As we bid adieu to the gloomiest month of the year, let’s march forward with these three beauty must haves for 2012.

FACE

Avon Ideal Flawless Foundation €15.50

Never before have I been complimented so often on my foundation. Avon’s new Ideal Flawless doesn’t officially launch until this month but I’ve had the pleasure of a preview since November (see our interview with Avon expert Jackie Tyson here).

I’ve been an Armani Luminous Silk addict for years and have flirted with other brands, but this foundation has toppled the lot as my new number one. I gave a bottle to my sister (who has slightly drier skin than my combination complexion) to try out too and she’s received the same approving comments sans procurement.

New face of the brand Alesha Dixon said “With Avon’s Ideal Flawless, I’ve discovered a foundation that gives immaculate coverage and celebrates my natural complexion.”While Miss Dixon might be paid to say that, I can in all honesty say I couldn’t agree more.

The foundation gives brilliant coverage without looking like you dipped your face into a trough of it and it works fantastically with all types of complexions. It’s got that Holy Grail dewy finish but it somehow manages to cling on and doesn’t slide around your face as the day goes by. Plus, as it’s less than half the price of my now-retired Armani, it’s a money-saver too.

Availability: If you don’t know any of those elusive Avon ladies who sell the stuff door to door, you can track one down by phoning 01 870 6540 or visiting www.avon.ie

LIPS

YSL Rouge Pur Couture Vernis à Lèvres €33

According to Google Translate this means ‘Pure Red Sewing Varnish to Lips’ and without wishing to sound too gruesome that’s pretty much what it does. Neither a gloss, nor a lipstick, this little wonder product combines the colour density of a stick with the lustrous finish of a gloss that actually stays put.

This mini magic wand is a technological breakthrough from the YSL beauty labs and manages to combine the hold of a stain with the sheen of a gloss, minus the stickiness associated with both.

If you want to get into the sciencey side, its secret ingredient is ethylcellulose, “an ultra-resistant polymer used in the agri-food sector to coat food and give it a tempting shine, blended with perfectly matched emollient oil and silicone oil, and emulsified in an aqueous base.” In layman’s terms, the result is 19 gorgeous shades of long lasting lip lacquer. These little gems launch nationwide on the 15th of February.

Availability: Yves Saint Laurent counters nationwide

EYES

Urban Decay Naked 2 Palette €40

Possibly the most highly anticipated eyeshadow sequel, the Naked2 Palette from Urban Decay has finally arrived in Debenhams and is launched nationwide this month. As the follow up to the cult Naked Palette, it’s got some serious shoes to fill.

The most obvious difference with the new version is the universality of the shade selection. As a blue eyed person, cool-tones Creep and Gunmetal remained untouched at the end of my Naked Palette. This time around they’ve compiled the perfect combination of neutrals to achieve a bronzy-cream daytime look that can be easily smoked out for after-hours thanks to the addition of Blackout (an intense matte black).

So, while €40 sounds a bit steep, it works out at just €3.33 per shade, plus the kit includes a double-ended Good Karma Shadow/Crease Brush and a mini Naked Lip Junkie Lipgloss in a sheer pink. There’s a good mix of shimmers, mattes and glitters and as with the original, the pigmentation is impressive.

If you’re at a loss about which colours to use together, there’s already over 6,000 tutorials on YouTube to give you some tips. Other brownie points can be awarded for the durability of the tin case, making it more portable than the first version. In conclusion, a beauty kit must-have.

Availability: Debenhams nationwide and Debenhams.ie

-    Gillian Brett

Our Muse of the Month is a name you may not be too familiar with just yet, but trust us when we say that you are going to hear a lot more about this girl.

Rooney Mara, the star of The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo, has been on a promotional whirlwind premiering the movie worldwide for the past month, and has been knocking up some serious fashion credentials.

All the big names have been queuing up to dress the actress and she is nicely forming her own personal style. She’s also shown a love of cut-outs – and who could blame her showing off her honed waist after a year of kickboxing in prep for her acting role).

Here are our favourite looks so far…

Pictured from left to right:

Look 1

Opting for an understated look at an Awards gala last week, Rooney teamed a black Miu Miu Resort 2012 dress with beige shoes for an effortless sophisticated style. Rooney hasn’t put a fashion foot wrong since hitting the big screen.

