Another day, another designer decides to launch a skincare and make-up range. The latest one is Tom Ford, who will add to his existing 12-lipstick collection with a full range of 132 items this month. It will be sold at posh places such as Harvey Nicks, and it looks gorgeous - but, a cynic might ask, does it really work or is it all about image? Of course it is, up to a point, but it is also about producing quality stuff (as well as a nice box).
Possibly the most famous designer label with a well-developed cosmetics range is Chanel, which launched its first Precision line in 1999, 89 years after Coco Chanel opened her first shop. It continues to be at the cutting edge of cosmetics; next week is the launch of its much-hyped nail collection Les Jeans De Chanel, created by Peter Philips, the creative director of Chanel Makeup. This trio of blue nail varnishes (they really look sooo much better than they sound) are inspired by this season's must-have: denim.
Dior is famous for its good foundations, concealers and lipsticks, while YSL has the global best-seller and magic potion touche Éclat (but more on concealers next week). Burberry launched its cosmetics range of 95 products in 2010. With traditional Burberry packaging, the products are dominated by neutral tones and are easy to use. At the time Christopher Bailey, Burberry's chief creative officer, told the Financial Times that he "looked at it as an extension to fashion. I approached it in the same way as I approach designing a dress".
The launch of The Make Up by Dolce&Gabbana in 2009 was hugely successful, unsurprisingly so, as the whole range just screams glamour. Giorgio Armani is another designer who has created a great line of products; who can resist that sultry red lipstick?
But not everyone has done as well. Designers have a tough job convincing women to trust them when it comes to skincare and make-up. A lot of us would prefer to go to a specialist such as MAC or Lancôme. Failures include Versace Make-up, launched in 1998 and discontinued in 2009; Prada Beauty, which closed in 2007 after seven years; and two Calvin Klein collections.
Does the beauty spy suggest you opt for designer make-up? If it makes you feel good, as well as look good, why not?
Personally I find few things in life as exciting as opening one of those little black Chanel boxes. I feel glamorous, pampered and full of optimism, and that's before I've even put the cream on my face. Sadly a tub of Nivea just doesn't have the same effect. At least psychologically. And isn't that all part of the package? Whatever colour it happens to be?
3 of the best
Glamorous cosmetics bags to complement your wardrobe
A LA VOLETTE COSMETICS BAG, DH270 Put other holdalls to shame with this luxurious tapestried make-up bag that has been woven by French craftsmen on a traditional loom. It's a classic.
LULU GUINNESS CAMEO LAMINATE PRINT LARGE T-SEAM COSMETIC BAG, DH198 Famous for her witty handbags, Lulu will turn you into a true glamour girl with this gorgeous cameo print bag. It's the perfect size for travelling and popping in your suitcase, too.
MULBERRY ROSIE ANIMAL-PRINT COSMETICS BAG, DH473 Give your lotions and potions a treat with this funky taupe and purple animal-print cosmetics bag. Who said only the bags on your arm had to be designer?
M loves
EXOTIC EYELASHES Stunningly intricate paper eyelashes by Luna & Curious are a sure way to wow people at parties. Available in five styles, including Peony (pictured) and Peach Blossoms, each pattern depicts a classic Chinese symbol; the peony symbolises happiness. But symbolic meanings aside, these exotic falsies are well worth the price for their sheer glam value.
Luna & Curious Large Peony Paper Eyelashes, Dh72, available online at Culture Label, www.culturelabel.com
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Lamsa
Founder: Badr Ward
Launched: 2014
Employees: 60
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: EdTech
Funding to date: $15 million
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The specs
Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol
Power: 154bhp
Torque: 250Nm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option
Price: From Dh79,600
On sale: Now
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
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Company%20Profile
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What went into the film
25 visual effects (VFX) studios
2,150 VFX shots in a film with 2,500 shots
1,000 VFX artists
3,000 technicians
10 Concept artists, 25 3D designers
New sound technology, named 4D SRL
Predictions
Predicted winners for final round of games before play-offs:
- Friday: Delhi v Chennai - Chennai
- Saturday: Rajasthan v Bangalore - Bangalore
- Saturday: Hyderabad v Kolkata - Hyderabad
- Sunday: Delhi v Mumbai - Mumbai
- Sunday - Chennai v Punjab - Chennai
Final top-four (who will make play-offs): Chennai, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Bangalore
The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Price: From Dh192,500
On sale: Now
Mission%3A%20Impossible%20-%20Dead%20Reckoning%20Part%20One
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Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE
Starring: Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Emma Corrin
Director: Shawn Levy
Rating: 3/5
THREE
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Nayla%20Al%20Khaja%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Jefferson%20Hall%2C%20Faten%20Ahmed%2C%20Noura%20Alabed%2C%20Saud%20Alzarooni%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%203.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Company Profile
Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million
MATCH INFO
Burnley 0
Man City 3
Raheem Sterling 35', 49'
Ferran Torres 65'
The Pope's itinerary
Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial
Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport
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SPECS%3A%20Polestar%203
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ZAYED SUSTAINABILITY PRIZE
BEETLEJUICE BEETLEJUICE
Starring: Winona Ryder, Michael Keaton, Jenny Ortega
Director: Tim Burton
Rating: 3/5
Tottenham's 10 biggest transfers (according to transfermarkt.com):
1). Moussa Sissokho - Newcastle United - £30 million (Dh143m): Flop
2). Roberto Soldado - Valencia - £25m: Flop
3). Erik Lamela - Roma - £25m: Jury still out
4). Son Heung-min - Bayer Leverkusen - £25m: Success
5). Darren Bent - Charlton Athletic - £21m: Flop
6). Vincent Janssen - AZ Alkmaar - £18m: Flop
7). David Bentley - Blackburn Rovers - £18m: Flop
8). Luka Modric - Dynamo Zagreb - £17m: Success
9). Paulinho - Corinthians - £16m: Flop
10). Mousa Dembele - Fulham - £16m: Success
The biog
Marital status: Separated with two young daughters
Education: Master's degree from American Univeristy of Cairo
Favourite book: That Is How They Defeat Despair by Salwa Aladian
Favourite Motto: Their happiness is your happiness
Goal: For Nefsy to become his legacy long after he is gon