ABOUT FACE:THE SPRING/SUMMER colour launches brought a myriad of colours and textures to the table. Some are limited edition, some will be so popular that they find a permanent place on the shelves. These are the ones I'm dipping into my make-up bag for, and they'll be hitting a store near you soon.
Here's a big leap forward for nails. I love YSL's built-in brush applicators and their new Nail Brushes (€26.50) make doing your own nails easy-peasy. The perfect pump and brush means goodbye to dipping into pots as the colour is dispensed through the brush straight onto the nail. It's chic and quick. Also worth a mention is the YSL Lip Stain in a beautiful summer cherry (€31) that imparts colour without shouting about it, with the bonus of a lovely sheen.
MAC's Mineralise Powder Finish (Natural Fabulous, €26) provides modern finish at the sweep of a brush. It's not a powder, it's not a bronzer, but somewhere in between. Their Lipglaze in Hello Sailor (€17) is perfect for those of us who want the sheen of a gloss without the gloop. This is a flatter-all colour with a hint of shimmer, which lasts longer than a regular gloss. Use alone during the day or over lipstick at night. It's a perfect summer sheen.
Estée Lauder Bronzing Pearls (€34.50) give either a healthy glow or a sun-kissed burnish, depending on how you apply it, and the mix of pearls suit all complexions. It's a holiday in a pot. Their Sunblushed Pink eyeshadow (€20) is a fabulous base for summer looks. Use alone for a nude look or build with other shadows or liner to up the ante. Summer brides take note.
As for Laura Mercier, once you get the hang of applying Mineral Eye and Cheek colours (€24) and (€27), you will be hookedby their beautiful consistency and eye-opening finish. Mercier's mineral range suits even the most sensitive skin.
Benefit's Talk to the Tan tinted moisturiser (€24) might add a gleam to the face that will have everyone asking if you're just back from holidays. Chanel's clean and very French look this year has the perfect eye palette for the shadow-shy. It's called 4 Fleurs (€47) is so iridescent, so understated and so flattering that it simply could not be from any other brand. I've converted a non-shadow-wearing work colleague with this palette.
Shiseido Lemon Sugar Eye Cream (€24) I love as it brightens and lightens in the most understated way. Perfect for the "I'm not wearing any make-up - I just look this good" look.
Summer calls for a lighter foundation finish and Prescriptives' Custom Blend Tinted Moisturiser (€70) is the latest addition to their impressive range. A Prescriptives consultant will choose the base best suited to your skin type and determine your exact skin match shade. Not only will your colour be seamless, you have the option of adding extras such as firming agents, luminosity and line minimisers for a radiant effect. Hang on, have I just described the perfect foundation?