Beauty, Body and Makeup - Tips, Advice, Gossip

"I’ve been championing and supporting Irish brands throughout my beauty writing career, and love nothing more than seeing a host of Irish names in make-up bags and on vanity tables"

Triona McCarthy: My lowdown of the top Irish beauty products taking the world by storm

Mmm! I’m having a full Irish today ahead of ‘national Irish day’ on Friday, so let’s see what we have in our beauty buffet.

The latest makeup buys to revolutionise your routine

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Louise McSharry: Four dreamy new products to boost your makeup routine

In my teens and early twenties, I spent countless hours poring over the beauty pages of magazines, deciding what to spend my limited and hard-earned money on. Beauty products were my favourite thing to buy, and I wanted to try everything. I fantasised often about what it would be like to work in a magazine with new product arriving day in and day out for testing; assessing which were worth telling readers about.

Semaglutide regulates blood sugar, but also induces a chemical revulsion to food

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The dark side of the Ozempic ‘skinny jab’

Growing up I took ballet classes. As I entered my teenage years, what started as a hobby became something altogether more toxic. I saw 14-year-olds smoking cigarettes after class; heard unfortunate noises coming from toilet cubicles.

"This week, I’ve hunted down some top picks sure to help you or someone you love with chemo on the horizon"

Triona McCarthy: Having or facing chemo? I have some suggestions that may help with any side-effects

Chemotherapy is a trying time for anyone. Everything connected to it — from potential hair loss and nausea to mouth sores and fatigue — is scary.

Kate Moss's Cosmoss skincare and wellness range

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Kate Moss’s wellness range: ‘Looking for the most effective skincare for €140? Look elsewhere’

This week I had to pose the question, ‘What do you wear when you’re going to meet Kate Moss?’ Kate Moss, fashion icon, beautiful woman, one of the most famous models of all time was coming to Dublin, and I was going to be sharing oxygen with her.

During menopause, lower levels of oestrogen have a big impact on your skin. Photo: Getty Images

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An expert guide to glowing, youthful skin through menopause – using affordable, everyday products

We already know that the road to menopause is paved with big changes. But what does it do to your complexion? Well, turns out, quite a lot.

"Underpainting — it’s what model Hailey Bieber does to achieve that ‘lit from within’ look we all wish we had." Hailey Bieber attends the WSJ Magazine 2022 Innovator Awards. Photo: Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images

Triona McCarthy: Here’s my easy guide to the latest stay-all-day foundation hack, as worn by Hailey Bieber

UNDER WHERE?!

Top products to help restore the lushness of your lashes

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Louise McSharry: How to grow, curl and volumise your lashes

My lashes are in a bad way. We’ve been on a journey of sorts ever since I lost them through chemotherapy. Although if I’m honest, it probably started long before that. As a fair-haired person, the discovery of mascara at around age 12 was life changing. I went from invisible lashed ‘bald eagle’ status (a term I loved to use to describe myself back then), to a five-coats-of-mascara-ALWAYS girly and I loved it.

Tanya Sweeney has been blonde, brunette, a red-head and everything in between over the years

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‘I’ve dyed my hair every colour under the sun, so I know the power of changing your look’

It’s been done time and time again, and yet when Nicole Scherzinger made the move from brunette to bleach blonde, the results were fairly striking.

"Now that we all know we can buy ourselves flowers, write our names in the sand and talk to ourselves for hours, let’s add another act of self-care to the list." Miley Cyrus. Photo: Courtesy of Sony Music Entertainment Ireland

Triona McCarthy: Want less stress in the morning? Try my new spring make-up routine inspired by Miley Cyrus!

Who else is catching themselves humming away to Miley Cyrus’s Flowers as soon as they wake up each morning? Just me?

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Louise McSharry: The best new skincare products to add to your routine

The world of skincare is hard to keep up with. New products are launched all the time, with different ingredients becoming buzzworthy every year or so. It’s very easy to feel totally bamboozled by it all. I know I do, and I’m someone with access to more products, and more information about said products, than most. That said, if you can get through the number of products being marketed to you, and the volumes of marketing speak about the best new ingredients, there are gems being released all the time. Today, I want to share some recent launches which are worth having on your radar.

"If you have a fake tan fail, try using Veet Hair Removal Cream in this emergency situation."

Triona McCarthy: Roses are red, violets are blue, I have Valentine’s Day goodies that are perfect for you

Wanna know the secret to looking good? Being happy, of course. And, believe it or not, most of what blocks us from getting what we want, and from being truly happy, is in our head.

Our beauty expert's pick of hard-working hair oils and liquid blushes

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Want shiny, frizz-free locks? Then you should try hair-oiling

Despite my years of work in beauty, I find the range of hair products available a regular state of confusion. There are simply so many products, making so many promises, it’s hard to keep up. One product which everyone can benefit from though, no matter what their hair type, is oil.

