How a little independent beauty company that took on the makeup monopolists and won, should be closed down because sales aren't doing so well in the US (bah! ) is deeply irritating.

In the last year alone, Pout has been doing so well in Ireland that they opened up outlets in Blanchardstown, Dundrum, Cork and Limerick. Sales in the UK and Europe have rocketed. Their fun, frilly packaging (that has been copied by so many other companies since) and their exceptionally quality products have brought them devotees of all ages. And for good reason too.

But since the company was bought by venture capital group Crysallis nine months ago, the fact that Pout's colour cosmetics haven't sold as well as hoped in America (double bah! ) has ultimately led to their closure. By the end of this year, Pout will be no more.

I must confess I'm not exactly objective when it comes to Pout. When they first arrived in Dublin in 2003 I applied, without much hope, for a weekend job on the counter. At the time I was tinkering with the cosmetics section in Boots and dying to do more. In the interview, I was so immersed with playing with the makeup that was laid out on the table between me and the interviewer that I was downright distracted and forgot the answer to where I was supposed to see myself in five years' time.

Surprisingly, it worked. I later found out that she was so impressed with how obsessed I was with the make-up, she figured I should be good at selling it.

Three riotous days of training in Covent Garden later, I was a fully-fledged Pout girl.

And despite my exposure since then to every other beauty company, a teeny little part of me has always maintained that Pout is the best all-round make-up counter on the market (barring Chanel, perhaps). So, like other Pout devotees, I'll be stocking up my beauty cabinet like a maniac between now and Christmas.

There are also rumours of some serious Pout sales ahead of the closure, so keep your eyes peeled.

Top Pout Products Eye-Wander /20 I've banged on about it enough in this column, but this under-eye illuminator is quite simply fantastic.

Used alone for not-so-serious cases or on top of concealer for major bags, it brightens and tightens under the eyes and leaves you looking fresh and glowing.

Magic Mist Shimmer Dust /24 Whoever says sparkly dust is so yesterday hasn't met Magic Mist. Dab it on the cheek for subtle radiance, use it alone as an eyeshadow (gorgeous) or even better, transform your other shadows by dabbing it over them.

This pot has been in my make-up bag for years and I don't quite know what I'll do without it (sob).

Butterfly Eyeslick /20 To this day, I have yet to meet a cream shadow that doesn't crease, stays on all day and provides an amazing eye-shadow base like Pout eyeslicks do. Butterfly, their gold one, is by far the most versatile.

Mini Brush Set /50 Its purple leather with a velvet bow, has five mini pink brushes of top-quality hair inside and a mirror for application.

I defy any other company to beat the Pout mini-brush set.

NOT GOODBYE TO BRONZE

Just because summer is long gone, it doesn't mean we don't need a bit of bronzing in our lives, especially with the Christmas season fast approaching. So we're loving the clever people at St. Tropez who have just introduced a bronzing shimmer brush (Automatic Powder Bronzer, 22.95) that is slim enough to fit in your handbag and gives bronzing power to face, shoulders, arms and decolletage in one go.

BEAUTY BULLETIN PORING OVER THE DETAILS

The Omorovicza skincare brand is making a serious splash in Harvey Nics, Dundrum and they've just introduced a fantastic thermal cleansing balm ( 60) to clear congested pores and revitalise the skin. This black balm, which is rich in calcium and magnesium, draws out impurities and helps get rid of blackheads. Loving it. Also check out their new instant plumping cream ( 120). Does exactly what it says on the tin.

RAINFOREST REGIME

According to Ben Cooke, hairdresser to Victoria Beckham, we should all be using a matching shampoo and conditioner for maximum benefit. Oops. But the conditioner always lasts so much longer! Not to worry, this new Herbal Essences Rainforest ( 3.59) smells yummy and works a treat on coloured hair.