If you ever want to know what the very latest trends in cosmetics are, swing by the MAC counter in Brown Thomas. New on counter at the minute is the Wonder Woman collection, complete in comic book style packaging. It includes the supersized mineralised skin finish, eyeshadows, lipsticks, and powder blushers. Readers of this column will not be at all surprised to know my favourite item in this collection is the Reflex Glitter, in pearl and bronze. Though a plain and simple girl in most ways, and already owning four Bobbi Brown shimmer brinks, I could not resist this glitter. I tend to think glitter has mystical powers and improves all circumstances. This one is unreal. It can be used over a creamy eye shadow to add dimension or over cream blush to highlight. The sparkles practically dance on the skin, I love it. If you are baring your shoulders you can dust it over the tops of your arms (when a MAC make up artist suggests you to go sparingly, you know you may have gone a bridge to far with it in the past ).
Over at the Chanel counter take a look at the new liquid liner, it comes in a really intense black, and the brush makes it easy to achieve an ultra thick or really thin line. Word to the wise: proceed with a thick line if you have an abundance of thick lashes and a thinner line if your lashes are sparser.
YSL is focusing on the Pure Chromatics range of eyeshadows. Coming in its trademark gold box, with a mirror, if you love beautiful packaging this is the brand for you. Highly pigmented, they can be used wet or dry, wetting the brush will intensify colour, and they have a staying power of 24 hours. My favourite is number 5, a natural base colour with a splash of pink and grey to achieve that smokey look for the evening.
As the weather is changing, we can go slightly lighter with foundation, and Clinique has added its Moisture Surge tinted moisturiser to the mix. It provides hydration to the skin all day long, while adding a tint of colour. I love tinted moisturiser, it provides a much more natural look and just feels nicer on the skin. If you feel like you need a little more help on the day just add a touch of concealer.
Another big trend now is finishing off and setting your make up for a polished look that lasts with a gorgeous powder. Laura Mercier has one of the best; it is called the Universal invisible powder, and it contains no talc so does not give that clotted look. It is an older girl’s dream product, it sets the make-up in soft focus, disappearing on the skin while diminishing fine lines and imperfections. Applying with Laura Mercier’s specially created fan brush ensures you are using the minimum amount of product while achieving the desired look.