Look 2

Her Lanvin black and beige satin top with black skirt and leather belt at the AFI Awards only confirmed her as a fashion ‘one to watch’. She even finished her outfit off with a pair of black Brian Atwood shoes!

Look 3

Channelling some Parisian chic at the French premiere, Rooney injected some playful glamour in to her outfit with a black sequin Louis Vuitton Pre-Fall 2012 dress, Balmain strappy sandals and a strong red lip. Once again, her look was immaculate, beautiful and softly feminine.

Look 4

At the London premiere, Rooney stepped out in a white full-length Givenchy A/W 2011 Couture gown. The delicate lace and angelic embroidery contrasted greatly with her gothic make-up and harsh fringe, and placed her on many Best Dressed Lists for that week.

In terms of hair and beauty, Rooney has kept her look minimal and flawless opting for subtly-contoured cheekbones, naturally mascared eyelashes (a welcome change from the false-lashed TOWIE’s and Tallaghtfornians) a matte lipstick (red goes really well with her pale skin and dark hair), and always with a swept-back, fringed hairdo.

2012 is going to be a good, and very stylish, year for our Muse of the Month, Rooney Mara.

-    Jennifer Ennis

Want to know how to get Zooey Deschanel’s makeup look from last night’s Golden Globes? Then read on for how to get the look at home using budget products from Rimmel London,  with tips from from celebrity makeup artist Jorjee Douglass who did Zooey’s makeup for the red carpet.

“Zooey is one of my favorite clients because she loves to have fun with her makeup, hair and fashion,” says Jorjee.  “I was inspired by Emma Peel from the 1960’s British TV show The Avengers,” says Jorjee.

Step 1. Start with Rimmel London’s Fix & Perfect Pro Primer which is a must-do step to hydrate and mattify the skin.

Step 2:  Use Rimmel London Match Perfection Foundation in Ivory for smooth lasting coverage.

Step 3: Then apply Rimmel London Match Perfection Concealer in Light and Fair under the eyes and to cover any imperfections.

Step 4:  Emma went for the 1960’s mod look on the eyes, creating a cat eye shape. Use Rimmel London’s Glam’Eyes Professional Liquid Liner on the top of the lid and a feathered line on the bottom. On top of the liner apply Rimmel London Glam’Eyes HD Quad Eyeshadow in Black Cab and English Rose for a soft smokey eye.

Step 5: Finish off the eyes with lashings of Rimmel London Lash Accelerator Mascara.

Step 6: “Keep the rest of this look neutral, highlighting cheeks and adding a touch of colour to lips” says Jorjee. She used some blush on Zooey’s cheeks and Rimmel London Lasting Finish Intense Wear Lipstick in Nude Pink on her lips.

So now you can look flawless while you strike a pose, just like Zooey.

P. S.  Zooey wore a Prada dress at the Golden Globes. See all the style from the red carpet over on our Facebook page.

Perfume is a fail-safe Christmas present and to save you wading through a sea of scents,  we’ve tried and tested lots to come up with the ultimate Christmas perfume list.

For Her

Bottega Veneta EDP

The leather handbag label’s first perfume, this scent is both decadent and subtle. Smells like real leather – in a good way.

Tom Ford White Patchouli

After years of average celebrity endorsed perfumes, trust Tom Ford to get it right.  This deep complex patchouli scent is simply heavenly – one spritz at the Tom Ford counter and you’ll be won over too. €55, Brown Thomas.

Jo Malone English Pear and Freesia

Jo Malone English Pear and Freesia smells of just-ripe pears, blended with delicate white florals mixed with woody Patchouli – a fresh autumnal perfume and a favourite in the WhatSheWears office since it hit the shops last year. €80, 100ml, Brown Thomas.

In fact any of the Jo Malone scents make great presents – the smaller 30ml  bottles make great stocking fillers and birthday presents – a gift any woman is proud to carry in her handbag.

Hermès Kelly Calèche

Hermès Kelly Calèche perfume promises to evoke the soft leather smell of Hermès handbags with subtle floral accents, this is a feminine fragrance with universal appeal.  €74.50 Brown Thomas.

For Him

Beckham Signature

Beckham signature is one of the many fragrances David and Victoria Beckham have created under the dvb fragrances brand.   A complex woody scent, this is a subtle yet sexy smell for your man’s Christmas stocking.

