Anita’s favourite beauty items and destinations …
Key beauty staples I’m never without: There are a few products I always seem to come back to, no matter what else I’m trying. NARS Soft Matte Concealer in Macadamia [€35] has been with me for years. As someone that’s South Asian, I tend to get some darkness under the eyes, and the NARS concealer helps brighten the under-eye area without looking cakey. I also adore the MAC lip pencil in Spice [€17.45]. I team it with a little lip oil to condition and colour in one. My everyday eye product is Guerlain’s liquid liner in brown [€34]; it’s less harsh than black but still gives great definition.
One foundation I swear by: Ilia’s True Skin Serum Foundation [€59] is my go-to. It’s the one I always reach for because it gives me that natural, radiant finish without feeling like I’m wearing make-up. I finally found the perfect shade match, and I love that it feels like skincare with a little extra glow.
My most recent purchase: I’ve just come back from India and picked up a few K-beauty bits that I’ve been really curious to try. There’s something so joyful about discovering new products while travelling. I also recently tried the Farah Homidi Lip Oil [€49] because I was drawn to the bottle. We’re creating our own lip product, so I’ve been testing numerous things. If we can’t do it better, we won’t do it at all, so watch this space.
My favourite places to shop for beauty: SpaceNK is a regular stop for me. It’s so well curated and I always feel like I’m in safe hands with their recommendations. When I’m in Ireland, Brown Thomas is a great destination for new discoveries and independent brands.
My all-time favourite beauty item: It has to be something from Mauli Rituals. I know I’m biased, but the formulations are really special. Each multitasker is rooted in my Ayurvedic heritage and crafted to support skin, mind and spirit. You don’t need much and it really delivers. Currently, I’m obsessed with the Supreme Skin Face Serum [€79.95]; it gives me hydrated, glowing skin without ever feeling too heavy. It’s my go–to for glowing, nourished skin.
My favourite Irish beauty product: Pestle & Mortar’s Pure Hyaluronic Serum [€36.50] is a firm favourite. It’s really effective and layers beautifully under make-up.
What I’m coveting this winter: I’m really excited about Lip Snack [€25] by Kulfi, the South Asian beauty brand that launched this summer. It’s great to see a brand celebrating identity with such joy and creativity. I’m also looking forward to trying the Victoria Beckham Beauty by Augustinus Bader Foundation Drops [€121].
My best beauty investments: When it comes to beauty – and life – I believe in having fewer, better-quality things. For me, the best beauty investment starts from within: I prioritise feeling well, centred and authentic in myself. However, there are a few beauty tools I invest in and absolutely love. My Dyson tools and Kent paddle brushes are a must-have for my hair, and I love the CurrentBody LED light therapy mask at the moment.
My favourite treatment: I really rate the Bvlgari Spa in London. Their LED treatments are brilliant, but I especially love their Ayurvedic offerings that incorporate our product family. It’s an amazing, healing experience and the spa itself is a little oasis in busy London town.
The loveliest perfume bottle on my dressing table: My daughter’s. She made me a rose perfume by crushing petals from the garden and soaking them. She labelled it and added a pretty heart and flower. I don’t use it, but cherish it deeply and nothing else can compare.
My home fragrance: I like natural candles and oil diffusers. Recently, I picked up the signature scent of Ananda (in the Himalayas), which is an essential oil blend and smells absolutely divine. I burn it with a tealight below and it signals home.
My beauty ethos: It’s rooted in balance, intention and simplicity. I’m drawn to simple rituals and small, mindful moments that help me feel grounded each day. I take Ayurvedic adaptogens, drink plenty of warm water, breathe deeply to release stress, and do my best to smile and stay present. The days I do this, I can physically see that I look beautiful – and the days when I don’t, no amount of product can give me the true glow that comes from within. These are the things that really sustain me. And when I feel balanced on the inside, it naturally shows on the outside.
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