IMAGE Beauty Awards 2012

BEAUTY AWARDS
The ultimate and most credible edit
of the year’s best beauty buys,
guaranteed to make you gorgeous.
May 2012 89
ANNOUNCING THE WINNERS ...
... of IMAGE Magazine’s 9th annual Beauty Awards.
We buffed, balmed, puckered up and applied over
500 newly launched products, and the results are
finally in. Yes, it’s the 2012 IMAGE Beauty Awards
and believe us, after a lengthy deliberation, the
results won’t disappoint.
Every year, we assemble a crack team of
independent expert judges to assess the best new
products the beauty industry has to offer. Everything
from skin therapy and haircare to make-up artistry
and spa essentials are thoroughly tested by the best
in the business, putting the IMAGE Beauty Awards
in a league of its own.
As you can imagine, delivering what we believe to
be the most credible and honest beauty awards on the Irish market is an intense
and lengthy process, but after weeks of unbiased testing, our panel of esteemed
judges gathered in the elegant surroundings of Dublin’s Shelbourne Hotel for a day
of passionate discussion over the products that came up trumps and those which
failed to impress. Over the next 20 pages, you’ll find the crème de la crème of
our tested and tried, and, best of all, your keepsake guide to all the beauty buys
you’ll be coveting over the next year.
And if that wasn’t enough, one die-hard beauty lover will be lucky enough
to bag every winning product featured in our awards, worth more than €3,000
(see page 118 for details).
THE CATEGORIES
SKIN-SAVERS...................................... 93
• Moisturisers..........................................94
• Night creams.......................................95
• Eye creams...........................................96
• Serums ...................................................97
• Sun creams...........................................98
MAKE-UP.............................................. 99
• Face bases............................................100
• Eye make-up .......................................101
• Lip make-up.........................................102
• Cheeks & contour..............................104
BODY CARE......................................... 105
• Cleansers ..............................................106
• Hands & feet ........................................108
• Tanning ..................................................110
• Body care .............................................111
Welcome to your essential beauty bible for 2012.
Happy primping.
Liz Dwyer
Beauty Editor
HAIRCARE............................................ 113
• Hair styling ...........................................114
• Haircare .................................................116
EDITOR Melanie Morris BEAUTY EDITOR Liz Dwyer ART DIRECTOR Bill O’Sullivan
COVER PHOTOGRAPH Courtesy of Make Up For Ever BACKSTAGE PHOTOGRAPHS Imaxtree
COMPETITION..................................... 118
JUDGES’ PHOTOGRAPHS Richie Stokes ADDITIONAL STILL LIFE
PHOTOGRAPHS Halo Photography ASSISTED BY Vanessa Cowley and Jo Linehan
STOCKISTS .......................................... 118
100%
HOW THE PRODUCTS WERE JUDGED
All beauty products entered
this year were launched
between April 2011 and April
2012. They were then allocated
to one of four categories: skincare;
make-up; bodycare; and haircare. A judging
panel of independent experts was allocated
to each grouping, and each panel then had
over a month to road test every product. The
judges were then asked to fill out a detailed
form per entry and numerically evaluate each
product based on a list of criteria, including
value for money, product performance, texture,
packaging, scent, durability and
Judges’
colour pay-off. From these forms and from
our judging day at the Shelbourne Hotel, we
calculated an average score out of 100. So you
can rest assured that the IMAGE Beauty Awards
are 100 per cent unbiased and that every
product won entirely on its own merits, without
any external factors influencing the outcome.
STAR
PRODUCT
Judging at the
Shelbourne Hotel, Dublin
90 May 2012
JUDGES’ STAR
PRODUCT
This Beauty Awards icon
highlights a particular product
in each category that the judges
were in raptures over. The product
may not have received the highest
percentage score (it may have scored
lower on packaging or price criteria,
for instance), but it garnered such a
positive response, we felt it deserved
a little extra kudos.
IMAGE BEAUTY AWARDS
HERVE LEGER
SKIN-SAVERS
MEET THE JUDGES 
FROM LEFT Sinead Gallagher, former nurse and co-founder of
Renew Aesthetic Clinic; formerly of Channel 4’s 10 Years Younger,
stylist, beauty guru and broadcaster, Nicky Hambleton-Jones;
Ireland’s own pioneering aesthetic medicine expert and
Venus Medical’s director, Dr Peter Prendergast; and
dermatological consultant, Dr Rosemary Coleman.
May 2012 93
Best for
MATURE SKIN
ESTÉE LAUDER TIME ZONE
NIGHT ANTI-LINE/WRINKLE
CRÈME, ¤66 “This is the only
night cream – in fact, the only
cream – I’ve used that made a
noticeable difference to the lines
around my upper lip. Plus, it left
skin substantially hydrated and
extra-rested in the morning.”
Sinead Gallagher
Judges’
STAR
PRODUCT
76%
Best
INEXPENSIVE
BUY
Best MOISTURISER
THE
OLDER
ONE GETS,
THE LONGER
IT TAKES TO
GO TO
BED.
L’ORÉAL AGE
PERFECT NOURISH
NIGHT BALM, ¤24.99
88%
“This feels like a really
expensive cream to apply.
It’s rich and luxurious and
ticks all the sensory boxes.
Plus, skin feels firmer the
next morning too.”
