1 We’re seeing a raft of sleep-enhancing products land as we head into longer evenings, from pillow sprays to lavender-infused body oils. Quirkiest are the Self-Heating Eye Masks by Health & Her. Put one over your eyes and lie back. Try to get over the look of it – yes it does look as if you’ve gently microwaved a sanitary towel, complete with wings, and then placed it across your eyes. Somehow, although it seems remarkably flimsy, it really warms up, though I didn’t notice any kind of lavender smell, which it’s supposed to have. If you’re more scientific than me (not difficult) you’ll understand how the mix of iron powder and activated carbon actually works, but anyway, it’s undeniably comforting; I’d actually like a full-body version. €12.49 for seven, in pharmacies nationwide and www.healthandher.com – the website has some advice on dealing with menopause symptoms too; the diet section is especially interesting.

2 Sublimage skincare is Chanel’s fanciest, and they’ve just launched the first body cream in the line, Chanel Sublimage La Crème Corps et Décolleté (€280 at counters nationwide). At this price I would want it to restore my skin to that of a 20-year-old, banishing every single sign of crepiness. It may not be able to quite do that, but it’s a beautifully fragrant silky fresh cream that feels both fresh and comforting on the skin, and makes it gleam – plus it doubles as a perfume, due to the vanilla planifolia flower extract plus exquisite oils, including camellia seed. A golden wonder.

If you’re looking for a gift, this is certainly a treat – as an alternative to one of the ubiquitous beauty advent calendars that are starting to land in shops now. These calendars are now costing more than ever, with several hitting the €500 mark; even The Body Shop’s is €485 (with others starting from €85), while Lush’s rings in at €235. In general, personally I’d rather have a few great skin products instead. Not least from a waste point of view: in spite of recycling/reuse claims by brands, pretty well all beauty advent calendars involve a load of unnecessary packaging and cardboard, and you just end up with a pile of fiddly mini bottles around your bathroom (which, if you costed it out, you’ve paid over the odds for). There are notable exceptions – including L’Occitane’s gorgeous fabric calendars (from October), and a luxury one on the way this autumn that we’re already dreaming about – but in general, many represent style over substance. Maybe it’s just me, but I feel that the thrill is wearing thin.

3 If you’re in the market for a new cleanser, I’ve been using two great ones this week, both of which do the job effectively and without blowing the budget. They aren’t new, but this week you can get Dr Hauschka Cleansing Cream (50ml) FREE when you spend €50 or more on Dr Hauschka products (until October 1, instore or online; worth €19.45); see the full range on www.drh.ie. It has a beautiful subtle scent of almonds – that’s the sweet almond meal that works to gently exfoliate skin – plus calming extracts of organic calendula and chamomile. Every time I go back to Dr H products, I remember why I like them so much, particularly the comforting way they feel and smell on the skin.

Meanwhile, The Inkey List, known for cutting skincare down to its basics and making it affordable – and currently celebrating three years in business – has several cleansers in its roster, but my favourite is the Fulvic Acid Brightening Cleanser. At €13.99 for a generous 150ml tube, it’s good value. Fulvic acid, found in peat, is a natural exfoliator that suits even dry and sensitive skin – there’s calming aloe vera and antioxidant liquorice root in there too. A good choice if your skin is looking dull. Available at selected pharmacies and online via www.millies.ie.

Main featured image: Erdem AW21