What’s in my beauty bag?

AFTER a keenly-felt absence of many years, cult Japanese beauty brand Shu Uemura is back in Ireland and wouldn’t you know it, its retail and education manager is none other than Cork gal Clíona Sweeney.

The Ballineen, West Cork native upped sticks to London following a course in special effects make-up for film and TV in Dun Laoghaire, plus a stint working in Dublin and rose through the ranks to nab her dream job.

SMOOTH IT OVER

Shu Uemura Face Architect Illuminating Fluid, €41

Of this unique base, which comes in an absolute ton of shades, Cliona says “I love this as I have really dry skin. I like a nice bit of coverage and a lot of glow.”

KISS OFF

Kiehl’s No1 Lipbalm, €11

“The Kiehl’s lip balm is very healing and super-softening as my lips are very dry. I always keep one by my bed and one in my handbag and put it on before flying.”

CURL UP

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler, €36

A cult product amongst make-up artists, bloggers and beauty editors, does it deserve the hype? “Even if I’m only putting the bins out I have to curl my lashes and this is unquestionably the best curler in the world.” That’ll be a yes, then.

CHEEK TO CHEEK

Nars Orgasm Blush, €29

“This blush gives such a gorgeous glow. It’s the pink mixed with peach that works beautifully on fair skin and the shimmer finish gives gorgeous glow to apples of cheeks. It’s been in my make-up bag for 10 years and is my go-to cheek colour.”

PERFECT SKIN

Shu Uemura Red Juvenus Cream, €79

“This is rich and comforting for my dry skin yet not greasy — and the anti-oxidants are a big anti-ageing bonus.”

SCENTSATIONAL

Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb eau de parfum, €106.52

“My ‘professional’ scent is Viktor and Rolf Flowerbomb which I love as it smells different on everyone. And my ‘holiday’ scent is Cacharel Amor Amor cos it’s such a happy fragrance.”

HAIR AFFAIR

Batiste Dry Shampoo, €2.99

“With a three-hour commute on top of a usual ten-hour day, salon visits are few and far between and Batiste is a lifesaver.”

NAIL IT NICE

Rimmel 60 Seconds in Funtime Fuchsia, €5.25

“This is always on my toes, I love the colour and the brush is fantastic.”

VITAL STATS

Favourite brand: Shu Uemura hands down, it’s such a 360 degree brand

Beauty budget: Don’t tell my hubby but it probably exceeds £100/€115

Favourite item: Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil

Beauty destination: SpaceNK. They have great customer service and you can play without being hassled

Gone, but not forgotten: Helena Rubenstein Brow Cake

Stockists

Kiehl’s 35 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2; Rimmel at supermarkets and pharmacies; Shu Uemura at Brown Thomas, Dublin, call 01-6056666 for mail order; Nars at Brown Thomas, Dublin, and www.narscosmetics.eu; Viktor and Rolf at department stores.

* Check out Kirstie’s blog at beaut.ie/blog