Sinead Gallagher
THIS WORKS NO WRINKLES MOISTURISER, ¤55
“Slick packaging aside, this moisturiser contains retinol,
which is the gold standard industry ingredient for
wrinkle erasing, but it’s also loaded with hydrating
compounds, which counters the harsh drying effects
normally associated with retinol products, so it’s
win-win.” Dr Rosemary Coleman
80%
PPQ
DR ROSEMARY COLEMAN
75%
NEOSTRATA SKIN ACTIVE MATRIX
SUPPORT SPF 20, ¤56.10 “This has great
Moisturisers
Protect and pamper with these daily skin-savers.
anti-ageing credibility, with decent research to
back up its claims, and lots of cell-rebuilding
peptides. Plus, it has a beautiful texture
and feels really comfortable to wear.”
Nicky Hambleton-Jones
Best for
SENSITIVE SKIN
EAU THERMALE AVÈNE
SKIN RECOVERY CREAM,
¤18.30 “You can’t go wrong
75%
Best LIGHT
MOISTURISER
MAC MINERALIZE
CHARGED WATER
MOISTURE GEL, ¤37. 50
“I wasn’t expecting much
from this cream, given MAC
is fundamentally a make-up
brand, but I gave it one of the
highest marks, as it was so
feather-light in consistency,
yet so moisturising, and it
gives skin the most wonderful
glow. The perfect summer-skin
partner.” Dr Rosemary Coleman
71%
94 May 2012
with this moisturiser: It’s
great value, delivers
super hydration with
a simple, rather than
overly complicated, mix of
ingredients, plus it can help
soothe aggravation, so great
for those with inflamed skin.”
Dr Peter Prendergast
your night creams not
to end up all over your
pillow, this delivered the
‘morning after’ results
you’d expect from a much
richer and thicker cream,
yet its texture is superlight and it sinks in easily.”
Dr Peter Prendergast
Best for
DRY SKIN
NUXE CRÈME
PRODIGIEUSE DAY
CREAM, ¤23 “Dryness
becomes a distant memory
with this rich, buttery
product. It’s fragrance-free,
contains SPF and simple
compounds, which is
what you should expect
of all moisturisers,
instead of a long list of
unnecessary chemicals
and preservatives.”
Sinead Gallagher
75%
Best PROTECTIVE MOISTURISER
80%
NUXE CRÈME
PRODIGIEUSE NUIT,
¤32.50 “If you prefer
ROLAND MOURET
Best ANTI-AGEING
MOISTURISER
Best LIGHT
NIGHT CREAM
SKINCEUTICALS UV DEFENSE, ¤36 “Ninety-nine per cent of
moisturisers with a high ratio of SPF cause skin to flare up, clog pores
or feel greasy and heavy to wear. Not this one, which contains 7 per
cent transparent zinc oxide, so it sinks in instantly and protects all
day without chemical irritation.” Liz Dwyer
78%
Best for
RESURFACING
NEOSTRATA SKIN
ACTIVE CELLULAR
RESTORATION, ¤59.16
59.16
“This night cream contains
glycolic acids, which slough
off dead skin cells while you
you wake u
up
sleep, meaning you
p
unifi
ed
to a brighter, more u
nified
complexion. It also thickens
up the skin and has none of
usual
the u
sual sting or tingling
associated with glycolics.”
Dr Rosemary Coleman
71%
Night
creams
Renew and revive skin with
these late-night gems.
May 2012 95
ISSA
Best
INEXPENSIVE BUY
Most ADVANCED SERUM
LA ROCHE-POSAY
HYDRAPHASE INTENSE
EYES, ¤17.50 “A super-light
EVE TAYLOR ADVANCED SKIN THERAPY,
¤44 “The key active ingredient here, telomere, is
texture that feels hydrating,
cooling and is pretty impressive
at de-puffing. The stimulating
ingredients help to drain lymph
fluid and recharge the skin, without
irritation.” Dr Peter Prendergast
Best for
SENSITIVE SKIN
EAU THERMALE
AVÈNE SOOTHING EYE
CONTOUR CREAM, ¤18.30
“Approximately 48 per cent of
Irish women have sensitive
skin or are atopic. It’s mainly
a result of our environment
– as opposed to genetic
factors – and of course,
the eye area is even more
susceptible, so I’m always
on the look-out for supergentle eye creams, and I’d
recommend this to any of my
clients.” Dr Rosemary Coleman
75%
Eye
creams
Revive tired eyes and
check crow’s feet with
these pro picks.
Judges’
STAR
PRODUCT
Best for
LINES
GUINOT TIME LOGIC
AGE SERUM, ¤120 “With
three small children, I need all
the help I can get in the eye
department, and although
this is an outrageous price,
I’d buy it again. I genuinely
felt there was a difference
with darkness and puffiness,
and lines improved with use.
I’d go so far as to say it’s the
best eye cream that I have ever
used.” Sinead Gallagher
Best EYE CREAM
LANCÔME RÉNERGIE YEUX MULTIPLE LIFT, ¤53 “A winner for
thinking outside the box, or the pot, so to speak. The cream does as it promises
and lifts and tightens the skin around the eyes, which becomes tauter with
daily use, while the cosmetic concealer in the lid gives an instant confidence
boost, as it really brightens up dark circles.” Nicky Hambleton-Jones
96 May 2012
85%
Best
INEXPENSIVE SERUM
A’KIN CELLULAR RADIANCE
SERUM, ¤24.99 “Oils are such
a treat for the skin if you’ve an
arid complexion or are postmenopause. This light serum is
full of good fats and antioxidants,
two key factors in keeping dry
skin supple and youthful-looking.”
Nicky Hambleton-Jones
78%
Best LUXE BUY
GUERLAIN SUPER AQUASERUM, ¤98.60 “A splurge
buy, but it’s super-hydrating
and really feels like a
second skin on. I layer
this under a night cream
and it has the desired
Sleeping Beauty effect.”
Nicky Hambleton-Jones
68%
Best for
CROW’S FEET
74%
Serums
Poll-topping, concentrated
glow-givers.
