About face

Wet weather asks a lot of our cosmetics, writes Phyl Clarke

YOUR MAKE-UP may be picture perfect from the comfort of your bedroom mirror before you leave the house, but how will it look at the other end of your journey? The recent stormy weather, with high winds, rain and hail, asked a lot of your cosmetics. To avoid arriving at work with streaked mascara, a red nose and cheeks wind-whipped to within an inch of their lives, you have two options.

The first is to brave the weather moisturised but bare-faced and "do" your face at your destination. If you don't feel you can make the journey without a brown paper bag over your head, the second option may be just the ticket. You will need to allow more time for the "make-up that stays where it's put" option, but the results are worth it.

1. Moisturise 15 minutes before applying make-up. This allows proper absorption and keeps foundation from sliding.

2. It's vital to prime skin just before applying foundation, to keep things in place, and here are some of the best: Laura Mercier's primer is terrific for all-day hold (€41); MAC's Prep and Prime is said to be a favourite of Victoria Beckham, and whatever else you think about her, you'd have to give her 10 out of 10 for a flawless face in the LA sunshine (€26). Colour Correcting Base by Estée Lauder counteracts redness as well as priming, so it's a two-in-one product (€27). Clarins Instant Light Complexion Perfector brightens skin and holds foundation in place (€26).

3. With these primers, you may find you need to use less foundation, as they smooth and even out the skin. Foundations have come a long way and a thick layer of colour will not ensure a lasts-all-day face. It will just date you. The trick is to use the right texture, even a tinted moisturiser, and apply it only where needed. Using foundation all over the face is old-fashioned, and if you've used concealer judiciously, is not necessary. Some long-lasting foundations: MAC Face and Body make-up (€36) is a favourite for fashion shows, and believe me, things can get hot and bothered backstage, not to mention the stage lighting. It has a lovely natural finish, and as it is also a body make-up, it will stay put. President McAleese is said to have worn it on her inauguration day.

A great value long-laster is Rimmel Lasting Finish (€7.89), with its dewy coverage and staying power. Estée Lauder's best-selling Double Wear is now available in a lighter formula, which lasts and lasts (€34). Elizabeth Arden's Intervene has been making a lot of noise and rightly so. It is a little heavier than others, but can boast of line-smoothing, a soft finish, plus SPF15 (€36). Clinique's Superfit is an oil-free stay-in-place foundation in a great range of colours.

4. Believe it or not, there are primers for your eye make-up too, and they really make a difference. The Trish McEvoy range produces a super one in Eye Base Essentials (€22.50), and Clarins has a matching eye product in its Instant Light range (€20). Benefit's Lemonaid is a lemon-coloured base that lightens and smooths the eye area and makes it ready for shadow application (€23).

5. Waterproof mascara is a must for a weather-proofing your lashes and one of my favourites is Prescriptives Here to Stay 24-Hour longwear mascara (€25).

6. A powder blush will last longer than a cream one.

7. Prep your lips with a little foundation to give colour a base. Use liner to outline and fill in lips. That way, if your lipstick wears off, you will still have a base colour. Always apply lipstick with a brush. Apply one layer, blot back with tissue, then apply a second coat. The longest lasting products are lip stains, but they can be drying, so make sure your lips are in good condition.

The Nars range of stains is highly pigmented and comes in glorious colours. My favourite is Victoire, a deep, browny pink which I blot back to achieve a natural stain and finish with a slick of gloss. Ok, all set, now where did I put that umbrella?

© 2008 The Irish Times

This article appears in the print edition of the Irish Times