The following day I even had my brows done! Which is something I almost never outsource. It turned into quite the treatment week, so I decided to document the process. Let’s begin!

There’s very little I love more than well-considered, effective aesthetic treatments. Not just because I’m an aesthetic practitioner and administer many of them myself (you can book in here with me) - but because I know how much they contribute to the overall health and condition of my skin.

So, on Sunday, I headed into the clinic and spent just over an hour on the treatment bed. Bliss. 10/10. Would highly recommend.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light)

We (my colleague Joann - 10/10 aesthetic nurse) started with IPL, arguably one of the best treatments for underlying redness, broken capillaries, thread veins, pigmentation and sun spots - all targeted in one session.

I chose this specifically because I have a few faint broken capillaries on both cheeks. Since last summer I’ve also been dealing with a couple of stubborn pigment spots across the tops of my cheeks and my forehead. As diligent as I am with my skincare, sometimes I simply want to speed things up - and IPL helps me do exactly that.

PolyPhil (Polynucleotides): Neck and Under Eyes

Once the IPL was done, we applied numbing cream to my neck, under eyes and lips.

I’ve written about PolyPhil, or more commonly polynucleotides - many times here. In fact, I declared it the best aesthetic treatment I had in 2024. So it will surprise absolutely no one that I’m back getting it again.

If you’re not familiar with polynucleotides, they are biostimulators injected into the skin to reduce fine lines, improve texture and hydration, and stimulate collagen and elastin production. Read my in-depth guide to aesthetic treatments here.

Different formulations of polynucleotides are designed for different areas of the face.

For my neck - one of my favourite areas to treat - we used PolyPhil Next. This combines polynucleotides with hyaluronic acid for additional hydration and is specifically designed for the lower face and neck.

It’s injected directly into the neck lines via multiple small injections, which leave what we call blebs (small bumps under the skin). These usually fade within a day or two. Over the following two to three weeks, I generally notice softer lines, improved hydration and a smoother overall appearance in the area.

Next, we moved to the under-eye area with PhilArt Eye, a polynucleotide treatment designed specifically for this area. I use PhilArt Eye to improve the appearance of hollowness under my eyes, and I genuinely find it phenomenal. Unlike the neck treatment, this one does not contain hyaluronic acid (HA is not recommended for use under the eyes as it can cause lumps, swelling, puffiness etc.).

As an aside, one aesthetic treatment I’ve never been convinced by is tear trough filler. I’ve never seen results that I love (but I have seen a lot of lumps and general migration). It’s simply not something I can ever see myself doing. Polynucleotides, on the other hand, work by stimulating the skin itself - improving collagen, elastin, hydration - which over time reduces the appearance of fine lines and hollowness.

Again, the treatment leaves small blebs around the eyes that fade within one to two days, and then you’re left with fresher, brighter and less hollow under eyes. Hurrah!

A Subtle Lip Refresh

Finally, we moved on to my lips.

I’ve been contemplating doing something here for a while. Now that I’m in my forties, I’m starting to notice slight collagen loss and some flattening - particularly in my upper lip. It was always on the thinner side, but recently it’s become very flat and the edges have basically started disappearing. Fun!

After chatting with Joann, we decided on Volbella. It’s a very soft hyaluronic acid dermal filler often used for thinner lips or for treating lip lines. It acts more as hydration than obvious volume and the results are subtle.

We focused mainly on supporting the structure of my upper lip and in total, I had just under 0.5ml.

Immediately after treatment I loved the result - although with lips, that initial look never lasts because swelling quickly sets in. The next day my lips were noticeably puffier, and by the day after that they had settled back down.

Now they’re essentially back to normal, but with a little more structure in the upper lip and a very slight plumping effect - exactly what I wanted.

The photo below on the left was taken immediately post treatment, and the one on the right was taken two days later, when I was heading out for the day. As you can see, all redness from the IPL is gone (along with my broken capillaries. Yay!), a few needle point marks remain under eyes, but everything else has returned to normal, including the lips, which settled nicely.

The Brows

Once all the injectable treatments were done, the next day I move on to something I very rarely have done outside my own makeup table: my eyebrows.

I went to see Ireland’s brow queen, Kim O’Sullivan, at the Dublin Make-Up Academy. I’m currently writing a piece that I wanted her input on, and while I was there we decided to do a shape and tint.

I’ve done my own brows for years. Partly out of habit, and partly because I spent a long time in the microblading cycle. I started getting my brows microbladed around 2012 and, more recently, spent nearly two years having the pigment laser removed.

That laser removal took place at Kim’s academy, where they have a specialised laser designed specifically for removing eyebrow tattoos.

Originally, Kim and I had discussed redoing my brows once the laser process was finished - but after two years of removal sessions, I literally couldn’t face it.

However, this left me with the exact issue that many people who remove brow tattoos end up rediscovering: the reason we tattooed them in the first place.

For me, I have very little hair at the front of my brows and not much in the tail, although the middle section is fairly decent. Kim explained how regular tinting and shaping can dramatically improve the appearance of density and structure. After seeing her work in person, I completely understand why.

By tinting the brows, you essentially reveal lots of tiny baby hairs that are naturally very fair. Once tinted, they suddenly become part of the shape. Combined with the brow products I already love using at home, it makes a significant difference.

Kim recommends a tint and shape every seven to eight weeks, and I can absolutely see myself sticking to that.

And that’s me done! (For a few months anyway…)

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this post, please hit the like button and drop a comment. I really appreciate the support.

• A general where-the-hell-have-I-been-update

• A call for your best Pilates and gym gear recommendations

• Links to Substack pieces and others across the web I think you’ll enjoy

• My thoughts on the newly reformulated Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation

• Recent purchases: very comfortable clinic trainers, two excellent coats, and a dangerously good vanilla body mist

• … and the simple hair routine tweaks that helped me grow my hair longer than ever

Links and what I’m reading.

I’ve been contemplating ditching BIAB and gel manicures for a while now. The upkeep, the cost, and the no-doubt questionable state of my nails underneath are starting to wear thin (pun intended). This piece by Angela Scanlon popped up on my feed a few weeks ago and got me thinking about my commitment to the whole gel nail thing - is it really a choice, or has it quietly become a requirement? An interesting read.

This great Sunday Style School piece by Jen Knows Best. Lots of great tips on how to level up your daily looks with tiny tweaks. No new purchases necessary.

Anna’s ridiculously excellent guide to vintage Levi’s - everything you ever need to know about styles, sizing and how to find your perfect pair.

And finally, this breathtaking piece by my wonderful friend Laura Kennedy. I read it several months ago and it has stayed with me ever since.

My Substack has been a little bit neglected over the past couple of weeks because I have been, to use one of my favorite phrases, up the walls. In a good way - but so busy that my lower back pain returned with gusto. That also resulted in a return to Pilates, which, now that I’ve been back at it for a few weeks, I’m absolutely thrilled about because I forgot how much I loved it and how good it is for my back.

I’ve had so much on over the last couple of weeks - a lot of hosting gigs, in particular. I hosted several consumer and press events for La Mer, a gorgeous launch event for Poco Beauty (one of my favourite Irish brands), and I was part of a panel for Hildun Beauty, another gorgeous Irish brand, for a Valentine’s Day event. Big fun.

I also have some similar events coming up this month which I’m trying to gear myself up for mentally and physically. One of which, by the way, is Future Beauty - Ireland’s biggest beauty, health and aesthetics show. If you’d like to attend I have a 50% off link for my Substack peeps. Click here to get your ticket.

Anyway - Pilates first, and some suggestions from you, pretty please. If you are a yoga, Pilates, or general gym lover, I need some gear recommendations. Especially leggings that actually stay up during reformer classes (I feel like this is a very specific Pilates problem).

In my previous life (e.g. Simone who used to do Pilates regularly 2–3 years ago) I had some nice bits and pieces from Sweaty Betty, but most of them now either don’t fit, aren’t that comfortable, or - in some cases - I’ve worn holes through them. So I’d really appreciate some gear recommendations from those of you in the know.

Now, onto foundation. Specifically, a reformulated foundation. The internet collectively lost its mind a few weeks ago when Giorgio Armani announced the launch of a reimagined version of Luminous Silk Foundation.

I’m here to tell you (especially if you were a big fan of the first iteration)… to not be afraid.

Because I’ve used it several times and it feels thinner, lighter, and glowier than the original - I’m fully into it. There are now more shades than before, and some of the existing shades have been tweaked to accommodate skin tones more effectively. For reference, I’m shade 4.5. If you click here you can see me using it in action.

Recent Purchases: Trainers, Coats, Fragrances

I’ve been on something of a spending spree over the last couple of weeks as I’ve needed various new things (and obviously a couple of things I didn’t need per se, but sure look).

Trainers: My fave clinic trainers were worn down to a literal flat rubber sole, so I purchased this style of New Balance in a colourway that goes perfectly with my scrubs (grey/pink, thank you very much).

It’s a style I find incredibly comfortable for someone who’s on their feet for a solid eight hours in clinic, so I thought I’d recommend them here for those of you who work in similar environments. They seem to come in a million colourways and I also have my eye on another style in a grey/yellow combination. The fit is very slightly tight, so I’d recommend going up a half size from your usual.

Coats: I bought two new coats from ASOS. One is a cape-style cropped trench coat. I love the check pattern and the high collar that you can close up as well. It’s very cool and goes with literally everything. The second is a gorgeous wool coat with a built-in scarf.

I haven’t managed to wear the latter as much as I’d like as the weather has been weirdly mild here for the past few weeks - but it’s due a big day out very soon.

Fragrances: I was in town for a few meetings this week and passed Space NK on my way home, so I swung in for a quick look and ended up buying a new tin of dry shampoo which I’d run out of. I quite like Color Wow’s Insta-Wow version at the moment. Then I spent a few minutes sniffing around the fragrance stand.

I’m a big fan of Phlur fragrances and wear Missing Person nearly every day. But let me tell you - I did a double take when I had a whiff of the Vanilla Nectar Body Mist. Is this available in a perfume? I don’t even know - I need to Google it. But it is arguably one of the most delicious things I’ve ever smelled, so I promptly purchased it.

I know they’re also launching a new fragrance next week, which I can’t talk about yet because I’m pretty sure it’s under embargo, but when I can I’ll share all the details.

Hair Updates: Growth, Routine, and Products

I received an email from my editor this week to tell me that a recent piece I wrote about how I’ve grown my hair to the longest length it’s ever been has been one of my most read ever. How wild is that? I smashed it out in about 45 minutes as I was in a particular hair mood and had been engaging a lot with people online about hair products and so on.

I really do feel that the small changes I’ve made - it’s definitely not a big overhaul - have made an enormous difference. I’ve managed to get my hair significantly past my collarbones for the first time in years without wanting to hack it off.

For reference, the key products I mentioned are Oribe’s Flat Brush (definitely an investment, but hands-down the reason I have more hair, no doubt), Kérastase Chroma Absolu treatment for shine, condition and overall health, and oiling the ends of my hair like there’s no tomorrow - pre-blow-dry, post-blow-dry, whenever I can. My most used oil is this one from Kerastase.