NEOSTRATA SKIN ACTIVE
INTENSIVE EYE THERAPY,
¤56 “I love this product. I’m
hyper-sensitive around the eyes
and it caused no irritation, despite
its highly potent and effective
ingredients. I’ve used it all up and
am off to purchase another one.”
Dr Rosemary Coleman
71%
Best ALL-ROUND SERUM
SOTHYS HYDRADVANCE INTENSIVE HYDRATING
SERUM, ¤71.35 “I kept returning to this serum over and
over. It gives skin such a moisture boost, you hardly need
any moisturiser and skin is noticeably softer and smoother
the next day, which says it all, really.” Sinead Gallagher
Best
RESURFACING
SERUM
THIS WORKS NO WRINKLES
ACTIVE SERUM, ¤47 “This
gel is laced with decent active
amounts of vitamin C, not
just a little squeeze of
ineffectual citrus. It sinks in
and smells divine and really
accelerates cell turnover.
Within a week, you’ll notice
skin feels smoother and firmer.”
Sinead Gallagher
82%
Best for
EYE LIFTING
THE HARLEY
MEDICAL GROUP
PERFORMANCE
EYE LIFT, ¤59
68%
93%
the next big thing in skincare, and kudos to Eve for
being one of the first to market with it. As we age,
DNA strands shorten and thus cells deteriorate.
Telomere helps repair and prevent further DNA
damage, so it effectively halts Mother Nature in
her tracks.” Dr Peter Prendergast
ANNA SUI
78%
“This is like a Cinderella
eye cream. You pop it on
and it instantly pulls the
skin around the eye area up,
tightening and smoothing
out lines and sagging.
But unlike other eye
lift products, it doesn’t
feel uncomfortable or
scratchy to wear.”
Nicky Hambleton-Jones
79%
SKINCARE COMPANIES
NEED TO STOP ADDING SO
MANY UNNECESSARY INGREDIENTS,
FRAGRANCES AND CHEMICALS.
CONSUMERS NEED SIMPLER
PRODUCTS AND MORE OF
WHAT’S GOOD FOR THE SKIN.
78%
Best for DULL SKIN
ESTÉE LAUDER IDEALIST EVEN
SKINTONE ILLUMINATOR, ¤80 “This
has the instant gratification factor, and
immediately skin looks more unified, glowing
and imperfections less obvious. It’s a marvellous
base for make-up, but its effects are not just
superficial, as it works at a cellular level, renewing
skin from within too.” Dr Rosemary Coleman
NICKY HAMBLETON-JONES
May 2012 97
IMAGE BEAUTY AWARDS
Best KIDS’ PRODUCT
MAKE-UP
NIVEA SUN POCKET SIZE,
¤26.22 “Kids love the fun
packaging of this cream and it’s
handy to pop into school bags
or sports kits, and your own
handbag too when you’re
caught on the hop.”
Sinead Gallagher
74%
Best SUN CREAM
HAMILTON OPTIMAL SPF 30+,
¤33 “This is a bit thick and white on
82%
application, but it sinks in after about
ten minutes and it’s seriously good.
If you’re going to play sports all day, it’s a
perfect activity block when you just want
to put on one layer and forget about it.”
Nicky Hambleton-Jones
68%
Most INNOVATIVE SUN PRODUCT
AVON ANEW SOLAR ADVANCE EYE & LIP, ¤20
“A great one for beach bags, as the gloss protects and pretties up your
pout, while the eye cream reminds you to pay special attention to the
delicate area and all but makes you add another layer of protection.”
Nicky Hambleton-Jones
Shield your skin from raging
rays with this protective kit.
Best SUN
MAKE-UP
EAU THERMALE AVÈNE
VERY HIGH PROTECTION
EMULSION SPF 50, ¤20.33
“It’s good to see hybrid products
from the suncare and
cosmetic markets that
are well thought out, as
normally they fall short. This
handy compact gives a nice
golden glow, helps keep skin
matte, and imparts high protection
in one hit.” Dr Rosemary Coleman
69%
98 May 2012
Best
FACIAL
SUN CREAM
GIVENCHY HYDRA
SPARKLING FLUID
SPF 30, ¤52.50
“This is my new day
cream: It’s luminising,
protecting, smells
great and for me, is
a one-stop-shop
replacing the need for
separate moisturiser
and SPF products.”
Nicky HambletonJones
FOR ADEQUATE DAILY
PROTECTION, COCKTAIL
A LITTLE HIGH SPF IN WITH
YOUR DAILY MOISTURISER IN
THE PALM OF YOUR HAND
AND APPLY LIBERALLY.
LIZ DWYER
PIN-UP STARS
AGOGOA
Sun
creams
78%
MEET THE JUDGES 
FROM LEFT One of Ireland’s most established make-up artists, and
editorial favourite, Leonard Daly; Chanel ambassador and international
make-up artist, Christine Lucignano, represented on the day by her
assistant, Aoife Redmond; Irish beauty expert and Ireland AM personality,
Laura Bermingham; Ken Boylan, international make-up artist, who
recently launched his own make-up emporium and range, Makeup/Play.
May 2012 99
Best EYELINER
Best MINERAL
MAKE-UP
MAYBELLINE GEL
EYELINER, ¤11.99
“This has the perfect gel
liner texture and
consistency, and the
brush is surprisingly
well-engineered and
easy to use. A genuine
bargain at this price.”
Laura Bermingham
THE BODY SHOP EXTRA
VIRGIN MINERALS, ¤22.50
78%
“A fab creamy mineral product
with a surprisingly good brush,
it buffs into skin easily and
doesn’t leave behind that awful
telltale chalky finish normally
associated with minerals.”
