Before she left for pastures new, we sat the wonderful Áine Toner down and quizzed her for all the beauty tips and tricks she garnered over 14 years of editing Woman’s Way. Here’s the inside scoop.

1.  Out of shaving cream? Yes, hair conditioner really works (and will leave skin feeling silky)

2. Wear SPF – even when it’s rainy, wet and miserable, apply SPF. An estimate 80 per cent of the sun’s ultraviolet rays pass through clouds so even if it’s not sunny, wear it

3. Curl eyelashes before and after applying mascara – but be gentle on them with your curling tool!

4. You exfoliate your body, but exfoliate your lips too – dry, flaky or chapped lips mean lipstick won’t be applied properly

5. Don’t forget about your elbows – they need as much love as you give to other body parts (a body oil will keep them feeling soft)

6. Take time to apply moisturiser – it needs about 10 minutes to be absorbed before your face is make-up ready

7. Maximise your dry shampoo by using it before bed – hair will absorb product as you sleep and hair will look more refreshed in the morning

8. We’re been rubbing perfume on our wrists forever but a tip to make your scent last longer is to press wrists together instead

9. Blotting papers are an oily lady’s friend: fact. They don’t remove powder/foundation but they will soak up excess oil

10. Clean your make-up brushes – not only does it mean you’re applying clean brushes to your face, it also aids smooth make-up application

11. An old mascara wand can be cleaned as used as a brow brush

12. And speaking of mascara, pumping the wand up and down the tube quickly will allow air in and cause your product to dry out, ie, shorten its lifespan

13. We apply a little Vaseline around our nails before doing at at-home manicure – we’re a bit messy – but it does mean our nails look more professionally done

14. Don’t rub your hair dry as it’ll cause it to frizz (we are testament to that). Instead, gently squeeze excess water from the hair when getting out of the shower, wrap hair in a towel and pat dry

15. Top coats on freshly applied nails will ensure nails are less likely to chip

16. A lip liner will help make your lip colour last all day – choose a colour that matches your lipstick and ensure it’s well sharpened before applying

17. An eyeshadow base will keep eye shadow from creasing – powdery shadows work best for lasting power

18. Keep an eye on product expiration dates – they will creep up on you

19. For skincare application, follow the rule: from thinnest to thickest

20. A drop or two of nail polish remover in a gloopy nail polish will refresh it (but only a few drops)

21. Want to make your eyes look bigger? Stay away from darker coloured eye shadows

22. Many of us love a face roller (we do), but we also stick ours in the freezer for a morning when we’re feeling a little puffy

23. We love a primer, but a setting spray will help keep everything in place – and there are plenty on sale that offer additional benefits such as cooling and hydrating

24. Purple shampoo will reinvigorate blonde hair, eliminating brassiness

25. In the shower? The perfect time for a face mask – your skin will better absorb the ingredients

26. Apply eye cream with your ring finger – it offers the softest touch and least pressure

27. Warm your eyelash curl for a second (using a hairdryer) for a curlier result

28. Are you a plucker? Make sure you’re tweezing excess eyebrow hair in the direction that it grows

29. When applying mascara, keep your head straight – lowering your chin (guilty as charged) is how mascara gets on the eyelid

30. Smile when applying lipstick, it’s the best way to ensure complete, even coverage