Tried and tested

While rightly praised for their skincare, Clarins seems to be an overlooked brand when it comes to makeup. But there are some gems to found here — especially when it comes to lipstick.

Clarins has reinvented its Joli Rouge lipsticks (€22), and while the latest trend may have been for matte, opaque and bold shades, sometimes you just need a good everyday lipstick. And that’s where this collection comes in.

The formulation contains mango oil which Clarins promises will provide six hours of continuous moisture — and they are indeed very comfortable to wear.

The colour is good, sheer and not overpowering and there is a brilliant variety of shades from pinky nudes to coral reds. They are also long lasting, requiring minimal touch ups.

I tried three very different colours — Candy Rose, a bright pink, Soft Berry, a pinky brown and Joli Rouge, a bright true red.

While all three are very pretty, Soft Berry is by far my favourite — a perfect versatile nude shade.

The gold packaging is sleek — Clarins has reduced the weight of the packaging by 15% — and timeless. A perfect addition to anybody’s handbag.

Clarins has also launched four nude lipliners (€17.50) to accompany the collection.

While the lipsticks don’t feather, using a liner will create a sharper, neater look.

The pencils are easy to apply thanks to the jojoba oil-enriched formula and come in four shades, ranging from nude fair to nude mocha.

Outline your lips with your shade, blend with your finger and apply any of the Joli Rouge lipsticks on top.

Et, voilá!

— Ciara Flaherty

TRY THIS AT HOME 

For glowing skin mix together:

* 1 tbsp of oats; cooked and mashed (helps reduce inflammation)

* 1 tbsp of lemon juice (to lighten the skin tone). Dilute the lemon juice with water if you have sensitive skin.

* Mix the above ingredients and apply on the face by massaging into the skin.

* Let it dry for 20 minutes. Wash and pat dry.

STEAL OF THE WEEK

Stock up on autumn skincare essentials from the Korres Black Pine range, from €49, which is buy-one-get-one-free throughout September at Marks and Spencer.

Powered by pine polyphenols, the serum, moisturisers and eye cream help maintain skin firmness ( www.marksandspencer.ie ).