Christine Lucignano
Best
COLOUR
CONCEPT
92%
90%
84%
Best EYE
SHADOW PALETTES
SMASHBOX PHOTO OP EYE
ENHANCING PALETTES, ¤39
CLARINS EYE QUARTET
MINERAL PALETTE, ¤40
“I’m always asked what are the best
colours to use on blue/brown/green
eyes, and these clever palettes take
the guesswork out of it for you, as
there is one for each eye colour,
with six complementary shades
to blend into simple day and
night looks.” Liz Dwyer
Best INEXPENSIVE
FOUNDATION
87%
MAYBELLINE CAT EYES MASCARA, ¤12.39 “The
85%
STAR
PRODUCT
STAR BUY
the Rolls-Royce of foundations.
It’s longwearing, but that doesn’t
mean you are sacrificing radiance.
It’s a little more matte than the
other Chanel bases, but more
velvety smooth than flat and
powdery.” Laura Bermingham
98%
Judges’
Best BB CREAM
GIORGIO ARMANI DESIGNER
LIFT, ¤50 “This is Armani at its
best, imparting its trademark silky
finish to skin, but it also tightens
pores and lifts the facial contours
too, with optical pigments
and a tautening complex.”
Leonard Daly
CHANEL
ILLUSION
D’OMBRE,
¤28.50 “These
CHANEL PERFECTION
LUMIÈRE, ¤44 “This is
ESTÉE LAUDER DAYWEAR
ANTI-OXIDANT BB CREME,
¤40.50 “If you like your products to
Best
for
MATURE SKIN
80%
as you pop it on assuming it’s like an
ordinary kohl pencil, but it actually
transpires to give a remarkable gellike liner effect. Brilliant for those
who just cannot master the whole
brush-and-pot thing.” Leonard Daly
78%
Best EYE
SHADOWS
Judges’
84%
claw design of this wand is genius – it grabs every single
lash with minimum effort and coats each one with a thick,
glossy, black coat. Two coats, and you have a fierce
flutter. Maybelline’s best mascara to date.” Liz Dwyer
AVON SUPERSHOCK GEL
EYELINER, ¤8 “This was a big surprise,
multi-task as hard as you do, then this
is for you. It acts as a good moisturiser,
sun factor, illuminator, primer and
light foundation, all in one. Genius
product.” Laura Bermingham
87%
Best CONCEALER
ESTÉE LAUDER DOUBLE WEAR STAY-IN-PLACE
CONCEALER, ¤23 “This is superb at camouflaging
broken veins, blue eye bags and roaring blemishes and,
as you’d expect from the Double Wear family, it won’t
budge until you scrub it off at night.” Ken Boylan
STAR
PRODUCT
88%
creams blend like
butter on lids and
require zero skill
to achieve a really
deep, expensive
finish, and they
have just enough
glitter to make
them sheen, rather
than sparkle.”
Ken Boylan
Best MASCARA
LANCÔME HYPNÔSE DOLL EYES
MASCARA, ¤25.50 “A stroke of genius for
lashes. The wand is engineered in such a way to
make the outer lashes full and feline, and the
inner small and defined. It lengthens, curls,
volumises and gives a Bambi-like finish.”
Christine Lucignano
93%
CACHAREL
RALPH LAUREN
mousse technology that only a few high-end brands
are harnessing right now, at crazy prices. It gives a
beautiful soft-focus finish to skin and it feels like your
skin can breathe when wearing it.” Christine Lucignano
Flawless skin can be yours
with these brilliant bases.
Best EYE PENCILS
Best INEXPENSIVE MASCARA
MAYBELLINE DREAM NUDE AIRFOAM
FOUNDATION, ¤13.59 “Shockingly nice, this uses
Face bases
“Loving the very wearable colour
combinations here. You would use all
four of them, and Clarins has made
the two shades you use more often
that bit bigger, so they all run out at
the same time.” Laura Bermingham
Eye make-up
Our experts’ pick for a feline flutter and sultry stare.
May 2012 101
Best LIP
GLOSSES
L’ORÉAL GLAM
SHINE 6 HOUR LIP
GLOSS, ¤12.99
“Great selection of
zingy shades, plus
they have a little
iridescence in them
too, which gives the
illusion of fuller, juicier
lips. They last as long
as any of the designer
glosses, and the
applicator is the perfect
shape.” Leonard Daly
86%
Best
INEXPENSIVE
LIPSTICK RANGE
KATE MOSS LASTING
FINISH LIPSTICK
COLLECTION BY
RIMMEL, ¤6.94 “The
74%
colour pay-off in this
collection is sensational, and
everyone I know who has
tried the red shade has been
converted. Superb price points
for such a high performance
product.” Laura Bermingham
Best LIP PENCILS
Best LIP STAIN
CLINIQUE CHUBBY STICKS,
¤19 “These are great fun to use
SMASHBOX LIMITLESS
LIP STAIN & COLOR SEAL
BALM, ¤26.43 “Most stains
and give a gorgeous fruity glow
to the mouth, whilst feeling
really moisturising. Use alone
or under lippy for a serious
colour surge.” Liz Dwyer
dry out lips no end, but these
pens have overcome that with
a decent balm at the other
end. The colour intensity is
amazing, and it’s a great
way to try a loud pout
without looking too
try-hard.” Ken Boylan
84%
88%
80%
Best LIP
BALM
Lip
make-up
Polish up your pout with
these lip-saving treats.
I’VE YET TO USE A
LONGWEAR LIP COLOUR
THAT DOESN’T LEAVE LIPS
FEELING LIKE SANDPAPER
THE NEXT DAY.
