The beauty lowdown this week; what to add to basket, what to listen to, where to shop and more…
Add to basket…
L’Occitane has just gained BCorp certification, meaning it follows best practises when it comes to sustainability. In this spirit, L’Occitane has offered a reusable advent calendar for many years now – and this year it’s a recycled cotton version, with pockets filled with full- and travel-sized lovely things, from Immortelle Divine Cream (one of our enduring favourites) to Almond hand cream. Enjoy this year, re-use for ever. €195 at L’Occitane stores and online; a set of 24 refill products is available for €140 (worth €215). This Luxury advent calendar (€125) is reusable too, with it’s cute colourful drawers. www.loccitane.com
Listen to…
Skin expert and salon owner Nuala Woulfe’ new podcast, The Skin and Wellness Podcast. Woulfe is always a mine of information and no-nonsense, practical advice. She’s kicking off with a chat to Edel O’Doherty, nutritional therapist and health expert. www.nualawoulfe.ie
Shop at…
Kildare Village’s Beauty Edit puts the spotlight on beauty this week (until Sunday October 8), with events and great offers across brilliant brands such as Charlotte Tilbury, Clarins, Rituals and L’Occitane. I was there the other week and found the beauty offering to be better than ever – at the new Tilbury boutique, there are Christmas sets and exclusive offers that are well worth travelling for (and a great source of Christmas presents). See here for more details of this weekend’s special event with one of Ireland’s best hair experts, Dylan Bradshaw – book in now.
You’ll also find a seasonal pop-up, Christmas by Kilkenny Design (until January 2024), a dedicated festive shopping experience complete with art, homewares, Irish-designed and made gifts and specialist crafts, exclusive prints and high-quality Christmas decorations at 33 per cent off. Wellbeing and beauty brands here include Voya, Tan Organic, Max Benjamin and Jo Browne. Look out for weekly Meet The Maker events over the coming months in store, with free personalisation events. www.thebicestercollection.com
Jane Darcy
If you’re starting on gift-getting early, I recommend this luxurious sleep set from Gillian Halpin, founder of candle brand Jane Darcy. Now, alongside her 100 per cent natural soy wax candles (we love Black Rose & Amber), there are these sets of pure mulberry silk pillowcase, scrunchies and an eye mask, all with a great night’s sleep in mind. Silk is kinder to both your skin and your hair, and I can’t think of anyone who wouldn’t love this gift, especially in this elegant soft champagne colour. I like the way the candles come with a little matchbox, too – a nice touch. €155, at www.janedarcy.ie.
Go shopping…
At Kilkenny’s first Rituals store, just opened in the Market Cross Shopping Centre. From the Ritual of Sakura collection to home items and gift sets and a range of luxurious bath and body products, there’s everything you need for a home spa experience. Also a BCorp, Rituals have many refillable products here at the new Kilkenny store. Unit 1-3, Market Cross Shopping Centre, Kilkenny; www.rituals.com
Start your retinol routine…
There are six products in the new Neutrogena Retinol Boost face care range, all designed to help boost your skin’s A game. Developed with dermatologists, they are each powered by pure retinol, a scientifically proven form of vitamin A, which helps to stimulate cell renewal at the skin’s surface, and t also works to increase collagen production. The formulas also contain skincare ingredients such as hyaluronic acid for hydration, and antioxidants derived from plants to help boost the effectiveness of the retinol. Accessible and easy to use – both for retinol beginners and more experienced users – it’s all under €40. Neutrogena Retinol Boost is available now in pharmacies nationwide, including Lloyds, McCabes, Hickeys.
Skin protection…
And if you’re using retinol, you also need a reliable daily SPF, since retinol can increase sun sensitivity. Australian brand Ultraceuticals do several great ones, including this new Ultra UV Protective Daily Moisturising SPF30 MineralA, which is a light, sheer broad spectrum mineral sun protection. It protects against UVA and UVB rays, reduces blue light transmission and acts as a free-radical barrier to minimise the effects of pollution. It’s suitable for all skin types, including sensitive. It also contains two powerful antioxidants, caffeine and carnosine. €65 at leading clinics nationwide, and online at; www.ultraceuticals.ie.
Lip fix…
You might have spotted skincare line NeoStrata on the pharmacy shelves but not known the story behind it. Founders Dr Van Scott and Dr Yu are best known for the discovery of alpha hydroxy acids: through their research, they discovered the unique benefits of AHAs back in 1974, and collaborated for 20 years to develop AHA products, before founding NeoStrata in 1988. They remain recognised leaders in alpha hydroxy acid formulations. Newest on the shelf is NeoStrata Correct Lip Repair, a topical line filler – with NeoGlucosamine, a building block of naturally hydrating hyaluronic acid – that’s designed to help reintroduce volume and definition. Lines are part of life, but as a lipstick-lover, I’m intrigued by something that can help to smooth out lines around the mouth area – with no needles or “lip flips” in sight. €24.95 at pharmacies nationwide.
The Irish one…
Jo Browne Hand & Body Lotion, in the holistic therapist’s signature blend of eight fragrant essential oils including bergamot, neroli, palmarosa and rosemary, is great value at €20 – it’s all-natural and handmade in Ireland. Jo Browne products are also available at Kildare Village and www.jobrowne.com.