Tom Ford Grey Vetiver

Vetiver is a plant extract used in aromatherapy and in Tom Ford Grey Vetiver it’s a smoky, woody scent.  And as with a Tom Ford suit, this fragrance is classic, manly and stylish.  €60, Brown Thomas.

So get out there and inhale.

As you may have gathered by now, WhatSheWears is a big fan of nail art.  It seems that we’re not the only ones with Kelly Rowland et al rocking out endless nail art creations on TV to mix up their looks.

The influx of nail art experts has helped the trend really kick off here (The Alpha Nail and WAH Nails) being two of my favourites but now brands are offering a DIY version to get the look at home.

One that I tried this weekend was the “real nail polish strips” by Sally Hansen, Salon Effects, in “wild child”, i.e. zebra print. And the proof is in the picture (above).

For someone whose not particularly adept at painting my own nails, these were easy peesy to apply – you just stick ‘em on and file off the excess.

Taking them off when I made a mistake was not so easy, as they really do stick on hard, but with some elbow greese and lashings of nail polish remover later,  I was ready to reapply.

One packet will do a set of nails and there are 9 shades to choose from , ranging from patterns to metallics.

I’m lining up the leopard print and hounds tooth pattern for when this one wears off…

Will you be trying this trend at home?

Availability: €8.95 from selected pharmacies, department stores and grocery stores nationwide.

This week, our shopping list is full of sumptuous skincare must haves for the winter months ahead.

I’ve  been giving my skin some TLC with Boot’s No7 Protect & Perfect Beauty Serum. Now that winter is here and our skin endures harsh temperature changes from freezing cold breezes to warm central heating, it can become dry and tired so it is important to keep it extra hydrated.

Serums are great to apply under your night cream for deeper moisturising, leaving you with soft, smooth and happy skin in the morning!  Availability: Boots, €26 for 30ml.

Jennifer

My winter skin wardrobe feels sorted already thanks to the Nuxe Rêve de Miel range. The lip balm, which takes pride of place in the handbags of celebrity A listers, softens my chapped lips instantly, the honey scented makeup removing gel smells like pure pleasure, while the night cream is the most luxurious I’ve ever experienced.

Availability: Ultra nourishing Lip Balm 15ml €11, Hand and Nail Cream 75ml tube, €12. Facial Cleansing and makeup removing gel 200ml pump bottle, €13.50, Ultra Comfortable Night cream €27 at Arnotts and pharmacies nationwide.

Anne Marie B.

With my baby now due in 12 weeks I have moved into pamper (me) mode! So on my wish list this week is this organic bath and candle pack from Irish owned company Gifted by Nature. They have a variety of different products available on the site but the one I have my eye on is the feel fabulous pack.

In this one you receive a soya candle made with pure essentials oil, a bath and body oil that can be put into the bath or rubbed onto your skin and a facial repair serum with passion flower oil to be applied overnight. Ahh bliss…!

Availability: Giftbynature.ie €42.99

AnnMarie P

Do let us know what you’re buying this week!

We managed to nab celebrity make-up artist Jackie Tyson for a chat about ‘magic wand’ make up tips, the party’s season’s top trends and Avon’s exciting new product launches.

With over 20 years experience in the beauty industry—during which she’s worked on famous faces such as Sienna Miller, Katy Perry and Yoko Ono—we know we’re learning from a true beauty aficionado.

What was it that drew you into the world of make-up artistry?

I always loved make up, I was actually a punk rocker as kid so I would spend hours doing Siouxsie Sioux eye make up with whatever make up I could get my hands on with a student budget! I was good at art in school and loved drawing so when I got to college it was a choice between going to art school or going to London to study beauty.

I chose beauty and just worked up as many contacts as I could. I pestered any photographers I knew to let me do test shoots with them to build up a portfolio. It was all a bit slow and hopeless to begin with but then through word of mouth I was asked to work with some great photographers who also worked with some great music artists which was perfect because music is my second passion.

What was your big break?

My big break was working with a photographer called Andy Earl who in the eighties did album covers for bands like Duran Duran. I just met him randomly as I had a friend who had a recording studio right next to his photographic studio. I would always hang around to see who was going in to be photographed and one day I just got chatting to him.

He’s a really lovely chap, I told him I was a make up artist and as it happened he needed someone the following day for a shoot. I started working with him and he introduced me to artists like The Cranberries, I’d do their album covers and they’d ask me to come and do their videos too so it just snowballed from there.

Who’s been your favourite client?

