I spend an ungodly amount of my life testing products, playing with textures and colours, and sniffing out what’s new and effective in the makeup and beauty world. It’s no hardship, because I’m passionate about what I do and I adore trying out new things. I have slathered on serums, dusted on powders and trowelled on a multitude of body lotions and potions to come up with what I think to be the best, affordable beauty heroes for you this summer.

Foundation

My summer foundation recommendation that gives a matte coverage, hides acne and is perfect for oily complexions is the excellent L’Oreal Paris Infallible Total Cover Foundation from stockists including www.boots.ie for €13.99.

A new product I recently cAme across is by L.O.V, which is available in Shaws Department Stores and selected pharmacies nationwide. When I applied the brilliant Undressed foundation in “fair dream” RRP €11.95, it literally glided effortlessly over my face and neck, leaving a pleasant “naked-skin feeling” all day long.

Always remember to apply your foundation with a sponge and blend it into your skin with a brush – try not to use your fingers, as you are wasting the product – most of it will stay on your hands, not your face!

Mascara

The market is flooded with great mascaras, but I’m loving Maybelline’s latest Lash Sensational Mascara, available from stockists including www.mccabespharmacy.com at €10, which works wonders to doll up your lashes.

Rimmel have also just brought out a new Volume Shake Mascara RRP €10.95. You quite literally shake it to get a perfect amount of clump-free black mascara on the tapered brush that’s been created to reach into the inner and outer corners of the eye for beautiful, look-at-me lashes.

Lipstick

There is nothing prettier that wearing a bright lipstick for summer. LIPaffair by L.O.V has a bright bold colour selection and my summer favourite is Christina’s Red, RRP €11.95. To make your lips look fuller and a perfect shape, always apply a lip liner first. L.O.V – 100% Valentina RRP €6.95 works beautifully with any bright pink or red lipstick as it’s easy to blend, enriched with jojoba oil and vitamin E and is long lasting.

Meanwhile, Bourjois Rouge Edition Velvet Lipstick, available from stockists including www.boots.ie at €12.99, stays perma-perfect for hours. Once it’s on, it’s on.

Also, Elizabeth Arden’s Eight Hour lip protectant sheer lip tints, RRP €23, are flying off the shelves this summer, as this lip treatment has an SPF 15 and will keep lips chap- and crack-free in all weathers. It can be worn under or over your lipstick and will keep your lips kissably soft.

Fake Tan

If you’re anything like me – a slight tan-o-phobe with fair skin – then try this easy-to-apply subtle creamy moisturiser/fake tan combo that comes in two light shades. Dove Derma Spa Summer Revived Body Lotion gradual tan gel will have you looking naturally summer-ready in no time. At the time of going to press, it was available from www.boots.ie at the special price of €4.99.

Rimmel has also brought out Sun Shimmer Instant Tan, which is available from stockists nationwide, including www.mccabespharmacy.com at €8.45. You really can’t beat this beauty. I just mix it with a blob of moisturiser for a speedy golden veil that does not streak, is quick-drying and smells nice. As with all fake tans, always wash your hand straight after application.

Body Lotion

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour All-Over Miracle Oil Spray, RRP €40, is another amazing product that I could not be without. This bottle of delicately floral-scented oil will instantly awaken and refresh dry skin and is especially soothing after you have been in the sunshine and salty sea. I always apply it after a shower, and my skin really feels beautifully nourished in an instant. It works wonders on dry hands, elbows and feet. I also apply it to my hair if it’s feeling dry, it softens my cuticles and my hubby uses it post-shave. A very handy, bring-on-any-holiday beauty product for all the family.

Cleanser

Garnier Skin Active Micellar Cleansing Water, from stockists nationwide including www.boots.ie at €5.33 swipes away your makeup when you apply the water to a cotton pad (not a tissue), banishing grime and freshening up your face. My teenage daughters could not recommend this clear lotion more highly, as both suffer from the occasional breakout – and they couldn’t believe how soothing this cleansing water really is.

Blending Brush

A genius makeup tool that’s causing quite a stir in the makeup world is the handy Oval Blending Brush by P.S. Pro, a “Penney’s finest” product. This handy makeup tool with soft, quality bristles gives you more control when applying your foundation or blending in your blush or contour shimmer powders and, at only €4, it’s a must-have for everyone’s makeup bag. The brush is easily cleaned by using warm water and a teeny dab of washing-up liquid.

Next month, I look forward to telling you all about hairstyle essentials. If you have any queries, email me at dollybuckley1@gmail.com or follow me on Facebook at Dolly Buckley Freelance Makeup Artist.

Special offer

The Beauty Boutique at Rathwood in Tullow, Co Carlow, is currently running an Afternoon Delight deal, which includes a scrumptious cream tea and a choice of two beauty treatments (a Dermalogica facial or a muscle melting massage) for €45. However, Irish Country Living readers can also avail of a 15% discount until the end of May and during June if they mention “Dolly Buckley Beauty Columnist” when booking. Call (059) 915 6847 for further information.