And that’s all for now!

I’d love to hear your thoughts on Weekend Notes and everything I’ve been sharing on Glow Notes so far - please drop a comment below or send me a message.

What a guy.

It had genuinely never occurred to me that anything needed to be removed. But as a dark-haired girl, that was the moment the idea lodged itself firmly in my teenage brain – and I started noticing everything - the slightly more mature girls in school who were bleaching their upper lips, waxing their forearms (yes indeed!), and others who were shaving their legs.

Soon enough, I asked my mum if I could wax my legs. I was duly brought to her usual waxing spot and the process began. The first experience was excruciating, obviously, and I didn’t stick with it, so a razor and shaving gel became my faithful companions.

Fast forward to my early twenties in Singapore, where a friend introduced me to epilators, and I thought I had cracked the code. In fact, and this is slightly humiliating, I was still using the same epilator I bought back then up until six months ago. Can you believe it! Outdated? Yes. Inefficient? Also yes.

So, what exactly changed a few months ago, you might ask? Well, Tria entered my life.

Tria 4X Hair Removal Laser (I’m now using the 2.0 version which just launched) is a nifty handheld device that permanently reduces hair by up to 100% after eight treatments (but with visible results after just two).

This Substack newsletter is sponsored by Tria. Their goal is to bring a new level of transparency to the at-home beauty tech world.

I’ve tested a few at-home devices over the years, but this is the first one that actually felt comparable to clinic laser - which is why I said yes to partnering with them.

If you’re interested in trying it yourself, you can use my code SIMONE for 10% off on the Tria website at any time.

The first time I used it on my underarms, an expletive (or five) escaped my mouth - as it’s definitely spicy, very much on par with in-clinic laser. But you’re at home. In your own bathroom. Using it at your leisure. I call that a win.

Now let’s get into the nitty gritty (plus a video further down of exactly how to use it).

HOW DOES TRIA WORK AND WHO IS IT SUITABLE FOR?

• It’s a handheld, cordless device that uses a clinical-grade true diode laser for permanent results at home (not IPL).

• It’s the highest energy density laser hair removal device on the market, and is up to 233% more powerful than IPL (more power = more hair removed). Tria 4X has a precise wavelength (810nm), whereas IPL is broad and untargeted.

• It has a precise treatment window, so it’s perfect for treating smaller areas like the face*, ankles, bikini line etc.

• The new Tria 4X is intended for use only on light to medium skin tones and light brown to black body hair. It is not suitable for very dark skin tones, very light blonde/red/grey hair, or for use over tattoos.

*The device should only be used on the lower parts of your face. From the cheeks down roughly. Do not use it on eyebrows or any part of your upper face.

HOW TO USE IT

First: cleanse, shave and towel-dry the area you want to treat - underarms, bikini line, legs, etc. If you have sensitive skin, you can apply Tria’s laser gel to the skin first to prep and soothe (you can get the gel here). You do not have to use the gel, FYI.

Then unlock the device (watch the video below for the full step by step) - all you do is place the base of the Tria flat against your skin and select your power level (there are five levels - the higher the intensity, the better the results - provided your skin tolerates it).

And off you go! Hold the treatment window against your skin, wait for the beep, move to the next area with as little overlap as possible, and repeat. It’s incredibly easy - and oddly satisfying.

At the end, you can apply a little more gel to soothe the skin, though I often just whack on my regular moisturiser.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU USE IT?

When starting out, best practice is once every two weeks for the first three months. This is the initial treatment phase, and it’s where the real magic happens.

After that, you move into maintenance - using as needed to maintain results and prevent regrowth. For most people, myself included, that’s roughly once a month.

It’s important to note that you can definitely overdo laser treatments. Using it too frequently won’t speed up results - it will likely just irritate your skin. Consistency beats intensity, my friends.

So, here’s a summary of what to expect (approximately):

• 2-4 weeks: Hair growth may appear slower, and some hairs may begin falling out.

• 6-8 weeks: A noticeable reduction in regrowth.

• 12+ weeks: Long-term hair reduction, with only occasional touch-ups needed.

Now, all that being said, and even if you’re consistent - there are common mistakes to avoid.

You must shave before treatment. This is a common misconception with laser hair removal in general – hair must be shaved beforehand. Why? The laser targets the follicle beneath the skin - if hair is sitting on the surface, the energy is absorbed in the hair shaft instead of reaching the root.

Skipping sessions will only prolong the process. The device works in cycles targeting the hair growth cycle; interruption delays progress.

Using the wrong setting is a no-go. If the highest level feels too spicy, drop down one. Starting too high and irritating your skin will only make you less likely to keep using it.

MY RESULTS SO FAR

After six treatments (so far), my underarm growth is patchier and much slower than before. I shave about once a week now, instead of every 2-3 days. My bikini line has responded much slower, although the growth is still noticeably reduced (I must admit I haven’t been as consistent with this area as I find it quite spicy).

If 14-year-old me had known there would one day be a device I could quietly use at home, on my own terms, she would have been thrilled.

I hope this guide proves useful if you’re considering an at-home laser hair removal device. And don’t forget, you can use my code SIMONE on Tria’s website at any time for 10% off.

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The communications around this product always emphasised that it combined nanocurrent and microcurrent technology, but I initially started using it purely to lift, sculpt, and reduce puffiness. Puffiness is something I’ve dealt with on and off over the years, and, unfortunately, it’s something that seems to be getting worse as I hurtle through my forties. Fun.

Over time, as I became more comfortable using it (often freehand), I started to realise it does so much more. One thing I don’t think I fully appreciated at the start is that this really is a one-device-for-everything situation.

This Substack guide is sponsored by ZIIP Halo. Their goal is to bring a new level of transparency and accountability to the at-home beauty tech world.

Their in-app tutorials are the secret sauce. They sync automatically to your device, and you can follow along based on the area of the face you want to target (jowls, brows, cheeks – the 4 minute facial is 10/10) or what you want to achieve (lift, sculpt, redness reduction, etc.). They vary in intensity, too, from gentle redness-reducing treatments to a full-on Instant Face Lift (my favourite).

Yes, it’s clinically proven to reduce wrinkles and improve firmness in as little as six weeks, but for me, it’s the cumulative effect that keeps me coming back. As an example, here is my face after two weeks of consistent use. More glow, less puffiness and eyebrows halfway up my forehead.

A couple of weeks ago, I heard that the ZIIP Halo 2.0 had launched, and I was extremely keen to get my hands on it. Happily, it looks the same as the previous model, bar one or two tiny modifications, and it also costs the same - which I have to say I love ZIIP Beauty for. Often, these newly reimagined devices come with a price tag to match, but this one doesn’t.

After using it, I can feel the upgrades. It’s much sturdier, like it might last a little longer. When I asked the brand about this, they confirmed my suspicions: it’s been redesigned to be better for customers in the long term, with changes based directly on customer feedback (and another direct change they made because of feedback – is putting a little rubber lid over the charging area – the gel used to always get in here in my old device and it drove me mad).

The new 2.0 model now delivers electrical currents 63% more accurately. Isn’t that crazy? I was already getting pretty excellent results from the original, so an increase like that from a newly redesigned device is a whopper (you can also feel the difference in intensity when you use it – definitely a little bit spicier, but no discomfort).

And aside from treating the specific target areas I mentioned above, the Halo also has great topical skin benefits. It helps to soothe, calm redness, and improve overall tone and texture. The app basically has a little hierarchy of treatments: you can start low, slow, and gentle - working on glow, redness, and skin health - then build up intensity to lifting and sculpting, all the way up to their most intense treatments (like Instant FaceLift).

Apparently, 97% of users see immediate lifting and firming, which tracks - because I’ve yet to use it and not see something happening straight away, never mind long term. Here are some other before and after shots from ZIIP customers so you can see exactly what I mean.

The original isn’t available anymore, so if you’ve been thinking about taking the plunge but were on the fence, the ZIIP 2.0 is where it’s at - same user-friendly model, same price tag, better technology. And, as ever, the pocket-size, travel-friendly design and ease of use are among the reasons I’ve been using it consistently for so long.

If you’d like to try it yourself, use my code SIMONES for 10% off. The 2.0 model also comes with a trio of gels so no need to purchase any additional ones initially. Whenever you come back for more, however, my code works on gels too.

I should also add that brain fog has very much entered the chat in the last few years, now that I’m in my early forties and either in (or approaching? Who knows) perimenopause. So lists feel less optional and more essential.

With that in mind, it seemed fitting to round up the year on Substack with a big list – specifically of the best beauty products I’ve used this year. Some are new, some are not, but what they all have in common is that they’re bloody brilliant.

If you’ve been around here for a while, you’ll have seen most of them already - on Instagram, in my writing for The Irish Times - they’ve had a good innings.

Poco Beauty Universal Glow Treatment

It genuinely thrills me that the first product on this list is an Irish brand, with more to follow. Poco Beauty Universal Glow Treatment could sit comfortably on several lists: most used, favourite everyday staples, products I recommend to absolutely everyone, etc.

As a colleague said to me recently, it’s not that products like UGT this don’t exist - we’ve all used glowy primers and illuminating bases in one form or another - but this one is just different. It’s the thinness of the formula, the lightness, the ease of blending, the versatility. It plays well with everything, can be slathered on the face or body, used as a highlighter, or worn alone on days when makeup feels like too much effort. I use almost daily with my base product of choice. It is, quite simply, sensational.

Dermalogica Powerbright Dark Spot Peel

Before I rave about this, a word of warning: Dermalogica Powerbright Dark Spot Peel is not for the faint-hearted. If you have sensitive skin or are prone to redness - like me - proceed with caution. It’s a genuinely excellent product that will visibly reduce pigmentation marks and sunspots, but I would strongly advise against following the brand’s instructions to front-load and use daily for several days.

My approach is once, at most twice, a week until I achieve the results I want, then I stop (and don’t use it until I feel I need it again). It also causes fairly intense redness post-treatment. Don’t panic - it fades significantly within about half an hour.

All that being said, this is a phenomenal at-home treatment for pigmentation. Phenomenal. You can literally see pigment spots lifting as you use it. 10/10.

Pestle & Mortar Pure Hyaluronic Eye Patches

If there are 1000 under-eye patches on the market, I have tried at least 999 of them. I’ve been using eye patches, gels - call them what you will - for many years and consider myself reasonably well-versed in this category.

Pestle & Mortar, another Irish brand, launched their Pure Hyaluronic Eye Patches several months ago, and they are so impressive. The ingredients list is serious: peptides, multiple weights of hyaluronic acid - they are intensely hydrating, while also doing visible work on dark circles, fine lines and general fatigue. Hands down the best I’ve used in a long time.

Dior Forever Skin Foundation Stick

Foundation sticks have been having a moment, and my favourite - which has featured repeatedly over on the gram (here, here and here) - is Dior’s. I rate it so highly because the formula is just exquisite - full coverage, intensely pigmented, but not drying or flat on the skin. Instead, it’s creamy, blendable, delicious.

