Getting the basics right
Getting out the door quickly in the morning is a trial I am regularly faced with. Knowing my luck, though, I’ll meet all and sundry when I am out and about without a scrap of makeup on and my now famous hun bun!
So, whether you are doing the school run, shopping or just heading to work, I have some of the best basics available for taming your hair and creating a fuss-free makeup look.
Great makeup starts with great skin so make sure you are starting with clean skin. The Cleanse Off Mitt (€6.95) is the fastest and most effective way to get off the bedtime grime and works so well in the morning too.
Voduz Hairbrush (€10.95) is a soft brush that you can use on all hair types, wet or dry. The shape of the brush and handle means it’s easy to grip and clean, so it’s one you wouldn’t be ashamed to have in your handbag. It’ll even give a cheeky backcomb if you want it to.
Give fine, limp hair a boost while soaking up any excess dirt and oils along with all your sins from the night before. Kevin Murphy Fresh Hair is a hardworking dry shampoo that instantly freshens and deodorises to transform hair back to fresh, bouncy locks – it’s the ideal way to boost hair having a midday meltdown. It also is non-irritating and cleanses the hair leaving a lovely scent.
Isa Dora Active Mascara (€17.95) is a long lasting volume mascara that keeps up with your active life. It stays on from morning to night and is smudge proof and sweat/humidity resistant. I personally checked this in the gym and there was no budging. There's also buildable volume which is just what you need in an all-rounder mascara.
Isa Dora Brow Marker Comb (€11.95 ) is a liquid brow liner pen for both a defined and a natural brow look. It combs, outlines, fills in and colours the brows. It is so special that they patented the comb and fill tip.
Isa Dora Face Tinted Primer (€12.95) is a radiance-boosting, sheer glow finish primer with SPF 30. It's moisturising yet oil-free with a super lightweight texture with firming and plumping action with a refreshing and light oil-free cream gel texture that protects your skin with moisture, SPF 30 and with a hint of colour.
Isa Dora Glossy Lip Treat (€11.95) has a moisturising and nourishing formula giving soft and smooth lips. The range features nine glossy, sheer colours that offer long lasting shine for full, well defined lips and have a comfortable, non-sticky texture but high shine.
The flexible silicone tip allows for hygienic application and a perfect release of gloss.
If you prefer a foundation, then Kokie Cushion Foundations (€9.48) are just the trick. It's a creamy, lightweight sheer cushion foundation in a travel-friendly compact and comes with a sponge applicator.
Side note with Kokie (in case you haven’t heard of it), the name derives from the Korean word for elephant which represents something bold, beautiful and remarkable.
The brand, which stands for just cruelty-free affordable and trendy has a cult following with makeup lovers for its bright colours and insane pigment!
From foundations to powders to eyeshadows, shimmers, bronzers, highlighters and lip paint, the array of colours and the quality available from Kokie have ensured that the brand is fast becoming the fool-proof makeup staple for Irish women in the know.
Aldi has some great bargains coming up, too. Whether it’s a natural looking sun kissed effect or perfectly sculpted cheekbones you’re after, the buildable formula of the Lacura Bronzer (€5.99) leaves you with a gorgeous matte finish which is perfect for a flattering all-year round glow, even in winter. For highlight on fleek, use Lacura Highlighter (€5.99) for sparkle and shine in all the right places.
It gives a subtle, light-reflecting shimmer that will optimise your already beautiful complexion.