Triona McCarthy: Limited on handbag space? Check out these five multi-purpose, make-up and skincare essentials

I’m a big fan of foundations that contain the added benefit of skincare, and Giorgio Armani Designer Lift (€56, brownthomas.com) is a great example. Its luminosity and skin-perfecting qualities make it ideal for all skin types, especially those with dry skin — it actually has an immediate ‘anti-dullness’ effect. And it contains SPF20/PA+++ protection to defend the skin against UVA and UVB rays, while correcting any unevenness in the skin tone and minimising the appearance of imperfections. Marian Keyes is said to be a fan of this foundation — sorry now, I’m going off on one, but how pretty was the portrait of her recently unveiled at the National Gallery?

OK, back to business. We all love the idea of going bare-faced, but don’t always have the confidence to ditch the foundation. Rosalique 3 in 1 Anti-Redness Miracle Formula SPF50 (€33.95, rosalique.ie) is a great product for evening out skin tone and helping to treat skin conditions, as it delivers light coverage and a natural glow to the skin while protecting against harsh UV rays. Developed to treat, conceal and protect redness-prone, sensitive skin, it also soothes conditions such as rosacea, keratosis pilaris and acne, as well as flushed or inflamed skin. So lots to love about this.

Skin Formulas Skin Mist (€45, skinformulas.ie) is another product with many uses. It can be applied throughout the day to rehydrate and plump the skin after cleansing and is also the perfect primer before or after make-up application for an extra boost of hydration. It has ceramide and hyaluronic acid to lock in moisture, strengthen the skin barrier and prevent water loss.

When it comes to cosmetics, those that double up can be very handy, particularly when you’re travelling. The new Lancôme Idôle Tint Liquid Eye-Blusher (€24, boots.ie) is an eyeshadow that can also be applied to cheeks. It comes in seven shades and there’s a choice between two finishes: matte or shimmer. It has a pretty cool applicator that has a flat side to apply shadow and blusher, and a thin side to create bold eyeliner looks.

Finally, Urban Decay Moondust Mono Eyeshadows (€20, arnotts.ie) can be applied as eyeshadow with a finger to build up intense shimmer, or blended with a brush for a diffused glow colour payoff. If you partner it with a primer, you’ll get a more vibrant, crease-free colour that lasts all day, or if you mist your brush with make-up setting spray, you can create a foiled, almost-wet effect.

​Now if you’ll excuse me, I’ve Will’s wardrobe to declutter!

Five of the best beauty gadgets!

Three of the best… Hand Creams

1 Chanel Chance Perfumed Hand Creams, €75, boots.ie We need to talk about these limited-edition, floral-fragranced hand creams from Chanel: Chance, Chance Eau Fraîche, and Chance Eau Tendre. IHow chic! Perfect for major showing off purposes when out and about!

2 L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream, €25.50, loccitane.com Hands down, you can’t go wrong with this legendary hand cream as it’s not only an antioxidant but anti-inflammatory too. I love how the shea butter cream is quickly absorbed, providing eight hours of hydration.

3 Sarah Chapman Intensive Hand Cream, €61, sarahchapman.com It makes total sense that Sarah Chapman would launch a hand cream that harnesses her facial skincare philosophies, which target and prevent visible signs of ageing. Hands up emoji for this little gem!

Valentines scents to make your crush swoon!