It works beautifully with other products (see Universal Glow Treatment above), and is just as easy to apply with fingers as with a brush. It’s the product I reach for on nights out or whenever I need more coverage, and it also doubles brilliantly as concealer.

Rare Beauty All of the Above Eyeshadow Stick

Another product firmly in the most-used category this year is Rare Beauty’s All of the Above Eyeshadow Stick. There are several excellent shades, but my favourite is Contentment - a rich, warm, chocolatey brown shot through with gold shimmer.

What I love about this is that it’s an instant eye look in one swipe. It works all over the lid, under the eye, even on the waterline. It blends easily, and once it sets, it stays put. It’s also relatively affordable, which I appreciate given how often I use it and how often I’ll have to repurchase.

Merit Highlighting Balm

Merit only became available to Irish consumers towards the end of this year, so I’ve been using this for just four months - which makes its inclusion here notable. The brand’s ethos is a total vibe: minimalist, user-friendly, with chic, unfussy packaging.

I’ve tried several products from the range, including the Flush Balms, which I like, but this Highlighting Balm has not left my handbag since September. It comes in four shades; my favourite is Cava, an almost transparent champagne-hued shade. Creamy, luminous and never sticky, it works beautifully tapped onto high points of the face or mixed with foundation. Obsessed.

Sculpted by Aimee Cream Cushion Foundation

This has made the list entirely on the basis that, about two months ago, it earned a permanent place in my handbag. Once a product reaches handbag status, that’s it - it’s made it. I’ve used Sculpted by Aimee HydraTint Tinted Serum for years now; it’s one of my go-to products, so when the brand launched Cream Cushion, I had a strong suspicion I’d like it. And like it I do.

It’s a slightly unusual product in that it comes in a compact, but it’s a soft, squishy cream – very enjoyable to apply. The coverage is solidly medium, I’d say, and very buildable. The compact also includes a sponge, making it ideal for top-ups on the go – which is how I use it most of the time.

Kosas Extra Bright Serum Powered Colour Corrector

I have recommended this so often that we’re approaching embarrassing territory, but it truly deserves the praise. If you deal with dark circles, shadows, blue veins or just general exhaustion - which feels fairly universal at this point - a corrector is essential. And this one from Kosas is outstanding.

I use the lightest shade, Magic, a chalky pink that does extraordinary work neutralising darkness around the eyes. A little goes a long way, it blends easily, and once concealer goes on top, everything looks brighter and more awake. Angels start singing. You get the idea.

Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Drops

Drunk Elephant D-Bronzi Drops makes the list simply because of how often I use them – and that’s daily. Face, neck, chest.

I use it to balance fake tan, to warm up foundation, or to make myself look marginally less like a Victorian child during the winter months.

It is expensive for the amount of product you get, but one bottle lasts months, which makes it easier to justify. It’s also very buildable - the more drops you add, the deeper the bronze – very versatile, very good. Round of applause.

Poco Beauty Unfiltered Soft Focus Powder

If 2024 Simone knew that 2025 Simone would include a powder on this list, she would have laughed. I like a dewy finish and generally find powder ageing - and as I’m already tired and old, I don’t need help in that department.

That said, a sample of Poco Beauty’s Unfiltered Soft Focus Powder changed my mind. It’s translucent, extremely finely milled, and virtually undetectable on the skin, while doing an excellent job of holding makeup in place. When mine smashed in my case on a recent trip to London, I went straight to Brown Thomas the next day to replace it. That tells you everything.

Colour Wow Style on Steroids

Another product that is edging into embarrassing territory in terms of how often I’ve shown it: Color Wow Style on Steroids delivers volume and oomph with a capital O. Does it leave the hair a little crunchy? Yes. But am I entirely willing to overlook that for the volume, lift and movement it delivers? Also yes.

Someone messaged me on Instagram recently in response to a photo I posted of myself at an event to say my hair looked “full of secrets”. I was delighted to report that it was, in fact, full of Style on Steroids.

Color Wow Texas Hold’ Em Hairspray

The bigger, brasher sister of Style on Steroids, Texas Hold’ Em Hairspray entered my life a few months ago. It, too, delivers a hint of crunch and, in fairness, a touch of stickiness, but I remain firmly on board thanks to the hold and lift it provides. This is exactly what I want from a hairspray: volume added and volume held. I have no interest in a touchable, movable, natural-looking finish. Many thanks.

One thing to note: once applied and worked through with the fingers, it can leave a faint misty residue on the nails - particularly noticeable if you have colour polish on. A quick sweep of micellar water removes it in seconds.

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Winter really does a number on our skin. Cold outside, warm inside, wind, rain, and oh yes - it’s also one of the most stressful times of the year. Fun.

All of that takes a toll (especially if you’re unwell, run-down, on medication, or dealing with a battered skin barrier) - and when it does, your skin can feel tight, dehydrated, hot, sore, red and irritated. It can also look flaky, pinched, dull, and just generally pissed off.

So the goal - especially when it’s cold AF - is to simplify, be gentle, and bring your skin back to life with the right products and habits (lifestyle tweaks can play a big role, too).

Here are my sure-fire, tried-and-tested tips to help your skin repair, recover (and thrive!) during the colder months (and whenever life is generally doing a number on you).

Use a gentle, hydrating cleanser

As I said, your skin is (probably) one cold breeze away from a nervous breakdown in the winter months, so it's important to use gentle, hydrating cleansers (nothing active - no exfoliating, barrier-stripping cleansers when your skin is not feeling itself).

Oil-based, milk-based, nourishing cream cleansers are your best friends for the next couple of months. Your skin should always feel comfortable and hydrated after cleansing. If it feels tight, or dry, it means that the product you're using has disrupted your skin barrier, and stripped it of lipids - and we absolutely don’t want that.

My go-to, winter-friendly, barrier-loving cleansers for all skin-types are:

• The Ordinary Glycolipid Cream Cleanser

• CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser

• Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturising Cleanser

• Medik8 Lipid-Balance Cleansing Oil

Exfoliate less

Yes, exfoliating is so important for getting rid of dead skin cells, improving skin texture, and helping other products work more effectively, BUT - we need to adjust the frequency in colder weather as our skin is more prone to dryness, redness, and irritation.

I generally recommend exfoliating no more than once a week this time of year (unless you have very oily skin) with AHA or BHA exfoliants, and make sure to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate, after you exfoliate.

AHAs are the exfoliants that work on the surface of your skin to slough away dead skin cells and improve texture. Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, etc. Like The Ordinary Glycolic Acid Exfoliating Toner and Elemis Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads.

BHAs are the exfoliants that work deeper in the skin, unclogging pores, reducing breakouts and redness. Salicylic Acid, etc. Like Paula’s Choice 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliant, or Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Peels Pads (which uses a combination of both AHAs and BHAs).

Embrace LED Light Therapy

If you haven’t invested in an at-home LED device already, there’s no better time than the winter months. LED is fantastic for calming the skin, reducing redness and inflammation, and boosting circulation

And because it works to repair and regenerate the skin, it can strengthen your skin barrier, helping it to retain moisture and resist dryness. It’s an all-rounder, basically.

• I use Current Body Series 2 LED Face Mask five times a week (on clean, dry skin). You can still use my code SSCRIBES for 10% off, FYI.

• They also have an LED Light Therapy Panel which I’ve recently got my hands on. This can be used on the face, hands, back, anywhere.

Take shorter, cooler showers

Long, hot showers (as much as we love them when it’s freezing outside) can strip essential moisture from the skin and leave it feeling dry, tight and no bueno.

If you can, try to take shorter showers, that are warm or lukewarm (not hot) - your skin will be significantly happier, comfortable, and less dehydrated as a result.

Also, an easy hydration hack - when you do have a shower or a bath, a great way to instantly trap moisture in your skin afterwards is to lash on a body oil or thick body cream to damp skin.

These are my absolute favourite products for in-shower and post-shower hydration (and they’re suitable for very dry, dehydrated, eczema prone skin):

• Bioderma Atoderm Shower Oil

• Eucerin AtoControl Calming Balm

• Nécessaire The Body Serum

Switch up your moisturiser

It's time to put a lid on your lightweight cream and gel moisturisers, and introduce a thicker, creamier moisturiser for winter months. Look for ones with ceramides, hyaluronic acid and glycerin, that will hydrate, prevent moisture loss, and work to repair your skin barrier. Because it’s all about TLC, baby.

Some of my all-time favourite moisturisers for winter include:

• Medik8 Advance Night Restore

• La Roche-Posay Toleriane Dermallergo

• Skinceuticals Triple Lipid Restore

Apply your products to damp skin

Damp skin is easier to penetrate than dry skin, and anything that's hydrating, or water-loving (like hydrating serums and moisturisers) will hold on to moisture for much longer if you provide it.

So, spritz or mist your skin with a little water (I use Avene Eau Thermale Mist but normal water is fine) or use an essence (like Poco Beauty Skin Flood Ceramide Water) before applying serums and moisturiser and it will change your skincare game.

(Also, an important side note: exfoliating acids, retinol and any prescription or acne medications should always be applied to dry skin.)

Use calming products when you need them

When my skin is having a big reaction, when I’ve over-exfoliated, or when it’s generally very irritated, red, itchy, sore or tight, these are the miracle-working products I reach for to calm, soothe, repair and restore my skin barrier, quickly.

• Dr Jart Ceramidin Facial Barrier Mask

• Rhode Glazing Milk

• Dr Jart Ceramidin Skin Barrier Cream

Wear sunscreen

While there's definitely less UVB rays around, UVA levels are still high. These rays can cause fine lines, wrinkles, and general aging of the skin. UVA can also penetrate glass, which is why it's important to wear SPF every single day, even when indoors.

It's also important to note that lower UVB levels means lower Vitamin D production, and so now might be a good time to introduce a Vitamin D supplement, if you're not taking one already.

And that is it, my friends. I hope this is helpful in some way, and see you next week!

Want to read more?

Here are the best deals from my favourite brands, and links to the things I use and talk about all the time that happen to be on sale (plus extra bonus discount codes!)

SPACE NK - Up to 25% off everything

EXTRA 10% OFF TODAY WHEN YOU SPEND €120. USE CODE CYBER2025

The Space NK sale is always good. Nearly all of the products I love and use on a daily basis are 25% off, so I’ve stocked up on a few key items, including:

• Advance Night Restore - The GOAT of barrier-repairing moisturisers.

• Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturiser Dewy

• Kosas Extra Bright Serum-Powered Corrector

• Rare Beauty Eyeshadow - All the shades are gorgeous, but I love Contentment in particular. It’s a universally flattering burnished, bronzey-gold.

• Hourglass No. 1 Brush - I’m ridiculously obsessed with the brush. I use it with my powder bronzer (Nars Laguna - also on offer).