"If you are blessed with super long eyelashes, or perhaps you’re using a growth serum, you’ll be aware of the curse of the spidery bottom line when it comes to mascara."

Triona McCarthy: From access-expanding beauty tools to the latest in skincare, we’re all about innovation

L’Oréal is really pulling it out of the (make-up) bag when it comes to tech these days. The French brand has two exciting new gadgets, both of which are set to launch this year, and are sure to change the beauty landscape by making it more inclusive — and I am here for it!

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Louise McSharry: How to create a smoky halo eye in just five minutes

It is a source of genuine sadness in my life that I don’t have much time to spend getting ready for a night out anymore. There’s a girl I follow on TikTok who regularly starts her process at around 2pm for leaving the house six hours later, and while that may seem crazy to some of you, it makes me nostalgic.

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Triona McCarthy: Switch up your routine with a fab Carboxy facial or try the newest products for hair and skin

‘I’m not terribly interested in beauty. What touches me is someone who understands herself.” This is one of my favourite Vivienne Westwood quotes, although there are so many I love.

Top recommended products to help with redness and rosacea

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Do you suffer from rosacea? Here are Louise McSharry’s five favourite skin-soothing products to beat redness

A friend of mine texted me to ask my opinion on a foundation the other day. It was a good one, and I said as much. “What about on redness though?” she asked. “It’s good,” our other pal replied before I got there, and what followed was a lengthy chat about rosacea and redness. These are skin issues thousands of Irish people deal with, as they are most common in fair, sun-sensitive skin.

The Green Angel Moisturising Gift Set, €59, greenangel.com, comes in a gorgeous bag and consists of a seaweed body cream, a foot cream, a face cream, and a jasmine and ylang ylang hand cream

Triona McCarthy: Achieve Netflix’s Wednesday-inspired gothic-glam, and make every day a spa day — in your shower!

Forget pink — on Wednesdays, we wear black! If you have a tween in your life you’re gonna know that I’m talking about — Tim Burton’s Wednesday on Netflix.

Our beauty expert's treats for the shower may cost a little extra but are worth it

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Louise McSharry: Turn the mundane into the sublime with heavenly scented shower products

Let’s get this out of the way from the start. Personal hygiene is important. However, at certain times in your life, you may find summoning the motivation to get in the shower a challenge. Maybe you’re exhausted. Maybe you’re profoundly sad. Maybe you’re sick, physically or mentally. Sometimes showering feels like a truly unachievable task.

Aoife Rooney having her bracelet welded together by Ryan Kelly at Heartbreak Social Club on Drury Street. Photo: Steve Humphreys

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Permanent jewellery is taking TikTok by storm: here’s what happened when I went to get a bracelet welded to my wrist

Some jewellery is intended to signify permanence and commitment on an emotional level; engagement and wedding rings, friendship bracelets — there are plenty of ways in which the jewellery we adorn ourselves with can create a narrative about us as people. So what does it say about a person who opts to get a bracelet permanently welded around their wrist?

Colleen Heidemann attends the 2021 CFDA Awards at The Seagram Building on November 10, 2021 in New York City. Photo: Taylor Hill/FilmMagic

Triona McCarthy reveals her top new make-up and hair releases for 2023

I’ve always been really inspired by anyone over 50 on Instagram — more so now since I’m nearing that age myself. Colleen Heidemann (72) is one such woman. I adore her signature bouffant grey hair, gorgeous skin and her inimitable style. I’m also grateful that the beauty industry has evolved over the years to show us how women can have fun with fashion and beauty at any age. Google her attending the CFDA Fashion Awards in 2021 where she rocked a very chic outfit.

Our beauty editor's powder picks will cover up skin concerns without looking cakey

Louise McSharry: The best powders for a flawless finish

When I was a teenager in America, there was one makeup item that every self-respecting gal had in her bag. A Cover Girl compact.

"Seeing as one of the face yoga exercises involves making a shocked-looking face, I’m asking all of my pals for their biggest gossip — but for beauty purposes only, I swear!" Stock image

Triona McCarthy: Applying your skincare all wrong? Here’s the definitive routine

I have nothing against Botox, but if you have a fear of needles, let me introduce you to face yoga. Boy George had his I’m a Celeb campmates in stitches as he showcased a series of facial expressions that are said to firm up the skin and reduce wrinkles — when they’re done every day, of course.

Louise recommends these relatively inexpensive skincare ranges without hesitation

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Louise McSharry: ‘Beauty brands won’t like me saying this, but most people don’t need to spend a lot of money on skincare to have a stellar complexion’

As a beauty columnist, I often get quizzed by people in real life. Family gatherings, neighbours’ parties, pre-drinks… they all descend into a beauty Q&A at some stage.

High Intensity Focused Ultrasound (HIFU) is a non-surgical way to add definition to the jawline and improve skin laxity instantly.

