Welcome to Skin Deep with Louise McSharry, my opportunity to put years of obsessing over beauty products and techniques to good use. I won’t tell you something is good if it’s not. I won’t recommend products I haven’t actually tried. As the magical sitar in Moulin Rouge said, I only speak the truth.
Christmas time… mistletoe and eyeliiiine…er… Does that seem like a bit of a stretch? It’s a bit of a stretch. Anyway, Christmas is rapidly approaching, and I don’t care that it’s the last day of November, presents are on my mind.
The holiday season is a brilliant time to get your hands on some fantasy beauty items that you’d never be able to justify buying for yourself. Even the crankiest of partners who proclaim ‘YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING’ when you say there are some makeup items you’re interested in adding to your vast collection (ok, that’s my husband) have to bow to the fact that it’s Christmas, and what you desire, you should receive.
With that in mind, this list is not filled with practical, useful items, rather items that you crave on an almost primal level. Those things that you could never actually pry your card out of your wallet for, but that you know would fill you with delight were they in your possession. We’re talking fantasy here pals, because isn’t that what Christmas is all about? With that said, let us begin. Here is what you should be asking for this Christmas.
Clé de Peau Beauté: The Foundation ($250)
Yeah, that’s right, it’s just called The Foundation.
I’ve been hearing whispers about this foundation for a while via celebrity interviews and chats with beauty experts, and the fact that it’s apparently made from ‘luxury skincare science’ has not turned me off. The demonstration video features skin goddess Amanda Seyfried and claims that the product ‘blurs imperfections’. It comes in a beautiful glass jar, with a tiny golden spoon, and it’s $250. It has to be good, right? RIGHT? Unfortunately, this is only available in the US at the moment, so some Addresspal wizardry will be required by the gift buyer.
Charlotte Tilbury Look in a Palette: Beauty Glow (€69)
My favourite thing about Charlotte Tilbury’s products is the fact that there’s an explanatory video to go with each of them. Her stuff is fool-proof, and anyone can use them.
This particular palette is the dream for people who don’t have the time or inclination to piece together a beauty look for a night out after work or a weekend away. It includes all you need, bar mascara and foundation, to make yourself positively glow. And it has a nice big mirror which is incredibly handy. I have one of these, and I want four more. No beauty fan will be disappointed.
Artis 5-Piece Elite Collection Make-up Brush Set (€170)
Artis brushes were a real game changer when they appeared on the beauty scene a couple of years ago. Totally different to what we were used to as beauty fans, many of us expressed scepticism, while secretly craving them.
This Christmas, Brown Thomas is selling a five brush set for €170. It’s criminal, but you want them, don’t you?
Fenty beauty Stunna Lip Paint
If you are looking to buy for the cool gal in your life, you can be certain that she’ll be thrilled by this.
The debut lipstick from Rihanna’s beauty range, Stunna promises to suit every shade of skin, and if Fenty Beauty’s Instagram account is anything to go by, it does. Even if it’s just your common or garden scarlet lip pain, the packaging will give it’s owner a certain caché.
Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector in Opal
Highlighter is big business these days, with every beauty fan worth their weight in lipstick owning at least one or two. While there are new ones coming out all the time, this is a classic, which suits almost everyone. I have a drawer full of highlighter, and this is still on my Christmas list.
Urban Decay Naked Heat Palette (€47.40)
Urban Decay’s Naked palettes have become the stuff of beauty legend – almost every makeup fan has one in her arsenal. The most recent edition got everyone especially hot under the collar (see what I did there?) as it embraced the trend for bronzey-red ‘sunset’ eyes. This gift would go down especially well with teenagers.
Victoria Beckham x Estée Lauder Makeup Pouch (€650)
Ok, the price is is frankly, insane, but still, wouldn’t you love to find this in your possession? VB’s line for Estée Lauder is luxury at its finest, promising to give you that glossy, rich person look that so many women crave. This Italian-designed calf leather pouch contains all that you require to attain that glossy exterior, from illuminating cream to matte lipstick in, what else, Victoria.
The Body Shop Countdown to New Year Gift (€75)
The Body Shop has been doing advent calendars for yonks, but this year they’re changing it up with a Countdown to New Year calendar type thing. Basically, it’s the same as an advent calendar, but is for the days between Christmas and New Year. A lovely treat for that no man’s land period I reckon!
Inside you’ll find both products for the party season (glitter dust and the like) and beautiful skin care products, including their Himalayan Charcoal Purifying Glow Mask, which is one of my favourite masks.
Sunday Riley Good Genes
Sunday Riley is a big name in skincare, and Good Genes has been referred to as an ‘elixir of youth’ by people who are not even a little bit joking. This treatment, which includes lactic acid, promises to exfoliate, reduce the appearance of fine lines, even skin tone, and protect you from environmental aggressors. It’s price, however, may stop some people from investing, which makes it a perfect treat of a gift.
New Product
A limited range of E.l.F. product has recently made its way into our pharmacies, much to many a makeup lover’s delight! It’s a great way to try the range out, but it is extremely expansive, so there is a lot more to explore on their website. For example, their new Holographic collection is only available online, but worth a go if you’re into holographic shimmer. I’ve been trialling the collection’s Highlighting Duo (€14.47), and every time I wear the pink iridescent shade from the Mermaid’s Tale combo I get compliments. Worth a look!
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