Looking for tried and trusted skincare for a January lift? Oskia Skincare isn’t new – but it’s well worth discovering …
Beauty has become so much about new things – or “newness”, as it’s relentlessly called – that it’s easy to forget that newest isn’t necessarily best. Late last year, I rediscovered a brand that I haven’t thought of for a long while. And that’s my mistake – revisiting Oskia skincare has reminded me that they are up there with the best.
I first met founder Georgie Cleeve (pictured above) some ten years ago when she first launched Oskia into Space NK in Dublin. Her father had a supplements business, and Cleeve has a great origin story about taking one of his supplements, MSM (a form of sulphur), to help with a damaged knee, and finding it to have fantastic healing effects – not just on her joints but also on her skin, hair and nails.
Cleeve set up Oskia in 2009, running it with her husband George – and she still owns the business entirely – pretty impressive if you consider the absolute onslaught of new beauty brands that have launched in the intervening years. Its cool, clear, white and glass packaging has been much copied over the years.
What appeals the most is that Oskia is all down to the formulas. Cleeve is a formulator, and knows every single ingredient inside out – and she is not going to fob you off with filler ingredients that are superfluous. She confesses to being happiest when in her lab in Wales, where all Oskia skincare is made. She is not big on social media and the brand has never done marketing, let alone paid a famous face to wax lyrical about it. So its continued success in a competitive market is all down to how effective it is.
Oskia came back onto my radar as it’s one of three excellent, female-founded brands taken on by the Castle Spa at Dromoland (expertly run by one of the best spa managers in Ireland, Kerry Kelly, and team). Following its incredible renovation, the ultra-luxurious Spa specialises in really expert face and body treatments, all exclusive to Dromoland: see more HERE.
There are a range of Oskia treatments on offer. For an experience of out-and-out luxury, I challenge you to find a more relaxing and sensorial treatment than the Oskia Illuminating Facial. Lie on the heated treatment bed, and breathe in the soft rose scent of the signature Oskia candle – the warm oils from the candle are scooped up and used as a skin-nourishing massage oil. Which is as seriously lovely as it sounds (and yes, you can also try this at home). This facial includes a full body massage.
If you’re new to Oskia skincare, try the justly renowned Renaissance Cleansing Gel (from €21, www.spacenk.com), a no-nonsense, elegant and gentle way to clean your skin every day, and the accompanying Mask (€81). I am using the Rest Day Comforting Cleanser, a gentle and balancing milk formula that I absolutely love (€44, www.next.ie); I really recommend it, especially if you’re no longer 21 –?it’s hydrating, with oat ceramides and natural flower waters. I’m using the night cream too, a cashmere blanket for the skin while you sleep.
The Violet Water range, meanwhile, is designed for oily and spot-prone skin, and contains salicylic acid to balance and detoxify. The range of capsules, such as Super C, and Super R Retinoid for night time, are excellent, and well worth adding to your travel beauty bag.
Oskia face treatments at The Castle Spa at Dromoland start from €180 for an hour. www.dromoland.ie. The full range is available at Dromoland and also at www.spacenk.com.
