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A guide to the best low-maintenance, high-impact make-up heroes
Minimal make-up makes an effort, but not too much, says Sarah Caden, who has five hits
Nars Blush Optimisation in Orgasm X
Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath in Rosy Glow
Lancome Hypnose Mascara
Trinny London BFF Cream Skin Perfector SPF 30
Bobbi Brown Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm in Bare Glow
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We've all had days when we couldn't be bothered.
Days, even weeks, when there seemed no point in rousing oneself to a skincare routine, never mind a bit of make-up. After all, who was going to see it other than the people who live with us?
Other days and weeks have told us that the people who live with us are exactly those who need to see that you do give a hoot. Further, it's important to look in the mirror and see a spark of one's old self. It feels like defiance in the face of uncontrollable change to fight back, even if it's only with a tube of foundation.
We're not pushing for your full office-ready face of make-up, but a Panel straw poll says a little of what you fancied in the old world does you good now. So we have minimal make-up today, for every day.
Best Base
Trinny London BFF Cream Skin Perfector SPF 30, €41, see trinnylondon.com
One panellist has commented that this leaves her face soft, perhaps as soft as Charles Saatchi's bottom - recently inadvertently exposed to the world during one of the online beauty masterclasses Trinny was conducting from the bathroom of their home. This is a wonder product. All five available shades come out white, then adapt to your skintone on application and bestow a glow and sheer cover that make you look effortlessly sharper. "Make-up for every day," said a panellist. "Even at home, to make yourself feel better."
Best Cheeky Number
Nars Blush Optimisation in Orgasm X, €32, see brownthomas.com; arnotts.ie
This is from the newest line of Nars blushes, pans of individual and intense colours that brush on oh-so velvety and are less frightening and more flattering than one might anticipate. This particular winning shade is a beefed-up take on the best-selling Orgasm. The original shade is a pinky coral shot through with warm gold, while this new version is more deeply pink and a degree more dramatic. "This breathes life into my recently very dull complexion," one panellist said. "But it's not too much, or too try-hard."
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Best Lashings of Lashes
Lancome Hypnose Mascara, €32.50, selected pharmacies nationwide
It's with good reason that this is Lancome's best-selling mascara. The first brush onto the lashes might seem underwhelming, but buildability is the beauty of this product. That initial coat is fine if you want an understated, barely made-up effect, but extra coats will achieve full, lengthened and even curled lashes, all without any brittleness or bulkiness. It's an every day, every night, winner. "This is the classic, all-occasions mascara," said a panellist. "Not that there's an occasion on offer."
Best Lip Service
Charlotte Tilbury Collagen Lip Bath in Rosy Glow, €32, see brownthomas.com; arnotts.ie; charlottetilbury.com
This is fabulously glossy, with a good dollop of creaminess to give the pigment a bit of oomph, while the lip-friendly collagen and other ingredients are a boon to any chappedness. It's a healing product, but with added and impressive glam credentials. We particularly love this Rosy Glow shade, which is the pink side of nude, for a near-natural but supernatural look. "Amazingly comfortable to wear and one slick looks like you've made the effort," a panellist said.
Best Glow Getter
Bobbi Brown Extra Illuminating Moisture Balm in Bare Glow, €56, see brownthomas.com; lookfantastic.com
This is officially a skincare product, which moisturises the skin with shea butter and evening primrose oil, among other kind ingredients. However, as the 'illuminating' part of its name suggests, it also has a very nice gleam to it, which looks great dabbed over cheekbones and temples, whether you're wearing make-up or not. "This is glowy without being glittery," said a panellist. "It made my skin look dewy and has a lovely lightly citrusy scent, too."
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