The cosmetics hall in Brown Thomas is so over Christmas. Spring and summer vibes are everywhere. Mac, which has found inspiration this time around in heiress and fashion disciple Daphne Guinness, is leaving all that glitters behind and is transitioning with a matte collection of berry and pink tones, though these are not your granny’s berry and pink tones. Far from innocent, this collection is more decadent and dramatic, but balanced to perfection with alabaster flawless skin.
Whether you are downsizing this season or you simply just cannot resist a multitasker, go no further than Estée Lauder. It has launched its long awaited (by me ) BB cream; it hydrates, protects, and perfects. Containing a hint of colour, it is a moisture rich cream that also has an SPF of 35. Ideal for those mornings when you don’t have time for a whole process of steps, it is a must have for the girl who travels and doesn’t care to lug every skincare step she owns on overnights. I keep a separate overnight toiletry bag (doesn’t every girl? ) that contains products that don’t even look like distant relatives of those in my every day toiletry bag. But that’s another column.
Over at Laura Mercier, the ‘lingerie’ collection was inspired by the Victorian range, and specifically, vintage boudoir lingerie. Laura Mercier always strikes the exact right balance of being romantic modern and feminine, and this collection doesn’t disappoint. The African violet eyeshadow is to die for, and the Fresh Peach blush is the exact colour of a fresh peach, I’m not joking.
If you have entered 2012 with the beauty resolution of finding the right foundation, you can tick this one right off your list. Tomorrow Chanel is launching Perfection Lumiere on counter. The name alone tells you everything you need to know. I had the privilege of trying an advanced sample and it is superb. It dresses the skin, gives enough coverage to hide imperfections, and adds luminosity. Swing by the Chanel counter on Friday and let the experts find your perfect match. Chanel just gets pale skin. They believed in this product so much, they have discontinued four lines of foundation in anticipation of its arrival. On a side note I have fallen in love more times than my heart cares to count on this counter only to find months later Chanel has discontinued something. Now I ask before a relationship even starts, “Is this limited edition?” or, “Will it be discontinued just as I can no longer live without it?” Then I can either choose to stockpile or not get involved. Usually stockpiling is involved.
Over on YSL, a must see will be the blush range. Eleanor pointed out that this blush is so ‘barely there’, she knew I would love it. She is so right, I adore it. It is like gel, and it gives a beautiful glow as opposed to a streak of colour. It comes in three good enough to eat shades.
