LIFE Column: 2020 Vision

Done with the dull days? Triona McCarthy beats the January blues with her top tips, tricks and product picks.

Triona’s top trends

I adored Rebecca Minkoff’s presentation at New York Fashion Week, which celebrated the modern, working woman. If you follow me on Instagram, you’ll remember not only did I get to take part in the presentation myself, I also got to hang out with Sofia Richie.

Showcasing women in all walks of life, from the boardroom to breastfeeding, Minkoff’s wearable line for all sizes, featured sophisticated skirts, brilliant blazers and pretty print dresses in an array of bold colours from reds and bues, to rusts and fuchsias – a fit for all females.

Maybelline was responsible for the make-up and here’s the lowdown on what we’ll be facing for the year ahead. First up, it’s all about the ‘no make-up’ make-up look, so a perfect base that’s natural and not too heavy is a great place to start. Behind the scenes, make-up artist Grace Lee used Maybelline New York Dream Urban Cover Lightweight Protective Make-Up, €12.95, teamed with Instant Age Rewind Dark Circles Treatment Concealer , €10.45, which provides just the right amount of coverage without going overboard. A high SPF is always essential to protect from the elements throughout the year, too.

Brows, lids and lashes are next, and the full, bushy look is still big for 2020, thanks to this month’s launch of Maybelline’s Browfast Sculpt Gel, €7.69. Minkoff’s models skipped the eyeshadow and finishes off the look with a coat of Volum’ Express The Colossal Washable Mascara, €10.99, on the top lashes.

Most Wanted

I thought we’d hit peak sheet mask, but it seems they aren’t going anywhere this year, with Garnier Moisture Bomb Eye Tissue Mask, €3.99, hitting the shelves. Be a ‘soothe’ operator, with this hydrating and moisturising mask. Thanks to coconut water and hyaluronic acid, it cools down irritated eyes in just 15 minutes. It’s sure to get you ready for a good night’s kip —  or a good night out — and have you wake up bright-eyed… literally.

Pamper time

Fancy a little pampering after the madness of Christmas and NYE? Beat the January blues with a spa trip — something Gigi Hadid, and her sister Bella, both like to do. How about visiting Lough Eske Castle Hotel to check out their Espa Escape package? It includes a 45-minute spa treatment, as well as breakfast and dinner on top of your stay in this gorgeous Donegal location.

Make the most of the spa and chill out in the thermal suite for an hour before your treatment even begins, then choose between the Restorative Signature Massage or a Restoring Beauty Facial.

The package is available until the end of March, 2020 and prices start from €399 per person per night.

Can you peel it?

Looking for a regimen that’ll recreate that professional face-peel feel at home? L’Oreal Paris Revitalift Laser Renew Ampoules, €24.95, are a collection of mini capsules that work on eliminating any impurities your complexion might capture. Over the course of seven days, the makers claim they will promote radiance, smooth out fine lines and even out your skin tone. I like the counter down the side of the packet that shows me just how close I am to better-looking skin, too.

 

Cult Product

Here’s a nifty new addition to your make-up bag that’ll become best pals with your liquid foundation and your setting powder. The Real Techniques Miracle Powder Sponge, €7 99, is versatile enough to work with wet and dry products for a seamlessly blended look. And here’s a little tip — use the rounded side of the sponge for blending, the flat edge for baking (setting your make-up with lots of powder, then dusting off the excess), while the pointed tip is perfect for coverage. 

Triona’s trick

Keep dandruff at bay with this at-home fix. Grate half a ginger root into two cups of water and boil until it’s infused. Pop in a tablespoon of lemon juice and olive oil. Let it cool and mist onto the scalp. Let dry, then shampoo out It’s perfect for when funds are low in January, too!



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