Latest news with #SkinRocks
Scottish Sun
15-05-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Do you have Mum Face? All the ways motherhood takes its toll on your skin & the solutions you need…
All recommendations within this article are informed by expert editorial opinion. If you click on a link in this story we may earn affiliate revenue. MUM'S THE WORD Do you have Mum Face? All the ways motherhood takes its toll on your skin & the solutions you need… NOTHING sums up motherhood better than: 'The days are long, but the years are short.' One minute you're in the throes of newborn life and the next, your daughter is swiping your serum. As a 41-year-old mum of two - to a six and nine year old - it feels like I blinked and 10 years have passed. And boy do those 10 years show on my face - my eye bags are much more prominent, my skin has lost its glow and the faint frown lines are now ever-present. There are some mornings I put off wearing my glasses, just to enjoy the slightly blurred reflection in the mirror that still feels more familiar to me than the aged version staring back at me. Ageing may be part and parcel of entering your 40s, but it also feels like each fine line and wrinkle tells a story of motherhood – the good, the bad and the ugly. 9 Lauren Ezekiel knows a thing or two about the effects of motherhood Credit: Lauren Ezekiel 'It's completely normal for many of us to notice changes in our appearance after becoming mums,' says Dr Nora, cosmetic and medical dermatology doctor at Rejuvenation Clinic. 'Hormonal shifts, disrupted sleep, stress and the natural ageing process all play a role in the skin looking duller, with more pronounced under-eye bags, sagging in the lower face, and deeper frown lines.' A fan of the natural approach to ageing, I've always steered away from anti-ageing injections, but it feels like it's time to step up my current skincare and invest in some hard-hitting ingredients and devices. So, now that my children are growing up and I have more time on my hands, I've made it my mission to build up my confidence - consulting some of the best experts around for their advice on combating Mum Face. Eye bags and dark circles 'Lack of sleep reduces circulation, leading to dull, tired-looking skin and enhanced shadows under the eyes,' says Dr Tara Francis, dentist and advanced facial aesthetician. And it is not just lifestyle changes that can result in prominent eye bags, hormonal changes also play a factor, whether that's postpartum or if you're entering the perimenopause, like me. 'These changes can thin the skin, making underlying blood vessels more visible,' says Dr Tara, 'the natural loss of volume that comes with tiredness or ageing can deepen hollows under the eyes, making circles appear darker.' The Fix: Start with the basics - hydration, good nutrition, and rest when you can. 'Using a cold compress or chilled eye mask can quickly reduce puffiness, and topical products with caffeine, hyaluronic acid, and peptides can help brighten and plump the area over time,' says Dr Tara. 9 Tackle eye bags in weeks Credit: Skin Rocks Skin Rocks by Caroline Hirons The Eye Cream, £65 Skin Rocks by Caroline Hirons The Eye Cream, £65, is a does-it-all formula that is clinically proven to reduce eye bags in eight weeks. A little goes a long way, and one pump should be sufficient for both eyes - apply with your pinkie finger to prevent pulling on the skin. 9 This is a great budget alternative Credit: THE INKEY LIST The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream, £11 A good budget alternative is The Inkey List Caffeine Eye Cream, £11, which helps to depuff and reduce dark shadows. 9 Revive tired eyes with eye patches Credit: NIP+FAB Nip+Fab Vitamin C Eye Patches, £15.95 For eye-bag emergencies, pop a pot of Nip+Fab Vitamin C Eye Patches, £15.95, in the fridge then leave on for 15 minutes to help brighten the area. Fine lines and wrinkles 'Frown lines become more prominent from repetitive movement - especially with the mental load of motherhood,' says Dr Nora. 'At home, a consistent skincare routine with antioxidants, peptides and retinoids can help maintain skin health - and daily SPF is a must - even on sleep-deprived mornings.' The Fix: Anti-wrinkle injections like Botox may be the most effective for reducing fine lines and wrinkles, but if you prefer not to go down the injectable route, then retinol is the answer. 9 Refresh your complexion Credit: murad Murad Youth Renewal Oil Drops, £71 Murad Youth Renewal Oil Drops, £71, contains a blend of retinol that is not only powerful enough to help reduce lines and wrinkles, but also comes in a soothing oil formula that locks in moisture to the skin so it doesn't dry it out. 9 Address fine lines and wrinkles Credit: Roc Roc Retinol Derm Correxion Fill+Treat Serum, £39.99 Another option is Roc Retinol Derm Correxion Fill+Treat Serum, £39.99, which thanks to its applicator, can be applied directly to problem areas, rather than all over the face. Dull skin 'When we don't get enough sleep, our body doesn't have adequate time to repair itself,' says Dr Liam Piggott, medical director at Grand Aesthetics Clinic. 'This can lead to reduced blood flow, causing our skin to appear dull and lifeless. "Plus, during sleep, our skin regenerates and repairs damage, so without it, we miss out on that vital rejuvenation,' he adds. 9 This rejuvenating mask is well worth the investment Credit: STYLPRO StylPro Wavelength LED Mask, £99.99 The Fix: If you don't have a magic wand that can ensure you regularly get your eight hours of uninterrupted sleep, then it may be worth investing in StylPro Wavelength LED Mask, £99.99. The red LED aids the stimulation of collagen production, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while the near-infrared light helps reduce inflammation. You need to use it every day for 10 minutes - alongside glow-inducing ingredients like vitamin C - to really see an improvement. 9 Firm and illuminate your complexion Credit: MATTER OF FACT Matter Of Fact Brightening & Firming Serum, £85 Matter Of Fact Brightening & Firming Serum, £85, contains 20% fully dissolved, stable L-ascorbic acid, which can boost the overall appearance of the skin. Sagging jowls Prior to having children, I had regular facials and in-salon treatments, which helped boost elasticity and firmness. However, since having children, this additional cost and indulgent treat has slipped down the priority list. 