Irish brands staying ahead of trends

Last week was quite the week for Irish brands. There were some incredible launches from our favourite brands and a couple of relaunches and refreshes. I am always saying that Irish brands are really superb at staying ahead of trends and technology and launching the very best makeup and skincare.

Obviously the lack of sun means that sunless tanners are always a winner and this week I have one for the drier skinned among us.

New

He-Shi wanted to create a tan that wears down perfectly. It seems like an impossible task for us dry skinned folks but they may have nailed it. They created Hydra Luxe Lotion (€24.99), a lotion with maximum hydration that means this self-tan lasts longer and fades better. Long-term, moisturised skin simply ages better! Hydra Luxe Lotion combines exceptional skincare ingredients that work to keep skin looking youthful, protecting against further damage, and strengthening the skin’s natural defences:

• Soothing aloe vera which protects the skin's barrier and helps improve its softness and elasticity.

• Vitamin E which gives the skin protecting anti-inflammatory properties to protect from environmental damage.

• Provitamin B5 which protects the skin's barrier and helps the skin to maximise hydration while improving its softness and elasticity.

• Pentavitin, a super-hydrator, which binds deep within the layers of skin, helping to reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles, retaining moisture to the skin, and creating a plumping effect.

Skinician

The exquisite Radiant Glow Brightening Gift Set (€68) contains 3 of the best anti-pigmentation products to brighten and rejuvenate dull skin. Rich in concentrated active ingredients, each of these brightening skincare heroes works wonderfully on its own but used together the formulas complement each other to leave skin intensely radiant and renewed.

This brightening skincare set contains:

• Advanced Pro-Radiance Enzyme Cleanser (150ml), a foaming face wash rich in exfoliating natural fruit enzymes (AHAs), together with resurfacing prickly pear, to leave skin thoroughly cleansed and healthy-looking.

• The Advanced Pro-Radiance Enzyme Peel (50ml) features a slightly stronger concentration of enzymes to remove dry and dull skin cells for a nourished post-facial glow.

• And for the perfect finishing touch, the new Brightening Vitamin C Elixir (15ml) is a nourishing facial oil with brightening vitamin C, a potent antioxidant that works to reduce pigmentation and age spots, while boosting collagen in the bargain. This won’t be available until January as a standalone product but the value is excellent in the set and it’s a great opportunity to trial the brand.

Relaunches and refreshes

Most of us have worn so little makeup day-to-day over the past couple of years that any amount of makeup feels like a lot. What used to feel like no-makeup makeup now seems like full glam. If you’re looking to streamline your make-up routine, you need a multipurpose make-up palette. Practical and portable, the Luna Glam & Glow palette (€35) offers high quality, versatile shades so you can nail your look every time – simple!

There’s a blusher, bronzer, 4 eyeshadows and highlighter, all with warm-toned, natural shades which are flattering on everyone. What you’ll love most though, is just how pigmented each tone is. Expect rich shades that go the distance with zero fallout come 4pm. It can take you easily from day to night – just keep layering up for something more intense.

I don’t know about you, but I rarely finish a lipstick and pencil together which is why I was thrilled to see us fans of True Beauty by Aideen Kate can now purchase their favourite mix and match lip combos as individual products!

The über popular Royal Blush and Sunset Red Luxury Lip Kit Trios have proven to be a firm favourite amongst beauty aficionados across the country, resulting in a stunning range of products to choose from as individual items!

Whether you’re more of a nude toned lover or prefer to pack a punch and unleash your fiery side, there is a look for every mood and moment.

The Self-Love lipstick (RRP €19.99) is a dreamy pink-nude shade featuring a soft, luscious formula that creates a perfectly matte kiss and stays put all day long. Do You lip liner (RRP €14.99) is a super-soft, creamy, velvety lip liner for a perfectly defined pout.

Power lipstick (RRP €19.99) is a hyper-pigmented candescent coral yet crimson toned lipstick, with intensely powerful and long-lasting colour payoff that glides smoothly across your lips for a luscious velvety-matte pop of colour.

Energy lipliner (RRP €14.99) is a creamy, cherry toned liner to accentuate your pout with a seamless blend for a full, lush lip. Manifest lipgloss (RRP €19.99) is a lustrous high-shine gloss that creates a flawless glimmering sheen for fuller-looking, show-stopping lips.