Beauty

Compiled by PHYL CLARKE

Comfort zone

Skin feeling bombarded by the elements? The change of season means your skin has battled the worst that Irish weather can throw at it. Take comfort with one of these rich formulas, which are the skincare equivalent of wrapping yourself in cosy cashmere, and you’ll be ready for spring in jig time.

SENSITIVE TYPESSkin that tends towards redness will be soothed and replenished with Rêve de Miel Crème Ultra Comfortable Face Cream (€27.50) from the excellent Nuxe range. The key ingredient is fir honey, which helps to repair and moisturise, and the luscious texture gives immediate relief and lasting comfort.

CUT PRICE CLASSICThe rich creamy texture of Nivea (€1.01) has been around for more than 100 years and it can be used for everything from razor burn to nappy rash. It also gives a great boost to facial skin and the retro fragrance is sure to bring a warm comfortable glow. It contains lipids and glycerin to increase moisture retention, leaving skin smooth and supple.

OIL'S RIGHTDehydrated skin is very common at this time of year. Switching to an oil will give a surge of much-needed moisture and the liquid texture has a lovely soothing feel. Clarins Huile Orchidée Bleue (€38.50) is a real tonic and has the most amazing smell (which my husband commented on immediately, and he's seen a few come and go). Apply a few drops of the rosewood and patchouli infused oil at night, alone or under moisturiser.

LUXURY LINEYou could say Estée Lauder's Re-Nutriv range has been a success – it's been a best seller since its introduction in 1956, despite the hefty price tag. Premium ingredients and state-of-the-art technology are what you're paying for here. The latest addition to the range is the Replenishing Comfort Cream (€150), which has an enriched texture designed for dry and delicate skin.

I Can’t Live Without...

DR EVA ORSMONDmd, mph Author of The Last Diet - Cook yourself thin with Dr Eva and weight loss expert on Operation Transformation

My home cooked foodIt's the reason I feel good and have managed to maintain my weight with a hectic timetable and busy family life. I get huge satisfaction when I come up with a new recipe that is tasty and low in calories and still nutritionally balanced.

My Sassoon hood hair dryer and curlersI am known to arrive to Operation Transformation weighing-in shoots with my curlers in. My hair is the best (looking) part of my body and I look after it in every sense. I am blonde but I get some help with great highlights and cut from Annie at Profile Hair Design. I drive all the way to Mullingar from my home in Wicklow – simply because it is worth it.

My Max Factor False LashEffect mascara I have tried different mascaras over the years but I think I have now eventually found the only one. I always choose black.

Avène High Protection Tinted Compact make-upI try to get a few sun holidays a year. Even though I do like to tan, I try to be sensible and especially careful with my face and wear a high protection on my face.

Olay Regenerist serumI desperately try to stay young. In order to fight the wrinkles I am easily convinced to try new "miracle" products. This one was higly recommended by one of the make-up artists on one of our shoots. I was happily surpised when I bought it as I am used to spending more on creams, but it seems to be doing the job.

Get the look

Make-up artist Christine Lucignano created the fresh-faced look for our French fashion feature using Chanel’s Spring Harmony colours — a mix of ultra flattering pinks and peaches which give a healthy glow. Here’s how she did it:

“Make-up can only look as good as your skin so I always start every model’s make-up with the right hydration. It’s also important to hydrate lips as it makes a difference to your overall look.

“Skin is made virtually flawless with the new Perfection Lumière foundation. The formula is not only designed to diminish imperfections but it has a lasting power that keeps you looking polished all day long. To really get that fresh glow to the skin I used the multi-facetted Blush Horizon, an amazing product that has both cool and warm flashes of colour which can be blended together or used specifically. The end result is the freshest looking skin possible.

“For the eyes, I wanted to enhance not only shape, but also the eye colour. Quadra Eye Shadow in Éclosion is a palette that enhances blue, green and brown eyes. I used it on both girls as well as defining the lash lines with Long Lasting Eyeliner in Grenat, and to highlight, I used washes of Soft Touch Shadow in Tigerlily. Finishing touches – well, a girl can’t go without defined brows this season. I used Perfect Brows Kit and lashings of Infinite Length and Curl Mascara in Deep Black.

“To ensure a long-lasting lip look, I filled in the lips with the Lip Definer in Rose Corail and then applied Rouge Coco Shine in Candeur. To make lips look fuller add a splash of Glossimer Lip Gloss in Bonbon to the very centre of the mouth.”