From homemade make-up to good glitter, here are three Irish start-ups (and one established star) causing a stir …
Supplements for stress relief
Ethos founders Amy O’Flaherty and Fergus Kerrigan left demanding corporate jobs to set up Ethos, a range of “functional health products”, developed with a team of doctors and nutritionists, including Balance CBD Tea through to food supplements such as Good Gut. It’s all focused on relieving stress. Their new Resilience supplement (€49 for 30 sachets), a mix of vitamins, nutrients and adaptogens, from zinc to vitamin C, selenium and Ashwagandha, is designed to boost energy and strengthen immunity. Ethos Resilience is free from artificial colours, sweeteners, gluten and lactose. www.weareethos.com
Homegrown glitter
Is it possible to sparkle sustainably? Anam Cosmetics founder Ellie Haughney, based in Dublin, is making sure it is. Her biodegradable glitter, made in Italy, is vegan, cruelty-free (Leaping Bunny approved) and ethically sourced, offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic glitter. Haghney’s glitter (available in three colours so far) is made with plant-derived, renewable materials; traditional glitters are classed as microplastics, which cause “significant damage to the planet by disrupting ecosystems and harming marine life.” Choose from gold, emerald and taupe. €15.50 each or €40 for the set of three. I like the taupe for a summery hit of sparkle. Haughney has plans to offer refills soon. A bright idea. www.anamcosmetics.com
DIY Irish beauty
Learn to make your own soaps, skincare and even make-up with Emma Hyland, who has been in the beauty business for years, including as a teacher. She’s already created her own make-up brush cleansers, both solid and in a spray version, from €12.95, which are cruelty-free and easy to use. She runs creative workshops, from soy candle making to natural skincare and soap. If you’ve ever fancied making your own lipstick/gloss, cream blush, highlighter or bronzer, and eyeshadow, check Hyland’s website. She provides all the ingredients and you can join a workshop in either Dublin city centre or Co Wicklow. She’s also holding a skincare workshop in New Ross, Wexford, on July 7 (€75, including all materials). Otherwise, order making kits – for candles through to bath bombs – a fun way to run a particularly creative party in your own home, making your own lip balms. www.mume.ie
Essential oils
Benoit Nicol’s essential oil business The Nature of Things is not new, but it’s one of our favourites. It’s all bottled at his base in the Chocolate Factory, Dublin, and Nicol, originally from Brittany, aims to make the benefits of aromatherapy accessible to everyone. The most recent collection of blends includes Don’t Stress, Sleep Well and Think Positive, all of which make lovely gifts (they are all beautifully presented), particularly around exam time; the lavender pillow mist is a particular joy. Nicol said: “I’ve been told countless times by friends and clients that they want to get into essential oils – but don’t know where to start. This collection is for them. From stress, problems sleeping, needing to relax, creating a positive work environment at home and wanting their house to simply smell great, I looked at the key benefits my friends were looking for to help them in their daily lives and used these to design the collection.” Oils start from €6.50. There’s a nice collection of gifts for father’s day, too. www.thenatureofthings.com
