If you’re looking for the perfect matte lipstick or nude nail, look no further. Our beauty guru Triona McCarthy has got you covered. Literally!
TRIONA’S TOP TRENDS
Last year it was all about pastels, well now the colour wheel has spun around once more, landing on bolds and brights – it’s time to update the make-up bag.
These might be the colours you wore in your teens, but they’ve had a maturity makeover, ready to create stand-out looks, whether you’re a 20-something or in your 60’s.
Eyes are where it’s at, and MAC takes the lead on this trend with its latest eye palette, a super-charged colour buffet. The Jeremy Scott Eye Shadow X 29: Lo-Fi palette, €85, Brown Thomas, touches on every shade – from startling red with Walking Heartbeats, to an eye-opening, shocking blue called Electric Eel. Every texture is included, from true matte to satin sheen. Softer tones sit in between the more adventurous shades, but there’s no doubt that this boombox-style packaging contains the tools for a powerful eye show.
MAC set the tone, but Estée Lauder can lift this look even higher with their Pure Colour Envy Lash Mascara, €31. Available in three colours – green, purple and blue- this mascara packs a serious colour punch, lifting and elongating as it’s applied. For something very different, the Green shade is going to be an instant hit, but personally, the Purple is where the gorgeousness is at. Multi-tonal, it seems to shine from blue to lilac, depending on the light.
MOST WANTED
I am brutal at doing my own nails, but everyone needs a nude nail polish in their possession, as it’s the hardest one to screw up! Tom Ford Beauty Nail Polish in Toasted Sugar, €35, is the perfect go-to for me. You can wear it as a sheer varnish, or as a full colour block by layering up. It’s especially amazing if you have naturally soft nails, as the formula doesn’t dry solid – instead, it retains a bendable form, which means less chipping. Don’t forget to apply your base and top coats to make it last!
CHANGE IT UP
Seeing Jennifer Lawrence’s hair changes throughout the movie Red Sparrow, as well as her fabulous Oscars ‘do, made me want a change myself – almost! Just changing your blow-dry can make a huge difference to your look, as I found out recently when I had a superb blow-dry with Glen Cullen in Edenderry, Co Offaly.
Glen has worked on shoots for years, so he’s the perfect person to switch things up and realise your hair hopes. He and his team are also great for a new cut, colour or whatever you’re having yourself!
Glen Cullen, 56 JKL St Edenderry, Co Offaly, tel: (045) 977-3575, or see glencullen.com.
ALL FIRED-UP
When matte lipsticks first became a thing, I remember they’d crack and crumble and wreck your poor kisser! Not anymore. If you’ve never tried the trend, then try Laura Mercier Velour Extreme Matte Lipstick, €26, for the perfect matte mouth and pout. There are 24 shades to choose from, but this one, Fire, an orangey-red, is my fave. And I barely need to touch it up, as it contains innovative mattifying powders enriched with silky conditioners, which means it’s super comfy to wear, and it lasts, too.
TRIONA’S TRICK
As we all know by now, a tub of coconut oil is a great multi-tasker as a moisturiser, make-up remover, cuticle carer, hair saver – but buy it in the cooking section at the supermarket, as it’s often double the price in health shops and pharmacies.
CULT PRODUCT
If, like me, you travel a lot, then you have to try Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Concentrate Ampoules, €35. A box contains 6 tiny 5ml phials that last a week each, so they are perfect for popping in those airline security bags. This intensive serum combines high and low molecular hyaluronic acid to target and treat those pesky lines. I apply mine morning and night before my moisturiser, and honestly, it plumps and hydrates my skin, giving it a dewiness I adore.
