So we survived Christmas. Our collective blood runs thick and crumbly with stuffing, and our complexions have the sticky glaze of all the ham we ate. Each year up to my late teens, (usually on December 27th), armed with my Christmas vouchers, I would march into the shops in Limerick and purchase myself the various tat and nonsense that my heart desired (within a sensible budget). I didn't discover make-up until my late teens, and would often lament the lack of sales in relation to beauty products.
Now, in this high filutin’, second generation Furby and crazy post-Brexit world, annual post-Christmas beauty sales are very real, and quite beautiful to behold.
If you are in the market for a bargain or seven, don't move. Don't brush those turkey sandwich crumbs from your softly spreading lap, or change out of your Star Wars pyjamas. The best of the sales are online, and you don't even have to threaten to break anyone's arm to get at the premium skincare.
Take note of shipping costs before buying, and grab yourself some bargains.
Space NK
Space NK's website is UK based, but delivers to Ireland. Though you'll have to pay in sterling, there is no premium brand site to rival their sale, with up to 50 per cent off being offered on their cohort of luxury brands. If you've run out of a pricey moisturiser or want a new luxury serum, look no further. With free delivery to Ireland on purchases worth more than £70 for a limited time, you can save on the shipping costs. See spacenk.com.
Debenhams
The Debenhams sale has already begun, and they are offering significant discounts on Urban Decay, luxury fragrance and beauty gift sets. See debenhams.ie.
Kilkenny Shop
The online sale starts today with reductions across beauty and wellness products. Discounted brands include Voya, Dublin Herbalists and The Handmade Soap Company. It is one of the best places to find high-quality Irish brands. See kilkennyshop.com
Look Fantastic
Look Fantastic's sale started on Tuesday. They are offering savings of up to 50 per cent off selected Urban Decay products including Christmas products, up to 25 per cent off La Roche-Posay, and 30 per cent across the whole Kérastase haircare range. There are also discounts on Estée Lauder and GHD products to be had. Standard delivery to Ireland is free. See lookfantastic.com
Cult Beauty
Cult Beauty are offering significant discounts on Anastasia Beverly Hills, Becca, Charlotte Tilbury, Smith & Cult, Pixi and other hard-to-come-by brands with £4.95 on top for standard shipping. See cultbeauty.co.uk.
Other notable beauty site sales to keep an eye on are those at Boots.ie, eu.feelunique.com and cloud10beauty.com.