LIFE COLUMN: THE REVIVAL

It’s time for a fresh start, so let’s talk restored skin, pumped-up lashes and a golden glow for 2018.

 

 

TRIONA’S TOP TRENDS

After all the glam over Christmas, it’s nice to strip everything back in January, taking a simpler approach to make-up and style. Dior’s spring/summer 2018 ready-to-wear runway beauty is a perfect example of this. Peter Philips, creative and image director for Dior make-up, completed a fresh, natural beauty look for the catwalk, paying particular attention to the eyes. Coverage was the first step, namely the new Dior Forever Undercover Foundation, which sits lightly on the skin, then a touch of concealer, and a soft brush of Diorskin Forever & EverControl Loose Powder, €49, was dusted on top to reduce the shine level. Brows were shaped and brushed through, but no heavy colour was added, keeping the look casual. The most important aspect of this look was the mascara. Two were used backstage at Dior. The first coat was Diorshow Maximizer 3D, €34; followed by Diorshow Pump ‘n’ Volume, €35, – six coats, to be exact! The lashes end up seriously volumised, elongated and darkened, but as it’s the key statement in the look, it works wonders. A line of black liner on the waterline completes the easy, but striking.

 

 

A nude lip finished the face; the colour was kept as close to the skin tone as possible. Philips used Dior’s Lip Glow, but a simple lip balm, such as Burt’s Bees Moisturizing Lip Balm in Pink Grapefruit, €4.99, would be ideal. Result: a fresh, youthful face, dominated by luscious lashes, and a nod to Twiggy and Edie Sedgewick, the It girls of the 1960’s.

 

FACE TIME

I had one of the best facials ever at Elegant Lady in Edenderry recently. Having my skin assessed, Nuala, my therapist, recommended I try the new Guinot Hydra Peeling Facial Treatment. It was just what I needed to bring my skin back to life, as it helps to erase visible signs of ageing, brightens the skin tone and adds radiance. It even worked a treat on the pesky pigmentation patches I have.

The facial takes 45 minutes, so you could easily squeeze it into your lunchtime and come back looking as fresh faced as Cate Blanchett!

Elegant Lady , Kinsella’s Medical Hall, 56 JKL St, Edenderry, Co. Offaly, (046) 973-1865; elegantladybeauty.ie.

 

BLOWN AWAY

 

 

Pardon the pun, but this hairdryer will blow you away! The ghd Air Hairdryer, €129, is a 1200-watt professional hairdryer that has had rave reviews since it landed. It delivers super-fast drying and has a knack for taming frizz. It’s a great option for the style-conscious, busy woman – 0r, indeed, man. At least if you have to skip the straightener or tongs in the morning rush, you’ll have a smoother finish and fewer flyaways.

 

MOST WANTED

I’ll never forget the first time I had lash extensions. I thought I was ‘horrid good-looking’. Anyhoo, they were great for about a week and then they started shedding. Now though, I’ve found an alternative to lash extensions with Younique Moodstruck Esteem Lash Serum, €46. This daily treatment aims to increase lash volume by almost 40% within a month. If I start now, I wonder how ‘horrid good-looking’ my lashes will be by the end of the year!

 

TRIONA’S TRICK

New Year often prompts us to attempt new routines that simply don’t stick. Forget the millions of creams you thought you needed, and simplify. Invest in a great serum and two creams; one for day, with a suitable SPF, and one for night , with a rich consistency.

 

CULT PRODUCT

A faux glow in January? Hell, ya! The lift a lick of colour gives me is great. Although, it’s not about looking like you’ve spent a month on a  beach in Barbados – it’s just a glow; a touch of gold that looks incredible in the cold air.

For an even, healthy, sexy finish, I’m back using an oldie-but-goodie, St Tropez Self Tan Classic Bronzing Mist, €26.99, which Julian MacDonald used for his spring/summer 2018 ready-to-wear show.

 



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