A beauty shelf update for a spring refresh: welcome the new season with these sunny scents and skin treats …
We’re desperately seeking sunshine. And since we’ve been starved of sunlight for months, it seems, we’re turning to sunny scents to uplift us. What makes you think of warmer days? It might be cherry blossom, bright orange blossom, warm vanilla. The warm sweetness of coconut has instant holiday vibes (especially if you’re old enough to remember Hawaiian Tropic sun oil).
Sol de Janeiro has us all craving coconutty, gourmand scents (the shower creams deliver a winning sweetness first thing in the morning): witness too the return of Laura Mercier’s Honey Bath, a tooth-smacking sugar hit. Cult Gaia’s Mast eau de parfum, in its distinctive green bottle, brings together coconut with bergamot and orange blossom. Margiela Replica Afternoon Delight eau de toilette (€75), meanwhile, celebrates Parisian cafés with softly nutty vanilla conjuring madeleines.
I’m really impressed with the fragrance edit at Space NK in Dundrum Town Centre in Dublin, which features everything from cult favourite DS & Durga to Hermès, among many others. US brand Phlur also goes big on sweet notes from vanilla to tangerine, apricot to coconut. Check out the body mists (€25) as a more accessible route to wearing these uplifting, cheery scents, especially Beach Skin hair and body mist, which is transportive, with bergamot, coconut milk and musky vanilla.
Personally, I always return to Cloon Keen’s Lá Bealtaine (€130) at this time of year – it really captures the optimism and welcome sunshine of spring via gleaming bergamot, mandarin, jasmine and rose. The Burren Perfumery is due to launch a gorse perfume shortly, and we know that Sadie Chowen and team will capture the glorious brilliance of this vibrant yellow plant, with its coconut overtones.
Also sparking joy, in a more earthy way, is Vyrao’s Mamajuju (from €145 at SpaceNK with its spicy hits of rum, nutmeg and olibanum layered on smooth sandalwood. It’s an atmospheric scent capturing the smell of earth after rain by genius Irish perfumer Meabh McCurtin (who also worked with Cloon Keen on Lá Bealtaine and others). Find optimism and sunnier days via fragrance. @sarahhalliwellbeauty
NEED TO KNOW
SPRING SKIN
New from Clarins, the Extra Firming day and night creams (from €88; refills from €70) target diminishing collagen reserves in the skin, working to preserve and stimulate the skin’s own reserves of collagen fibres, for increased elasticity. There’s a day cream with SPF15, too, plus an Essence and a lighter Emulsion. We love the powerful natural ingredients in this pro-ageing range, from pecan extract to niacinamide (vitamin B3).
SEE MORE: The New Skincare Genius That Boosts Collagen Reserves
ROSE-TINTED
Creed’s Eladaria is a luminous floral that’s an ode to velvety spring-fresh rose, with sparkling, optimistic top notes and a lasting woodiness. From €186 at Brown Thomas.
SEE MORE: Discover Creed’s Eladaria Eau De Parfum
SOFT TONES
Natural, skin-coloured tones are soft and easy to wear for spring: try Inglot’s Creamy Soft Lip Liners, €16 each and Tatcha’s Lip Tints SPF25 (€40.25,at Space NK); and H&M’s Sheer Brilliance Lipsticks, €13.
THE SLEEPER HIT
There’s a team of respected dermatologists behind Skin Diary’s Night Repair Therapy Cream €150, including Dr Clare Kiely, from Co Mayo, and Dr Tamara Griffiths. Consultant dermatologist Dr Rosemary Coleman is hugely enthusiastic about its great results. And so are we – it’s really luxurious to use. We’re using the day cream with SPF50, too – it’s remarkably good under make-up as a primer, while protecting your skin. An Irish gem. Available at www.drcolemansskinstore.ie.
SEE MORE: Consultant Dermatologist Dr Rosemary Coleman On Cleansing Myths
LATEST & GREATEST
Dr Laura Lenihan’s Phare online store has an exclusive new suncare range called Darling, featuring good-looking sunscreens and body care, from €30; www.phare.store. We love the body care set, (€67).
SEE MORE: The Best Beauty Buys From French Brand Violette_Fr
We may earn a commission if you buy through affiliate links on our site.