• Laura Mercier Translucent Ultra Blur Setting Spray

• Phlur Missing Person - My most worn fragrance. I have the full size and the mini-handbag size. I also love Cherry Stem, Vanilla Skin and Rose Whip.

• The mini-makeup bag (available in several colours) that lives in my handbag

Everything I recommend and regularly repurchase from Space NK can be viewed here - and it’s all on offer. Woohoo!

CURRENT BODY - 10% off with code SSCRIBES

I’ve used the Current Body LED face mask for almost six years now. I swear by it, and last year upgraded from the Series 1 Mask to Series 2 (so much better). You can get 10% off with my code on all of my favourite devices, plus others.

• My Series 2 Led Red Light Therapy Mask

• LED Hair Regrowth Helmet

• LED Neck and Dec Mask (you can buy it in a bundle with the face mask here)

• Sauna Blanket

• Laser Hair Removal Device

BONUS DISCOUNT CODES:

• Use code SIMONES for 20% off ZIIP Halo and for 30% off gels

• Use code SIMONE for 20% off Tria Hair Removal Device

MERIT BEAUTY - 20% off everything + 44% off gift sets

PLUS A FREE FLUSH BALM WITH EVERY ORDER MADE TODAY

Merit (finally!) started shipping to Ireland a few months ago, and I have been busy using and adoring several products, including:

• Highlighting Balm (specifically in the shade Cava) - if you’ve seen this once on my Instagram, you’ve probably seen it a million times. The most beautiful, swipe-it-on-and-glow highlighter.

• Flush Balm Cheek Colour - My favourite shades are Cheeky and Stockholm, FYI.

• The Blending Brush - I’m obsessed with this, works with literally every type of product.

VICTORIA BECKHAM BEAUTY - INCREASED to 25% off

CYBER MONDAY IS THEIR BIGGEST DISCOUNT ALL YEAR, FYI

What’s rare is wonderful, and that’s certainly the case with VBB’s Cyber Monday sale - 25% off everything on the website for a limited time, including some of my absolute favourite products:

• Portofino ‘97 - an utterly exquisite, head-turning fragrance. Bergamot, amber, vetiver - this is strong and longlasting and something you’ll want to own forever.

• The Foundation Drops - divisive, thanks to the price - but otherwise adored thanks to its gorgeous TFC8-infused formula (Augustinus Bader 4 Eva).

• VBB Makeup Brushes - Specifically the 12 Buffer Brush which I use every day for cream blush and bronzer.

BROWN THOMAS - Up to 25% off everything

Poco Beauty is included in this (plus gift sets!), so I’d go hard picking up some of my absolute favourite products from the range, including:

• Universal Glow Treatment

• Unfiltered Soft Focus Finishing Powder

• Suede Sculpt Contour Stick

Lots of other luxury beauty favourites are included, like YSL All Hours Glow Foundation, Charlotte Tilbury’s new Instant Look in a Palette and all of CT’s gift sets.

SPOTLIGHT ORAL CARE - Up to 50% off

PLUS AN EXTRA 10% ON TOP WITH CODE CYBER

We all use Spotlight Oral Care in this house and have done for many years.

Big fans of their Sonic Toothbrushes, the Ultra Whitening Toothpaste and Teeth Strips and the Water Flosser in particular. They also have some great gift sets this year.

DYSON - Up to €200 off

I already took advantage of this deal when I accidentally came across it the week before last. We needed a new vacuum cleaner and we’ve used Dyson for years, so off I went to buy one only to discover it was €200 off! Thrilled with myself.

• I also use the Dyson Nural hairdryer, which is also reduced at the moment. It’s incredibly powerful (a salon-worthy blow dry if there ever was one), with different heat settings that protect your scalp - and it weighs practically nothing.

• And I’m a long time fan of the Airwrap. Various colourways are included in the sale. Some more discounted then others.

• Vaccuum cleaners across the board are reduced, as is the Airstrait wet-to-dry straightener, the Corrale hair straightener, and lots more.

SCULPTED BY AIMEE - Buy four items and get 30% off plus a free gift

EVERY ORDER MADE TODAY IS PUT INTO A DRAW TO WIN A SCULPTED BY AIMEE ADVENT CALENDAR (THEY’VE BEEN SOLD OUT SINCE SEPTEMBER!)

And the free gift is GOOD. Two mini Liquid Lights in the shades Rosy Glow and Golden Glow. The more you buy from Sculpted by Aimee during their Black Friday sale, the bigger the discount - but the discounts start from just two products!

In case you need inspiration, these are the four items I would buy without even blinking:

• Cream Cushion Foundation (I wear shade 2.75 for reference, or shade 4 when I’m tanned)

• HydraTint Tinted Moisturising Serum (2.75 in this also)

• Complexion Duo Brush - This brush is so good. It’s in nearly every single one of my makeup videos. Foundation brush on one end, concealer on the other. Genius.

• Cream Luxe Blush in Dusty Rose - This is the best shade. Instantly complexion-lifting.

• Also, HydraLip in the shade Rose. I realise this is more than four products but I could not not mention by most used lipstick/balm hybrid of all time. If you’ve used it, you know.

MONICA VINADER - Up to 50% off

Another Cyber Monday sale that’s always a banger. I nearly always buy a few new pieces this time of year as the discounts are so high.

• These are the new earrings I bought

• The paperclip necklace I wear all the time is 30% off

• The green onxy gemstone ring that never comes off my finger is 30% off

And I’ll also just add Missoma in here - not a brand I shop at very often as I’m a bit of a Monica Vinader stan, but the Missoma sale is GOOD. Up to 40% off!

So good, in fact, that I ordered these Ripple Oversized Stud Earrings and this Tennis Eternity Stacking Ring - both 30% off.

TRINNY LONDON - Up to 40% off

ENDS AT MIDNIGHT TONIGHT, FYI

The Trinny London Cyber Monday is extremely good this year, and it includes their gift sets which are gorgeous. I specifically recommend the Back To Life Skin Set which comes with mini cryo sticks to depuff the eyes and face. They’re fantastic.

Other products I use and recommend:

• Naked Ambition - One of the best Vitamin C serums around for sensitive or redness prone skin.

• Trinity Sticks - Genius multi-tasking makeup sticks for the eyes, lips, cheeks. Mustique is my favourite - a cool-toned brown on one end for eyes, contour and a bright, blue-toned pink on the other end for cheeks and lips.

• Flush Blush Stackable Pots - Specifically in the shade schmoogie - a gorgeous mauve/rose that makes you look instantly brighter / fresher.

COS - Up to 50% off

TODAY ONLY. ENDS AT MIDNIGHT

I’ve bought quite a few pieces from COS over the last 18 months that you’ll have seen me in pretty regularly, so I’ll link them all below.

• This cropped boiled-wool cardigan. So chic, I wore it recently when I went to Carton House for an event. Not remotely itchy, FYI. It’s super soft.

• This burgundy cotton lounge wear set: top and bottoms. I live in this (I’m actually wearing it right now as I type this!). It’s so comfortable, and I dress it up for outside of the house by wearing a trench coat and burgundy trainers with it.

• Clean cut regular t-shirt. I have 700 of these (not really, but you know what I mean). I have a few in white, one in black and one in grey. Best t-shirt ever. Can be washed a million times and still looks new.

And in terms of what I bought, I’ve had my eye on this wool jacket/scarf combo for awhile. I picked it up in black in a size medium.

NET A PORTER - Up to 50% off

EXTRA 15% OFF WITH CODE CYBER15 AT CHECKOUT. TODAY ONLY

The Net-A-Porter sale is alarmingly good this year and I already have several things in my basket - some of which were on my wishlist. Woohoo!

• Anine Bing hoodie and bottoms - a matching set that I would absolutely never buy at full price but at 40% off it’s a different story

• This burgundy suede shoulder bag from Demellier London. Be still my beating heart - especially as it’s almost half price. I bought the Siena Saddle bag from this brand several months ago and the quality is absolutely incredible. One of my favourite designer brands but without the usual quite scary designer price tag.

• Another style of jeans that I live in is the Ayla from Citizens of Humanity. There’s several iterations currently at 30% off including this one, and this one. I also LOVE this Bryn style, which I may or may not have Christmas presented to myself.

• This Victoria Beckham bag has been on my never-going-to-happen wishlist for months. I was out for dinner with a friend at the end of the summer and I all but melted her ear off about it. And now, in both good and bad news, it’s 30% off…

• And finally, these incredible burgundy trainers from Adidas - reduced to €100. A bargain, if you ask me.

AMAZON - Up to 60% off

There’s obviously thousands of deals to choose from on Amazon on the moment, so I thought I would just link the things that I use every single day, or have bought and wear pretty regularly (Levi’s, shape wear, etc.)

What I own and use all the time:

• Lefant Robot Vacuum Cleaner - I would not be without this. We use it every day, twice a day. You can set it to a schedule, it self maps out rooms so it never bumps into anything. Highly recommend.

• Aarke Carbonator Sparkling Water Machine - A very bougie gift we treated ourselves to last year in the Black Friday sale. We use it several times a week and love it.

• Phillips Fabric Shaver - I de-bobble all my knitwear with this. 10/10.

• Stackers Jewellery Box - I bought this a few years ago and have since added layers to it for earrings, necklaces, etc. It’s absolutely brilliant and the quality is fantastic.

• GHD Curl Tongs - This is the hair tool I use all the time to wave my hair. It’s excellent.

• Levi’s 501 crop jeans - I have them in a stone wash and a dark grey. I wear a size 27, FYI and I’m a UK10/12.

• ShaperX Shapewear - I have this bodysuit in beige and black. The suction is next level. Incredible for nights out, under knitwear, etc.

• Seamless Wireless Bras - Pack of three. The comfort is next level. I can’t tell you.

What I bought for the house this week:

• Tefal Airfryer - Our much-loved Airfryer finally gave up the ghost last month. I don’t even know how long we’ve had it, but let’s just say we got our value from it, ha! We picked up this new one from Tefal for just €70.

• Slow Cooker - Peak adulting or what? We’ve wanted one of these for ages and it’s 42% off. The husband is currently making slow-cooked lamb in it.

• Compostable dog poo bags - 30% off. If you’re a dog owner, you know how essential it is to have 700 packs of these on the go. Reduced to €8.

CHARLOTTE TILBURY - 25% off everything (plus three free Pillow Talk gifts at checkout when you spend over 220)

I always stock up on three products from Charlotte Tilbury during sale season:

• Flawless Filter

• Hollywood Contour Wand

• Beauty Light Wand in Pinkgasm

These are my ride-or-dies from the brand and I always have them in my makeup collection.

And I have to mention the gift sets! Nobody does swoon-worthy gift sets quite like Charlotte Tilbury. People all but squeal over them and I completely understand why.

The three best ones I’ve spotted this year are Pillow Talk Dreams Come True Gift Vault (absolutely unbelievable and reduced by over €100), Charlotte’s Mini Viral Icons (a steal at just €40) and the Pillow Talk Christmas Cracker (€26!).

