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Beauty

24th Dec 2019

Four of 2019’s best beauty launches (and they’re actually worth the spend)

Cathy Donohue

As we near the end of 2019, it’s safe to say the beauty industry is thriving.

It’s always difficult to narrow down the best beauty buys of the year but there are a few that just have to get a mention.

The epitome of luxury, you wouldn’t be disappointed if you discovered one of these presents under the tree tomorrow morning.

Now that all the festive preparations are underway and your shopping is finally completed, the gift-giving process is about to begin and hey, at this stage, you’re entitled to treat yourself too.

Here’s some self-gifting inspiration and having tried them all, I can tell you they’re worth the spend.

Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Foundation, €40

One of this year’s biggest beauty launches, there was a major waiting list for the brand new base when it first launched. At one point, 10,000 people were waiting to get their hands on it.

Why?

Well, there’s a number of reasons. It’s a 44-shade range foundation with an in-built skincare mechanism and we’re all about those multi-purpose products.

The flawless foundation is described as sweat proof, humidity proof, water proof and transfer resistant and on the few times I’ve worn it since purchasing, I have to say it lived up to expectations.

It defends against dehydration…goodbye flaky, peeling skin and also helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, ideal.

It has all the benefits of a high-coverage base, masking open pores and ensuring long-lasting wear but also features a weightless formula, delightful if you’re over heavy-duty mask-like products.

Tom Ford Soleil Neige, €188 for 50ml

A citrus floral musk, the key notes include Bergamot, Carrot Seed, Jasmine Grandiflorum, Karmaflor Captive, Cistus, and Benzoin.

Tom Ford describes the scent as” the bright side of Soleil, a polar expression to Soleil Blanc’s solar floral. Radiant with winter light, the scent mimics the shimmer of sun on snow”.

Inspiration comes from the shimmer of sun on freshly powdered ski slopes from Courchevel to Megève – it’s a truly special winter fragrance. A must for winter brides…

Note the bright opening notes of bergamot and carrot seed while the dry down melts onto skin with the wood and honey undertones of cistus labdanum and musk. Benzoin and creamy vanilla notes provide sun-kissed warmth at the finish, in a word – stunning.

 

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Give the gift of never-ending summer. #TFGIFTS #TFSOLEIL

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Paint with Light Radiant Face Illuminator Trio, €52

Featuring two best-selling Laura Mercier Face illuminators in Devotion and Inspiration, and a new limited edition shade, Obsession.

Apply with the Fan Powder Brush and sweep lightly over the skin for a gorgeous subtle glow. Alternatively, use the Finishing Brush for a sheer, diffused glow, or the Crème Cheek Colour Brush for targeted, high-beam highlighting.

However, an insider tip to allow for maximum radiance – apply with your fingertips as the heat of your skin warms the powder and turns up the bright. Use on the apples of the cheeks, forehead, nose, chin, eyelids and more. A touch of Face Illuminator on the décolletage and/or shoulders adds a beautiful, all-over glow, ideal to pair with that sequinned ensemble you have planned for the festive season.

 

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Brighten up your holidays with our Paint with Light Trios. Available in both cool and warm tone shades to suit every skin tone.

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NARS High Pigment Long-Wear Liner, €24

First of all, we have to talk about the name and shade because yes, Francois Nars loved Dublin and iconic shopping area Grafton Street so much, he named a product after it.

The cool-toned, dark green is a gorgeous and a patriotic choice and we need to take a minute for the perfect formula. Its gel-like, blendable consistency sets perfectly and lasts for 12 hours. High pigment and precision, yes please and the easy application means it’s a no-brainer if you battle with a feline flick regularly.

The matte finish doesn’t budget, the colour-pay off is insane and it’s the type of beauty buy that will instantly update your makeup bag.