Sculpted by Aimee HydraBody Nourishing Oil
The latest body care launch from Sculpted by Aimee deserves a spot on this list – for the scent alone. HydraBody Nourishing Oil (€28 from sculptedbyaimee.ie) smells like summertime, like warmth, like sun-kissed skin and even like peaches. I’m probably not doing it justice, but trust me – it’s absolutely delicious.
What I really appreciate is how fast it absorbs – it’s almost a dry oil. Once applied, it sinks in quickly, fully absorbing within 20 to 30 seconds, so you can get dressed right away without worrying about greasy residue. It’s silky smooth on the skin, seriously hydrating and packed with great ingredients such as avocado oil and vitamin E. And, as we’ve come to expect from one of our favourite home-grown brands, it’s also affordable.
Ultraceuticals Ultra B² Hydrating Eye Mask
Creating good under-eye masks isn’t hard, in my opinion, but it does require two key things: great ingredients designed to de-puff, hydrate and soothe, and masks that are drenched in the those ingredients. It sounds simple, yet many brands still churn out under-eye masks that miss the mark – too little product, poor design and ultimately a “dry” under-eye experience. And who wants that?
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One brand that’s nailed it is Ultraceuticals with its Ultra B2 Hydrating Eye Mask (€75 for a tub of 20 pairs from ultraceuticals.ie). These masks are the epitome of “ultra” – ultra-rich ingredients (peptides, niacinamide, panthenol and hyaluronic acid, among others), ultra-soaked in product, and ultra-effective for your perpetually dehydrated under-eye area. They’re not cheap, but given the high-quality ingredients (and the consistently excellent products Ultraceuticals puts out), I wouldn’t expect them to be.
Fenty Beauty You Mist Makeup Extending Setting Spray
New and brilliant from Fenty Beauty is You Mist Makeup Extending Setting Spray (€32 from Boots). More like a refreshing skincare mist than a typical make-up spray, this is light, hydrating and incredibly cooling on the skin. The bottle feels ice-cold to the touch, and that sensation transfers to the skin when you mist it over the skin – something I find ridiculously satisfying.
Further satisfying? It does exactly what it promises: it keeps your make-up in place all day. There’s no dry-down, tightness, or stickiness – common issues I’ve experienced with other setting sprays. I’ve found it to be great for a midday skin refresh too. Interestingly, it’s fragrance-free . A solid 10/10 product.
The Inkey list Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum
If there’s one thing I mention repeatedly in this column – especially when it comes to skincare – it’s the importance of maintaining a healthy skin barrier and using products that support it. A brand I fell in love with back in 2018 for their straightforward, no-nonsense approach to skincare (and affordable price point) that champions this message is The Inkey List. While their product line-up (and, arguably, their prices) has expanded since they first hit the scene, their ability to create standout products has remained consistent. None more so than their latest launch: Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum (€16.99 from Millies.ie).
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This is one of the loveliest, skin-barrier-respecting serums I’ve tried in a long time – it’s exceptionally light, instantly hydrating and has a beautiful gel-like texture. As expected, the ingredients are top notch too: hyaluronic acid, glycerine, ceramides and the star of the show, Ectoin – essentially a bodyguard for the skin, protecting it from UV rays, boosting moisture levels and soothing redness and irritation.
This week I’m trying ... MAC Cosmetics In-Store Makeup Services
Not new, per se, but revamped. MAC Cosmetics is now offering an upgraded, bespoke selection of make-up services to suit any occasion. Available at MAC counters in Ireland, you can choose from 15-minute refresh appointments (no booking required, walk-ins only) or more in-depth, book-ahead sessions.
These range from mastering your entire make-up look in 60 minutes or less, to “going-out” make-up makeovers, and the very clever “sharpen your skills” services – where a MAC artist will help you perfect any technique of your choice, with options for 30, 60, or 90-minute sessions. Appointments can be booked in-store or by calling your chosen MAC counter.
