This Spring, Beauty Is Skin Deep

The Age

Friday September 3, 1993

JAN PHYLAND

WHEN we think of what's new and exciting for the coming summer season, our thoughts automatically turn to clothes. But like fashion designers, cosmetics houses are just as busy releasing new and innovative products for the consumer to try.

And with the start of spring comes a burst of activity at the beauty counters. The following is a run-down of some of the best new products around: Yves Saint Laurent has just released in Australia its internationally applauded Touche Eclat (Radiant Touch) _ a unique cream to even skin tone. Overseas, customers have already voted it the best make-up product on the market (winner of the 1993 Grand Prix Advantages de la Beaute), while, in 1992, it won the eighth Prix D'Excellence de la Beaute, awarded by `Marie Claire' magazine.

Touche Eclat can be added to either the face's shadow zones (under eyes, sides of nose, above the upper lip), as a base product or with foundation or powder.

Guerlain has come up with a clever idea to add to its skin care range. Along with the Evolution and Issima ranges, the company now has a range for delicate skins. Odelys was launched in response to the increasing number of women who suffer from sensitive skin, caused by everything from stress to pollution. It is also perfect for women whose skin responds to regular breaks from their current skin care regimes. The range includes two creams (light and rich), foaming and lotion cleanser, toner and eye make-up remover.

With the resurgence of '60s and '70s-inspired make-up, eyeliners are once again in the spotlight. Thankfully, in the '90s, the product is more refined. One of the best is from Shiseido's Tres Tres Tres range. Fine Liner is a water-soluble, brush-pen, liquid eyeliner that is worked by a push at the end of the pen which saturates a brush tip at the other end with liquid. Guaranteed to offer mistake-free applications! And finally, a complete range of face powders, creams and tints from Chanel. With talk this summer of faces being pale and interesting, Chanel's Le Teint 1 collection is worth a look. Perfect for summer faces that want to avoid the sun, yet don't want to look washed out is the Bronze Lumiere Poudre _a bronzing powder that offers a light, sun-kissed effect when dusted across the forehead, chin and on the cheeks. The transparent matt powder is also perfect for that pale effect, worn either by itself, or in conjunction with the pressed powder compact.

All of the above are available from leading department stores and selected pharmacies.