Try out our expert’s recommendations on the latest serums, deodorants, foundations and concealers
If you’re reading this, I’m pretty sure you have an interest in beauty, so let me give you a TV series recommendation: The Beauty on Disney+. I went to the launch of it recently in The Devlin hotel, and it really did tickle my pickle because it is all about our obsession with youth and looking and staying beautiful. It’s well worth a watch, Rebecca Hall is incredible in it, as is Ashton Kutcher, in his welcome return to the big screen. My, eh, good friend Bella Hadid also features too, so of course I had to pull out this old photo of us at New York Fashion Week for showing off purposes!
Triona McCarthy and Bella Hadid backstage at New York Fashion Week
Now back to what I do best, filling you all in on the things that help us stay looking good.
Nécessaire The Body Retinol, €68, spacenk.com
The Bare Necessity
Whilst we might be all wrapped up in our winter woolies, we need to keep what lies beneath with some retinol. No, it’s not just for your face! Check out Nécessaire The Body Retinol (€68, spacenk.com), as it can be used for your face and body. This skin repair serum contains retinol, AHAs and vitamin C to reduce marks, spots and wrinkles, while smoothing and softening every inch of the body. It delivers facial-grade actives to the body, fading and diminishing bumps and blemishes and reducing crepiness on the skin.
Saltair Driftwood 5% AHA Serum Deodorant, €16.10, spacenk.com
Smells Divine
Something else I picked up in Space NK in Dundrum is Saltair Driftwood 5% AHA Serum Deodorant (€16.10, spacenk.com). I’m so impressed with this antiperspirant roll-on that works to control body odour for up to 48 hours while gently exfoliating your underarms. Its multi-acid blend works to buff and even out the skin tone to reduce the appearance of pigmentation and ingrown hairs.
Origins Plantscription Triple-Action Youth Cream, €79, brownthomas.com
Plant-tastic
I always say I could happily skip moisturiser if I have a great serum, but Origins Plantscription Triple-Action Youth Cream (€79, brownthomas.com) harnesses plant-powered science to deliver youth-preserving benefits that are pretty impressive! The richest anti-ageing cream yet from Origins, it smooths the look of lines and wrinkles, adds hydration and antioxidant protection, for a stronger skin barrier, and a firmer, more lifted look.
Clarins Double Serum Foundation, €55, clarins.ie
Twice As Nice
I love a two-for-one deal in a product and Clarins has just launched a newbie that combines foundation and skincare in one. The Clarins Double Serum Foundation (€55, clarins.ie) is available in 37 shades and is a true hybrid that offers great coverage instantly on the make-up side, and contains a gentle, skin-exfoliating active that helps skin regain radiance. I’m sure there are lots of Double Serum fans on here, so this will be an instant add to the basket for you!
Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Blur Concealer, €38, arnotts.ie
Blur, Baby
Since upper bleph surgery is the new Botox, I feel it’s great timing for Charlotte Tilbury’s latest launch. She created a 24-hour creaseless, full coverage concealer with elastic stretch. The Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Blur Concealer (€38, arnotts.ie) is light as air and won’t cling to dry patches or clog the skin. Infused with great skin-loving ingredients, it reduces the appearance of fine lines, redness, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation. Perfect for applying around peepers that have just been ‘refreshed’.
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Shark CryoGlow Under-Eye Cooling + LED Mask, €349.95, brownthomas.com
Treat
Magic mask I can’t get over how many of my friends bought the Shark CryoGlow Under-Eye Cooling + LED Mask (€349.95, brownthomas.com) AND religiously use it! Of course all LED masks work, but only if you use them! This one combines LED light therapy and InstaChill Cold Technology to reduce redness, smooth texture and revitalise tired under-eyes.
Treatment
Divine duo Skincare guru Dr Alex Quinn has just introduced a new post-pregnancy skin treatment duo at The Alex Clinic (from €900, thealexclinic.ie) in Harold’s Cross that is currently taking the US by storm. The Moxi & BBL targets the melasma and hormonal pigmentation that can be a concern for new mums. BBL (BroadBand Light) targets redness and sun damage and Moxi is a laser that works on the texture and tiredness of the skin.
Trick
Free face-lift Fancy a free face-lift? The Croydon face-lift is all about pulling the hair back tightly into a sleek, high ponytail so the forehead and face mimic the effects of cosmetic work. It has been worn by stars like J-Lo, Margot Robbie and Kate Moss on red carpets, proving its timeless appeal. Pull your hair back tightly at the crown or even higher to lift your features and accentuate those high cheekbones. Use a toothbrush with hairspray to tame flyaways.