Life column: SPF is your BFF

A round up of all the latest tips and tricks in beauty.

Triona’s Top Trends

Image result for Eucerin Sun Gel-Cream Oil Control Dry Touch SPF 30

Having a suncare routine is important all year long, not just in summer. However, finding the ideal suncare products can be quite a challenge, especially for those with any kind of skin issues, such as sensitive, oily or blemish-prone skin.

First, I want to talk about Eucerin. For those with oily and blemish-prone skin, Eucerin Sun Gel-Cream Oil Control Dry Touch SPF 30 (50+ is also available), €19.50, is your new BFF. It gives an immediate dry-touch finish, and along-lasting anti-shine effect – and it is the perfect make up base for daily use.

Eucerin Sun Face Mattifying Fluid SPF 50+, €18.50, is the one Will uses, as it is non-shiny – but it also combines very high UV protection with cell protection, and is ideal for combination and oily skin. Best of all, the celluar protection formula, with liquorice extract and glcyrrhetinic acid, supports the skin’s own protection system, and helps protect skin cells against sun-induced damage caused by free radicals. Available in independent pharmacies nationwide.

Image result for Shiseido Sports BB CompactTwo other amazing products that are perfect for balmy summer nights are Shiseido Sports BB Compact, €30, for make-up touch-ups on the go, and the award-winning Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser, €32, which is perfect to use instead of foundation for a healthy glow.

Most Wanted

Image result for Codex Beauty Bia Collection

If you’re trying to use less packaging and be more aware of ingredients, then Codex Beauty is the brand for you. Cork company Bia Beauty has been acquired by Codex, and the first Bia range has just launched. The range, which is divine, is now called the Codex Beauty Bia Collection. It includes Facial Oil, 100, my favourite, a Day Cream, €78, a Skin Superfood, €55, and Exfoliating Wash, €50, and Eye Gel Cream, €72. Irish indigenous herbs are used as ingredients, and it utilises packaging that won’t leave a huge carbon footprint.

Green Kweens

Image result for Heidi KlumAs many regular readers know, I’m a big fan of Tata Harper, a 100pc organic brand – no chemicals are used in its products. Perfect for green kweens like Heidi Klum. I recently popped into Arnotts to try a Tata Harper Himalayan Salt Facial, which works in a similar fashion to the treatment of a sports injury by using heat and the cold, on the skin. This is to ensure skin retains its elasticity. Stones are also used to drain the lymphatic system and help the skin stay plump.

The Himalayan Salt Facial will be available later this year; customised Tata Harper facials will be available this month. The €125 fee is redeemable on Tata Harper products. See arnotts.ie; tataharperskincare.com

Hair Affair

Image result for Defy Damage range by Joico

If your hair has taken a bashing over the summer, try the Defy Damage range by Joico. It’s a professional in-salon bond-protecting, colour-protecting treatment, as well as an at-home care range of four products.

The in-salon treatment, €35, is a two-step process; first, the Bond Protecting Colour Optimiser Spray is used. Next, the Bond Strengthening Colour Treatment helps to strengthen bonds and hydrate – for damage-resistant, healthy-looking hair in just one use.

I’ve been using Joico Defy Damage Protecting Shield, €24.95, on the beach here in West Cork, as it guards against thermal and UV damage and helps prevent colour fade.

For your nearest salon, see joico.com/salon-locator 

Triona’s Trick

Lipstick on your collar? Use hairspray to remove the stain! First, spray the fabric. Wait a few minutes, dab the stain, and then pop the garment in the washing machine.

Cult Product

Image result for Gucci Rouge a Levres Coral mae coralGucci’s amazing creative director Alessandro Michele has worked his magic on the make-up side of the brand, with the launch of 58 shades of lipsticks in three finishes; Rouge a Levres Satin, a satin finish, and Baume a Levres, a translucent lip balm. All of the finishes have a subtle sweet violet scent. Gucci Rouge a Levres Coral, 34.93, in the shade Mae Coral, netaporter.com, is my top pick, and it also suits most skin tones.



Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *