In life, I am a completist. I simply must start a TV series at episode one, even if there are 20 seasons and everyone tells me I could start at season six and be perfectly happy. I can’t enjoy a musician’s third album without going back and listening to the first two. And, if I hear about a product that someone else likes, I simply must try it.
This means that I always have a wish list, and given that it’s Christmas, I thought my wish list might be helpful to share. Perhaps you too are a beauty obsessive, or perhaps you know one. If you do, I bet they’d be happy with any of the products below.
Dolce and Gabbana Intense Devotion Gift Set
1. Dolce and Gabbana Intense Devotion Gift Set (€92 via boots.ie) – I absolutely do not need a new perfume but I smelled this on someone at an event recently and can’t stop thinking about it. The official fragrance notes list orange blossom and vanilla at the top, but I got a warm coconut scent from it in real life. Coconut is my fragrance kryptonite – I simply can’t resist it.
GHD Wave Triple Barrel Hair Waver
2. GHD Wave Triple Barrel Hair Waver (€179 via ghd.com) – I’ve tried a good few hair wavers which deliver the mermaid hair of your dreams, but none of them have delivered lasting results. This year, GHD released their own version which I’m dying to try. I find the brand’s tools are most effective on my hair when it comes to a look that will last through my chaotic life and Ireland’s chaotic weather, so this could be the one for me.
Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Deer
3. Hourglass Ambient Lighting Edit Unlocked Deer (€106 via spacenk.com) – Hourglass’ Ambient Lighting powders are designed to deliver soft, multi-dimensional glow, leaving your skin looking like it’s bathed in candlelight or, my favourite, lit-from-within. This limited edition palette is beautifully designed and contains six powders: bronzer, blush, highlighter and three finishing powders (the ones which deliver the real magic). I feel like I’d use it every day and still have some left next Christmas.
Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil
4. Gisou Honey Infused Hair Oil (€40 via arnotts.ie) – I tragically spilled an entire bottle of this absolutely beautiful hair oil in my bathroom last year and haven’t stopped thinking about it since.
Danessa Myricks Lightwork VII Freedom Palette
5. Danessa Myricks Lightwork VII Freedom Palette (€167 via danessamyricksbeauty.com) – Danessa Myricks is a true beauty innovator and her Lightwork palettes are spectacular. Buttery soft and easy to blend, the formulas are beautiful and the packaging is inspired, allowing you to customise your own smaller palette to travel with or pop in your bag. This new edition includes shimmers and mattes, and while I do not need it, I absolutely yearn for it.
Buying Irish
Ground Wellbeing room & linen spray
If you want to bring the feeling of a beautiful spa to your home, look no further than Ground Wellbeing. This brand was created by Peigin Crowley, who used her more than 30 years of experience in the spa industry to create something luxurious and comforting. Treat yourself to the brand’s hand wash or this room & linen spray (products priced from €11 via groundwellbeing.com), or someone else to one of their beautiful gift boxes which include options for menopause, pregnancy, cancer care and children. These products are special.
Something old…
L’Oréal Paris True Match Nude Plumping Tinted Serum
Whenever I’m asked for a recommendation for an affordable foundation, I give one answer: L’Oréal Paris True Match Nude Plumping Tinted Serum (€19.99 via boots.ie). This formula is absolutely gorgeous. Light and packed with hyaluronic acid, it feels like skincare and blends beautifully into the skin. While the formula is ‘sheer’, I find the coverage can absolutely be built to medium coverage without looking heavy or cakey. Instead, you’re left with skin that looks natural and luminous. If you have dry or combination skin, this will be ideal for you, while those with oily skin might not like it so much. The shade range is limited, with only nine options; however, thanks to its sheer quality they do stretch over several skin tones.
Something new…
Outside-In Silk Serum Foundation
Serum foundations are having a moment right now, with the beauty corner of the internet having just stopped talking about Victoria Beckham’s Foundation Drops. Now there’s a new product setting people abuzz and it’s Outside-In Silk Serum Foundation (€72 via theoutsidein.com). This foundation is the first makeup product from a new brand launched recently by the creator of Hourglass, Carisa Janes. The beauty sphere is buzzing over its light serum formula which is packed with skincare but still delivers medium coverage. The grey and glass packaging is chic and unusual, and the price tag reflects that, so it won’t be a casual purchase. It’s also only available online right now, so choosing from the 25 shades might be tricky – however, the brand’s shade finder is excellent.