Beat the clock:When beauty editors are asked for their hero products, the name Advanced Night Repair comes up again and again.
The “little brown bottle” is a not-so-well-kept-secret of the beauty cognoscenti – when I confessed that I was using it night and morning, a fellow fan quipped – “that’s nothing, I’d drink it if I could.”
Simple to use, great results, and the fact that it can be applied under your normal moisturiser have earned it cult status. I love it for its radiance-boosting properties and great skin feel. It has been the winner of countless accolades since its launch in 1982, and the recent retirement of its creator Daniel Maes saw the Orchid room in London’s Dorchester filled with fans paying tribute to the maker of the super serum, which now has an even better formula.
THE SCIENCE BITSkin cells work through a precisely timed repair system at night, each cell having its own "clock gene". All is well when the clocks run on time, but ageing and environmental damage (air pollution, UV rays and smoking) can knock the timing out of sync, thus slowing down the repair system. Advanced Night Repair helps to restore the balance, to allow the skin to repair its own appearance.
THE RESULTSBecause skin is working at optimum efficiency, you won't have to wait long to see results. Expect an improvement in fine lines, dehydration and discoloration. Skin becomes smoother and fresher over time.
HOW TO USEApply a few drops and gently massage into skin. Follow with moisturiser.
Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Recovery Complex is available at Estée Lauder counters (€50)
Natural beauty:Dublin's Henry Street is probably the busiest shopping thoroughfare in the country, and it can feel quite stifling to be caught up in the hustle and bustle of busy shoppers. Just around the corner you could be enjoying a free facial or skin consultation with natural beauty therapist Rose Lemly, pictured right, who is based at the new Nourish Health and Beauty Store in Liffey Street. This family-run haven offers some of the best natural ranges, including Dr Hauschka, Trilogy, Lavera and Burt's Bees. Drop in, or ring 01-8734098 to make an appointment. See www.nourish.ie for further details.
Lip service:After the third inquiry as to what gloss I was wearing, I reckon Smashbox are on to something with their new Long Wearing Lip Gloss (€21). It comes in six shades, has a silky texture and offers hydration and SPF15. Wear it alone for a neutral day time look, or over your favourite lipstick for evening glamour. Available from pharmacies nationwide.
Hair heaven:If the words "unruly, rebellious and difficult to control" spring to mind when you think about your hair, the latest range from luxe brand Kerastase may be just what you need. As the name suggests, Oleo Slim transforms thick unmanageable hair into soft and smooth locks. Star of the range for me is the Oleo Relax Nuit €35.30, an overnight mask which promises 72-hour frizz control, as well as easier styling and a more controlled result. Apply to dry hair before retiring (brush hair first to get rid of any residue of styling products you may have used that day) Bonus points for not leaving a residue on your pillow and not needing to be rinsed out next morning.