That’s all for now, I’ll be updating this list as and when new deals go live - and there’s some great ones coming up in the few days. See you then!

But what I mean by this list is that these are the products that are always there, permanently. As soon as they start running low, I repurchase them.

These are my ride-or-dies, my recommend-them-to-everyone products - my never-withouts.

Is that dramatic? Yes. But that’s often how I feel when I really love beauty products. Very, very dramatic.

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair

I really hate that phrase “if you know, you know,” but it genuinely applies here. I’ve used Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair (20% off here) since my early 20s. Now that I’m in my early 40s, well… you do the math.

That’s a bit frightening. really - especially since I still feel like a young wan - but in reality, I am a fully fledged forty-something woman. Anyway, more on that another time.

I truly love this product. I notice the difference in my skin when I don’t use it: it’s plumping, repairing, and intensely hydrating. As someone with very sensitive skin, this just works for me (and as I often say to patients in clinic, if you have a skincare product your skin loves and that you love, keep using it). I use it morning and evening by the way, don’t let the word ‘night’ put you off having your best skin in the daytime, too.

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

I actually thought long and hard about including C E Ferulic, because although I’ve used it for many years, it’s expensive AF (my code usually works on it, FYI: SIMONELF for 20% off). And since it first launched, there are now several excellent antioxidant serums on the market that I also love (particularly Naked Ambition from Trinny London. If, like me, you’re prone to sensitivity and redness, the addition of azelaic acid in this serum makes all the difference).

That said, C E Ferulic remains the GOAT. The formula, the efficacy, the impact it has on your skin - both immediate and long term - is really something to behold. It brightens, reduces fine lines, and fades sun damage and pigmentation, and so much more. There’s a reason it’s won countless awards and sits in the bathroom cabinets of nearly every beauty expert I know. It’s that good.

Medik8 Advanced Night Restore

If there’s a repairing, barrier-healing, moisturising product that claims to do it all - I’ve tried it. And while there are many good ones, none (in my opinion) are as good as Medik8 Advanced Night Restore.

It’s like a big hug, a big drink of water, and someone brushing your hair all in one. Do you know what I mean? It’s full-on loving, soothing, repairing goodness - especially in the colder months when your barrier takes a battering. You wake up with glowing, plump, happy skin and reduced redness. It’s also excellent for post-aesthetic treatments and for use after retinoids (which it was designed for).

If your skin is sensitive, dehydrated, barrier-damaged, or just generally going through it, I can’t recommend this enough. 10/10 (and again, ignore the “night” and use in the daytime too).

Dr Jart+ Ceramidin Sheet Mask

Similarly, the Dr Jart+ Ceramidin Sheet Mask (25% off here) is one you’ll have seen me rave about many times (probably an embarrassing amount, if you follow me on Instagram).

This is another miracle worker. I reach for it when I’m travelling, after flights, post-aesthetic treatments, when my barrier is damaged or dehydrated, or before a special event when I need an instant pick-me-up.

In 15 minutes or less, it calms redness, cools, soothes, and helps rebalance the skin. I recommend it to most of my clients - especially those getting treatments like microneedling. One to two days post-procedure, there’s nothing like it for getting your skin back on track.

It’s just incredible. Annoyingly, it seems to be selling out quite a bit lately - which is never a good sign. Hopefully, it’s not being discontinued because, if it is, I will simply pass away.

CurrentBody LED Red Light Therapy Face Mask

Looking back through my social media recently, I realised I’ve been using the CurrentBody LED mask for nearly six years - and consistently, which is rare for me (lol).

As a mildly jaded beauty editor, I’m prone to trying things a few times, realising they’re shit, and binning them. But this one stuck - because it’s not about instant results, it’s about long-term skin health and maintenance.

Last year, I upgraded from Series 1 to Series 2 - and thank god I did, because Series 2 is so much better. More coverage, more LED lights, and, most importantly for me in my 40s, a chin-and-jawline section (a key anti-ageing zone).

I use it at least five times a week, sometimes more. It’s brilliant for reducing redness, softening fine lines and maintaining overall skin health (FYI - you can use my discount code: SSCRIBES for 10% off - available for a limited time, as it’s usually only 10%).

Medik8 Press & Glow

There are many exfoliants I love - because god knows I love a glow.

And while many exfoliants have come and gone from my bathroom cabinet (and some have stayed, like the Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Daily Peel Pads - also very good), the one that’s always there is Medik8 Press & Glow.

Unlike other chemical exfoliants you might know, this one contains PHA (polyhydroxy acid) - the gentlest of the exfoliating acids. Think of it as a distant cousin to glycolic or lactic acid.

It’s perfect if your skin is sensitive, dehydrated, barrier-compromised, or if you don’t tolerate stronger acids. It’s a safe pair of hands, as I like to say. And the glow it gives is major. You can use it several times a week - it’s incredibly gentle. 10/10.

Sculpted by Aimee HydraTint

We’re entering slightly embarrassing territory now, given how often I’ve talked about this product - but ever since it launched several years ago, I’ve had at least one (and often two or three) tubes of Sculpted by Aimee HydraTint on the go.

This is simply one of the best tinted moisturising serums I’ve ever used. And that’s saying something, considering how many great ones exist across all price points.

It just works for me - the coverage, the glow, the way it feels on my skin. It’s loaded with skin-loving ingredients you can actually feel when you wear it. It’s the makeup product I reach for six days out of seven. Simone x HydraTint, forever (and ever).

Poco Beauty Universal Glow

In the same vein as HydraTint, I use Poco Beauty Universal Glow Treatment alongside it almost every day.

This is the primer to end all primers - glow-giving, redness-reducing, skin-evening magic. It’s decadent and dreamy on its own, gorgeous under foundation, and beautiful mixed with your foundation or tapped onto the high points of your face after your base. It’s also stunning on the body.

It’s a true multi-tasker. I love it so much that I own every size — travel, standard, and jumbo. I gift it constantly and recommend it all the time. It’s just an excellent product.

L’Oréal Lash Paradise Mascara

The longest relationship I’ve ever had with a mascara - nine years and counting. Can you believe it? (Because I can’t).

L’Oréal Lash Paradise works for me like nothing else. I’ve written about it so many times - both here and for The Irish Times - that at one point my editor emailed to ask if I realised I’d written about it again, and could I possibly write about another mascara?

Of course, I said no.

Not only is it around €16 or €17 (depending on where you buy - I usually find the best offers here), but it gives you dramatically thickened, lengthened, dark, dramatic lashes — and it’s very buildable. I often go up to three coats on a night out. It doesn’t clump, flake, or irritate my eyes.

I’ve tried the other versions - the colours, the waterproofs - and honestly, they’re pretty crap. There’s nothing like the original. If they ever change or discontinue it, I’ll fling myself off L’Oréal’s head office building. I don’t know where that is, but I’ll find out.

Oribe Flat Brush

It might sound strange to say a hairbrush changed my life, but this one did.

Oribe Flat Brush is essentially a wet brush, even though it’s not labelled as such. It’s the only one I use when I’ve just hopped out of the shower.

I used to use a Tangle Teezer and a few others, but they always tugged and pulled my hair, and I knew that wasn’t good in the long term. Someone I follow on TikTok recommended this one ages ago, and I duly purchased it. It wasn’t cheap - around €110 - but it’s one of the best investments I’ve ever made for my hair.

It glides through even the most tangled, dehydrated hair with zero pulling or breakage. I genuinely think I have more hair now because I’m not yanking it out with a terrible brush. Thank you, Oribe.

K18 Leave-In Molecular Repair Hair Mask

Several years ago, my hairstylist - who’s obsessed with K18 - started using it on me in-salon and insisted I get it for home use. She walked me through how to use it properly, and it’s made an enormous difference to my hair.

There’s a lot of confusion about this product. Some people think it’s a conditioner or serum, or that it should be rinsed out - but it’s none of those things. It’s a treatment that repairs your hair at a molecular level.

My hairstylist told me to use it once or twice a month, or anytime my hair feels like it’s losing elasticity. Her rule of thumb: if your brush isn’t gliding easily through your hair, it’s K18 time.

I use about two pumps, warm it between my hands, then section my hair so it’s evenly distributed. A quick dab on the ends won’t do - you have to commit. But if you do, you’ll see the results: smoother, stronger, healthier hair with less breakage and less fall. Phenomenal.

Color Wow Volumising Mousse

Another longtime staple. I always have at least one - sometimes two - bottles of Color Wow Volumising Mousse knocking around (20% off here with code SIMONELF).

It gives major lift and volume to my fine hair. I’ve tried many others (the Sam McKnight one is pretty good), but nothing beats this.

I apply quite a lot, FYI - pumping it directly onto my brush, brushing it through evenly, then blasting my hair upside down. It gives me huge lift with zero crunch or weight. Win.

Colour Wow ‘Texas Hold Em’ Hairspray

Out of all the products on this list, this one is my most recent obsession.

If you’ve followed me for any length of time, you’ll know I’m obsessed with huge, voluminous hair. If there are 1,000 texture sprays or hairsprays on the market, I’ve tried 999 of them. I am on a lifelong mission for the biggest hair possible.

Is it because I was born with naturally fine hair? Probably. But we move.

Texas Hold’ Em came into my life several months ago, and now I have three bottles sitting on my bathroom shelf. I go through it quickly (probably not ideal, in fairness), but it’s that good.

There are videos floating around on my social media showing how I use it (like this one) but in short, it gives violent lift, volume, and hold. And really, what more could you want from a hairspray?

Is there a bit of crunch? Absolutely. Do I care? Not in the slightest.

If you’ve made it this far, take a bow.

This is probably one of the longest Substacks I’ve ever written - and, funnily enough, it took me the shortest time to write, because I’m obsessed with these products.

I hope this list is helpful to you in some way. These are truly all 10/10 - and if you try them, I’m sure you’ll love them… maybe not as much as I do, but close.

Want to read more?

I’ve had facials to beat the band, and so many of them are standard, perfectly lovely, instantly forgettable – nothing to write home about. But oh, am I going to write about this one. I’m going to write about it big time.

Picture this: I’m in a dimly lit room, tucked into a very comfortable bed, in a very chic spa - and the therapist is beating my face. And I mean that quite literally.

“There are over 400 individual massage movements in this treatment,” she says, as her forearms forcefully grip the side of my head and her hands pull my jawline up to meet my scalp. No shit, I think.

This goes on for what feels like hours. Muscles are released from parts of my face I didn’t even know existed, my skin is pinched, rolled, pressed and pulled - and then – just when I think we might be coming to the end, because the pummelling seems to be tapering off – she announces, “Now, it’s time for the peel.”

And not just any peel – a 20% glycolic acid peel that feels mildly irritating moments after she brushes it onto my skin. “Just a few more minutes,” she says after I politely express my discomfort through gritted teeth. “You’ll be fine.”

