Have you ever stood in front of a cosmetics counter and wondered what on earth you possibly do with all these brushes, potions and lotions? Help is now at hand. Four leading Irish models have stepped forward to reveal some of their own secret tips, and they certainly don't have to cost a fortune...
Louise O'Reilly, plus size model at Models 1:
“As a working model, life can be fairly hectic as you never know where you’re working or what country you’ll be in from one week to the next. When I’m packing, I won’t leave home without my La Roche Posay moisturiser. I always put it on before I apply my foundation to make my makeup last longer or, if I want to have just a touch of coverage, I mix it in with my foundation for just a nice light and healthy glow.
In my handbag I usually carry an Elizabeth Arden bronzer called- sun kissed coral. It’s great for a natural look as it doesn’t go an orange mango tango colour. I also use a small amount on my eyelid if I forget to bring eye shadow. To complement the bronzer, I like to go for a Mac highlighter. I use this just under the arch of my eye brows and also in the tiny socket part of my eyes, so I look more awake after a long day ... trust me it works a charm!
For my hair, my must have product is currently Moroccan Oil. It’s perfect for highlighted hair that has a tendency to look dried out and as a result, will lack a vibrant shine. It may seem expensive at €38, but you don’t need to use that much (roughly a 50c coin sized amount for long hair). It has lasted me about 8 weeks at this point, so I couldn’t recommend it more!”
Miriam Matabaro, model with Assets agency:
“Working as both a model and a beautician, I have had the distinct advantage of picking up beauty tips from renowned make-up artists, leading beauty therapists and top models in the industry. I’d like to share my favourite beauty tips with you, so that you can also have flawless skin without being out of pocket. Firstly, I don’t leave the house until I have cleansed, toned and moisturised my skin. I believe in investing in a good cleanser, so the one I tend to stick with is Thalgo Cocooning Cleansing Milk. You can buy it online or at any beauty salon that supplies it for a cool €25.
As a toner, I use Rose Water, which you can pick up in any supermarket for less than €2! To moisturise, I use Roc Wrinkle Correction Day & Night which goes on special offer all year round in the pharmacy. As the saying goes, “beauty comes from within” which is why you need to nurture it inside and out. I do my utmost to ensure I drink plenty of water and eat fruit and veg every day, exercise regularly, and I try and get my 8 hours beauty sleep.
My all time beauty trick for brightening up your skin is; steam your face over a bowl of boiling water and then exfoliate it with half of a lemon. The anti oxidants and vitamin C will leave your skin looking radiant and it will help with uneven skin pigmentation too. So there you have it, a complete skincare treatment right in the comfort of your own home!"
Niamh Geaney, model and former Miss Kerry 2011:
“As a model your skin is ultra important, so preparation is key before we start loading it with cosmetics. To keep it looking fresh and clear, I swear by Neutrogena Visibly Clear 2 in1 which doubles as a face wash and a mask.
If you see the signs of a niggling spot appearing, then this product can be used in a concentrated area over one or two nights, until it miraculously vanishes. Never fails - and it’s easy on the pocket!”
Naomi Cullen, model with Assets agency:
“One of my top secrets for beautiful skin is to keep your skin hydrated, so I drink lots of water and eat lots of fruit. After doing shoots and shows, I always find my skin really tight and dehydrated. I found the most amazing brand while in Mallorca, it’s a French brand called Caudalie, and they recently came to Ireland and are now stocked in pharmacies nationwide.
They have an amazing range called Vinosource, which is especially for dehydrated skin. I combine their S.O.S thirst quenching serum and their moisturizing sorbet cream, which is also amazing for sensitive skin. Victoria Beckham recently tweeted about how much she loves the brand and its purse friendly too, which is great!
I use a very light foundation by Ken Boylan from his MakeUp/Play range. It is a fantastic cream foundation that goes on so easily and gives me the right amount of coverage. I also would never leave the house without my eight hour cream, it is essential for my lips and hands. I think every model in Ireland has one in their handbag!”
