She’s on the countdown to ‘Celebrity Operation Transformation’, so Triona McCarthy gets prepared with a clever selection of hard-working double-duty products
MOST WANTED
Don’t let the name fool you, this Bloom and Blossom Sleep Night-time Pillow Spray, below, €16.79, is not just for night-time use, or just for pillows! I use it whereever and whenever I feel the need to hit the pause button.
The blend of frankincense, chamomile flower, rose water and linden blossom can be used on all the family, and it’s safe to use during pregnancy.
Simply spray a fine mist into the air for a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere.
LEARN TO PAINT
I popped into the swish new Urban Decay boutique at the top of Grafton Street in Dublin recently to buy another Naked Heat Eyeshadow palette, €47.50, as Mini, my little make-up monster, had mauled mine. It’s probably my favourite Naked palette ever, with its copper-y, rusty shades – just like those the singer Adele, above, loves to wear.
If you’ve ever stuggled with doing your own make-up, why not have a little lesson to learn how to line and shine like a pro? The First-Timer, €60, covers make-up basics, and is just one of the impressive services on the menu. Then try out the ring-of-light selfie wall, and upload photos of your new look online and on an Instagram screen instore.
DOUBLE UP
Clarins have reformulated their best-selling Double Serum, above, from €72. It’s been around since 1985, with new formulas introduced whenever new technology comes around.
This dude is a powerful new cocktail of key ingredients, such as turmeric and plant extracts from 20 different sources. These include horse chestnut and kiwi to boost the skin’s vital functions like never before.
I love the new packaging which pumps out a perfect amount, and adore the fact that this version feels lighter and more easily absorbed.
A quick exfoliation will double the effect of a face mask! So get scrubbing, then use your favourite mask. For a simple home-made scrub, mix some oats into your cleansing milk, for a gentle, exfoliating treat. Your skin will feel velvety afterwards.
CULT PRODUCT
I adore everything the designer Matthew Williamson does. I’m currently sitting on one of his chintzy chairs and ‘wearing’ his limited-edition Nivea Invisible For Black & White anti-perspirant, above, €4.29.
It’s wonderful to use when you’re wafting about in one of his delightful designs, as it leaves no white marks and helps prevent the build-up of yellow stains on clothes.
So black stays black, white stays white and colour stays brighter. Oh and, of course, it also ensures 48 hours of non-stop protection against perspiration.
THE TRIMIX
I have a week left before I start my Operation Transformation regime! Aaaaggghhhrrr! I swear I haven’t been eating everything in sight. I want to do this right, and I know there are no get-fit-quick solutions – sadly. However, there are some great body-blitz products that work in a jiffy, such as the Alpha H Liquid Gold Luxe Resurfacing Body Cloths, above, €31.95. These double-sided glycolic-acid body wipes basically have all the exfoliating power of the original Liquid Gold treatment that I use on my face, but in a very handy single-use cloth. They’re ideal for tackling body-skin concerns such as removing patches of old fake tan, but then they also double duty, as they perfectly prep for the next tan application.
They’re kinda like massive make-up remover wipes! In less than five minutes, you can have baby-soft, tan-free skin, as the dual-textured technology means they have a textured side to buff and lift product build-up, without aggressively scrubbing your body. Then the smooth side is infused with a glycolic acid-based formula to break up colour and dead skin cells, with only one wipe required.
Follow up with an application of Hey Honey, Love Your Body Shea Butter And Honey Body Lotion, above, €26.95. It’s a luxurious honey and shea butter body cream with Vitamin E which softens and replenishes moisture, but again, it does double duty, as it provides antibacterial support. It’s just great when you’re hitting the gym. Sadface!
*This piece first appeared in the Sunday Independent Life Magazine on August 20th 2017*