102 May 2012
Best LIPSTICK
RANGE
CHANEL ROUGE ALLURE
VELVET, ¤30.50 “This
90%
lippy range is just made to
be coveted, from the sleek
casing to the silky texture.
The finish is matte, but
not chalky, and the
colours are sublime. It’s
posh pouts personified.”
Christine Lucignano
LAURA BERMINGHAM
Judges’
STAR
PRODUCT
cult classic has been
reformulated, so it’s even
better than before. You
spot this in every make-up
artist kit, as it has such
restorative and hydrating
ingredients.” Leonard Daly
CARO LINA HERR ERA
LOUIS VUITTON
SMITH’S ROSEBUD
SALVE, ¤8.95 “This
97%
STAR PRODUCT
YSL ROUGE PUR COUTURE, ¤33 “Part gloss, part
lipstick, part stain and part balm, they leave a gorgeous
film of moist colour on lips, which lasts forever, and
they’re great for making small lips look full and sexy too.”
Leonard Daly
Best LIP PENCILS
MAC PRO LONGWEAR LIP PENCILS,
¤19 “When the people at MAC say longwear,
they mean business. I tested these on the
back of my hand first and the colour
was still going strong three days later.
They’re equally as impressive on lips
too.” Laura Bermingham
87%
May 2012 103
IMAGE BEAUTY AWARDS
Best BRONZER
LANCÔME MINERAL MATTE
STAR BRONZER, ¤37 “As pale as
I am, I can use this bronzer and have
no fear of having a zebra moment.
It blends beautifully and
contains an SPF 15 too, and the
compact is a decent size, which
allows you to get a good swirl of
the powder brush going too.”
Laura Bermingham
83%
Best PRO
BRUSH RANGE
90%
SHISEIDO, FROM ¤30
BLUMARINE
“Trust the Japanese to agonise over
every strand of hair and how each
one glides over the facial contours.
The result is the most perfect and
easy-to-use brushes ever. Even if
you are a total clutz at make-up
application, these will do the work
for you.” Laura Bermingham
83%
Cheeks
& contour
Judges’
STAR
PRODUCT
BODY CARE
Best
HIGHLIGHTING
PRODUCT
SMASHBOX HALO
HIGHLIGHTING WAND,
¤34.56 “It’s hard to find
an illuminator that doesn’t
make it look like you fell
onto a pot of fairy dust.
This wand is subtle shimmer
at its best. Pop it on
cheekbones, décolletage,
cupid’s bow, brown
bones and anywhere
you want to dazzle.”
Christine Lucignano
Sculpt, illuminate and contour with
these cheeky winners.
Best CONTOUR
PRODUCT
78%
95%
Best INEXPENSIVE
BRUSH RANGE
TOM FORD SHADE AND
ILLUMINATE PALETTE, ¤67
“Demystifying the whole shade and
contour quandary, Tom Ford has
made sculpting your face a simple
two-step affair. Pop the dark cream
in hollows and the lighter one on
contours and blend out with fingers.
The textures become imperceptible,
but the effects obvious.” Leonard Daly
104 May 2012
CATRICE BRUSHES, ¤3.50
“It’s scandalous, these guys can make
such good-quality and well-shaped
brushes for this price. I went straight
into Penneys and stocked up on
every product and brush in the
entire range for my kit, I was so
impressed.” Christine Lucignano
95%
NYC BLUSHABLE
CRÈME STICK, ¤3.50
“This is a carbon copy of
the blush pots from a very
well-known, expensive
American make-up artist
brand. Pop onto apples
of cheeks for a foolproof
flush that stays put for
hours.” Ken Boylan
DOLCE & GABBANA
Best
BLUSHERS
MEET THE JUDGES 
FROM LEFT The founder of Bespoke Beauty, and presenter of
TV3’s Celebrity Salon, Elaine Butler Doolin; hand and foot mecca,
Mink Spa co-owner, Kate Verling; Noelle O’Connor, owner of the
Elau salon chain and one of Ireland’s leading beauty entrepreneurs
who created TanOrganic; Susan Fox, owner of Eden Beauty Group.
May 2012 105
Best LUXE BUY
CHANEL SUBLIMAGE ESSENTIAL COMFORT
CLEANSER, ¤80 “So good to use, it ’s almost
sinful. It lathers up into this silky foam that
leaves skin feeling clean but still cushiony, as if
you have treated it to a mini-facial.” Susan Fox
88%
75%
Best FOAMING CLEANSER
NUXE RÊVE DE MIEL FACE GEL, ¤13.50
“This light gel smells delicious, with natural honey
and caramel essences, and works into a great lather
that melts off your face, removing all the badness
the day has left behind.” Noelle O’Connor
STELLA M CCARTNEY
Best EXFOLIATOR
Cleansers
L’OCCITANE ANGELICA
EXFOLIATING GEL, ¤22.50
“The beads in this were tough
enough to
slough off
dead skin, but
with a smooth
coating so
not t o tear
the face off
you. It leaves
skin feeling
like polished
marble.”
Susan Fox
80%
Best PEEL
SKEEN PEEL, ¤45
Buff, balm and bathe your way to
peachy, soft skin with these star picks.
Best for
SENSITIVE SKIN
Judges’
STAR
URIAGE LAIT DÉMAQUILLANT,
¤14.74 “If you have sensitive
skin, eyes or wear contacts, this
is a lovely gentle cleanser that
erases the most stubborn of eye
make-up without having to go
hell-for-leather with cotton pads
and product.” Kate Verling
PRODUCT
Best
CLEANSER
84%
106 May 2012
“We need to get
over our fear of peels.
