I have HAD it with Irish weather.
It’s the unpredictability that gets me because if you knew what to expect, you could at least plan ahead.
However, in a country where the sun is shining in the morning but it’s pouring out of the heavens by lunch, you need to be prepared for all eventualities.
It’s far from ideal when you have to go straight from desk to dinner, and your perfectly-applied make-up has all but evaporated.
This got me thinking that a capsule beauty kit aimed at weather-proofing your face is a requirement for all gals dealing with the much-maligned Irish climate.
I managed to whittle it down to five must-haves, and believe me, that was far from an easy task.
Maybelline Lash Sensational Full Fan Effect, €11.99
Mascara is one of those products that you don’t need to splash the cash on for a good result.
This product is a favourite because you can build up a few layers for intensity, but unlike many mascaras, there’s no clumping.
There’s also inner bristles which manage to coat the tiny lashes at the corner of your eyes, and as it’s waterproof, it’s pretty much Irish weather-proof.
If your eyes tend to tear up when you’re outside in strong winds, then you need a waterproof mascara to avoid those unbecoming runny black streaks.
Fuschia Setting Spray, €23.50
A setting spray is an absolute must if you have any hope at all of your make-up lasting the day. First off, this is a canned spray so the mist is always cool. Great news when the weather has reached epic proportions of humidity and your face needs a cool-down pronto.
It locks your base in place, adds a luminous glow (dewy skin goals), and with the size of that bottle, you won’t have to buy another one for AGES.
NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer, €28
My favourite thing about this concealer is the fact that it’s buildable.
Some concealers start to flake off in unsightly patches when you apply a couple of layers but not with this cult classic.
A good concealer is a must for the aforementioned Irish climate because, chances are, your make-up will melt off regularly. Having walked to work this morning, my make-up suffered for it, but a few swipes of concealer, and the worst of the damage was sorted.
This conceals under-eye circles and covers imperfections, and although it might be expensive in comparison to other options, you’ll soon see the payoff.
Kérastase Discipline Cleansing Conditioner Curl Idéal, €24
Okay, so this one isn’t strictly for your face, but hair has a tough time coping with an Irish climate too.
Some of us Irish gals are gloriously lucky (or unlucky depending on how you view it) to have what’s called a “kink” in our hair.
Try as we might, working against this kink and battling with the hair straightener, never goes to plan, and eventually you just have to give in and embrace the wave.
Once you’ve accepted that smooth straight hair isn’t always achievable, you can work with your curls. This means that when the fab Irish humid weather sets in, you don’t have top worry about your GHD straightened hair frizzing up.
This Kérastase product is a multi-tasker and that equals value for money, music to my bargain-loving ears.
It cleanses and treats curly hair while also softening and enhancing your natural waves.
Benefit The Porefessional, €34
A tried-and-test formula, this is Benefit’s best-selling primer.
Considering it’s a dual-action product that helps makeup stay on for longer and reduces pore size, it’s no major surprise that gals keep re-purchasing.
Any product that’s still being raved about five years after its launch is a classic, and the only problem you’ll have is actually remembering to apply it before foundation*.
When it comes to weatherproofing your make-up, a primer is absolutely essential for a base that lasts all day, and as someone who has large pores, a matte oil-free formula is a must for me.
*I can’t be the only one who struggles to remember moisturiser and SPF and primer and that’s all before you even start on your base. WHO HAS TIME FOR THAT IN THE MORNING.
