It’s all about that base

Our new beauty columnist has top tips for prepping skin

Welcome to the first of what will become a regular deep dive in to all things homegrown on the beauty front. Every month, I will bring you the best and brightest in Irish beauty, from skin and hair care to cosmetics, tools, treatments and self-care.

I’ve been writing about beauty for over a decade, but it’s only in the last few years that the Irish beauty scene has really taken off. What started as a trickle from brave entrepreneurs is now a flood, and I welcome it with open arms. We should all be about supporting local.

Trust me, it’s possible to only use Irish products and not miss the big global brands at all.

So let’s start with the basics, and by that I mean skin. A healthy complexion is the most important foundation for any glamorous look, and Irish beauty businesses are really working overtime to bring us the best.

First off, cleansing. No matter how old we are, women are often prone to hormonal breakouts. Jennifer Rock, aka The Skin Nerd, has poured all her skincare knowledge into her range Skingredients, and her awardwinning Sally Cleanse (1. €30, skingredients.com) is just the thing for a spotty day. Use it once or twice a week – the active ingredient salicylic acid keeps oil and bacteria at bay.

The most important thing for your skin year-round is to protect it from the sun. But why not add a little zing to your daily SPF in the form of skinbrightening vitamin C? The people behind Therapie Clinics have brought Skin Theory to the market, and this innovative Vitamin C Day Cream with SPF30 (2. €49.95, therapieclinic. com) is a fantastic allrounder. At this time of year, our skin can look a little dull and grey thanks to the combination of cold weather and dry air from central heating. Give it a little glow with a hyaluronic acid serum containing a small amount of developing tan. I love Skin Formulas’ Hydra Bronze Glow Formula (3. €40, skinformulas.ie) – no chance of an Oompa Loompa moment, just a lovely sheer glow.

You may want to avoid heavy foundation during the winter, because it only serves to further mattify your complexion. SOSU Cosmetics’ latest launch (see main image) Radiance Base is a sheer tint with added luminosity and skin-blurring coverage. It’s also a bargain at €14.95 (4. sosubysj.com), and comes in three tones – cool, warm and bronze.

Taking the time to apply a face mask is a true act of self-care, and The Miracle Mask by Ella & Jo (5. €36, ellaandjo.ie) is a gorgeous treat. It contains hyaluronic acid, peptide-rich squalene and plumping glycerin, and leaves you looking lit from within.

If you’re looking for a gorgeous, comforting cream when skin feels tight and rough, Sculpted By Aimee’s Cloud Cream (6. €35, sculptedbyaimee.com) is beautiful. It’s packed with ceramides to help your skin’s barrier, and feels and smells gorgeous.

My husband even asked me what was on my face, it smells so lovely.