16 hours ago
Triona McCarthy: Sensitive skin and scalp? Check out these home-brand goodies with nourishing marine extracts
Seavite was founded in the 1990s by Patrick Mulrooney, who created the brand for his daughters Jane and Katherine, who both suffered from eczema. Their mother Kaye celebrated a significant birthday at the bash and, as a former schoolteacher, she spoke so eloquently about the brand's journey.
Kaye described Seavite as a love story, highlighting how Patrick developed this range out of love for his little girls. It was an incredibly emotional moment. Kaye is still very much involved with the brand, working alongside her daughters and their brother Patrick, who helps manage the Dr Mulrooney Clinic, specialising in clinical dermatology. I told Kaye she is an icon, and she graciously returned the compliment, sharing her mantra: 'A compliment is like perfume; enjoy it, but just don't swallow it.' It's a quote from her late husband Patrick that I now cherish and often repeat. Here's to Irish success stories!
Seavite saviours
Seavite's skincare combines soothing marine extracts from Galway and is especially suitable for those with sensitive skin. While all of the brand's products are brilliant, the Seavite Super Nutrient Soothing & Replenishing Face Cream (€58, is a must for any skin, but especially sensitive or dry skin. Made from organic seaweed extracts and nourishing botanicals, it has a deeply hydrating formula, the calming seaweed extracts soothe irritations and over time, you'll find those pesky lines, wrinkles and discolouration diminishing.
Smooth operator
Green Angel is another great Irish skincare brand, founded in 2006 by Chris and Mary Mitchell. The products are handmade in Rathcoole, Dublin. The brand has an amazing special offer at present, where if you buy its Green Angel Sunrise Magic Smoother (€39, you get its Ocean Rich gift set containing Seaweed Body Lotion and Seaweed Hand Cream (worth €45) completely free. The exfoliating Magic Smoother is one of the brand's hero products, as it uses sea salt, argan oil and Irish seaweed to remove dead skin cells and nourish the skin. Use it during the warmer months to prepare your skin for applying tan and in the winter to keep your skin soft.
Sea it, believe it
Created by Irish entrepreneur Sinead Asple, Sea+Solu is another great brand using plant-forward formulations, Irish marine minerals and advanced biotechnology in its products. Hair needs a little extra TLC during the warmer months, particularly if you're hitting the pools and beaches, and the Sea+Solu Moisture Melt Shampoo and Moisture Melt Conditioner (€26.95 each, are fab.
Every formula is sulphate-free, silicone-free, paraben-free and vegan, and they are good for scalp health while cleansing and strengthening your hair. They are a great choice for combating summer dryness and frizz if you're escaping to sunnier shores over the next few months.
Treat
Eyes on the prize I love multi-purpose products and when it comes to eyeshadow, Chanel Les Beiges Healthy Glow Natural Eyeshadow Palette (€70, is a good 'un. It can also be used as a base or highlighter. A palette of five natural colours, it allows you to create all kinds of hot looks for both day and nightime.
Trick
Tame the pain Like everything good in life, beauty sometimes comes at a price, gals. And as women, our hormones dictate so much of our lives, including our tolerance to pain. I hardly need to tell you that when we're on our period, we're much more sensitive to pain. So, if you're having a beauty treatment that might be a little uncomfortable, like laser hair removal, the best time to book is mid-cycle, which is when we're better able to put up with pain.
Treatment
Island escape Being a Corkonian, I have a real grá for Fota Island Resort and I adore its spa. It has a great offer called Summer Escape at Fota Island Resort (from €669 based on two people sharing, The spa's signature Hydra Glow Facial will leave you glowing and you also get to enjoy the hydrotherapy pool, Acacia Thermal Suite and outdoor sauna. The escape includes a two-night stay, full Irish breakfast each morning and a three-course meal.