Oh gosh I’ve got lots; I’ve been working since the eighties so there have been so many from Alice Cooper and Yoko Ono to Steps!  I was in Belfast at the weekend with Kasabian and Coldplay for the MTV EMAs – they’re two great clients as well.

Between working on music videos, magazine editorials and TV what’s your favourite type of work?

I’m happy to do all of them and that’s the joy of my job, I get to do something new and different every day. Literally no day is the same. I did the X-Factor for six years and even that was never the same because you’re never doing the same look twice.

Is there anyone you haven’t worked with yet that you’d love to?

I’d love to work with Lady Gaga because she’s just so different and she uses make up in such a unique way. I think Rihanna’s got a great canvas and I think she’s up for doing interesting things with her look which is great.

What are your ‘magic wand’ on the go products?

A base like the new Avon flawless finish foundation (pictured) can be doubled up as a concealer. I never bother with powder because I like skin to look dewy. A lip colour like the Avon Shine Attract can also be used as a blusher.

I always have a mascara and a black eyeliner, I think defining your eyes is an absolute essential. Eyebrows are also important so a brown eyeshadow can be used for brows and eyelids.

Tell me a bit about the new Avon Ideal Flawless Foundation?

It’s unbelievably easy to use for anyone who struggles with getting a flawless application and it comes in sixteen shades. So many people ask me why their getting their foundation application wrong, this one is perfect as it goes on really smoothly, even without using a foundation brush.

It’s basically because the pigment works with the skin so it doesn’t sink into any dips or wrinkles, giving a perfect finish that looks completely natural and works on young and mature skin types. It’s been four years in the making and I’m just so pleased with it.

I’ve heard contradictory things about going down a shade for the winter and some people advise using the same shade and just adding more bronzer in the summer. What advice would you have on this?

I tend to use different colours according to season because your skin does change. I definitely look paler in the winter so instead of trying to be a colour I’m not,  I prefer to have a perfect match and add bronzer to lightly contour my face—it means no dreaded tide marks!

Tell me a little more about the new lipstick range that Avon are also launching?

The lipsticks have a hydrating gel around the edge so you can either have a sheer wash of colour around your lips that’s almost like a tinted lipbalm, or for more colour intensity you can build up the colour; or just use a lipbrush and dip it straight into the pigment to apply a more concentrated amount of colour to your lips. They’ve got vitamin E so it’s not just a superficial shine, they’re also really moisturising.

They’re perfect for people who want to play with colour but are a little unsure about strongly pigmented lipsticks and prefer more of a balm. The strong lip is a trend that’s going to run right through to next summer and you’ve got all the necessary shades here from hot pink, to red and plum plus many more.

What’s your number one skincare tip?

I use a gentle exfoliator everyday in the shower and moisturising is essential. Find a moisturiser that’s right for your skin type and never forget to use it day and night.

What are the biggest trends for the party season?

Bright, bright pigments are big this year. Reds, pinks and plums will carry you through to Christmas. Big eyes are still very popular and this season both are being combined in what was typically the ultimate faux pas (wearing both lipstick and eye makeup). Go crazy on it, it’s Christmas after all!

-    Gillian Brett

Pictured: The full Shine Attract Lipstick Collection and Ideal Flawless Foundation, both from Avon.

Availibility: The Avon range is not available in the shops but exclusively through independent sales reps.  To find a local Avon Representative,  customers can call 01 870 6540 or visit www.avon.ie.

I’m currently on holidays down under and when in Wellington, New Zealand this week, I couldn’t help but pay a visit to my favourite skin care brand, Trilogy.

As you know, I’m a huge fan of their award winning natural skincare range, which is relatively new to the Irish market, but I quickly learned that Trilogy is a big hit in New Zealand too, where it’s been going strong for nine years now.

The Wellington office is just like their packaging; white with touches of genius inside and I was  warmly welcomed by Emily O’Leary, who Id had the pleasure of previously meeting in Dublin, the Trilogy communications team and one of the Trilogy founders, Sarah

There, I was introduced to new products which will be landing in store before Christmas, including a gorgeous organic instant tan and a Signature Skincare collection box which I just know will make ideal Christmas presents.

That was followed by a master class in “how to make your own moisturizer”, which I duly did by taking a ball of combined rosehip and marula oils mixed with an organic emulsifier and mixing it with hot water, with a syringe and adding a drop of their signature fragrance.

