News and views by Beauty Editor Sarah Halliwell …
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Every winter, we try to plan ahead to weather-proof our skin. Rather than just pile on more products, it’s a good idea to take a step back and re-look at the skincare we’re using. All those alluring elixirs with big promises – it’s a challenge to commit to a dedicated, pared-back routine and focus on essentials.
We’ve grown to believe that you can’t get everything you need from just one brand. But a recent visit to the Real Skin Solutions’ dedicated Skin Hub, The Loom, in Dublin 8, made me consider clearing my shelf and renouncing everything other than Biologique Recherche, one of the few skincare lines that absolutely earns the label “cult”.
I was in the expert hands of Vira Blok, national trainer for the 40-year-old French brand. The initial appointment starts with a full consultation and analysis using BR’s Skin Lab machine which tests various aspects of your skin, deep down, from elasticity to moisture barrier. It’s like sitting a skin exam (and failing a few areas). It’s worth facing up to reality and feels reassuring to have an expert tell you what your skin needs, removing guesswork.
After the consultation, I committed almost entirely to the BR regime, starting with a cream cleanser and followed by five steps (finishing with an SPF, of course – I’m using a lovely tinted SPF50 by New Zealand brand Raaie, which has a peachy finish; www.raaie.de).
A few weeks in and my skin is different – stronger, noticeably brighter and more resilient. The skincare is a serious investment, but its expertise and efficacy speaks for itself. BR’s famed lotion, P50, is the cornerstone of the new routine; a brilliant exfoliator and skin brightener. While the skincare is very tailored to your skin needs, the one universal product is the Masque PIGM 400, an instant at-home facial. One key takeaway is avoid hot water on your face (just one reason why the “everything shower” is a bad idea; it should be lukewarm if you’re cleansing.)
The Loom is also offering a lovely opportunity for people living with or healing after cancer, as part of global initiative, Wellness for Cancer. The complimentary skin-appropriate 90-minute treatments take place each Friday; email megan. byrne@realskinsolutions.ie.
BR facials with Vira (from €140) are also available at Rosemary Coleman, Blackrock Clinic, Co Dublin (www.drcolemanskinstore.ie), and at lovely Escapada in Dun Laoghaire (www.escapadahealth.com), a seaside haven. Other BR facialists around the country include Dawn Hill at Floraison Dublin, the wonderful Tara Casserly at Base Skin, Galway (www.baseskin.ie), and Sherna Malone in Clonakilty, Co Cork (www.shernamalone.ie).
NEED TO KNOW
WINTER PREP: While we’re talking about wellbeing for winter, note that an exciting new centre is set to open in Sutton, Dublin this month: Daha Wellness will offer everything from yoga, Pilates and barre to Seabody face and body treatments. Definitely one to check out; www.dahawellness.com.
SKIN BALANCE: To keep dry skin in check this winter, Aveeno’s Daily Moisturising After-Shower Mist (€10.50) is a handy option as it’s so quick and easy to spray on, without making your skin sticky when you’re trying to get dressed (plus it’s unscented so won’t clash with your perfume). Affordable, practical, speedy. At pharmacies nationwide.
ADD TO BASKET: Add some colour this season. The number one skincare brand at Space NK is Tatcha, whose Indigo Overnight Repair (€96) works as a comfort blanket for skin while you sleep. Make-up wise, look to a cheery blush (like Tom Ford’s, above) and Chanel’s indulgent lilac Eye Quad (€61).
SKIN INVESTMENTS: It’s a good time of year to invest in skincare, as gift sets tend to offer good value. The Seabody sets, for example, start from €65. At stockists nationwide; www.seabody.com.
BEAUTY CALENDARS: L’Occitane’s advent calendars are top-notch, both in design and contents. We especially love the reusable fabric versions – with refill sets available too, they’re the most environmentally considerate option out there. Pictured is the Luxury calendar (€150), with minis to last you until Easter. At stores nationwide; ie.loccitane.com.
SUPPLEMENTS: Jennifer O’Connell, Aoife Matthews and Louise O’Riordan, the three enterprising founders of Sisterly (all with full time careers in law, finance and luxury lifestyle) have made taking supplements aesthetic with ‘The Elevator’. The trio enlisted the help of experts to perfect The Elevator as the ultimate foundational multi-nutrient designed to replenish what women need as they age. Dr Daniel Jones says “The Elevator is an evidence-based, broad spectrum, supercharged, daily multi-nutrient that combines 24 essential nutrients in one pure, potent, powder sachet to help elevate energy and immune defences, balance mood, support hormonal balance, enhance bone health and make skin, hair and nails strong and healthy.” It is proven to help us sleep longer and feel more energised in the morning – especially on these dark winter ones. www.sisterlylab.com
