Touch-ups on the go, bespoke skincare, fighting flyaways – even Mother’s Day panic. Our beauty maven, TRIONA MCCARTHY, lists her must-have beauty fix-its.
TRIONA’S TOP TRENDS
Becoming a mum myself to Maxi and Mini made my relationshop with my own mum, Margaret, even more magical. Like me, Mum’s mantra has always been “buy less, buy better”. Something I like to think about for Mother’s Day gifting, do’t you think?
Joan Woods of the waters + wild perfumery in west Cork is the same, having rebelled against the use of chemicals, and focusing on the purity of the organic, raw ingredients to create sophisticated, mindful and sensual colognes, see watersandwild.com, or pop into Costume, see costumedublin.ie, for a sniff! A set of sample perfumes at only €25 is the way to go to see what someone likes; then buy them the big bottle. Choose from sweet basil + bergamot; tuberose + frankincense; rose + oud or cedarwood + cognac.
I was lucky enough to get a bottle of the new Chloé Nomade, from €54.50, a few weeks before it launched, and I’ve worn it non-stop since. This new fragrance is like a mixture of softness and strength, as it’s a floral chypre, with fresh, floral freesia and voluptuous mirabelle plum, intensified with earthy oakmoss and labdanum. It’s just hitting counters now, btw, at Arnotts, Harvey Nichols and select stockists nationwide.
Anyhoo, I first wore it out to lunch and my gal pals ooh-ed and aah-ed over the bottle, which is inspired bu Chloe’s half-moon-shaped ‘Drew’ bag. That’s also on my wish list!
FRENCH FANCY
Oooh-la-la, ladies! Look at this handbag-happy, compact foundation, now adorned with a limited-edition sparkling YSL logo. I adore whipping it out for showing-off purposes, as well as touch-ups. Touche Eclat Le Cushion Foundation, €58.50, is a busy gal’s best friend. Its build-able coverage makes it ideal, not just for initial application, but for freshening up on the go. I use it on TV, and then throughout the day, as it doesn’t create a caked-on look.
MOST WANTED
I wish I’d known about Filorga Sleep-Recover Anti-Fatigue Night Balm, €65, when I looked exhausted all the time – either from partying too much when I was Party McCarthy; or subsequently, when Maxi and Mini came along! This is basically sleep in a bottle! A fab pump bottle, that is. It’s also super hygienic and travel friendly; it targets puffiness dark circles, skin fatigue and lack of radiance, as well as fine lines, blemishes and loss of elasticity.
BLOW AND GLOW
I absolutely have to outsource my hair if I’m to look anyway presentable for TV, Instagram Stories and the school gate! I have tried and failed for years to blow-dry my hair at home, but I look more like Kate Bush than Katie Holmes. So, I was thrilled to hear that Dylan Bradshaw‘s swanky salon has this amazing offer. For only €49, you can get a blow-dry and your make-up done. Choose from three hairstyles and three make-up applications, and go forth and be beautiful. Dylan Bradshaw, 56 Sth William St, D2, tel: (01) 671-9353, or see dylanbradshaw.com.
TRIONA’S TRICK
Mini, my three year-old, is a MUA in the making! She loves messing in my make-up, and doesn’t just apply it to her face, but on the furniture and floor as well! For stubborn stains, try a mixture of white vinegar and water to remove the smudges.
CULT PRODUCT
I love you, you little sheet! Hee-hee. This is what I have to say when I use one of my Ouai Hair Care Anti-Frizz Hair Sheets, €24, when I have an attack of the frizzies! These hemp-paper wipes smooth and settle static, and eliminate the dreaded frizz when you simply wipe them gently over the hair, from root to tip. The Shea butter and coconut oil ingredients gently moisturise and calm your tresses, without creating a greasy finish or tacky, heavy feel.
