Nailing it
We take a look at six of the biggest spring manicure trends to know about in 2023...
Want smoother, hasslefree skin in time for the summer? Michelle Martin reviews the Sensilight Pro...
Whatever your preferred style is for your body hair, we can all agree that getting rid of unwanted strands is a pain.
Whether you opt for the time and expense of in-clinic laser hair removal, messy waxing sessions or just tackling it yourself with your trusty razor, it’s never easy.
And that’s why the Sensilight Pro is my new favourite beauty gadget.
This clinicallyproven device gives you permanent hair reduction on your body AND face without tricky shaving, waxing or painful derma-planing.
It features a cordless design so you have full freedom of movement to get at those awkward spots and you can even give yourself a treatment while on your couch.
And, with up to 600 flashes between charges, you can keep going for longer too.
Here’s how it works…
Reactive Pulsed Light technology Created to give you the same results as you’d get in a professional spa, Sensica takes the widely-known professional IPL technology one step further.
Using unique RPL sensors that constantly react to your skin’s specific needs with every flash, the device provides a safe, fast and effective treatment in the comfort of your own home.
Double safety mechanism
Using a ‘laser’ on yourself is obviously something that will be daunting for some people.
But luckily, you don’t have to be a professional to wield the Sensilight.
The skin tone sensor evaluates the tone and condition of the skin at the beginning of each session and during treatment, if it detects a skin tone that is too dark will automatically deactivate the flash.
The contact sensor ensures full contact between the device and skin.
In case of a break in contact, it will automatically deactivate the flash trigger.
How to use
First up, shave the treatment area and make sure your skin is dry and free of any products like moisturiser.
Next, turn on the device and use the energy level recommendation button to select the correct energy level for you.
Place the treatment window on your desired area, making sure it’s in full contact.
Press the trigger button to deliver single flashes in pulse mode.
For continuous flashes, you can use the ‘glide’ mode — press the trigger button and hold for three consecutive flashes. Glide mode will automatically activate and perform treatment flashes until skin contact is broken.
And it’s as simple as that.
As with any new device or product, make sure you do a patch test before you start.
How often to use the device
For hair on your body, Sensica recommends doing the first one-to-four removal treatments roughly two weeks apart. After that, the next five-to-seven should be four weeks apart.
For the hair on your face, it’s a similar timeframe, with the first one-to-five treatments recommended every two weeks, six-to-eight should be four weeks apart.
Any treatments after those will just be as needed.
The verdict
After two months of use, I’m very happy with the results.
Even after just two treatments, I could see a big difference in hair regrowth and it’s super easy to use.
And, best of all, the process was almost completely pain-free.
I felt no sensation at all (other than a little heat) on areas like my legs and only the odd mild pinch on more sensitive areas.
And compared to the pain of razor burns, nicks and ingrown hairs, it was a small price to pay.
To buy
Get your Sensilight Pro with RPL Technology For Permanent Hair Reduction in Boots (ww.boots.ie) for €499.99.
As we begin the transition from autumn/winter to spring/summer, it’s time to start thinking about how we’ll be accessorising our outfits when sunnier days arrive — and that includes selecting the perfect nail polish shade.
How can you make sure your talons are on trend for SS23? Here, nail techs make their predictions for the colours and designs that will be adorning the most fashionable fingertips this season…
1. Milky tones
“Milk is the new nude,” says Sam Kendrew, head of education for Mii Cosmetics.
“A classic and clean take on the nude nail, milky-toned shades are always effortlessly chic and sophisticated on any skin tone — these hues dominated the catwalk during New York Fashion Week.”
Charlotte Knight, nail technician and founder of Ciaté London, agrees: “We’re seeing very natural and milky colours become popular. I like a cool, creamy shade for a natural manicure.”
• Ciaté London Plant Pots Amazing Gracie, €11.95, LOOK FANTASTIC
2. French twist
The classic French manicure (pink base with white tips) has made a major comeback in recent years, but now the trend is evolving.
“We’re seeing Gen Z lean towards a more ‘out there’ tip which features decals, bright colours and often different textures — such as chrome,”says Knight.
“Use tape to section off your tip and paint on your desired colour, or get some practice in drawing your tip freehand with either the varnish brush or a small detailer brush.
“Alternatively, you can opt for a nail sticker to get you this look – simply seal with a clear coat after applying in your desired area, to ensure it lasts.”
3. Pastel swirls
Feeling artistic?you could try your hand at a painted pastel look.
“The pastel swirl design is going to be a big one for the multicoloured fanatics this spring,” says Trembath.
“By combining delicate brush techniques with a selection of pastel colours, topped with a glossy top coat, you have a simple spring design that packs a punch.”
• CND Vinylux Down by the Bae, €11.95, MILLIES
4. Pink
“From neon to baby, we will see the colour pink everywhere,”says Kendrew. “Viva Magenta is Pantone’s colour of the year, and with the Barbie film coming out this year, Barbieesque manicures will be a permanent look.”
From palest blush to brightest fuchsia, and neatly filed nails to long acrylics, you can personalise your pink this spring.
• Colour Confidence Nail Polish Bold Bikini, €12.95, MII COSMETICS
5. Fruit and florals
When it comes to nail art, cute and kitsch is the way to go — whether you’re doing it yourself or commissioning your nail tech.
“Complete with UV gel cured diamantes, cherry nail art is very in vogue,” says Trembath, who recommends starting with two coats of dusty rose gel polish.
“Use a brush tool and a dotting tool to create cherries. For an extra bit of glamour, add on statement gems before curing and securing the finished look.”
You’ll also need a dotting tool to recreate her daisy nail art, “This blooming design uses a classic French manicure format by replacing the classic white tips with yellow-centred dots and white petals, giving a delicate yet intricate look to your hands.”
6. Coral
Bring the dopamine dressing trend to your nails with a saturated sunset hue.
“Coral is an old favourite we often see on the spring/summer catwalks, a universal mood-boosting hue guaranteed to brighten the darkest of days,”says Kendrew.
“The perfect mixture of pink and orange, it’s a hugely flattering tone that looks particularly stunning when paired with tiffany blue and white.”
• Mavala Mini Colour Nail Varnish Coral
Bay, €7.45, LOOK FANTASTIC