The French manicure is back, but not as we know it. Our resident beauty guru, Triona McCarthy has the lowdown on nailing the look.
Triona’s trends
I think we reached peak nail nonsense at the end of last year – I remember seeing someone with Christmas baubles hanging from her nails! I know, i know!
Now, the more classic aficionados will be relieved to hear, it’s all about pared back, understated nails. Bella Hadid and Kylie Jenner are always out first flaunting the new styles, and their designer digits are dipped in the palest of shades for a new take on the – wait for it – French manicure.
Oui, oui, you better believe it, the French manicure is back – but not as we know it.
At the Khaite spring/summer 2020 show during NYFW, essie nail artist, Betina Goldstein interpreted the look in a very fresh and exciting way.
She nailed it with a sheer pink base in essie Mademoiselle and super-thin white tips painted with essie Blanc, both €9.99. It was the perfect balance to the jewelled headpieces the models wore on the runway.
It added a modern spin to a classic look and had me looking out for other ways to update the Frenchie.
Kilian’s White Tea, Hand cream, €46 – I like to pretend is named after me as my married name is White and my name begins with T – is the most stylish way to keep hands hydrated as well as smelling scentsational!
Pop it into your bag for showing-off purposes when you’re out and about.
Take a break
Dublin City dwellers take note, complete serenity is just a short trip away. The Rainforest Spa at Summerhill House in Wicklow is a little slice of heaven with the most incredible atmosphere. It’s the perfect place to get together with family and friends while indulging in a treatment and chilling out in the outdoor hot tub. Try out the ‘Me Time’ Day Break, which costs €99 per person from Monday to Friday and €115 on weekends. Or treat yourself for a good two hours with the Skin Spa Package, which includes one hour’s use of wellness space with sauna and hot tub, a glass of bubbly and a 60 minute Skin Formulas Facial with peel, and look as glowy as J-Lo.
Most Wanted
“Procecco Smile” is a thing now you know! The popular drink is very acidic, and bad for our teeth. That’s why I always make sure I water down any acidity by adding ice, and I drink Prosecco through a paper straw, whenever possible. But, most importantly, how we look after our teeth at home is what really matters. The number one thing I do is use One GO Mouthwash, €6.29.
This is a new liquid mouthwash sachet – there are 10 in a box – that give 12 hours’ of fresh breath and protect teeth and gums against build up of bacteria. Simply brush your teeth, then rinse one liquid sachet around the mouth before you head out the door.
Go all pout
Beauty comes from within – yeah right – from within jars, bottles and tubes! If dry and chapped lips are driving you mad then a little more than a balm is essential. Let’s talk about exfoliation – it’s a must for prepping a perfect pout for your favourite red lippie. This e.l.f. lip scrub, €6.45 removes the dry skin from your lips and hydrates at the same time. The lipstick shape is so portable. One for the handbag.
Triona’s trick
Scrunchies are back with a bang! Make your own by cutting up any mismatched socks you find when spring cleaning, as upcycling and sustainability is another trend going nowhere fast.
Cult product
The gin goes in and the fun comes out! Since alcohol contributes to the depletion of skin antioxidant levels. I recommend applying a vitamin C serum before, and definitely after, a drink or three. Vit C Vitamn C Prevent Serum, €50, a new Irish brand by Geraldine Jones, is my secret weapon for radiant skin, thanks to its powerful antioxidants that help to protect and prevent the visible signs of ageing and environmental damage. It might not cure your headache, but it’ll bring back your glow – and that’s half the battle!