'Adapting to a new routine as a mother also means you have less time to commit to your previous skincare commitments, such as facials,' says Lauren Evans, CACI training and development officer. 'Stress can also trigger cortisol, which can accelerate the breakdown of collagen in our skin causing a loss in skin firmness.' The Fix: Sagging skin can often be hard to improve with products alone, but using a facial tool like a gua sha or jade roller can help, as it stimulates the lymphatic system reducing inflammation and puffiness, or in-salon treatments like CACI Jowl Lift, from £40, can help strengthen the muscle. 9 This K-Beauty buy has recently launched at Boots Credit: MEDICUBE Medicube Night Wrapping Mask, £25.90 Applying a collagen mask like Medicube Night Wrapping Mask, £25.90, can improve elasticity, too - apply all over the skin and allow it to dry fully before going to sleep, then in the morning, peel off the mask to reveal tighter skin.
Irish Independent
08-05-2025
- Health
- Irish Independent
Louise McSharry: ‘A friend was struggling with acne when a chance encounter with a drag queen changed her life'
There are some skincare brands that I believe allow you to do just that — feel confident that whichever of its products you choose, you'll be on solid ground. The following are brands I'd be happy to use a full skincare routine from, such is my faith in them. 1. Skingredients (via — When a brand is created by someone who has built a career around skin expertise, you can be fairly sure it's going to be good. Jennifer Rock's Skingredients is an excellent example of this. Rock spent years guiding people towards the products and practices which would result in their best skin through her business The Skin Nerd before using all her experience to formulate her own products. I highly rate every single product in this small but perfectly formed range. 2. Paula's Choice (via — A friend of mine was struggling with acne when a chance encounter with a drag queen in Belfast changed her life. 'You need Paula,' the queen said, and after ascertaining that Paula was referring to a skincare brand and not another drag queen, my friend made some purchases. She says it's the best thing she ever did. Unlike Skingredients, Paula's Choice has a very large range of products, which means almost every skin concern is covered. Unlike some large ranges, though, these products are really effective. If you're confused on which products are best for you, the brand has a guidance section on its website which includes a helpful skin type quiz. 3. No7 (via — A brand that needs no introduction, the Boots beauty brand was launched in 1935. In my lifetime, it's been such a constant presence that you'd be forgiven for overlooking it. When something is always there, you might forget about it. The launch of the brand's Future Renew range, however, led me to use a full No7 skincare routine, and I was impressed. The products are consistent and effective — I guess there's a reason the brand has been a success for 90 years! 4. Skin Rocks by Caroline Hirons (via — Caroline Hirons's skincare expertise became a staple in many a product-lover's life long before the launch of her brand, Skin Rocks, in 2022. After years of trusting Hirons's lead when it came to skincare products, I knew I could have faith in a range she was happy to put her name on. I could use only Skin Rocks products for the foreseeable and be happy. Buying Irish Influencer Lisa Jordan's beauty brand Luna has an impressive array of products in its range, with all bases covered from foundation to brows and mascara. The brand's new Butter Balm Lipsticks have a formula which delivers the pigment of a lipstick but the comfort and hydration of a balm. Honestly, they do feel a bit like butter! With a satin finish, Butter Balm Lipsticks are available in five shades, which include two pinks, two nudes and a red. Rumour has it there's not a Cork woman in the world who doesn't have a Luna by Lisa product in their make-up bag — I'm sure this will be a happy addition. Something old… When I think of cream bronzer, my mind immediately goes to Chanel's Les Beiges Bronzing Cream (€55 via I can't say for sure that it was the first bronzing cream on the market, but it was certainly the one that got everyone's attention. For years, it was the only cream bronzer anyone was talking about. Aside from the chic Chanel pot it comes in, the product itself is great. It blends beautifully, and thanks to a total lack of sparkle and shimmer, it mimics natural bronze brilliantly. Les Beiges Bronzing Cream was initially only available in one shade, which worked for lots of people but not those with dark or fair skin tones, so Chanel introduced two new shades a few years ago which means more people can enjoy the product. It's pricey, but a little goes a long way so a pot will last you ages. For me, even the light shade is too dark in the winter, but I'm looking forward to getting back to it this summer. ... Something new For many people, Benefit has been a go-to brand when it comes to bronzer for as long as they've worn make-up. Hoola, a matte powder bronzer, is incredibly popular thanks to its matte finish and soft texture which blend beautifully and, like the aforementioned Chanel product, deliver a realistic bronzing effect. Now, Benefit has brought a new Hoola to the party. Hoola Wave Original Cream Bronzer (€41 via contains jojoba seed oil, shea butter and avocado oil, which means it applies smoothly and leaves the skin feeling nourished. It's not so balmy that it slides around the face though — Hoola Wave stays where you put it. Available in an impressive five shades (this shouldn't really be impressive but unfortunately the bronzer market has a long way to go when it comes to inclusivity), this product will work on most skin tones. If you like the original Hoola, but would like to layer your bronzer or simply prefer a cream, you'll like this, which delivers the same shimmer-free natural finish as its predecessor.
