Summer is a very unIrish time in the beauty calendar. Of course Irish people come in a variety of skin shades and tones, but the majority of us with pale Celtic genes can struggle at this time of year. Looking "summery" can require significant intervention. If you are travelling this summer, or just want to update your look, there are some easy products which don't involve tanning mitts or strong-arming your body hair out of follicles while holding in a scream.
Emma Hardie Plump and Glow Hydrating Facial Mist (€49)
I won’t go without a good face mist, and I certainly won’t get on a flight without one. Use it to set and refresh makeup, or apply it after toner and before serum. This one is rich in hyaluronic acid, watermint and aloe. It is instantly hydrating.
Charlotte Tilbury Instant Magic Facial Dry Sheet Mask (€24, or €86 for a pack of four)
The oils in this dry sheet mask are activated by massage, and each one can be used up to three times. For flights, special occasions and drab skin crises, it really is magic.
GHD Curve Classic Wave Wand (€149)
I have no skill for hair styling so if I can successfully use this, anyone can. The oblong barrel creates an undone, beachy wave rather than a fussy curl and does not require skill. I’ll never be without one.
Chanel Retractable Dual-Tip Eyeshadow Brush (€46)
I store my brushes standing upright in a cup and hence tend to dislike double-ended brushes. However, this excellent retractable brush has a lid on both ends, making it ideal for travel and home storage. From June 30th.
Moroccanoil Treatment Light 25ml (€16.45, lookfantastic.com)
Since starting to use this once ubiquitous brand again, I’ve seen my hair become less frazzled and frizz-prone. Plus, it smells divine.
Charlotte Tilbury Unisex Healthy Glow All-Year Hydrating Summer Tint Moisturiser (€40)
Being very pale, I was sceptical of this, but Tilbury can’t seem to go wrong. A grey goo at first, it adapts to your skin to, dare I say it, “warm you up”. Apply this under normal foundation (or alone, if you aren’t pale) and it makes skin glow from beneath, while facial structure looks more contoured. From July 7th.
Nails Inc. The Gel Switch Manicure (€49) from Brown Thomas Beauty Lounge, €55 for pedicure)
Nails Inc. has the best shade selection of any brand, in my opinion. This brilliant service allows you to convert any of their standard polishes into a four-week mani which really does last.
Tory Burch Love Relentlessly fragrance (€58, 30ml)
A more grown-up iteration of the Flowerbomb-esque fragrance family, this fragrance is intoxicating. Rose, lemon, tonka bean, cedarwood and more make it fresh and floral but not adolescent.
Trish McEvoy Light & Lift Eye Color Palette (€63, Harvey Nichols, Dublin)
This palette will take you through this summer and all of next winter. There is not one redundant shade in it, and the quality is sumptuous.
