Poco Beauty Universal Glow Treatment
It seems fitting that the first product on this list is the very first product I wrote about in The Irish Times. Poco Beauty Universal Glow Treatment (€30 from pocobeauty.com) arguably set the Irish beauty scene alight when it launched in October of last year. Such was its instant popularity that consumers rallied together to demand additional sizes, and the brand delivered. This multitasking miracle worker, that smooths and evens skin, reduces redness, adds major glow and can be used as a primer or mixed with foundation, is now available in super size, regular size and travel size. And really, it’s still not enough.
I messaged founder Pippa O’Connor on Instagram recently and asked her when the super-supersized version would be coming out. She responded with a laughing emoji – so, fingers crossed
Rhode Glazing Milk
Sceptical as I was about model and influencer Hailey Bieber’s skincare line, Rhode, I’ve since eaten my words – and then some – many times over since the brand launched. I must admit, I’m fond of all the products in the skincare range, but none more so than Rhode Glazing Milk (€39 from rhodeskin.com).
This product is a skin saviour. Suitable even for the most sensitive skin, it drenches the skin in moisture while soothing and supporting the skin barrier. I use it on cleansed skin before applying serums and moisturiser, and occasionally I mix a drop or two with my foundation for extra hydration and glow.
Sculpted by Aimee HydraTint
I love Sculpted by Aimee HydraTint (€25 from sculptedbyaimee.com) so much, that, in addition to the open bottle I’m currently using, I always have a fresh one on standby – just in case of emergencies or if I unexpectedly run out.
This product is truly the epitome of “your skin but better.” It provides just enough coverage to even out the skin, and because it’s packed with skincare ingredients, it’s good for your skin too. The brand has several other great complexion products, but for me, this will always be number one.
Hildun Beauty Silk to Set Kajal Liners
Hildun Beauty was created by Irish entrepreneur Suzy Dunne and her husband Mark Dunne in 2022. Before their Silk To Set Kajal Liners (€18 from hildunbeauty.com) came along, I’m not quite sure what I did. Everyone I know in the beauty industry is singing their praises – and for good reason.
They are simply the best-formulated kajal liner pencils I’ve ever come across. Intensely pigmented, incredibly creamy, easy to blend, and within a minute or so they set in place and don’t budge. The colour options are excellent, and the price is even better. A must-have now, next month, and forevermore.
Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair
Much loved (and probably overused), Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair (€77 for 30ml from Brown Thomas) has been a solid part of my skincare routine for over a decade. There’s nothing quite like it for repairing, soothing, plumping, and deeply moisturising the skin while you sleep. Don’t let the name confuse you, either. It’s not just for night-time use and can absolutely be used every morning as your hydrating serum of choice, too. While it’s arguably an investment, it’s one of the best you’ll ever make for your skin.
L’Oreal Lash Paradise Mascara
I’ve written about this mascara so many times that, at one point, my editor at The Irish Times asked if I was aware I was writing about it again. My love for L’Oreal Lash Paradise Mascara (€16.99 from Boots) runs deep. Not only is it affordable, it’s hands-down the best mascara I’ve ever used. It’s dark and dramatic, and the brush is a marvel – it lifts, lengthens, separates, and adds enormous volume without clumping – and it lasts all day without flaking or smudging. If they ever discontinue this product, I might just pass away.
This week I’m loving ... Voya Dreamy Sleep Christmas Cracker
A gorgeous, affordable and aesthetically pleasing gift from home-grown brand Voya. Dreamy Sleep Christmas Cracker (€25 from voya.ie), containing a luxurious satin sleep mask and 10ml bottle of the brand’s Pillow Heaven Relaxing Sleep Spray, bestows the gift of a good night’s sleep on the recipient. And what could be better than that?
