Louise McSharry: How to get a slick and quick eye look using one product

In my youth, I dedicated hours to ‘getting ready time’. Whether it was for school or a special occasion, immaculately applying make-up was a top priority. These days, there’s never enough time for anything, and even if I manage to put aside time for hair and make-up for a special occasion, I still end up rushing.

For this reason, I have a full arsenal of products which can be quickly and easily applied, including single eye products which deliver a polished and/or striking look. These guys can be applied quickly and easily across the lid, and only require a little blending at the edges with a finger or blending brush. Still, they give the impression that you’ve spent a lot more time on your make-up than you have.

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick in Moonlight (£28) — Laura Mercier’s Caviar Sticks are an absolute staple of my make-up collection thanks to how easy they are to use and how well they wear. I could have chosen 10 different shades but, at the moment, I’m mad about Moonlight, a shimmery pewter which delivers sparkle without sacrificing sophistication.

Armani Eye Tint in 22M (£32) — This liquid shadow doesn’t budge once its applied, and 22M is a matte warm brown which will accentuate blue or brown eyes but truly looks beautiful on all eye colours.

Charlotte Tilbury Eyes to Mesmerise in Pillow Talk (£26) — Shimmery rose shades look soft and pretty on all skin tones, and this product delivers that. Additionally, the inclusion of skincare ingredients means it’s incredibly comfortable to wear and never feels dry of stiff.

E.l.f. No Budge Shadow Stickin Lava Lamp (£6) — Bright colours can look very grown-up when washed across the eye lid, and this green is beautiful. Pair with a nude or peach lipstick and mascara and you’ll look contemporary and stylish with ease.

Hourglass Scattered Light Glitter Eyeshadow in Smoke (£30) — Despite its name, I would categorise this product as a bright shimmer rather than a full glitter. Still, if you want a neutral, sparkly eye, this taupe shadow is absolutely beautiful.

Urban Decay 24/7 Eyeshadow Mono in Solstice (£20) — This warm brown shadow is packed with a blue, micro-fine glitter that changes colour depending on what angle you’re looking at it from. Best applied with the finger to maximise shadow, the finish is almost wet-looking and much more interesting than a standard brown (not that there’s anything wrong with a standard brown!)

Nars Total Seduction Eyeshadow Stick in Don’t Touch (£27) — Eyeshadow sticks or crayons are one of my favourite ways to achieve an eye look with speed as you can be very precise about where the colour goes and they tend to wear well. This one ticks those boxes, and Don’t Touch is a gorgeous light, cool-toned taupe which suits all skin tones.

KVD Dazzle Stick in Hail Surge (£23) — These products pack a punch when it comes to sparkle and can be applied directly from the tube, with your finger or a brush. I also like the cooling sensation they deliver to the skin when applied. Hail Surge is a beautiful sparkling shade of champagne.

Buying Irish

The false eyelash game has changed over the last few years, with at-home kits that offer a natural-looking boost that lasts longer than a night growing in popularity. Wink with Mink is an Irish brand founded by lash artist Shona Mahon which specialises in just that, and it has just won Arnotts’s Pitch ’24 competition. The brand’s Speedy Lash Starter Kit (£31) is an at-home system which delivers customisable and biodegradable lash extensions that can be worn for up to seven days. Lashes are applied under the lash line, allowing them to look more natural, and having used this kit myself, I can recommend it.

Something old…

It used to be that dry shampoo was essentially a heavily perfumed spray powder which absorbed some oil and masked any unpleasant smells which took residence in your hair. Things have changed, however, as the product grew in popularity and brands invested in research and product development to create better options. Living Proof’s Perfect Hair Day Dry Shampoo (£25) broke new ground thanks to a formula which actually cleans the hair by absorbing oil, sweat and odour but then eliminating the powders which have soaked those elements up. You spray the product onto dirty or oily areas, wait 30 seconds for it to activate, and then brush or shake the activated powders out. This product doesn’t leave the hair heavy with residue, or make it look white. Instead, the hair feels genuinely fresh and clean. It also smells fantastic, and continues to smell fantastic with a time-release scent which is effective for up to three days.

… Something new

K18 is a brand synonymous with innovation thanks to its patented K18 peptide which is clinically proven to reverse hair damage. This peptide is the key ingredient in the brand’s hair repair mask, it’s most well-known product, but the brand has grown and now includes a range of products, including protective and reparative shampoos, conditioners and now, dry shampoo. Given the effectiveness of K18’s other products, it’s unsurprising that AirWash Dry Shampoo (£48) is a little different to traditional dry shampoo formulas, although it’s worth noting that it is also more expensive. This non-aerosol product uses new ‘odorBIND’ technology to eliminate odours and replace them with a clean scent for up to three days, while translucent microbeads absorb excess oil without leaving a white cast. The product was designed to be long-lasting and effective, which means it doesn’t leave the hair feeling gritty or sticky, making it easier to last between washes. If you’re trying to cut back on hair washing, this kind of product might be a real help.