BEAUTY with Elaine Crowley

The TV presenter’s make-up must-haves

If you buy one thing this month make it an oldfashioned flannel face cloth and wash your face with lukewarm water. I inherited this simple ritual from my lovely mum, Mary V, who always washed her face the traditional way and had beautiful skin. Clean skin ensures the efficacy of the products that follow. I’m not a fan of a 10-step skincare routine. I favour highperformance serums paired with result-driven botanical creams to keep my skin on an even keel.

At 46, I’m really comfortable in my skin and my beauty philosophy has evolved in recent years. It now anchors more on wellness and beauty gadgets. My top tip is to drink two litres of water daily: it is the fountain of youth. I am a huge advocate of supplements to nourish skin from within. I advocate the ancient Chinese technique of gua sha and keep a set of cryo globes in the freezer to give skin an instant zhuzh. I body brush daily to get the circulation going – it takes a few seconds and when done consistently it helps with circulation and cellulite. I’ve had Botox a couple of times, and I’ll probably get it again at some stage!

I have always loved make-up, it is transformative. I know from Ireland AM how well-applied foundation, clever contouring and a slick of gloss can transform how you look and feel. Actually, I did my sister Maggie’s make-up for her wedding and all her bridesmaids too. I loved it and so did the bridal party – there were only tears of joy on the day!

This month I share with you the beauty products that are a constant on my shelf. I hope you enjoy!

1. GOOD FOUNDATIONS

I believe that the key to a polished look is to ace your base. This foundation has been a staple in my bag of tricks for years; it is matte medium coverage with a kiss of pink pearls that promotes luminous colour and an even skin tone.

Clarins, Everlasting Foundation, €31, Brown Thomas

2. CLEAN SWEEP

I discovered this line when I was away with my sisters in Killarney. Light, nourishing and nongreasy, this cleansing oil removes make-up completely, including mascara. Application is a cinch: One pump per cleanse – 100 uses per bottle. It leaves my skin feeling nourished and smooth. I follow up with an old-fashioned pharmacy rose water instead of toner.

Killarney Organic, Luxury Facial Cleansing Oil, Chamomile & Calendula, €24, killarneyorganic.ie

3. COOL TOOL

This gua sha tool has been a gamechanger for at-home facial massage. With regular usage, it promotes circulation, boosts lymphatic drainage and defines facial muscles. There is a knack to using this palm-sized stone and I advise you to look up Agnes online as her tips and tricks are phenomenal.

Stainless Steel Gua Sha, €20, exclusive to faceyogabyagnes.com

4. VERY VICTORIA

Believe all the hype: this is the best eyeliner ever! It is super creamy, delivers a rich, true colour pay-off with a single stroke. I have it in brown and apply it to my waterline. I find it much more flattering than black and it really makes my eyes pop. Adore it.

Victoria Beckham Beauty, Satin Kajal Liner in Cocoa, €30, victoriabeckham beauty.com

5. CREAM OF THE CROP

If you are over 40, you need this, as it’s packed with lots of good-for-skin ingredients to firm and lift. It has the most beautiful silky finish and gives that gorgeous lit-from-within glow. I wear this under my foundation when on Ireland AM.

Clarins, Extra Firming Day Cream, €76, stockists nationwide and Clarins flagship store on Wicklow Street, Dublin

6. GLOWING OUT

The best time to apply your fake tan is at night. I simply mix a few drops of this tanning booster with my moisturiser in the evening and it hydrates and plumps my skin as I sleep. I wake up to a gorgeous bronze glow. All the products in this tanning line are gold standard, they really suit my skin tone and are perfectly priced too.

Bellamianta, Face & Body Tan Booster Drops, €43, Boots

7. MAKING WAVES

I’m a huge fan of this wonder wand and have been using it for more than three years now. It takes me just 15 minutes to create a loose, wavy blowdry. The price might seem high but it is a worthy, lifetime investment and the Coanda effect ensures hair is not exposed to extreme heat or damage.

Dyson Airwrap Styler Complete, €500, Dyson.ie and flagship store on St Stephen Green, Dublin

8. SCENTER OF ATTENTION

I was gifted this fragrance a year ago and have worn it ever since – it has become my signature scent. A wonderful warm, woody floral oriental with notes of pink pepper, nutmeg and moss. It is an intense, sensual scent that lingers ever so beautifully. Adore it!

Maison Margiela, Autumn Vibes, 30ml, EDP, €56, Brown Thomas

9. FACE GYM

EmFace is an intense salon treatment that tones, strengthens and rejuvenates skin. It works by sending electrical stimulation to muscles across your forehead and cheeks. The non-invasive face-lifting treatment takes 20 minutes and the muscles contract 75,000 times per session. The end result is a more defined and scuplted visage. EmFace Treatment, BTL Aesthetics, from €500, btlaesthetics.com

10. SUPER SERUM

I switch up my serums as the seasons change. This elixir is perfect for cooler climes as it is enriched with hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5. It has a gel-like texture that seeps beautifully onto skin, is super hydrating, deeply nourishing, and improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

SkinCeuticals, Blemish + Age Defense Serum, €114, selected stockists nationwide

11. BEST BUDGET MASCARA

This is the best mascara that I have ever used. It is designed to enhance and visibly lengthen lashes in just one coat. I use the black shade and the wand works to lift and curl lashes without clumping.

Essence Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara, €4.25, Penneys and pharmacies nationwide