BEAUTY Maggie’s must-have beauty tools

My beauty tools


Beauty
Maggie Gibbons

Some time ago if you’d asked me what beauty products I couldn’t live without I would have unreservedly said ‘lipstick and mascara’. Not so anymore. It’s not that I have ditched those all-time favourites, it’s more that they have been ousted from their perch. Fickle old me!
A good skin-care routine isn’t just about products. There are tools of the trade also, and they can make a huge difference to the overall efficiency of your routine. What do you have in your bathroom or carry in your make-up bag? Has it been there for yonks? Why not fling some stuff you don’t use and make room for these top tools… You’ll thank me for it. Promise.

Good brushes
A set of good quality make-up brushes is a must. Take care of them and they’ll last you forever. Some of you will no doubt already have a set, while others will only ever use an eye-shadow or blusher brush. How about some foundation, powder, concealer and lip brushes? Much more hygienic and great for ease of application. My favourites are Mac.

Eyelash curlers
While these initially look torturous, they sure do the job. You will end up with wide open peepers. Available in chemists throughout Mayo.

‘Everything’ balm
Balms are just wonderful – they can be used for everything from eczema and dry patches to chapped lips, skin sensitivities and even nappy rash. A handbag essential! The one I particularly adore is La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5. You get a great-sized tube for €12.50, and you’ll find it in most chemists.

Eyeliner pen
Liquid eyeliners are much easier to apply than pencil eyeliner, and a good one stays all day. Max Factor’s Masterpiece Glide and Define liquid eyeliner does a great job, and at €10 it’s great value.
Cotton buds
The ultimate beauty tool. I know you all have them in the bathroom, but are you aware of all their uses? Their myriad of uses includes make-up removal (especially when it comes to under-eye mistakes), eye-shadow enhancing, and lipstick fixing. Available everywhere.

Wonder Cloth
I got a fantastic Wonder Cloth make-up remover recently.
I always feel guilty telling you about something that’s not easily available, but I’m just compelled! I picked it up in TK Max in Belfast, and it’s the best little purchase EVER. Only cost about €10, but you can literally scrub your face with it – all you need is water – and your skin glows afterwards. When you’re done you just run it under the tap and voila! – every scrap of make-up runs out of it. Magic. You can buy them online from Amazon.

Maggie Gibbons is an Image/Style Consultant based in Louisburgh. She can be contacted at living@mayonews.ie.