Fine I wasn’t, but on it went. Pummelling of the neck and shoulders started while the peel did its thing – a distraction technique, perhaps, but a good one, in fairness. At this point, I’m concerned that the treatment will never end, that the burning will never stop, but then suddenly it’s over. I’m up, staring in the mirror, and my face doesn’t know what puffiness is, my eyebrows are halfway up my forehead, my cheekbones have never been higher, and my skin has never been glowier. And then the two magic words escape my lips: “Jesus Christ.” And I know, in that moment, this is one for the books.

The almost religious-level results were confirmed two hours later at dinner with colleagues, when one of them exclaimed, while gawking at my face: “Holy shit, your skin!” And I think, yes. I’ll be doing this again (and again).

The “facial” in question is the Magistrale Treatment by Codage Paris – available in several places across the globe, and now at the exceptional Velveare Spa inside The Radisson Blu Royal Hotel in Dublin (where I went).

It’s 90 minutes of vigorous, borderline violent rejuvenation for the bargain price of €195 (or €160 in November and December). The brand themselves describe it as “a cellular workout for the skin” – and they’re not wrong.

My skin never looked better. And the results lasted for weeks. Absolutely unheard of.

It’s unforgettable, unrelenting, unmissable. Which is why I’m writing about it here, and why I’m booked back in again in the New Year. If you’re in Dublin, or anywhere near a Codage Paris spa that offers it – book it. Book it now.

You might regret it a little. But your face won’t.

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It seems fitting to do a little roundup of October on the very last day of October, mainly because I haven’t had a literal minute to gather my thoughts until today. It’s been a crazy month, but in the best way - clinic training, trips to see friends, aesthetic treatments, work events, and so much more.

I started the month at a TikTok Shop workshop at TikTok HQ, which launched in Ireland a few months ago. It was a really interesting experience, but also a bit overwhelming. So far, TikTok Shop reminds me of Amazon - but maybe not in the best way. Since gaining access to it, I feel it’s kind of ruining TikTok for me; I’m constantly being served videos of people shilling everything from hoovers and toy sets to hairbrushes and carpets. It’s seems to override the algorithm completely just to show shop-related content.

Anyway, I’ve given it a go myself a few times and it is useful in some ways, particularly for tagging products I’m talking about - things like the Sculpted by Aimee Cream Cushion or my beloved Color Wow Texas Hold Em hairspray. (You can watch those videos over on my TikTok here and here).

(In the images above, I’m wearing this jacket, these cargo pants, this bag and this exceptionally long-lasting lip combo: liner and gloss)

Speaking of the hairspray, I really must go on about it - one of the best I’ve ever used for volume. And I don’t mean a bit of oomph, I mean violent, hair-raising, and staying-right-there levels of volume.

Is there a bit of crunch and stickiness? Absolutely. But for the lift and hold it gives, all sins are immediately forgiven. If you’re not convinced, watch this demo here (and also this one - it’s the second or third product in).

I did some training with Cutera in-clinic this month too, specifically Radiofrequency (RF) microneedling and CO₂ laser resurfacing. Where I work, this is available as a combination treatment called Secret Pro. It’s quite an intense treatment but delivers incredible results for wrinkles, acne scarring, pores, general skin texture, etc. It’s included in my in-depth guide to aesthetic treatments, which you can read here.

I also had RF microneedling myself this month - a treatment I really love for skin tightening and general rejuvenation. It’s different from cosmetic microneedling (like SkinPen) which is more superficial, as RF microneedling works deeper in the skin. The downtime is less, but it’s a much more uncomfortable treatment. Your skin is numbed during the process, so it’s tolerable, but still resulted in me saying “Jesus Vicki!” to my colleague who was treating me. LOL.

I’m about ten days post-treatment now and looking at my skin, you’d never know I’d had anything done. I plan to do a course of three before the end of the year, so I’ll keep you updated.

Product-wise, I’ve been using a mix of old favourites and new additions this month - probably none more so than Medik8 Advanced Night Restore, one of the best barrier-repairing moisturisers ever. I’ve used it on and off for years, and it’s firmly back in rotation now post-treatment. It’s brilliant for sensitive or dehydrated skin, or when your skin barrier needs rebuilding.

When it comes to makeup, I’m in a bit of a love affair with Sculpted by Aimee Cream Cushion foundation at the moment. If you haven’t tried it, it’s definitely worth a go - gorgeous formula, easy to apply, great price point. I also tried YSL Beauty’s new All Hours Glow foundation this month, which I really like (demo here) - perfect for days when you want more coverage or have a special event.

And of course, I have to mention the foundation everyone is talking about - Victoria Beckham’s The Foundation Drops. I first used them back in August as I spoke to VB for a review piece in The Irish Times. You can read what she said about them here.

Unfortunately (or fortunately, but not for my bank account!) I do really like this foundation. It’s really good. Great coverage, a skin-like finish that lasts and lasts (and lasts). It’s good for your skin in a way that so many other skin tints wish they could be thanks to the addition of Augustinus Bader’s multi-award winning TFC8 complex. There’s an in-depth review on my Instagram that might be useful if you’re thinking about investing.

A few days ago, I went on a long-planned trip to see one of my best friends in Kent. We’ve been friends for nearly fourteen years now and try to get together once or twice a year, but we hadn’t seen each other for over a year thanks to work, moving house, life in general. It was a much-needed reunion - a few days frolicking around the Kent countryside; long walks, wine, cheeseboards - good for the soul.

I packed some of my favourite products for the trip and, in duty free on the way over (inspired by Anna), went on the hunt for the Dior bronzer in jumbo size. They didn’t have it, and I was so hyped up to buy a BOB (big ol’ bronzer, as Anna calls it) that I ended up picking up an old fave instead - NARS Laguna. I’d forgotten how gorgeous it is. I also picked up the giant Hourglass brush that Anna uses for bronzer because it looked so appealing - and I can confirm, it is. Giant makeup brush = happiness.

Speaking of recent purchases, here are a few things I’ve picked up over the past couple of months (as it’s been a while since I’ve updated here).

• This jacket from Other Stories, which I didn’t think I’d get much wear out of but have been happily wearing to death. It instantly levels up the majority of my jeans and knitwear lewks

• And another jacket, also from Other Stories, which I stupidly didn’t buy in store and then regretted for weeks because I couldn’t find it online - thankfully it came back in stock, so I grabbed it immediately.

• This burgundy jumper from Other Stories, which I plan to wear with aforementioned jacket. Super soft, stunning colour, 10/10.

• Then there are these Alohas trainers I’d had my eye on for ages. I can confirm they are incredibly comfortable - no breaking in required - and the animal print goes with everything I’m wearing at the moment, which is basically brown, burgundy, and denim. I’m quite happy about it.

• I also picked up this loungewear set from COS (joggers, top) and can’t recommend it enough. I wear it when working from home or travelling - it’s the comfiest, coolest thing, and still looks chic under a trench or bomber jacket (and again, it’s burgundy).

That’s all for now! If you’ve got this far, thank you so much for reading - I’ll be back with another update soon.

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Welcome to Glow Notes. A newsletter that’s equal parts skincare wisdom and a peek inside everything new and noteworthy in the beauty world, written by me, Simone Gannon - an aesthetic practitioner, skincare educator, and beauty journalist of over 15 years.

Here, you’ll find a mix of practical skincare advice, interviews with beauty founders, expert how-tos, deep dives into products, treatments, and the weird stuff that works.

If you read and enjoy this piece, please hit the heart button and consider subscribing.

We're really making moves here on our little island, turning out more brilliant beauty brands in the past couple of years than I can realistically keep track of.

There are many standouts: some small and spectacular, others that have grown steadily and made waves well beyond our shores, and they hit every category: makeup, skincare, wellness, haircare, you name it. My makeup bag, in particular, boasts a strong Irish contingent and I couldn't be happier. Exceptional products, clever formulas, thoughtfully made, problem-solving, and - if I do say so myself - chic AF.

So, whether you've never heard of these brands before, or maybe you have but aren’t quite sure which products to try, allow me to introduce you to five of what I believe are the absolute best beauty and wellness brands to come out of Ireland in recent years - and the products from their ranges that are worth every single euro.

SCULPTED BY AIMEE

Arguably one of our most beloved beauty brands, Sculpted by Aimee was founded by makeup artist Aimee Connolly back in 2016. It’s a brand that has truly taken off in the last few years, gaining a loyal following both at home and further afield (and winning multiple awards along the way) - now stocked in the likes of Boots, Selfridges, and more recently, Cult Beauty.

It’s an affordable, well-formulated, multi-tasking range that just makes you feel good. Covering makeup, skincare, tan, and accessories, several of their products have had a permanent home in my makeup bag for years now. And if you read my Substack regularly, you’ll probably already know which ones…

• Sculpted by Aimee HydraTint Moisturising Tinted Serum
  One of the best tinted serum-moisturiser hybrids to launch in recent years - and not just by Irish standards. HydraTint goes toe-to-toe with the big beauty heavyweights and holds its own with ease. Lots of shades, less than €30. One of my all-time favourite, ride-or-die bases.

• Sculpted by Aimee Satin Silk Longwear Concealer
  I wish I could find the article, but I distinctly remember writing about this when it first launched and describing it as a “Polyfilla concealer” - and I meant that in the best possible way. Borderline miraculous concealing abilities. Full coverage with a capital F but still lightweight, thin, looks like skin. Ten out of ten.

• Sculpted by Aimee Body Base Instant Tan
  I have several tubes of this stuff - both full-sized and the mini versions for quick trips. It’s a creamy, almost dry instant tan that settles in seconds, available in both shimmer and matte finishes. It goes on buttery and smooth, but never wet or sticky. One of my go-to products for topping up an existing tan or bronzing up random spots like the chest or ankles (we’ve all been there).

GROUND WELLBEING

Wellness, but make it beauty. Ground Wellbeing was launched at the height of COVID by spa industry legend Peigín Crowley. If you’ve ever worked in - or even near - the spa and wellness world, in Ireland or abroad, you’ll know exactly who Peigín is. Her influence runs deep, with her touch found in some of the most beautiful and successful spas around the globe - from interior design to treatment rituals. She’s a woman who understands wellbeing inside out, upside down, and every way in between.

Ground is built around the idea of slowing down and supporting both body and mind. The product range is rooted in care - spanning sleep, anxiety, menopause, skin health, and comfort through cancer treatment, to name just a few.

I’ve touched on this before, but I’ve lived with chronic anxiety for many years. During one of the worst periods I’ve ever experienced, a handful of Ground products quite literally helped carry me through. In particular:

• Night Body Balm. If you struggle with racing thoughts or have trouble sleeping - you need this balm. I’ve kept a jar on my bedside table since Ground launched, repurchasing it again and again. It’s a buttery, instantly melting formula that feels warm and soothing on the skin, and the scent immediately calms your nervous system. Apply to pulse points before bed, or, if you have time, slather all over after a bath or shower. There is nothing like it.

• Sleep Pillow Spray. Award-winning for a reason. I have this in the full size and the travel sized versions. I use it on my pillow before bed and on the top of my duvet cover, so as I move during the night, the soothing scent stays with me, helping to induce sleep. An incredible product.

