Siren Skin

Dolphin skin may not be the most appealing name for a new beauty trend with its connotations of grey rubbery hide, but it’s what the latest look is called. Think of the glass skin trend and add more colour and shimmer. The aim is to channel that fresh out of the water look. Sunlight sparkling and glistening off a…wet fish?

Blame the name on makeup artist to the stars Mary Phillips, whose clients have included Jennifer Lopez and Kendall Jenner. With its emphasis on a super hydrated, youthful glow, the full dolphin skin look is best left to a younger lot, but that doesn’t mean older skin won’t benefit from a few of the tricks involved. As women of taste and discernment, we could perhaps call this siren skin, even mermaid skin, or anything really, so long as it’s not suggestive of grey rubber. See? We’re quite the trend setters here at Woman’s Way. 

Carissa Casey suggests some products to get you glowing like a true siren of the seas. 

Image MD is a fab new range for Image Skincare. This is a clinical skincare range with excellent active ingredients. Again, it's very popular since launch. It will be fully restocked on the site by the end of the week.

To achieve that glowing super-hydrated look start with skincare. Exfoliation is key to providing as smooth a base as possible for any makeup look. It also helps the absorption of serums and other beauty products. ThisWorks has launched Morning Expert, multi-acid pads (€32 visit mccauley.ie) which include Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) to remove dead skin cells and Azelaic Acid to reduce the appearance of blemishes. Alternatively try Morning Expert Vitamin C power mask (€36.75 visit allcarepharmacy.ie) which uses vitamin C granules to exfoliate an even skin tone. 

For older skin, vitamin C not only boost firmness but helps impart a glow to the skin. Ultraceuticals has re-launched its Ultra C Firming Serum (€79.50 visit ultraceuticals.com), with a new formula that not only includes pure vitamin C but also peptides to help smooth wrinkles and promote firmer-looking skin. It’s clear, easily absorbed and definitely gives good glow. Glide over cleansed skin and under moisturiser.

Take a tip from makeup artist to the stars Daniel Martin, who did Meghan Markles’s makeup on her wedding day. He recommends using Eucerin Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm (€7.87 visit boots.ie) on the parts of your face you’d like to highlight – cheek bones and brow bones. Aquaphor is one of those affordable products celebrities rave about. Beyoncé claims she smothers it on at night – “I go to bed looking totally greasy”. Nicole Kidman and Charlize Theron are also fans.

Huda Beauty Water Jelly Hydrating Prime (€27.46 visit hudabeauty.com)provides an instantly cooling hydrating effect on the skin. Non-greasy, it plumps up the skin and provides an excellent base for makeup.

Heavy makeup doesn’t work with this look so go for a light coverage skin tint and blend out any blemishes with concealer. Kevin Aucoin Stripped Nude Skin Tint (€40 visit spacenk.com) has a lovely silky texture and a nice blurring effect. Coverage is light to sheer so most of us will have to get to work with concealer. Keep powder to a minimum and, if oily, use only on the T-zone. 

Cream blushers, bronzers and highlighters are best for giving that dewy Siren Skin look. Among the best come from our very own Aimee Connolly. Check out her Cream Luxe Blush, Bronze and Glow (€18 each visit sculptedbyaimee.com) which can be patted into the skin (don’t rub) for a super healthy sheen. They can also double as eyeshadows.

If cream blushers and bronzers just aren’t your thing, check out Scott Barnes Sicilian Sun Bronzer (€55 visit millies.ie). Barnes is credited with turning Jennifer Lopez in to J-Lo and something of the makeup artist’s makeup artist. Highly blendable this adds a fantastic glow to the skin.

While dolphin skin doesn’t specify a particular eye look, the Woman’s Way Siren Skin look does like a pop of shimmery something on the lids. In the continuing exploration of Zara’s new makeup range, the eyeshadow has proved a hit. Sadly many of the colours are not yet available at the Irish online store but this beautiful pale pink and purple combo is in stock (€10.95 visit zara.com). Both colours are seriously pigmented and blend easily, imparting a soft shimmer rather than full on glitter. The pink on its own is lovely for daytime, use together for a summer night look.


Check out:

Vita Liberata Heavenly Heroes is collection of the brand’s best-selling products and is on special offer at millies.ie for just €28 (reduced from €45). The collection includes the Self Tanning Mist, Body Blur Latte, Heavenly Elixir and tanning mitt.  









LookbookWoman's Way