That doesn’t mean I want to compromise on beautiful make-up though. I still like to look polished and interesting – I just want to achieve that in a more efficient way. Usually, that means simplifying my routine by using fewer products that still pack a punch when it comes to their impact.
Laura Mercier’s Caviar Stick
When it comes to my eyes, this usually means layering a cream eyeshadow with a shimmer or sparkle. While once upon a time cream formulas tended to gather and crease, innovation in product development means that, these days, most people don’t need to worry about that.
Instead, cream shadows deliver a lasting finish, making them an ideal base for any make-up look. They work on their own, of course, but you can also layer other products on top of them to add a little pizazz.
Bobbi Brown’s Long-Wear Cream Shadow Stick
Most of my favourite options in the cream shadow category come in crayon form. I find these easy to apply – simply draw them onto the lid and just under the lash line before blending. Laura Mercier’s Caviar Sticks (€29 via spacenk.com) are excellent, as are Bobbi Brown’s Long-Wear Cream Shadow Sticks (€29.50 via boots.ie), while Kiko Milano’s Long Lasting Eyeshadow Sticks (€7.99 via lookfantastic.ie) are an excellent budget option.
Kiko Milano’s Long Lasting Eyeshadow Sticks
Once I’ve applied my cream base, I use my finger to tap a sparkly shadow on top. The finger is the best way to apply any shadow with sparkle – it’s much better at picking up the product than a brush. This method is also quick and easy – what’s not to like?
While chunky glitter has its time and place, I prefer to use a fine sparkle to deliver an eye-catching look that still feels grown-up. These types of shadows are a really simple way to bring a little drama, especially for a night out in low lighting.
Urban Decay’s Space Cowboy
I have several favourites in this category, the first being a truly iconic product with thousands of fans. I’m talking about Space Cowboy by Urban Decay (€25.30 via cultbeauty.com), which is a peachy pink shadow packed with dazzling sparkle.
Half Magic’s Blushing Lizard
Second is Half Magic’s Blushing Lizard (£14 via sephora.co.uk), a gorgeous mauve shadow with blue flecks of sparkle.
Danessa Myricks’ Colorfix Sticks
Finally, Danessa Myricks’ Colorfix Sticks (€48.88 via cultbeauty.com) each include a sparkly ‘foil’ side. My favourite shades are Interstellar, a champagne shade, and Meteorite, a light purple.
These all sit beautifully on brown or nude cream shadows, but also work on deep purples or navy if you want to be a little more adventurous. Simply add mascara, and you’ve got a beautiful and impactful eyeshadow look that won’t take you more than a few minutes. Once you find your favourite combo, you’ll be set for life!
Buying Irish
Doctrine’s Divinity Cleansing Balm
I am never without a good cleansing balm. It’s an essential part of my routine, and I rely on it heavily to remove the day’s make-up and SPF. Doctrine is an Irish brand, founded by three professionals with years of experience in the skincare industry. The formulas are developed in-house by Tracey Ryan, a co-founder of the brand and a cosmetic chemist. She did a great job on Doctrine’s Divinity Cleansing Balm (€42 via doctrineskincare.com), which deeply cleanses the skin, leaving it supple and soft.
Something old…
Stila’s Heaven’s Hue Hightlighter
Highlighters went through a grim phase of making people look like giant hunks of metallic glitter, but we’re back in the land of the subtle sheen these days. Well, it might not always be subtle, but, generally, present-day highlighters deliver the sort of gleam you might see on a supermodel. Stila’s Heaven’s Hue Highlighter in Kitten (€38 via boots.ie) has been around for a long time now, but it is a dream. A shimmering pink, it brightens and illuminates, leaving the skin with a glow that looks like it might have come from within, which is exactly what I’m looking for from a highlighter. This shade is ideal for fair skin, while the other shades available (a bronze and a lilac) would look great on deeper skin tones.
Something new…
Shiny Objects Wet Glisten Powder Highlighter
Kosas has made a great name for itself across the Atlantic, but is still a lesser-known brand in this part of the world. That’s a shame, because the range is excellent and consistently delivers easy-to-use products which suit most people. Its latest launch, Shiny Objects Wet Glisten Powder Highlighter (€36.80 via cultbeauty.com), is predictably great. The powder formula melts into the skin, delivering a wet-look gleam, without leaving it looking chalky or metallic. Again, the pinky shade (Glimmerose) will suit fair, Celtic complexions, but this range also includes a peachy shade (Haloed), which will work on warmer-toned fair complexions, as well as bronze tones for deeper skin, and the blue-toned Opaline, which works for anyone who wants to look like a fairy.