They’re the best way to
break down the film of oils,
dead skin and dirt, which
smother skin, and
block ingredients
from skincare
products having
any effect. This is a
brilliant at-home peel,
which is gentle enough to
use once every fortnight.”
Noelle O’Connor
EMMA HARDIE AMAZING
FACE CLEANSING SYSTEM,
¤49.99 “This is like a three-in-one
cleansing system – the botanical balm
makes for superior cleansing and leaves
skin so soft, you can skip moisturiser,
or at least night cream, while the
rosehip seeds and polishing cloth are a
powerful exfoliating duo.” Kate Verling
92%
77%
Best TONER
ENVIRON AVST MOISTURISING
TONER, ¤40 “This toner is
brilliant at closing up pores while
respecting the skin’s natural
balance, but it goes a step
further with Ethoxydiglycol,
an ingredient that increases
efficacy of everything else
you use on top of it.”
Elaine Butler Doolin
80%
RUFFIAN
Hands
& feet
For decadent digits
and flirty feet, try
these pro picks.
Best NAIL COLOURS
REVLON NAIL ENAMEL, ¤9
“This range gives the designer brands
a run for their money as it’s hot on
their heels with all of the It shades,
but given it’s been making nail
polish for over 80 years now, it’s got
the edge on formula.” Susan Fox
Best HAND CREAM
86%
CRABTREE & EVELYN POMEGRANATE HAND
THERAPY, ¤8.50 “Gorgeous scent, packaging and texture.
90%
When you’re working in a salon or lab, with chemicals all
day, your hands get destroyed and this really did the trick
without leaving any greasy residue.” Noelle O’Connor
Best
NAIL
POLISH RANGE
Best FOOT
PRODUCT
SALLY HANSEN COMPLETE
SALON MANICURE, ¤6.55
“This magic polish eliminates the need
for a base coat and a top coat, and the
brush makes for easy painting too.
Two coats give nails an amazing
high shine, which has great
staying power.” Elaine
Butler Doolin
Judges’
STAR
PRODUCT
108 May 2012
85%
ELEMIS TREAT
YOUR FEET
FOOT CREAM,
¤18.30 “When feet
87%
are 50 per cent of
your business, you
develop a new
level of respect
for a decent
foot cream, and
this one ticks all
the soothing and
softening boxes
and feels like a real
pampering treat.”
Kate Verling
65%
Best for
PROBLEM
HANDS
AND FEET
THE BODY SHOP
HEMP HAND
OIL, ¤11.95 “For
anyone suffering from
dermatitis, this works
a treat at healing up
irritation, and nourishes
skin too.” Susan Fox
Best FIRMING PRODUCT
Best INSTANT TAN
CLARINS EXTRA-FIRMING BODY CREAM,
¤47. 50 “Clarins just has the edge on bodycare
MAC SKINSHEEN LEG
SPRAY, ¤28 “Although meant
products. This lotion is like polyfiller for the
body, but in a good way: It lifts and tightens
and seems to fill in all the cracks and bumps
in the process. Skin looks genuinely better
after a few weeks’ use.” Elaine Butler Doolin
for legs, I’ve used this all over,
as it goes on like butter and
gives just enough colour to
let your natural skin tone
shine through, but still masks
imperfections, evens out skin
tone, and gives a credible
golden glow.” Elaine Butler Doolin
78%
83%
Best
HEALING PRODUCT
Judges’
80%
STAR
PRODUCT
85%
STAR PRODUCT
L’ORÉAL SUBLIME MOUSSE,
¤18.99 “When you apply this,
you could be forgiven for
thinking it was an instant tan,
as the colour and coverage
is so good immediately,
yet it develops even
deeper and lasts for almost
a week without the need for
a touch-up or lots of moisturising
maintenance.” Liz Dwyer
TRIUMPH
Go from bronzed to baked
with these jet-setting fakes.
Best NATURAL TAN
79%
ST TROPEZ NATURALS SELF TAN LOTION, ¤35.65
“Unlike other tans with natural/organic ingredients, you don’t
have to put up with it fading and cracking off weirdly. It
performs as well as the original and delivers great long-lasting
colour without the worry of unnecessary chemicals.” Kate Verling
Best FACIAL TAN
ST TROPEZ SELF TAN FACE
CREAM, ¤27.95 “This is more
of a gradual tanner for the
face, with the added
bonus of a really high SPF.
It’s really moisturising and
builds up over a few days
to give a soft, sun-kissed
glow without clogging pores or
leaving behind a dirty build-up
of old tan.” Noelle O’Connor
84%
110 May 2012
Best BODY OIL
Body
care
BUSBY LIQUID GOLD PURE TISSUE OIL, ¤15 “This is
packed with all the most nourishing and healing skin oils.
I used this on my body, hair and face until there was not a
drop left, and even found it helped with my psoriasis. Brilliant
price point for such an effective multi-tasker.” Susan Fox
89%
Tanning
Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream and
Sudocrem, only better. It clears up eczema
patches, blisters, blemishes and babies’
bottoms too. A brilliant all-rounder and
must-have for the medicine cabinet and
handbag too.” Kate Verling
73%
Limber up with
these bodyperfecting potions.
Best BODY EXFOLIATOR
Best
DARK TAN
74%
HE-SHI DARK FOAMING
MOUSSE, ¤30 “We’ve been noticing
a trend in tanning for either really dark
or really light these days, so if you’re
after the former, this is just the ticket.
