Irish beauty brands have taken over both my make-up bag and skincare cupboard in recent years. Many of my favourite Irish products have featured in this column multiple times, including Sculpted by Aimee’s HydraTint Moisturising Serum, Poco Beauty’s Universal Glow Treatment, Hildun Beauty’s Silk to Set Kajal Liners and several brow products from Brow Aid, among others.
They’re mentioned regularly for good reason – they’re tried, tested and truly brilliant. But here I want to highlight some new products from other excellent Irish brands that are well worth trying.
Darlo Bounce Rollers
Created by Katrina Kelly Perry, hair educator and founder of Cut Social Hair Salon in Phibsborough in Dublin, Darlo Bounce Rollers (€55 from heydarlo.com) are the hair tools we didn’t know we were waiting for. Sturdy, user-friendly and chic, Perry’s expertise is evident in every detail. Slightly longer than standard rollers, they’re designed to hold more hair with ease, while the thermal aluminium core heats quickly to help set a style that lasts.
They come in two colourways, Pantone Orange and Espresso, and in two sizes. The large set includes 12 rollers – four large and eight medium – along with 12 elongated clips to secure them neatly in place.
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Skn To Skn Glow & Go Daily Moisturiser with Mineral SPF30
Created with pregnancy, breastfeeding, and sensitive skin in mind, SKN TO SKN is a beautifully formulated and beautifully packaged range. I’m a fan of several of the products, including Balancing Act Gel-To-Oil Cleanser (€37 from Boots) and Sleep Cheat Night Cream (€38), but my absolute favourite is Glow & Go Daily Moisturiser with Mineral SPF30 (€38).
Available in two tones – Light Tint and Deep Tint – this rich mineral sunscreen sheers out on application and leaves behind the most stunning glow. Worn alone, it’s nourishing and skin-evening, and under make-up creates a smooth, luminous base.
14 Day Mani – The Nonicure
Another clever launch comes from popular at-home manicure brand 14 Day Mani. Their new Nonicure system is a unique three-step repair treatment designed for nails that feel thin, dry, overworked or generally a little compromised – whether from regular gel treatments or just everyday wear and tear. Rather than acting as a quick-fix treatment, it works more like skincare for nails: a preventive ritual that gently exfoliates, protects and conditions the nail plate and cuticles to help restore strength and resilience over time.
The Nonicure – The Skincare for Nails kit (€49 from 14daymanicure.com) comes in a pale pink zip case and includes a Nail & Cuticle Scrub, Nail Veil and Nail Serum. Each product is also available individually.
Ella & Jo Melting Moments Body Care
Mayo-based skincare brand Ella & Jo has expanded steadily in recent years, most recently into body care with the launch of Melting Moments – a collection designed to cleanse and soothe the body while offering a calming, sensorial experience for the mind. The two newest additions are particularly impressive: The Nourishing Moment Shower Oil, which cleanses while replenishing the skin, and The Glow Moment, a lightweight body oil.
Both are luxuriously formulated and belie their affordable price point, with a blend of squalane, eucalyptus, rosehip and avocado oils, among other nourishing ingredients.
Skingredients Enzyme Exfoliating Polish
Skingredients’ newest launch is another standout. Enzyme Exfoliating Powder Polish (€35 from theskinnerd.com) is a Korean-inspired exfoliant that’s as enjoyable to use as it is effective. Containing a gentle blend of papaya enzymes and polyhydroxy acid – one of the mildest exfoliating acids around – along with vitamin B6 and soothing calamine, the powder transforms into a milky lotion when activated with water.
It gently sloughs away dead skin cells, improves texture and boosts glow, while helping to balance, calm and refresh the skin. As we’ve come to expect from Skingredients, it’s affordable too.
This week I’m loving ... Summer Fridays Flushed Lip Stain
Available in six universally appealing shades – from bright pink and neutral almond to deep plum and rich mocha – Summer Fridays Flushed Lip Stain (€25, from Space NK) is the playful lip product your make-up bag has been missing.
Essentially a lip marker, its precisely angled tip allows you to outline and fill the lips with ease. Colour flows evenly, dries quickly, and results in a soft, comfortable flush. Wear alone, under lip liner for extra longevity, or beneath your lip base of choice.