And volia, I was left with a pot of Trilogy Vital Moisturizing Cream, which I named “Kiwi Experience”.

Check out the white coat and glasses I wore for the whole procedure; Emily thought that the glasses went perfectly with my lipstick …the look of a true Trilogist !

As firm followers and users of natural skincare heroes Trilogy, we were secretly hoping that that would add an SPF to their daily moisturiser and heh presto, they did!

With the sun finally starting to make an appearance, these days an SPF moisturiser is a must and the natural action of Trilogy’s Vital Moisturising cream will protect against both UVA and UVB rays, helping to combat signs of aging whilst keeping skin hydrated throughout the day.

The moisturiser is pumped full of gorgeous, natural ingredients including Evening Primrose, Rosehip and Marula oils – all of which leave skin with a healthy glow.

And guess what. We’ve got 5 of them to give away to 5 lucky readers! So if you want to get kitted out in SPF moisturising-loveliness for the months ahead, enter by leaving a comment below (it would be great if you were signed up to our newsletter and a fan on Facebook too).

Availability: Trilogy Vital Moisturising Cream SPF15 costs €30.95 for 50ml tube and is available in Arnotts, selected pharmacies & health food shops nationwide. For a full list of stockists visit www.trilogyproducts.com .

This competition is now closed. Winners have been notified.

The Rules

Leave a comment below. You must be signed up to our newsletter (simply enter your email in the box on the right hand side of this page); and Facebook Page to be eligible, a resident of Ireland; one comment per person; no cash alternative is possible and the competition will close at 12pm on Thursday 14 July 2011 when we will pick the winners at random. The winners will be emailed and announced in our newsletter. Good luck!

In this the second instalment on festival style, we give you the lowdown on what essential toiletries to bring and how to rock like a festival queen makeup wise.

Festivals are one occasion where strong lips, dark eyes and glitter all at the same time isn’t a beauty faux pas, so make the most of the weekend that’s in it.

Day one can be all about impeccable makeup and perfectly styled hair, because you get to apply it at home.  After that, leave your makeup on overnight and just touch it up a little the next day. Smoky eyes are an obvious option and by adding glitter to your cheekbones on consecutive days, you can disguise the fact that you may be looking less fresh faced.

Eye makeup

A dark black eye liner can be correct and precise on day one, and then smudgy on days two and three. A cheaper pencil doesn’t last long, so line your eyes with BAD gal eye pencil (€14.80), by Benefit for extra staying on power.

Lips

Wear a strong, matte lipstick, such as Rimmel Lasting Finish Intense lipstick in Red Hot (€5).

No7 Quick Thinking 4 in 1 Wipes, Boots (€7.70)

When you’re short of time, use these wipes for everything from washing your face, to cleaning your hands on the go to general cleanliness.

Nivea Double Effect mini deodorant (35ml)

Get into the habit of packing light, as no one but yourself is gonna help you carry that bag of yours across the fields until you reach your camping destination!  Boots comes to the rescue with travel sized everything you need such as this mini deodorant.

James Brown dry shampoo, Boots (€2.30)

Let’s face it, the queues for the shower go on for hours, you may not make it to the shower and the Posh Wash really isn’t that posh. So the chances of you washing at all over the weekend are very slim.

If you’ve never used this product before here’s how to use dry shampoo:

Shake the can; hold 20cm away from hair and spray over, concentrating on the roots.  Leave for up to two minutes then brush out until all traces of powder are removed. Erin O’Connor is a huge fan of this when she’s travelling.

Sun protection

It’s too much to bring a whole bottle of SPF, so grab a mini sized bottle – the Suncare SPF 30 On the Go Face & Body Lotion costs just €7.00 from Marks & Spencers for 50ml.

Alternatively, bring along some Estee Lauder Anti-Aging Sun Towelettes for Body SPF15, which are small, individually wrapped sachets of sun protection which slip easily into your pocket or bag. 

Nail Polish

Festivals are the time to experiment with a new shade or some on trend colour that you don’t normally wear – have you tried this summer’s neon brights yet?  Everyone from Chanel to Marks & Spencers has a colour pop of polish in a bottle to suit your budget and fit in your bag.

Top Tip: Add drama by customising your nail colour. Whilst the varnish is still wet, sprinkle some glitter onto your nails and allow to dry for a sparkling Festie manicure!

What will you be wearing to this summer’s festivals? Share your top tip with us below.