I feel it’s important to reiterate here that Ground’s products are not just beautiful, they are truly therapeutic. I recommend them wholeheartedly, either for yourself or someone you love (there’s also a gorgeous line of Calm Balms for children, suitable from newborns right through to preteens).

And I haven’t even mentioned that Ground’s spa treatments and therapies can also be found in some of the world’s most prestigious spas: The Lanesborough in London, Rosewood in Hong Kong, Soneva Fushi in the Maldives, multiple Bulgari Hotels, Jumeirah Group hotels, Waldorf Astoria properties, and many more. Go off, Peigín.

DRIPPING GOLD

If you’re a lover of fake tan, no brand has earned its (non streaky) stripes in Ireland quite like Dripping Gold.

Founded in 2018 by entrepreneur and influencer Suzanne Jackson - just a few years after the successful launch of her makeup brand SOSU Cosmetics (which, by the way, is going through something of a fabulous rebirth at the moment - more on that another time) - Dripping Gold has firmly cemented itself as a go-to in the tanning world.

It’s now right up there with the big international names. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard someone say, “Oh I love Bondi Sands… and I love Dripping Gold,” in the same breath. It’s that good. And it’s everywhere. If you’re not using it currently, chances are you’ve used it before - and you’ll probably use it again.

Why? Because if there’s one thing Suzanne Jackson is known for, it’s always having a flawless tan - and she’s delivered products that help the rest of us do the same.

The range is extensive - and affordable. Most Dripping Gold products are under €25, with quite a few coming in under €20. There are also prep products, tan toppers, and every possible tanning format you could think of - all done exceptionally well. These three, however, can take my money every day of the week.

• Glowing Steady Gradual Tan. I’ve raved about this before, and for good reason. This feels like a luxe body moisturiser that develops nicely into a warm, bronze hue. You can build it up easily, no streaks, no orange tones in sight. And it’s just €17.

• Express Tanning Serum. Frankly outrageous when it comes to ease of use. I feel like a pro when applying this. And again, it’s firmly in the ‘feels like a luxe body product’ category, as opposed to a fake tan product.

• Airglow Instant Airbrush Tan. One of the brand’s newest launches, this is an instant tan in a dry-touch, cold mist format. You simply mist it on, and then work it in with a dense buffing brush. Brilliant over existing tan, or for just tanning specific areas. It doesn’t budge once it’s on, or transfer to clothes. Genius.

POCO BEAUTY

Hitting shelves just two years ago, Poco Beauty is a brand on a growth trajectory that shows no signs of slowing down. Behind it is entrepreneur and influencer Pippa O’Connor, who you may know from her successful fashion line - but long before that, she was known for her love of beauty.

At first glance, only one word comes to mind with Poco Beauty. Chic. From packaging to price, to look and feel. Each product designed to solve, enhance, or elevate your skin in some way.

One of the stars of the range - and something I’ve mentioned in this Substack more times than I can count - is Universal Glow Treatment: a multi-use primer meets skincare hybrid that sits beautifully under makeup. It now has a brand new sister product, Universal Solar Glow - a sheer, bronzy version of the original that delivers the same lit-from-within glow, but with added sun-kissed warmth. Other standouts include:

• Skin Flood Ceramide Plumping Water. Available in three different sizes, this is an gorgeous watery essence that plumps and hydrates the skin on the face and body.

• Skintuition Foundation. A skincare-loaded medium-coverage base that blew up the Irish beauty scene several months back. It’s a thick, creamy gel-like formulation that sheers out wonderfully - great coverage, great glow, just great.

• Skincare-Infused Tanning Mousse. One of the brand’s newest launches, and their first foray into tan. This is an excellent tan. It feels grown up and luxurious and with a Neroli base scent, it gives ‘if Tom Ford did tan’ vibes. There are two shades, Classic Honey and Deep Honey - I use the latter (read about my tanning routine here).

This is brand that delivers affordable luxury at its finest. It gives glossy department-store vibes, but with prices that are much closer to the high street. One to watch - both now and over the next few years.

PESTLE AND MORTAR

If you're someone who loves their skincare stripped back, effective, and quietly luxurious, Pestle & Mortar is likely already on your radar. Founded by Sonia Deasy in 2014, the brand built its name on one product in particular - a hyaluronic serum that has achieved near-cult status.

This isn’t a brand that shouts. It's understated, clean, and deeply considered - all about simple routines with who’s who ingredients that do exactly what they say they will. It’s also one of the few Irish skincare brands that has truly gone global, with a solid international fanbase and shelves in the likes of Sephora, Liberty and Boots.

There’s a reason people come back to this brand again and again. The entire range is built around a holistic, ingredient-led ethos, with a clear understanding of skin health at its core - and it’s all wrapped up in beautiful, minimal packaging that makes you feel like you’ve got your life together (even if you absolutely do not. Hi, it’s me). There are many great products to rave about, but none more so than these three:

• Pure Hyaluronic Serum. The one that started it all. Several molecular weights of hyaluronic acid, in a heavyweight, fragrance-free, instantly thirst-quenching serum. Now also available in a sheet mask format which is truly out-of-this-world good.

• Pure Hyaluronic Hydrogel Eye Patches. Their newest launch, and of course they’ve levelled up the eye patches category. Beautiful, chic and weighty eye gels drenched in peptides and hyaluronic acid and a bit of miracle-working magic. They transform dry, tired, dehydrated under eyes in fifteen minutes or less.

• NMF Lactic Acid Toner. A gentle but powerful exfoliating toner that helps slough away dead skin cells, improve skin texture and reveal major glow along the way. Suitable for everyone, too - but particularly good option for sensitive skin.

And that’s it! (for now, anyway - I love writing about Irish brands so I’ll be back with more of this soon). If you enjoyed this post, please hit the like button and drop a comment. I really appreciate the support.

Want to read more?

Welcome to Glow Notes. A newsletter that’s equal parts skincare wisdom and a peek inside everything new and noteworthy in the beauty world, written by me, Simone Gannon - an aesthetic practitioner, skincare educator, and beauty journalist of over 15 years.

Here, you’ll find a mix of practical skincare advice, interviews with beauty founders, expert how-tos, deep dives into products, treatments, and the weird stuff that works.

If you read and enjoy this piece, please hit the heart button and consider subscribing.

Before I speak to Dr. Sam Bunting, I have nearly 30 questions ready to go. Not because I’m disorganised - but because she’s that kind of person.

Her name - and her brand, Dr. Sam’s - tends to arrive a few minutes before she does. It’s a name that has arguably made enormous strides in changing how we think about acne, ageing, and what it really means to have healthy skin.

By the time we sit down ahead of her launch into Ireland, I’ve already heard the stories - the Cambridge-trained derm who once did reality TV (“Extreme Beauty Disasters,” no less), the quiet skincare revolutionary who built her brand around simplicity, not spectacle. So I tell her straight away: I’ve come with a list. She laughs. She's heard this before.

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Welcome to Glow Notes. A newsletter that’s equal parts skincare wisdom and a peek inside everything new and noteworthy in the beauty world, written by me, Simone Gannon - an aesthetic practitioner, skincare educator, and beauty journalist of over 15 years.

Here, you’ll find a mix of practical skincare advice, interviews with beauty founders, expert how-tos, deep dives into products, treatments, and the weird stuff that works.

If you read and enjoy this piece, please hit the heart button and consider subscribing.

The question isn’t why am I talking about this product again, but perhaps, why aren’t you using it? (Because you’re missing out. Trust me)

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Welcome to Glow Notes. A newsletter that’s equal parts skincare wisdom and a peek inside everything new and noteworthy in the beauty world, written by me, Simone Gannon - an aesthetic practitioner, skincare educator, and beauty journalist of over 15 years.

Here, you’ll find a mix of practical skincare advice, interviews with beauty founders, expert how-tos, deep dives into products, treatments, and the weird stuff that works.

If you read and enjoy this piece, please hit the heart button and consider subscribing.

Several weeks ago, ahead of co-hosting an event for the launch of Poco Beauty’s new tanning range, Pippa, the founder, asked me if I’d like to try a spray tan of the product. Naturally, I said yes - and booked in for a full-body blitz.

To say the experience was life-changing would be an understatement. I can’t remember the last time I felt that good about myself. It was as if the tan improved everything - it made me look fresher, healthier. And because I wear a lot of white; shirts, t-shirts, etc. - everything popped more. I was honestly just glowing (if I do say so myself!).

Fast forward a few weeks, I had another spray tan booked, but couldn’t make it. So, I committed to applying tan at home. I love the new Poco Beauty Tanning Mousse, so I went for that (in the darker shade, Deep Honey).

Despite my best efforts… it was somewhat of a fail. I’m just terrible at applying tan. It’s a skill I simply do not possess. There’s always a streak, always a missed patch. And while the tan itself is absolutely brilliant - dries quickly, wears beautifully, and the colour is so natural - I always manage to let it down with my dodgy application.

So, I made the time and booked another spray tan. And let me tell you - I am reborn (again). I’m so thrilled with the results, that I have firmly committed to making this a regular thing. Especially in the summer months.

I was watching Jeska O’Mahoney’s stories on Instagram the other day - she’s also a big spray tan fan - and she said she gets one every two weeks. So that’s the dream. That’s the life for me. I’ve already booked my next one.

That said, there is obviously some elbow grease involved in terms of prepping for a spray tan, so I thought I’d share my go-to products - both for getting your skin ready and for maintaining the tan afterwards.

1. Exfoliation & Tan Removal
   First up: a good body scrub or tan remover is essential. I’ve tried a fair few over the years, but there is nothing as good as Rose & Caramel Purity Excel Tan Remover. It’s just excellent (and pretty good value considering there’s over 440ml of product in the tub).

You apply it generously to dry skin, leave to work for 60 seconds, then hop in the shower and gently exfoliate using a body mitt or similar. You can literally see the tan go down the drain. No irritation or dryness after either.

2. Hair Removal & Moisturising
   After exfoliating, I move on to hair removal and then slather myself in a rich, intense body moisturiser (this one and this one are my absolute favourites).

I should mention that all of this happens the night before the spray tan. You’re not supposed to have any product on your skin the day of your spray, which is fair. But I also don’t want to show up feeling like a dry husk - so for me, that heavy moisturising the night before is essential.

3. The Tan
   Then it’s off to Emily at Bella & Me - she’s a miracle worker. An artist, really. She doesn’t just spray evenly; she goes back in and adds extra product to areas that tend to fade faster. Genius-level stuff.

Then I skip out the door and leave the tan to develop for approx. 8-10 hours before hopping in the shower to wash off (no scrubbing, no shower oils as this will break down the tan). I then apply loads of moisturiser before bed, and do it again the next morning (and keep this frequency up for a few days).

4. Maintenance
   After those first few days, I then switch to using a gradual tan moisturiser every other day (alongside my usual body moisturiser) – this is key to stretching the glow. This then brings me up to the two-week mark, when I go in for another spray tan. Yay!

