Life Column: Get Fresh

January may be past, but it’s not too late to make a fresh start, says Triona McCarthy, who guides us through her tricks for glowing, rejuvenated skin.

Triona’s Top Trends

My goal in 2020 is to accomplish the goals of 2019, which I should have done in 2018, because I promised them in 2017, having planned them in 2016! Aaaggghhrr! Anyone else like me? Dry January might be finally over, but my skin doesn’t seem to have got the memo!

Here are some of my go-to products for when the skin needs a fresh boost. The trick is a clean slate for the skin that gives you a glow from the inside out. Seoulista: the Irish brand, K-beauty-inspired skincare, has the best mask — Charcoal Detox Instant Facial, €8.99,  from department stores and chemists, nationwide. The natural bamboo mask is designed to help purify and cleanse the skin.

For any break-outs, I reach for Yes To Tomatoes Detoxifying Charcoal Acne Spot Treatment, €8.95. It’s the first ever natural rollerball spot treatment that targets spots and break-outs quickly and effectively. Charcoal and tomato extract help detox the skin by drawing out pore-clogging dirt and impurities.

Hair-wise, I reach for red wine. Hask Cabernet Sauvignon Repairing Deep Conditioner Packette, €3.95, uses potent antioxidants found in grapes to refresh and rejuvenate dry, brittle tresses.

Most Wanted

The first few months of a new year are an ideal time to look for a new signature scent. Say hello to a new limited-edition version of Atelier Cologne Santal Carmin, €185, available from Brown Thomas and Arnotts. It has a deep, woody aroma and comes in a beautiful glass bottle. The bottle’s design is adventurous and impactful, just like the scent itself. Top tip: Before buying a new fragrance, give it at least four hours to develop on your skin, so you don’t make an expensive mistake!

Try before you buy

We’ve been in 2020 now for a while, and I’m broke, fat, and paler than I ever was! Splashing out on pricey skincare products and being 100pc sure that they’ll do a great job can be a little risky at this time of year.
If you’re a ‘try before you buy’ type, then this Codex Bia Beauty Discovery Set, €50, is for you. The set, which was launched at the end of last year, will give you a taste of what suits you best by letting you try out four of the products from the Bia collection. See codexbeauty.com

Sleepy treat

I returned to my Cork roots recently, and took a trip to the fabulous Fota Island Resort. The Fota Island Spa offers complete tranquility, with help from luxury brands like Kerstin Florian, Comfort Zone, Davines Hair, Fuschia make-up, as well as Voya, which is launching soon.

Charlene is an exceptional therapist who specialises  in sleep massages. The Tranquilty Pro-Sleep Massage, €150, is an 80-minute treatment, and is ideal for anyone who has problems with getting enough shut-eye. It aims to relax the senses through essential oils. Then, have your hair and make-up done with the lovely Laura. This place is the perfect antidote to what can be a dreamy time, and will have you looking as glowing as January Jones.

Cult Product

In winter, I go to sleep snuggled under 12 blankets, with the heat on, the window open, a fan blowing, and one foot out of the bed! Just call me Tri on a Bed!

And then I discovered the Jo Browne Organic Pillowcase Set, €39.99, for a set of two. These anti-bacterial pillowcases are breathable and thermal regulating, so they’re cooler in summer and warmer in winter.

Available in Meadows and Byrne stores and online at jobrowne.com

Triona’s Trick

Normally I’m telling you how to remove hair from your body, but today, all snuggled up in my cashmere cardi, I can’t help but notice the ‘dreadlocks’ on the underarms! I use a disposable razor to very carefully shave them off.



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