to remove six times more make-up than manual cleansing, allowing serums and creams improved penetration. An investment in better skin. It costs €133, from spacenk at Harvey Nichols, Dundrum, Dublin 14.