The mousse is malleable enough to
massage in evenly, but light enough
to dry in two minutes.” Susan Fox
SAI-SEI MINERAL INVIGORATE BODY SCRUB, ¤32
“When a product says it’s invigorating, it’s normally
marketing speak, but this does just that. It smells like a
Japanese garden, has the most perfect consistency, and
really wakes up your body.” Kate Verling
Best NATURAL
BODY MOISTURISER
DR HAUSCHKA
LEMONGRASS, ALMOND
AND SANDALWOOD
BODY MOISTURISERS,
¤23.95 “Brilliant functional
82%
APPLYING FAKE TAN IS
LIKE SPRAY-PAINTING A
CAR. YOU HAVE TO DO IT IN
LIGHT LAYERS. IF YOU APPLY
TOO MUCH OR TOO
THICKLY, IT CONGEALS.
NOELLE O’CONNOR
AGOGOA
LA ROCHE-POSAY CICAPLAST
BAUME B5, ¤12.50 “This is like a hybrid of
packaging and wonderful for
sensitive skin. They all contain
really high-end ingredients,
but I was particularly drawn to the
lemongrass one.” Noelle O’Connor
Judges’
STAR
PRODUCT
STAR PRODUCT
TOM FORD NEROLI PORTOFINO BODY
SCRUB, ¤56 “This is such an indulgent scrub,
you feel like you’re actually bathing with
Tom Ford himself in the tub. Every one of your
senses is lulled into his luxe realm. I think I’d like
to be buried in a vat of this, please.” Liz Dwyer
92%
May 2012 111
IMAGE BEAUTY AWARDS
LUCA LUCA
HAIRCARE
MEET THE JUDGES 
FROM LEFT The man behind Ranelagh’s legendary salon and head
stylist in store, Jim Hatton; winner of the IMAGE Fashion Award at
the Wella Trend Vision Awards and owner of his eponymous Limerick
salon, hair artist Niall Colgan; über-cool South William Street salon
Cowboys & Angels’ senior stylist and owner, Valerie Patterson;
award-winning celebrity stylist and industry favourite, Billy Orr.
May 2012 113
STAR PRODUCT
JOHN FRIEDA 3-DAY
STRAIGHT, ¤6.98
“This is a big breakthrough
in haircare, like the original
Frizz Ease was back in the
1990s. It’s a keratin spray,
which you spritz in prestyling, and it makes
hair much stronger,
shinier and
sleeker. Moreover,
it makes it sit
in the style you
intended for two
to three days.
A steal at this price.”
Valerie Patterson
92%
Judges’
STAR
PRODUCT
Best for
SHORT HAIR
CHALAYAN
WELLA
PROFESSIONALS
SHAPE SHIFT, ¤13.75
“This is wicked for
getting short hair
to mould into a
shape you like. It
holds great, is nonsticky, and doesn’t
leave a gummy
build-up behind.”
Valerie Patterson
Hair
styling
80%
Create big, bespoke and
better styles with these
sculpting saviours.
Best BRUSHES
Best for
CURLY HAIR
DENMAN D3 CLASSIC
STYLER, ¤7.34 “Paddle
FRÉDÉRIC FEKKAI POT DE
CRÈME, ¤40 “Coarse, curly
hair will love this balm. Scrunch
through hair before blow-drying
and it’s as if you used tongs to
get soft waves.” Jim Hatton
Best for SHINE
ROCO HAIR SHINE, ¤15.95
“I’d never encountered this
brand before and was blown
away at how it left hair. Locks
literally look like glass when
you use with a straightener.
Amazing stuff.” Billy Orr
114 May 2012
82%
77%
brushes have taken
centre stage for the last
few years, but using the
Denman again made
me remember just how
brilliant they are, especially
for shorter or finer hair.
A cult classic for a reason.
Plus, loving their makeover.” Billy Orr
92%
Best
HAIR DRYER
DIVA REBEL
PROFESSIONAL HAIR
DRYER, ¤49.99 “Possibly
89%
the prettiest hair dryer
ever made, but it also cuts the
mustard with regards to a decent
motor, high wattage, speed
settings, a lightweight body,
and a slim nozzle for controlled
styling. Love it.” Niall Colgan
Best HAIR OIL
L’ORÉAL PROFESSIONNEL
MYTHIC OIL, ¤19 “A brilliant
all-round dry oil at a great price, which
works just as well on fine hair as it does
on thick tresses. Pop on before styling
as an added hair treatment, or dab on
afterwards to finish, combat frizz and
add sheen and gloss.” Niall Colgan
89%
83% Best CONDITIONER
& SHAMPOO
OJON DAMAGE REVERSE SHAMPOO
& CONDITIONER, ¤24 “This range is
huge in the States. It contains an exotic oil
compound infused into luxe shampoos and
conditioners for daily use. Brilliant
at taming rough or very coloured hair,
and a little goes a long way.” Billy Orr
Best
INEXPENSIVE
RANGE
86%
love or hate the Aussie
fragrance, which is akin to
very sugary sweets. If you
love it, then you’re also
getting a brilliant shampoo
and conditioner thrown
into the bargain, full of
restorative ingredients
and no silicones and the
like, which weigh hair
down.” Billy Orr
ANNA SUI
AUSSIE MIRACLE
MOIST, ¤7 “People either
Best
INEXPENSIVE MASK
L’ORÉAL ELVIVE TRIPLE RESIST
REINFORCING MASQUE, ¤7.06
“I gave this to one of our top stylists,
who never uses anything but
prestige brands on her very
distressed hair, and she came
back looking for another tub
of it, swearing it did more good
than any of the pricey in-house
masks ever has.” Niall Colgan
82%
Best SCALP
TREATMENT
KIEHL’S MAGIC
ELIXIR, ¤19 “More
and more clients are
coming to me with dry,
problematic scalps,
and the penny is finally
starting to drop that you
need to treat your scalp
like your skin, and this
oil makes for a much
happier and healthier
hair environment.”
