Irish beauty is booming, and we are spoilt for choice now when it comes to homegrown skincare, haircare, make-up and perfume …
As we celebrate all things Irish this week, we’re giving a shout-out to some of our favourites, with a spotlight on the latest launches from local heroes. With Mother’s Day fast approaching, these are all standout gift ideas, too.
1 Ground Wellbeing
Since its launch in 2020, Ground Wellbeing has come a long way from Peigin Crowley’s kitchen table, where it was first made – it’s now stocked in the spas of the grandest five-star hotels worldwide. Crowley’s pillow sprays, body balms and home comforts in their brown glass pots are considerate, kind (to skin and planet) and disarmingly simple. WHAT’S NEW: The most recent launch, Biome skincare, takes this natural, down to earth approach from body to face, with a full routine from cleansing oil to serum and moisturiser. I’ve been trying it out for a few weeks now and find it gently luxurious to use; the Overnight Repair Oil (from €26) is especially magical, giving skin a visible glow the next morning without any greasy feeling on the skin. The range is fairly priced for formulations of this quality, and is suitable to use through pregnancy and cancer treatment. TIP: Try (or gift) the new Biome facial at The Spa at The Shelbourne, from €140; it will be available at other Ground spas from April. www.groundwellbeing.com
2 Modern Botany
From the excellent natural deodorant to the Recovery Cream, this certified Cosmos Natural skincare range is adored for being high-performing and reliable. WHAT’S NEW: The most recent return to the line is the Cleansing Balm (€47), a blend of gently fragrant nut, seed and flower oils, including camellia, borage, chamomile and geranium. www.modernbotany.com
3 Poco Beauty
We know many devotees of Poco’s Universal Glow Treatment SPF30, which is particularly good in spring/summer for its radiant finish. WHAT’S NEW: This Irish-owned brand just launched Skintuition Foundation, Complexion Protect SPF50, a one-stop base made in South Korea that’s particularly handy for when you’re travelling (€32, 30ml). It offers a little more coverage than the Universal Glow, without feeling heavy on the skin. There’s a Skintuition Concealer (€23), too, plus brushes. We love that they’re appealing to more mature customers, too, as this is a range that works for all ages. Read about Poco Beauty’s TFD Brow Collection here. www.pocobeauty.com
4 Kinvara Natural Skincare
Dr Joanne Reilly founded Kinvara Natural Skincare in 2012, with natural formulations that avoid silicones, mineral oils, synthetic fragrances and more. This gentle range, made in Co Galway, continues to be relevant and carefully considered (there are refills available, and packaging is recyclable). WHAT’S NEW: Their new Body Oil (€34.95, 150ml) is a blend of vitamin E-rich elements such as shea oil, apricot kernel and sweet orange, and it has a beautiful fresh smell – think orange, bergamot and rosemary. www.kinvara.ie
5 Cloon Keen
Simply the best Irish perfume, bar none. The whole collection, from fine perfumes to candles, is well worth discovering. WHAT’S NEW: A recent addition to the line is the Etain Body Lotion, in its sleek silver bottle (a generous 200ml, €40). An elegant and stylish gift for any time of year. www.cloonkeen.com
6 The Burren Perfumery
One of the loveliest destinations in the whole of Ireland, this perfumery – complete with shop, blending rooms and café (do not miss the cakes) – is the definition of small-batch, artisan beauty; making skin, bodycare and scent right here with passion, commitment and consideration. Welcome the new season with their Spring Harvest line, with fresh, bright notes of mint, lemonbalm and fennel. WHAT’S NEW: We can’t wait to smell their next eau de parfum, which celebrates gorse (until it arrives, discover both Neroli and Wild Rose, two natural beauties). www.burrenperfumery.com
7 Standún’s stock
There’s an impressive range of Irish brands at the family-owned Standún stores in Co Galway, from Foxford to Maureen Lynch jewellery, and a strong selection of Irish beauty including Voya’s Lazy Days Detoxifying Seaweed Bath (€28), always a restorative treat (and great gift, too), and Hawthorn Handmade Skincare. WHAT’S NEW: Check out Eau Lovely’s charming, good value soy wax candles (€25). www.standun.com
8 Remi
Trichologist Claire Fullam’s Remi scalp-care range is made in Ireland – it’s cruelty-free and designed to promote a healthier scalp, thus better hair. She has just won a €50,000 business grant from Visa’s ‘She’s Next’ programme, a great vote of confidence for Remi. Treat your head to the detoxifying serums, shampoos and exfoliators. WHAT’S NEW: Try the head-soothing scalp massager (€13). It feels genuinely relaxing, and is a good way to distribute the scalp serum. www.remiscalp.com
SEE MORE: How To Give Your Hair A Refresh
9 Ealu
I spotted this range in a local pharmacy when I visited Omra Beauty salon in The Merrion Centre and it looked intriguing. I like the latte-coloured packaging and the fact that it’s made in Ireland. The Body Drench moisturising cream (€25) smells good, while the Body Gloss is a good option for summer, with moisturising squalane and a caramel-coloured shimmer. There’s also a sugar body scrub available. At pharmacies and online. www.ealu-moments.com.
10 Soak
If you haven’t discovered Karen Kearney’s Soak body oils yet, they are absolutely worth investing in as a glorious treat for your skin. There are three different types; each focussing on intense, high-quality natural oils, from lavender to lime, and all featuring Irish seaweed for that fresh-out-of-the-sea feeling (€47.90). We’ve been fans of this line – made in Co Sligo by Karen Kearney and her team – and it’s lovely to see it go from strength to strength. Late last year, Soak’s Bathing Rituals were added to the spa menu at the glorious Cashel Palace Spa in Co Tipperary, one of Ireland’s most impressive spa destinations. WHAT’S NEW: The Sea Sprays are light and refreshing for a quick spritz on the go (€37.90, 30ml); we like the Atlantic spray with orange, mint and eucalyptus. www.soakbathsalts.com
SEE MORE: It’s All About Eucalyptus This Year
And more …
As we’re always saying, Irish-owned Hildun’s eyeliners are unbeatable, and new shades have just landed, including granite grey and taupe (€18 each).
Nunaïa’s entire range, from Nourishing Radiance Serum (€79) to the recently launched Earth Blossom Moisturising Cream (€70), is restorative and beautiful to use. See more about founder Nicola Connolly here.
Sea+Solu’s Moisture Melt Hair Mask is popular, and we’re excited to try their new shampoo and conditioner (€26.95 each, at Avoca stores and online).
The Handmade Soap Company’s new lavender, rosemary, thyme and mint range is attractive, in floral green packaging, with prices from €7. Soy candles are €25. Available at Foxford.
We may earn a commission if you buy through affiliate links on our site.