Business of Fashion
29-04-2025
- Business
- Business of Fashion
Caroline Hirons' Skin Rocks Lands First Growth Investment
Skin Rocks, the UK-based skincare brand founded by writer and esthetician Caroline Hirons, has received a growth investment to help fund its international expansion and the development of its professional line, the company announced on Tuesday. The round was led by UK-based firms Redrice Ventures and Jamjar Investments, with participation from Saffie Investments. Terms were not disclosed, but a spokesperson for Skin Rocks said the brand has generated over £10 million ($13 million) in net revenue since launching in 2022. In a statement, founder and chief executive Hirons said the brand was 'thrilled' to have the support of Redrice and Jamjar, which 'bring invaluable experience in scaling high-growth consumer brands.' The funding is earmarked to help expand the brand's professional business, Skin Rocks Pro, as well as expand its consumer-facing line and push into international markets, though the brand did not specify where. The 2022 launch of Skin Rocks was bootstrapped by Hirons, who rose to prominence on social media through her eponymous beauty blog, Instagram content and YouTube videos. In January 2025, she launched Skin Rocks Pro with more potent skin formulas marketed to aestheticians. This investment is the brand's first private equity fundraise. Hirons will remain majority shareholder, alongside managing director and shareholder Alexandra Forbes, who helped found the company. Learn more: The Changing Face of Caroline Hirons Hirons is arguably the most important figure in British beauty, but she'll test the limit of her authority as she transitions from skin care expert to brand founder with her line Skin Rocks.
Daily Mirror
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Weekend Wishlist: 11 fashion, beauty and payday picks our shopping writers are loving
Treat yourself to one (or several) of our favourite items this week from M&S, Glow Recipe and more For many of us, payday has finally arrived — and if your group chat is anything like ours, it's already buzzing with shopping links, holiday inspo, and last-minute wedding guest picks. Whether you're jetting off somewhere sunny or RSVP'ing to every event in sight, there's no better time to treat yourself to something new. Our Weekend Wishlist is a mix of tried-and-tested faves — like this ultra-flattering black dress shopping writer Eve recently wore to a wedding (yes, she looked amazing) — and fresh finds we're obsessing over. That includes the new Skin Rocks moisturiser and a dreamy Pour Moi bikini sported by A-lister Salma Hayek. Basically, we've done the scrolling, so you don't have to. So, without further ado, here are the must-have items we're lusting after this week. Eve's picks: M&S Pure Cotton Bubble Hem Midaxi Dress - £49.50 Never underestimate the power of a little black dress. I recently bought this gorgeous iteration from M&S for a wedding, having fallen in love with its simple yet effective silhouette. It exceeded all my expectations and garnered me way more compliments than I would have thought. Of course, with the right accessories, a dress can be transformed from dull to delicious, but this Pure Cotton Bubble Hem Midaxi Dress has subtle details that elevate its look with ease and my figure, too. It's got a puffy, voluminous bubble skirt and a cut-out back that is super flattering. A drop waist glides over any tummy problem areas, while the sleeveless design is perfect for warmer days. With a breathable lining underneath, it falls nicely, and the skirt is wonderfully swishy as you move. At £49.50, it's a cheaper option for a wedding guest dress, and while some may see the block colour of black as somewhat boring, it's essentially a chic, classy and elegant blank canvas with which you can create a stunning look. While I loved dressing this dress up for a recent black-tie wedding, it can also be dressed down by popping a graphic tee over the top and pairing it with some trainers. My only gripe is that it comes up a little small, so for a comfortable fit, it's best to size up. Lookfantastic's monthly subscription - £15 Worth £55, April's box costs £15 for shoppers that want to buy it as a one-off or, if you sign up for a monthly rolling subscription for 12 months, it's only £13. Containing six products - and sometimes seven if the brand includes a complimentary gift, as it often does (beating that of Glossybox's five products per month for £13.50) - the box is perfect for those who love trying out new products or simply wish to switch up your beauty routine. April's box is packed full of skincare goodies that'll leave your