Valerie Patterson
77%
Haircare
Rescue, relax and repair with
these poll-topping hair heroes.
STAR PRODUCT
KÉRASTASE MASQUE FORCE
ARCHITECTE, ¤35.30 “I’m still amazed
at what this mask can do to really damaged
and sensitised hair. It manages to infuse
strength back into each strand, as well as
shine and elasticity, so it reduces breakage
and prevents more problems.” Jim Hatton
Judges’
STAR
PRODUCT
93%
WIN
THE WINNERS
TO BE IN WITH A CHANCE
TO WIN ...
Simply text the word IMAGE,
followed by your full name to 57003*.
Alternatively, post your entry,
including your name, address and
daytime telephone number to IMAGE
Beauty Awards Competition, PO Box
DLY79, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin to
reach us by May 16, 2012. The winner
will be announced in the beauty
pages of the July issue of IMAGE.
One lucky winner will
get the chance to win all
the products featured
over the last 20 pages.
The prize, worth over
€3,000, means one
reader will scoop the
very best of the past
year’s beauty launches.
abc
Beauty Awards Stockists
A’kin, at Arnotts. Arnotts,
12 Henry Street, Dublin 1, 01 805 0400.
Aussie, at pharmacies nationwide. Avon,
find a representative at avon.com. Boots,
1890 708091; boots.ie. Brown Thomas,
Dublin, 01 605 6666; Cork, 021 480 5555;
Limerick, 061 417222; Galway, 091 565254.
BT2, Blanchardstown, 01 860 6540; Dundrum
Town Centre, 01 296 8400; Grafton Street,
01 605 6747. Busby, at pharmacies
nationwide. Catrice, at Penneys and Dunnes
Stores. Chanel cosmetics, at department
stores; 01 463 7379. Clarins, at department
stores and pharmacies; 01 284 6477.
Clerys, 01 878 6000. Clinique, at department
stores and pharmacies; 0044 870 034
2566. Crabtree & Evelyn, at select pharmacies.
de
Denman, at pharmacies nationwide.
Diva, at Salon Services. Dr Hauschka, at
pharmacies nationwide. Dunnes Stores, St
Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre, Dublin 2,
01 478 0188; and branches; dunnesstores.ie.
Eau Thermale Avène, at pharmacies
nationwide. Elemis, at department stores.
Emma Hardie, at Arnotts. Environ, at salons.
Estée Lauder, at department stores and
pharmacies; 0044 870 034 6700.
Eve Taylor, at evetaylor.ie.
118 May 2012
TERMS AND CONDITIONS*TEXTS COST ¤1 PER ENTRY. NETWORK CHARGES VARY. YOU MUST BE 18
OR OVER TO ENTER. LINES CLOSE MAY 16, 2012. SERVICE PROVIDED BY PHONOVATION, PO BOX 6,
DUN LAOGHAIRE, CO DUBLIN. CUSTOMER CARE, 0818 217 100.
fgh
Frédéric Fekkai, at Brown
Thomas. Giorgio Armani, at Brown Thomas,
Dublin and Cork. Givenchy, at department
stores. Guerlain, at department stores and
pharmacies; 0044 193 223 3887. Guinot, at
House of Fraser. Hamilton, at pharmacies
nationwide. Harvey Nichols, at Dundrum
Town Centre, 01 291 0488; harveynichols.
com. He-Shi, at salons, 048 9044 9744.
House of Fraser, at Dundrum Town Centre,
01 216 9941; houseoffraser.co.uk.
jkl
John Frieda, at pharmacies.
Kérastase, at salons, 01 604 5935. Kiehl’s,
33 Wicklow Street, Dublin 2, 01 670 6667;
kiehls.com. La Roche-Posay, at pharmacies.
Lancôme, at department stores and
pharmacies. L’Occitane, 14 Upper Liffey
Street, Dublin 1, 01 889 2576; and branches;
loccitane.com. L’Oréal, at pharmacies.
mno
MAC, at Brown Thomas, Dublin
and BT2, Blanchardstown. Maybelline, at
pharmacies nationwide. NeoStrata, at amazon.
co.uk. Nioxin, at salons. Nivea, at pharmacies
nationwide. Nuxe, at Arnotts. NYC, at
pharmacies nationwide. Ojon, at Arnotts.
pr
Penneys, 47 Mary Street, Dublin 1,
01 888 0500; and branches; primark.ie.
Revlon, at pharmacies nationwide. Rimmel,
at pharmacies nationwide. RoCo, at Salon
Services.
stu
Sai-Sei, at Space NK.
Sally Hansen, at pharmacies nationwide.
Salon Services, 21 Drury Street, Dublin 2,
01 677 4904. Schwarzkopf, at pharmacies
nationwide. Shiseido, at department stores
and pharmacies, 01 408 1582. Skeen,
at Space NK. SkinCeuticals, at salons.
Smashbox, at Arnotts; Clerys; selected
pharmacies; 01 286 4770. Smith’s, at
pharmacies nationwide. Sothys, at spas.
Space NK, at Harvey Nichols. St Tropez,
at Brown Thomas, department stores and
pharmacies; 022 865976. The Body Shop,
82 Grafton Street, Dublin 2, 01 671 3725; and
branches. The Harley Medical Group, at
harleymedical.ie. This Works, at thisworks.
com. Tom Ford, at Brown Thomas, Dublin.
Uriage, at pharmacies nationwide.
wy
Wella, at salons nationwide.
Yves Saint Laurent Beauty, at
Brown Thomas; and Arnotts; ysl.com.