Looking for make-up essentials that are easily applicable by hand? Check out these gems

My time-keeping skills, or lack there of, are absolutely outrageous, yet somehow I always get stuff done, just in the nick of time. My hubby Will blames my ADHD, but before I even knew I had it, I had figured out ways of doing things at the speed of light and that includes my morning make-up routine.

Forget about brushes or tools that are hard to find time to use when in a hurry. Just use the power of your own hands — freshly washed obviously — and use liquid and balm-like formulas that effortlessly blend into the skin.

Let’s start with foundation. The Erborian CC crème SPF25 (€42.50, Space NK) is a game-changer. You can easily apply this cream with your fingers, just like when you put on day cream. It effortlessly blends into the skin, like magic, the way it changes colour to suit skin tone, giving you a flawless finish. Plus, a little goes a long way, so you don’t need to worry about using too much.

When it comes to concealer, the YSL All Hours Concealer (€34, Arnotts) has everyone I know raving about it. The lightweight formula is fantastic for covering up everything and lasting so long. But don’t forget, when it comes to spots, blend in using a tapping motion instead of rubbing to build up the coverage you need.

To achieve a sun-kissed glow, bronzer is your best friend. The Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Bronzing Cream (€47, Brown Thomas) is perfect for creating that just-spent-a-weekend-in-the-sun look. Simply pat it on with your fingers, then blend it out for a seamless finish. I also use it on my eyes and my décolletage, and even a quick swipe over my pasty paws!

For a pop of colour on your lips and cheeks, try the Yves Saint Laurent Nu Lip and Cheek Balmy Tint (€25, Brown Thomas) — Flush is my favourite colour. This highly pigmented cream is a multi-tasking wonder. Just deposit a small amount on your index finger and tap little dots on the cheekbones, lips, even eyes for a fab flush of colour. The infusion of shea butter makes blending seamless.

And finally, let’s talk about eyeshadow. The Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Shadow (€33, Arnotts), available in a variety of colours and finishes, makes eyeshadow application a breeze. Simply swipe your colour of choice directly onto the eyelids and blend using your fingers. It’s quick, easy and gives you a beautiful result. Ta-dah!

Three of the best... Gift sets

1 Lancôme Hypnôse Drama Mascara Eye Care Set, €38, available in stores nationwide or via lancome.ie Normally the mascara alone is €35, but this set also includes their brilliant Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover, and Advanced Génifique Eye Cream. It’s a no-brainer.

2 Lusso The Luxe Collection, €64.95, lussotan.com Just look at the amount of products you get in this set! It includes the Lusso Tan Primer, Tanning Mousse, Daily Gradual, Mini Bath Bombs, Flawless Tanning Mitt, Exfoliating Mitt, and Sunless Tanning Brush. Amen!

3 Prada Paradoxe Eau de Parfum Set, €113, Boots This set includes a 50ml bottle and a 10ml travel bottle. If you haven’t fallen for this iconic fragrance with delicate notes of neroli, amber accords and a new musk molecule that creates a vibrant warmth and depth, try it now!