Tried and tested

Dealing with breakouts can be exasperating. Our testers try the latest spot solutions on the market...

Vichy Normaderm Beautifying Anti-Blemish Care, €19.49 (www.boots.ie)

“This is a moisturiser for men or women, which is absorbed easily into the skin. It helps to tone down redness and spots, but I also found my skin got a little dry, and needed to add a serum to my daily routine.” 4/5

Cloud 9 Skin Solutions Clarity Skin Clearing Spot Gel, €33.79 (www.feelunique.com, free p&p)

“This gel is a bit on the pricey side but it does seem to draw spots out and send them on their way pretty quickly. It can be quite drying, so be sure to moisturise thoroughly after use.” 4/5

Murad Advanced Blemish & Wrinkle Reducer, €60.45 (www.lookfantastic.com, free p&p)

“Working in the same way as a serum, this light lotion sinks in quickly and helps to clear breakouts without drying your skin. And even better – it gets to work on fine lines and wrinkles too! I’d definitely recommend it.” 5/5

BRUSH WITH PERFECTION

We’ve come a long way from those flat foundation brushes that can sometimes leave your face a streaky mess. Much easier to use are brushes that ‘buff’ in the foundation, leaving a flawless finish. There are many options out there - see Bobbi Brown’s Full Coverage Face Brush (€40, Brown Thomas) and our favourite, the Real Techniques Buffing Brush (from the Core Collection kit, €29.99, Boots).

And now we have the HD Buffer Brush to add to our arsenal. It’s the brainchild of Irish make-up artist Aisling Cunningham who runs the Powder ‘n’ Pout salon in Carndonagh, Donegal.

While the Buffer Brush is not the softest brush out there, the duo fibres (a mix of synthetic and natural goat hair) will blend foundation quickly and seamlessly into the skin, leaving a natural — non-streaky — finish. And the best part about round, flat-topped brushes like this is that, unlike traditional foundation brushes, the hairs pick up minimal product, ensuring little waste.

To use, dab your foundation onto your face with your fingers and, in a circular motion, buff out with the brush. It can also be used for powder and cream blush — basically any base product that needs blending.

The Powder ‘n’ Pout HD Buffer Brush P230 is currently on offer for €14.99 (usually €19.99) and is available from www.powdernpout .com where you can also check out the rest of the range.