Tried and tested

Nails Inc Kensington Caviar Topcoat, €17

Tried and tested

A pricier spend, this delivers the best high-shine out of those tested and really does add an extra dimension to a file and paint.

Essence Express Dry Drops, €2.49

Not a nail polish topcoat as such, this quick-dry topper is absolutely brilliant for anyone in a hurry, or those with no patience for waiting around. Wet paint hardens instantly once a drop or two is applied.

Sally Hansen Diamond Shine Base and Top Coat, €9.55

Multi-functional, you can use this as both a base coat and on top to seal the deal which helps justify the just-under-a-tenner-cost.

Ciaté Speed Coat, €12

A lovely clear, glossy topcoat that’s quick and easy to apply, this has fast-drying attributes too, so it helps speed up the whole polish-drying process, leaving you with a smudge-free finish — fast.

Tom Ford Lip Colour in Cherry Lush, €46

Ask for it for a present or save up: this is one piece of handbag real estate you won’t regret splurging on. With an old-school scent, emollient texture and fabulous colour, this is a true A-List red.

Models Own Models Own Lipstick in Scarlett, €6

Great stand-out packaging, a thick, decently opaque finish and good wear time make this a real budget beauty.

Ellis Faas Creamy Lips in L103, €25

This is a beautiful liquid lipstick that’s a dream to wear and which is a great pick for those with thinner lips — the shiny, liquid formula gives the illusion of more volume. A nice choice for lovers of niche brands, too.

Kate Moss Lasting Finish for Rimmel, €6.95

The quality, ease of application and semi-satin finish belie the price point here. This lipstick wears beautifully well too. Well played, Miss Moss.

Shiseido Bio Performance Advanced Super Revitalizing Cream, €88

A melting, gel-cream texture that sinks in and hydrates skin in a jiffy, this is a fantastic option for a drier skintype. A bit on the pricey side, sure, but a gorgeous buy that’s worth the spend.

Clinique Moisture Surge Intense Skin Fortifying Hydrator, €43.50

This has application all year round: in winter it soothes skin stressed by cold and wind and in summer it puts the hydration back that sun can suck out, especially on a warm weather holiday.

Darphin Ideal Resource, €60

A great first-step anti-ageing cream, Darphin’s botanical expertise and delicious scents make this a really appealing product. Good for a normal-to-combination skintype.

Vichy LiftActiv UV with SPF 15, €32

High-performance anti-agers are often super-pricey. Not this: containing the brand’s new rhamnose ingredient, this day cream is trialled-and-tested for your reassurance and features SPF too.

Stockists

Ciaté www.ciate.ie; Clinique at department stores and pharmacies; Darphin at salons and selected department stores, call 0044870-034 2566; Ellis Faas at Harvey Nichols, Dundrum, www.misebeauty.ie and www.ellisfaas.com; Essence at Dunnes, Penneys and pharmacies; Models Own at Boots and www.modelsownit.com; Nails Inc at Brown Thomas and Boots; Rimmel and Sally Hansen at pharmacies and supermarkets; Shiseido at department stores and pharmacies; Tom Ford at Brown Thomas Dublin; Vichy at pharmacies nationwide

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