Cos You’re Worth It
Sometimes we need a little reminding of just how fabulous we are. Whether it’s a special occasion, prep for a big event or simply because we want to spoil ourselves (or persuade someone else to), some brands and products are always worth a splurge.
Sometimes we need a little reminding of just how fabulous we are. Whether it’s a special occasion, prep for a big event or simply because we want to spoil ourselves (or persuade someone else to), some brands and products are always worth a splurge.
SKINCARE
1> Augustinus Bader, The Face Oil €70 visit augustinusbarber.com
A favourite of Victoria Beckham, this brand was founded by Professor Augustinus Bader who specialised in stem cell research. He developed and patented Trigger Factor Complex (TFC8) which he claims visibly reduces lines and wrinkles. It’s not the cheapest brand on the market but the face oil is remarkably good value and absorbs beautifully into the skin.
2> Elemis Ultrasmart Procollagen Complex-12 Serum €189 (was €252) visit millies.ie
If you’re prepping for a big day, or feel your skin needs drastic intervention, this serum is worth the price. It does wonders for the aging skin on face and neck, plumping it up and making those annoying little lines and wrinkles seem a lot less visible. There’s a moisturiser and eye cream in the same range, but the serum is really where it’s at.
3> La Mer Créme De La Mer Moisturising Cream €155 visit brownthomas.com
La Mer is still the go-to skincare brand for a string of Hollywood A-listers and is a luxury brand that really won’t let you down – at a price. The concentrated night balm rocks in at €520 and a 500ml tub of the moisturiser will set you back €1,960.
But the occasional splurge on a smaller tub of moisturiser is definitely worth it.
4> 111skin, Rose God Brightening Facial Treatment Mask €25 visit eu.111skin.com
This mask has something of a cult following among the glitterati as a pre-event mask, back when we had events that is. Now that they’re (hopefully) coming back, this is the pre-makeup mask, with 24k Gold and Damask Rose to plump and brighten the skin. ‑ e brand was founded by a Harley Street surgeon and has a range of treatment products but the masks are by far the most popular.
5> Nuxe Huile Prodigieuse Néroli €35 visit millies.ie
For 100 mls of beautifully-scented organic dry oil, this doesn’t really count as a major splurge.
But it’s included because it really does smell and feel fabulous. Keep a bottle near at hand for those moments when you’re in need of a feel-good instant boost. It can be used on the face, body and hair, massaged in or added to the bath water.
6> Dermalogica Biolumin-C Gel Moisturiser €69 visit spacenk.co.uk
Vitamin C has become the holy grail of skincare. It’s brightening, hydrating and protecting. ‑ is new moisturiser from Dermalogica is packed not just with Vitamin C, but hyaluronic acid and various other nutrients. The result is a cream that really does brighten the skin almost instantly.
MAKEUP
7> Chanel Sublimage Le Teint €140 visit arnotts.ie
For luxury beauty and makeup, it’s hard to beat Chanel. The logo alone is enough to make a lady’s heart skip a beat. This Sublimage foundation is a favourite of makeup artists for a reason. It’s not just makeup – it contains a range of additional skin plumping ingredients.
8> Tom Ford Lip Colour €47.95 visit lookfantastic.ie
Tom Ford’s lipsticks consistently garner rave reviews. They’re creamy, light, long-lasting and brilliantly pigmented. The matts don’t dry or cake, the satins are glossy without sliding. Given how much wear we get out of a great lipstick, a fabulous one at any price is a bargain.
9 Byredo Gypsy Water €135 visit byredo.com
Bryedo is a super cool scandi luxury brand founded by Swede Ben Gorham. It’s best known for its range of fragrances which emphasise the inherent beauty of different ethnicities. The Gypsy Water, with a woody scent with amber and citrus undertones, is a favourite.