My two favourite gradual tan moisturisers by the way, are this one and this one.

It may sound like a lot, but trust me, it’s really not. Especially when you get into the swing of it. And the bonus outcome of this whole approach? Having a spray tan forces me to moisturise daily - something I should be doing anyway. So truly, I am winning at life.

A stunning (sunless) tan? Check. Moisturised bod? Check.

If you’ve never had a spray tan before and you’re thinking about it, let me strongly encourage you to go for it. I genuinely can’t tell you what a lift it gives - not just in how you look, but in how you feel about yourself. It’s an instant mood booster.

Also, a lovely lady messaged me on Instagram the other day and said that a lot of salons do “Tanning Thursday” deals now, so it might even be quite cost-effective to make it a regular thing… if that isn’t girl math I don’t know what is.

Want to read more?

Welcome to Glow Notes. A newsletter that’s equal parts skincare wisdom and a peek inside everything new and noteworthy in the beauty world, written by me, Simone Gannon - an aesthetic practitioner, skincare educator, and beauty journalist of over 15 years.

Here, you’ll find a mix of practical skincare advice, interviews with beauty founders, expert how-tos, deep dives into products, treatments, and the weird stuff that works.

If you read and enjoy this piece, please hit the heart button and consider subscribing.

Kris Jenner had a facelift. This is not exactly breaking news, but the continuing discourse around it has been predictably exhausting. The images were shared widely. Reactions ranged from awe to disapproval, but here’s a particular moment that stood out to me: when looking at the before-and-after with a friend, her immediate response wasn’t curiosity, or even indifference. It was disgust. Not at the (arguably remarkable) results - or even, at the possibility of doing something similar herself down the road, but at the fact that Jenner had done it at all.

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Welcome to Glow Notes! A newsletter that’s equal parts skincare wisdom and a peek inside everything new and noteworthy in the beauty world, written by me, Simone Gannon - an aesthetic practitioner, skincare educator, and beauty journalist of over 15 years.

Here, you’ll find a mix of practical skincare advice, interviews with beauty founders, expert how-tos, deep dives into products, treatments, and the weird stuff that actually works.

Would you like custom product recommendations for your skin? Book a consultation here. Want to know what my favourite skincare products are? Click here.

If you read and enjoy this piece, please hit the heart button and consider subscribing – and I’ll see you next week!

Read more

Welcome to Glow Notes! A newsletter that’s equal parts skincare wisdom and a peek inside everything new and noteworthy in the beauty world, written by me, Simone Gannon - an aesthetic practitioner, skincare educator, and beauty journalist of over 15 years.

Here, you’ll find a mix of practical skincare advice, interviews with beauty founders, expert how-tos, deep dives into products, treatments, and the weird stuff that actually works.

Would you like custom product recommendations for your skin? Book a consultation here. Want to know what my favourite skincare products are? Click here.

If you read and enjoy this piece, please hit the heart button and consider subscribing – and I’ll see you next week!

Read more

Welcome to Glow Notes! A newsletter that’s equal parts skincare wisdom and a peek inside everything new and noteworthy in the beauty world, written by me, Simone Gannon - an aesthetic practitioner, skincare educator, and beauty journalist of over 15 years.

Here, you’ll find a mix of practical skincare advice, interviews with beauty founders, expert how-tos, deep dives into products, treatments, and the weird stuff that actually works.

Would you like custom product recommendations for your skin? Book a consultation here. Want to know what my favourite skincare products are? Click here.

If you read and enjoy this piece, please hit the heart button and consider subscribing – and I’ll see you next week!

I've been writing about beauty for over 15 years, and trying new products is one of my absolute favourite parts of the job. Some products win me over instantly, others take much longer to impress (and some don’t impress at all), but - when I find something great, I will not shut up about it.

The list below is essentially my ride-or-dies, as the young ones say. The products I’ve bought a million times and recommend to my closest friends.

Some are pricey, some are cheap, but the one thing they all have in common? They’re all 10/10 and deliver, deliver, deliver.

The Absolute Best Antioxidant Serum(s)

I’m militant about using (and recommending) antioxidant serums. In clinic (in my other job as an aesthetic practitioner), I’ve seen first-hand the difference a good antioxidant serum can make. Think: brighter, smoother, glowier, more protected, healthier-looking skin.

There are three in particular I recommend. One is pricey, the other two less so but still up there in terms of efficacy and glow.

Skinceuticals Antioxidant Serums
Expensive, yes. Sensational, yes. I see the difference in my skin when I don’t use them. They’re that good. There are a few variations depending on your skin type / goals.

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• C E Ferulic – The all-rounder. Especially great for anti-ageing.

• Silymarin CF – For oily skin.

• Phloretin CF – For pigmentation.

• Serum 10 – For sensitive skin or those new to Vitamin C.

If budget doesn’t stretch that far, there are two others I love that are less than €50:

• Vichy Liftactiv Supreme 16% Pure Vitamin C Brightening Serum
  Around forever, and excellent. It’s the closest thing to C E Ferulic without actually being C E Ferulic (Skinceuticals and Vichy are both owned by L’Oréal and some of their products are made in the same factories. Take from that what you will…).

• Skingredients 15% Vitamin C, E + Tri-Mushroom Serum
  Excellently formulated, excellent texture, excellent price point (and from an Irish brand no less).

The Lightest, Thinnest, Dewiest Sunscreens (and The Ones To Use Over Makeup)

I’m extremely particular when it comes to sunscreen. I want a thin, light texture that sinks into the skin instantly, leaves no white cast, doesn’t “pill” or roll off the skin, and sits seamlessly under makeup. I also don’t want to spend that much on it, as I use it by the bucket load. Am I asking too much? Thankfully no, because several tick all those boxes.

• Beauty of Joseon Sun Relief SPF50. Arguably one of the best Korean sunscreens out there. So light, so dewy and one of the only ones my teenager will happily slather on every morning before school. A win on every front.

• La Roche-Posay Anthelios UV Air SPF50. Somewhat controversially, this is only on the market a couple of weeks but I am all in. Whisper light, with oil control properties and a very slight matte finish that doubles up as a rather excellent primer.

• Summer Fridays Shade Drops SPF50. A mineral sunscreen, and probably my favourite right now. Dreamy light texture, a pleasure to use, and disappears within seconds. I will use this forever and ever (probably).

Top Up With…

• Sculpted by Aimee Sun Mist SPF50 or Ultrasun SPF50 UV Face and Scalp Mist. I use both of these over my makeup. I’m talking a full beat. Both are completely transparent, cool, dry-touch mists. No makeup disruption, no residue. Win, win.

• Supergoop! (Re)Setting Spray SPF. A genius product that I use on my scalp and hairline. It’s also a pretty good setting powder if you wish to use over makeup - but liberal application is required in order to get the right amount of protection.

• Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Sun Stick SPF50. If you wear a lot of white t-shirts or shirts like me, you need this stick. I use it on my neck, chest and ears. No transfer, no stickiness, no trace of it whatsoever.

The Greatest Hair Volumising Products of All Time

Incoming: the biggest, bounciest, most voluminous hair of your life. I’ve repurchased these products more times than I can count. They are the secret to my big hair sauce.

• Color Wow Raise The Root Spray

  There’s root lifting sprays and then there’s Color Wow Raise The Root. If you have flat, fine, lifeless hair (like moi) then you need to try this. No weighing down the hair, no stickiness, no crunch - just major lift post-blowdry (and you can apply liberally).

• Kevin Murphy Bedroom Hair
  Hands down one of the best texture sprays on the market. Works miracles even on finest, flattest of hair (Doo.Over is a close second - perfect for reviving styles on day three or four. Slightly more powdery finish, which lasts for days on end).

• Color Wow Xtra Large Bombshell Volumiser Mousse
  Just outrageous. Violently good at adding oomph. And don't be cautious with it - lash it onto your brush, run it through your hair, and then blast with your hairdryer. Thank me later.

The ‘Oh-My-God-Your-Makeup-Looks-Gorgeous’ Base

If you want a smooth, dewy, ‘your skin but better’ kind of base that elicits compliments from all around you, these are the only two I recommend (at present). No one I’ve suggested them to has come back disappointed. No one.

• Sculpted by Aimee HydraTint
  A cult favourite in the making. This is 100% your-skin-but-better: a tinted moisturiser/foundation hybrid with just enough coverage to reduce redness and even skin tone, while leaving the skin looking and feeling glossy, gorgeous and moisturised. A great price point, too.

• Poco Beauty Skintuition Foundation
  Slightly thicker in texture than HydraTint, but buttery smooth and undeniably luxurious on the skin. Feels like a serum as it blends out. Great coverage, great ingredients, great finish, great lasting power. Just great.

And a bonus mention for a skin-perfecting primer / skin evener / all round miracle worker: Poco Beauty Universal Glow Treatment. This can be worn alone, under makeup, over makeup (I also mix with my base of choice) - or as highlight on the high points of the face. It can even be worn on the body. It smooths everything out, brings down redness, and just makes your skin look better. Try it and you’ll see what I mean.

The Only Corrector and Concealer You’ll Ever Need (Probably)

• Huda Beauty Faux Filter Concealer
  Listen, if there are 900 concealers on the market, I have tried 899 of them. I demand the most when it comes to concealers. I want full coverage that still looks like skin, I want a natural looking finish, and I want it to last all day. I also don’t really want to set it because who has time for that. I want it all, basically - and guess what delivers on every single front? Huda Beauty Faux Filter Concealer. 10/10, forever.

• Beauty Pie Superluminous Undereye Genius Illuminating Corrector
  There are several correctors I like, but I love this one. Beauty Pie Illuminating Corrector brightens and lifts like nothing else. It can be worn alone, under concealer, over concealer. Use it all over, use it in the corner of your eyes, use it on your eyelids. Use it however you like and then marvel at how instantly rested you look.

And that, my friends, is all (for now).

I hope these recommendations are useful, and if you enjoyed this post please drop a comment or a like! I really appreciate the support.

Want to read more?

Welcome to Glow Notes! A newsletter that’s equal parts skincare wisdom and a peek inside everything new and noteworthy in the beauty world, written by me, Simone Gannon - an aesthetic practitioner, skincare educator, and beauty journalist of over 15 years.

Here, you’ll find a mix of practical skincare advice, interviews with beauty founders, expert how-tos, deep dives into products, treatments, and the weird stuff that actually works.

Would you like custom product recommendations for your skin? Book a consultation with me here. Want to know what my favourite skincare products are? Click here.

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Ah, retinoids. The obsession is deep, and for good reason.

Retinoids are the literal gold standard in anti-ageing, clinically proven to improve overall skin health. They boost collagen production, stimulate cell turnover, and strengthen the skin barrier, while smoothing fine lines, fading dark spots, improving texture, reducing acne scars - and overall greatly improve the health and appearance of our skin.

But what the hell are they exactly? And why do they have different names? Is retinol the same thing as a retinoid?

I’ve broken it all down here - so you know exactly what you’re putting on your face.

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