Aisling’s Beauty Picks of the Week: smoothing foundation and a serum with a touch of the Don Drapers

Pestle and Mortar Pure Hyaluronic Serum (€42.99)

A high percentage of Hyaluronic Acid in the mix make this a nice moisturising serum. Don’t use it on dry skin as they advise - apply to damp skin and it will absorb better.

Christopher Kane for NARS Violet Atom Illuminating Multiple

This collection will make even the most jaded of us oh so happy, it is beautiful. The ultra bright shades might scare fans of subtle but once applied those blushes and shadows immediately soften and flatter. The multiple initially called to mind those Eighties style lilac lipsticks that turned your teeth yellow and I was afeared until I put it on. It provides a glorious soft sheen to skin - try it.

Ren Instant Firming Beauty Shot Serum (€48)

While I really like this silky serum which instantly delivers hydration to the skin I hate the slogan on the front. “Keep young and beautiful ™”. Maybe Don Draper came up with this tagline because it is just not acceptable to tell women that youth and beauty mean the same thing any more. Stop the presses: older women are beautiful too.

Bourjois Nude Sensation Blur Effect Foundation (€14.99)

Creamy and perfectly matte this is a foundation that will please oily and combination skin types which is best for young skin. The coverage is medium to full and the silicones in the formula ensure that it goes on easily but unfortunately I found very little blurring or softening of lines happening.

YSL Full Metal Shadow (€29, available in May)

I had to let you know about these highly covetable metal wash shadows immediately even though they do not launch for a few weeks.

Ten rich long wearing metallic shades slide on as easily as a lipgloss but will not budge and the packaging is as gorgeous as only YSL can know how.

Aisling Loves...  

Artistry Youth Xtend Lifting Smoothing Foundation SPF20 (€45.95)

Fans of serum type or moisturising foundations will want to try this - I’ve been wearing it non stop since I first got it. It feels light but provides medium to full coverage with a subtle sheen and doesn’t settle into lines or cake even after a long day. The biggest surprise? Move over pyramid schemes and cleaning products; Artistry is an Amway brand.