Carissa Casey shares her products of the year, the ones she goes back to again and again. Here she focuses on makeup heroes and look out for her hair and skin loves in the next issue

As someone who writes on beauty, and gets plenty of free products to sample, it’s always worth sharing the handful of finds - free or paid for - that become favourites.

These are the ones that I return to again and again, no matter what else is sitting on the shelf.

Having read knockout reviews of Lisa Eldridge’s new foundation and lipstick recently, I whipped out the plastic and ordered both. Neither disappointed. ‑ e foundation takes a bit of getting used to, if you’re used to heavier coverage. The pump purposefully only delivers a small amount but resist the urge to keep pumping. Use fingers or a flat brush to paint on a thin layer and then add additional layers until you get the coverage you want. It’s self-setting which means there’s no need to powder. The result is remarkably natural. Use a plumping hydrating primer if you want a dewy look.

I fell in love with Kevin Aucoin’s Neo Bronzer over the summer and am now on my second. I actually have to force myself to try other blushes and bronzes, because the Neo Bronzer is so easy and reliable.

The colour is neither brown nor pink but a very natural ‘bronzed skin’ tone with a barely perceptible shimmer. Swoop over cheekbones, forehead and neckline and you’re good to go. I probably have more primers than any other product (except for eyeshadow palettes) and yet the E.L.F. putty primer is my go-to most days. It does an amazing job of disguising pores and providing a matt base for makeup. It’s also super easy to apply and costs peanuts.

Zara launched its own make up line over the summer and, of course, I had to try it. My standout product is the tinted lip balm. I’ve worn it at the beach on a sun holiday, in cold weather more recently and it does an excellent job of protecting lips from drying out.

The real bonus is that the colour density is as good as any lipstick. Mascaras come and go in my makeup kit but Huda Beauty’s Legit Lashes is always there. It’s really two mascaras in one – a voluminiser at one end and a curl/ lengthen mascara at the other. Two products that are far less glamorous but just as frequently used. Inglot’s Dualine was a real find this year. I mainly use it to turn powder eyeshadow into a liquid liner. Liner colour choice becomes endless. Dr Jart+ Cica repair cream is perfect for anyone with high colouring or too many broken veins. Smooth on before foundation.

1> LISA ELDRIDGE The Foundation €53 True Velvet Lip Colour €32, visit lisaeldridge.com

2> KEVIN AUCOIN Neo Brozer in Sunrise Light, €24.94 visit spacenk.com

3> E.L.F Putty Primer, €10 visit elfcosmetics.com