Red carpet ready

Glowing skin is always in and ahead of the Aesthetics Awards this weekend, I have been preparing my skin to ensure it looks its best. You can follow this regimen as well ahead of the jazz festival, a wedding or any Christmas parties you have coming up. The products and masks you use should all be about skin hydration or balancing and making that skin red carpet ready.

If, like me, life gets hectic, there are so many people you can call on to help! I have been using the Alumier range for glow and I have found the range available at La Vida Aesthetics to be really good.

You can also call on Dr Odile for a great natural lip or anti-wrinkle result. AlumierMD is a skincare brand known for its science-based, medical-grade products and treatments. Developed by skincare professionals, AlumierMD offers a range of solutions tailored to different skin types and concerns, such as acne, hyperpigmentation, ageing, and rosacea.

What sets AlumierMD apart is its focus on customisation and using clean, clinical ingredients. The brand avoids common irritants like parabens and sulphates, emphasising effective, yet gentle formulations. Their products are often used in combination with professional treatments like chemical peels or facials, providing patients with comprehensive skincare plans designed to deliver visible, long-term results.

For me, I have quite reactive skin so their Sensi Calm cleanser is so lovely. SensiCalm (€39) is a smooth, hydrating cleanser that delicately removes impurities and excess oil while calming skin. Yucca root extract is a gentle natural cleanser; niacinamide, ceramides, vitamin E and sunflower seed oil moisturise, leaving skin smooth, soft and intensely hydrated.

Aloe soothes skin and calms redness. Alumier Calm-R Serum (€106) is a soothing hydrating serum that targets redness and blemishes while maintaining skin’s delicate moisture balance. Piperonyl glucose and sea whip both relieve redness by different mechanisms to enhance effectiveness. Hinokitiol is a multifaceted active with calming and antioxidant properties. This formula has been improved to benefit even the most sensitive skin type.

Another great prep product is body lotion ahead of any self tanning or spray tan you might be planning. Drink plenty of water and use a body lotion or oil to ensure that the skin is hydrated.

Exfoliation is also a key factor in keeping your skin renewed and regenerated. It doesn’t have to be really expensive and Chemist Warehouse has an unbeatable selection including one of my favourites Cetaphil. I use this at any time because it is unscented and easily absorbed and so cost effective.

For me, this is the most basic thing to do all year round but it is really essential ahead of time. They also have an amazing range of self tanner including Cocoa Brown.

aNuMe medical on Penrose Wharf is an aesthetics clinic where you can have all kinds of skin treatments done regardless of your age or skin condition. I opted to have PRP done with Nurse Claire a few weeks ago and then a hydrafacial this week with Magda. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is a treatment that uses your own blood to improve skin on the face and neck.

A small amount of blood is taken, spun to concentrate the platelets, and then injected into the skin. These platelets contain growth factors that promote healing and collagen production, which can help reduce wrinkles, improve skin texture, and give a more youthful appearance.

If injectables isn’t your thing The HydraFacial is a popular, non-invasive skin treatment that delivers a multi-step solution in just 30 minutes. It deep cleanses, exfoliates, and extracts impurities while infusing the skin with hydrating serums packed with antioxidants and peptides.

Perfect for all skin types, it addresses concerns like dryness, fine lines, and uneven tone, leaving skin refreshed and glowing—without the need for downtime. This quick yet powerful facial is a favourite for achieving a radiant complexion with minimal effort. You also have to see the gunk that comes off your skin!

It is disgustingly satisfying.