Seasonal scents, luxe lipsticks, Irish skincare, brilliant bodycare and cleansing treatments to know now …
LIQUID LUXURY Louis Vuitton’s brand new eau de parfum, Ambre Levant, is a decadent take on oud. The black glass bottle echoes the dark precious resin inside: master perfumer Jacques Cavallier-Belletrud has fashioned an alluring, addictive oud with amber, bright mandarin and crackling warm spices. It’s hard to imagine smelling anything better in 2026. €375, at Brown Thomas.
Montblanc’s new Neroli Letters is also a bright, sunny ode to the Med, with zippy notes of yuzu, ginger and geranium, €155.
THE BLACKEST RED At this time of year, everyone tells you to wear pastels. This makes me want to do the opposite – the answer is Chanel’s Rouge Allure Velvet lipstick in Rouge Noir, €55, with matching mascara.
I’m also wearing Merit Signature Lip Blush (€32), a soft blur.
KEEP A DIARY Irish skincare line The Skin Diary stands out for many reasons. Recommended by dermatologists (including Dr Rosemary Coleman), Night Repair Therapy Cream (€150) is a bit of a cult product, as it acts like a full night’s sleep for your skin. I’m using the Age Defence Moisturising Day Cream (€110) too, a brilliant daily SPF50 (imagine an Irish take on Sisley’s All Day All Year). A great base for make-up, too. Speaking of, I’m trying a Sisley facial (redeemable against purchase) at Brown Thomas Dublin.
TRIED & TESTED: THE CLEANSING RITUAL If, like us, you’re feeling somewhat depleted, here’s a restoring idea. Try the Ground Wellbeing Cleansing Ritual (€140, 55 minutes) at Mount Juliet Estate – ask for therapist Angela (she is brilliant). This is an hour of care and kindness for your body, starting with your feet. The main focus, though, is your abdomen. “The gut is our second brain,” says Ground’s Peigín Crowley, who designed this treatment to gently stimulate the circulation of energy, lymph and fresh blood flow to the digestive organs. It is not for everyone: some will hate the idea of having their stomach massaged. It is certainly intense. But that fresh circulation helps to balance and warm your body, and is incredibly relaxing. Acupressure on the face and reflexology for feet also promote digestion. Available at selected Ground spas.
I also recommend The Ground Reset package at The Spa at the G, Galway.