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Triona McCarthy: Kick-start your year with the best kind of resolutions and some supercharged skincare

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you closed off 2022 surrounded by loved ones and feeling ready for whatever 2023 has in store. I’m the eternal optimist, so I love the fresh start but I hate all the ‘giving stuff up’ talk at the start of this month. Ugh! Giving stuff up rarely makes us happier, right?

Louise's beauty picks to bring into the New Year

Louise McSharry’s top beauty product picks for 2023

Well, you did it. You made it to the end of 2022. This year felt long. So long, in fact, that I have been accidentally dating things ‘2023’ for about six weeks now. The calendar may not have quite moved on yet, but my brain is certainly ready to.

The secret to getting radiant, glowing skin — no matter what your skin type or the season

In the cold winter months, the sky isn’t the only thing that is grey, as a lot of our skin’s glow is depleted. Dr Maryam Zamani is an oculoplastic surgeon and facial aesthetics doctor, in other words — a skin expert. Her luxury skincare brand, MK Skin, mixes science and beauty, so we asked her about harnessing both to combat winter dullness.

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Buccal fat removal was 2022’s strangest and most secretive beauty trend

Last year, Chrissy Teigen posted a selfie to Instagram. She had a newly sculpted face. A chisel had been taken to her lower cheeks. Her jawline appeared to be in an angular “V” shape. “I did that buccal fat removal thing here,” she said in a video, while pointing out her freshly hollowed cheeks. Meet the hottest new beauty trend: buccal fat removal, a surgical procedure that can alter the entire structure of our faces.

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Triona McCarthy: Buy Irish for any last-minute beauty gifts... and here’s a trick if you’re feeling the strain

There’s still time to support Irish companies this Christmas by gifting beauty brands that come from our neck of the woods. I’ve rounded up a few of my favourites for any of you last-minute shoppers who still need to tick some names off their lists.

Louise McSharry's nails have never been in better shape

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Louise McSharry: ‘I’ve finally found the secret to long and strong natural nails — BIAB’

My nails have never been longer. You’ll know that if you’ve encountered me recently and commented on them, because I absolutely can not stop myself from sharing that news with anyone who betrays even a modicum of interest.

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Beauty

March 2023

Triona McCarthy: My lowdown of the top Irish beauty products taking the world by storm

Louise McSharry: Four dreamy new products to boost your makeup routine

The dark side of the Ozempic ‘skinny jab’

Triona McCarthy: Having or facing chemo? I have some suggestions that may help with any side-effects

Kate Moss’s wellness range: ‘Looking for the most effective skincare for €140? Look elsewhere’

An expert guide to glowing, youthful skin through menopause – using affordable, everyday products

February 2023

Triona McCarthy: Here’s my easy guide to the latest stay-all-day foundation hack, as worn by Hailey Bieber

Louise McSharry: How to grow, curl and volumise your lashes

‘I’ve dyed my hair every colour under the sun, so I know the power of changing your look’

Triona McCarthy: Want less stress in the morning? Try my new spring make-up routine inspired by Miley Cyrus!

Louise McSharry: The best new skincare products to add to your routine

Triona McCarthy: Roses are red, violets are blue, I have Valentine’s Day goodies that are perfect for you

Want shiny, frizz-free locks? Then you should try hair-oiling

Triona McCarthy: From access-expanding beauty tools to the latest in skincare, we’re all about innovation

Louise McSharry: How to create a smoky halo eye in just five minutes

January 2023

Triona McCarthy: Switch up your routine with a fab Carboxy facial or try the newest products for hair and skin

Do you suffer from rosacea? Here are Louise McSharry’s five favourite skin-soothing products to beat redness

Triona McCarthy: Achieve Netflix’s Wednesday-inspired gothic-glam, and make every day a spa day — in your shower!

Louise McSharry: Turn the mundane into the sublime with heavenly scented shower products

Permanent jewellery is taking TikTok by storm: here’s what happened when I went to get a bracelet welded to my wrist

Triona McCarthy reveals her top new make-up and hair releases for 2023

Louise McSharry: The best powders for a flawless finish

Triona McCarthy: Applying your skincare all wrong? Here’s the definitive routine

Louise McSharry: ‘Beauty brands won’t like me saying this, but most people don’t need to spend a lot of money on skincare to have a stellar complexion’

Triona McCarthy: Kick-start your year with the best kind of resolutions and some supercharged skincare

December 2022

Louise McSharry’s top beauty product picks for 2023

The secret to getting radiant, glowing skin — no matter what your skin type or the season

Buccal fat removal was 2022’s strangest and most secretive beauty trend

Triona McCarthy: Buy Irish for any last-minute beauty gifts... and here’s a trick if you’re feeling the strain

Louise McSharry: ‘I’ve finally found the secret to long and strong natural nails — BIAB’

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