Make-up artist, influencer (and nominee in this year’s IMAGE Business of Beauty Awards) Aimee Connolly is venturing on a hypothetical holiday to a remote desert island. She can bring as many (or as few) beauty products as she likes – providing they don’t exceed her €100 budget. So what will the makeup artist choose?

“This is a tough one,” Aimee tells us, “but I would definitely be more focused on what I could get in for the €100, rather than a few expensive bits. I could easily pack my favourite NARS foundation or go to town with extra liner bits (that I always have with me), but I would rather have every feature covered – the brows, cheekbones, lashes and lips. This would give me a rounded, natural make-up look, rather than two expensive, precious products that wouldn’t serve me as much on a desert island. It sounds like I’m getting very into the topic now, doesn’t it? Haha.”

Sculpted Rose Gold palette, €24.95

This multi-functional palette can be used on the face as bronzer and highlight, as well as the eyes as eyeshadow. It’s suitable for all skin-types and creates a fresh, sun-kissed look. Aimee says, “I would use this for my cheeks and eyes, and even to give my lips a bit of a gloss effect with the cream highlighter.”

MAC Strobe Cream (mini), €12

Packed with vitamins, this strobe cream brightens and freshens tired, dull-looking skin. It also acts as a moisturiser – ideal for Aimee when she’s under the warm, island sun. The MUA adds, “These are so handy size-wise, but you still get lots of product!”

Bourjois City Radiance, €11.95

“I use this foundation on holidays a lot. It has SPF 30 in it and it gives a little more coverage than a tinted moisturizer would. I’m guessing this desert island will be warm – hence the SPF in tow!” Not only is SPF vital for maintaining healthy skin, it can also combat signs of ageing.

Rimmel Brow This Way brow gel, €5.45

“These mascara gels are a great quick-fix and would be handy for keeping my brows coloured and groomed,” Aimee says. This long-lasting formula feels lightweight and comfortable on eyebrows all day long. It’s also infused with Argan oil, boosting the condition of eyebrow hairs.

MAC lip liner in ‘Spice’, €17.50

“Lip liner, in general, would just have to be featured in my desert island beauty bag because it is the best thing ever. Spice is a shade I use very regularly, so I would be quite content living with this for the rest of my days.”

Benefit They’re Real mascara (mini), €12

“Again, back to the minis. They are so handy for travel and you still get a decent amount of product. Benefit’s They’re Real mascara has been one of my favourites since it was launched, so I am hoping this will keep my eyes big and bright.” This mascara lengthens, curls, volumizes and separates your lashes without drying them out. Aimee won’t have to worry about clumps with this little number.

MAC Springsheen Blush refill, €16

“So, yes, as the product name suggests – this is supposed to go into a palette, but when the budget is low you just have to make do with what you have!” Aimee explains. “This is always in my kit or make-up bag. I adore this colour blush and it also has a bit of a sheen to keep that holiday glow flowing.”

Total spend €99.85 – right within budget!

But, as we all know, life is about more than just beauty. So, if Aimee could bring just one additional luxury item, she says it would have to be, “My phone, 100%, without a doubt. As awful as it is to admit it, being without my phone would be like losing a limb. I’m the type of person that panics about losing it and searches frantically as it’s sitting in my hand… Yup, that’s me.” We completely understand, Aimee.

Previously on Desert Island Beauty Bag:

Triona McCarthy opened up her desert island beauty bag. 

Louise Cooney plans her desert island escape.

Tara O’Farrell Anderson shares her desert island must-haves.

Ellen Kavanagh Jones opens up about her travel essentials.

Jennifer Rock AKA The Skin Nerd chose her must-have desert island items.

Indy Power from The Little Green Spoon revealed what she’d bring on a desert island trip!