The first signs of ageing appear around the eyes, and with that in mind it is a good idea to find a combination of products that work to streamline your efforts and deliver the best results. This week I road tested products in Brown Thomas’ cosmetics hall (the female version of an episode of Top Gear? ) under the categories of eye creams, concealers, eye shadows, eyeliners, brushes, and mascara. Below are the ones that I think are just perfect.
Start with Elizabeth Arden’s Prevage eye cream. This is an advanced anti ageing serum, an ultra protection anti–ageing moisturiser, and it has an SPF of 15. Results are visible, and while it tackles the normal things I would hope a premier eye cream would tackle, I love it because it also reduces puffiness, instantly giving a brighter, firmer, look.
Next, I will spare no superlative when speaking about Crème de la Mer’s radiant concealer. The search for the perfect concealer is over. This one is like no other. It comes in three perfect shades, delivers radiance, and adds clarity and brightness. It creates something of an optical illusion, with particles that bounce and reflect light off the eye area. It even reduces the appearance of fine lines. Once you have your eye cream and concealer, it is a good idea to have a “go to” eye shadow that goes on quickly and covers any redness or veins on the lids. Siobhan, make up artist on Bobbi Brown, suggests the company’s malted cream shadow. It is a putty colour that makes every eye colour pop. What is great about this product is that does not add any unnatural looking colour to your lids, it is the perfect neutral.
The great debate over pencil or gel eyeliner continues in Brown Thomas (yes, we have our own version of great debates ). In my opinion, gel gives a cleaner line, goes on easier (no pulling and dragging the sensitive eye area ), and has staying power. Try MAC’s Fluid Line gel liner in purple macro violet. It is spectacular on green eyes. Invest in a good stiff angled brush to apply. I like Benefits’ Get Bent liner brush — it is ergonomically designed at a 30-degree angle, all you have to do is tilt your head back slightly, close your lid halfway, point the tip directly at your lash line, and draw from the inner corner out. For sexy, winged up, “cat-eyes” flick the brush slightly at the outer corner. This is Fiona on Benefits’ signature look. If it is your first time, call into Brown Thomas for a demonstration.
Last up mascara, and for the long haul — weddings, all day meetings, and serious nights on the town — it has to be Estée Lauder’s Double Wear. It virtually never clumps or smears. However if you are looking for a curling formula, try Clinique’s High Impact curling mascara. It is like a perm for your eyelashes, it is that good.
Six amazing products to use every day, that will work exceptionally well for you irrespective of age or occasion.