face, hands, body and scalp feeling super hydrated. Plus, it contains a product that MUAs and beauty buffs swear by for cleaning their brushes. Lauren's picks: Phlur Rose Whip Perfume - £99 I love trying out new perfumes, but I keep returning to Phlur. The cool-girl brand, which I've featured in several Weekend Wishlists in the past, has become one of my top fragrance faves, thanks to its playful, flirty scents and chic bottles that look seriously good on my dressing table. The new fragrance to join the line-up is Rose Whip — a floral-forward blend laced with black currant and osmanthus and grounded by a musky base for a modern twist. I'm already a fan of rose perfumes (Miller Harris' Rose Silence is a longtime love of mine), and Rose Whip hits all the right notes. It's sweet and feminine without being saccharine, with a warm depth that gives it a flirty, alluring edge. Ideal for date nights or evenings out, it's the type of scent that turns heads — literally. I've had a handful of compliments while wearing it, including one from a cashier at Aldi who stopped me mid-checkout to ask what perfume I was wearing. Plus, the wear time is solid, lingering for a few hours without being overpowering. There's also a cheaper travel-size version for easy top-ups on the go. Skin & Tan Face Glow Advanced Hydrating SPF & Tan Cream - £20 Now that the sun's out, I've taken to applying fake tan on the regular — I happily embrace my pale skin during the winter, but there's just something about a golden glow that makes me feel more confident come the warmer months. Skin & Tan has been on my radar for a while (its setting mist is a serious game-changer), so I was keen to get my hands on its latest launch: the Glow Advanced Hydrating SPF & Tan Cream. This 3-in-1 multitasker is designed to slot into your daily routine with ease, acting as a daily moisturiser, offering essential sun protection and delivering a gradual tan that looks natural and sun-kissed. On first application, I'll admit I had a few doubts — the formula is on the thicker side — but it rubbed in surprisingly quickly, with no ghostly white cast. It did leave my skin feeling a touch sticky, but nothing too off-putting. It also smells like a soft hint of holiday - think subtle coconut and sunshine — and I noticed my face felt more hydrated after use. As for the tan itself, it took a few days to show itself but the results were worth the wait. A healthy, glowing, just-back-from-the-beach kind of colour that made me look instantly more refreshed. Sure, it's not the lightest texture I've tried, but at £20, it's a solid budget-friendly option if you're after an everyday SPF that gives a gradual, healthy tan without the hassle. Reef's Vista Hi Buckle Sandals - £70 Praise be! It's finally time to dig out the sandals and put away the chunky boots. Every summer, I like to treat myself to a new pair of sandals — and this year, I'm excited to introduce these Reef iterations to my rotation. With their vegan-friendly, leather brown straps (very much the colour of the season) and round buckle detail, they tick the stylish box instantly. But it's their comfort factor that's truly sealed the deal for me. I've been wearing these cushioned sandals out and about over the past couple of weeks, and besides a couple of minor blisters on my little toes during the break-in period (par of the course), they've been pain-free. They're comfy straight out of the box, with no stiffness or awkward rubbing, and I've managed some decent walks in them without any complaints. The adjustable strap ensures a true-to-size fit, keeping my tootsies secure all day long. The subtle platform footbed adds a bit of height — enough to feel slightly dressier, whether I'm pairing them with a linen dress or wide-leg jeans. Priority Pass Airport Lounge Access - £48 from £69 With Easter now a distant memory, it's time to start getting excited about those sun-soaked summer getaways. Whether you've already booked your trip or are just beginning to plan, the countdown to holiday fun has officially started, and payday seems the perfect time to organise a trip in style. Granted, sitting in a bustling departure hall at the airport isn't exactly the slimmest way to start a trip, but Priority Pass is currently offering a 30% discount on airport lounge access. This will allow travellers to enjoy chic spaces away from the crowds, complete with complimentary snacks, drinks, WiFi, and comfortable seating. This deal will help flyers feel like they're travelling first-class without breaking the bank. Hidden away from the busy terminal waiting areas, visitors can enjoy some peaceful refreshments, queue-free bathroom facilities and WiFi for work or leisure. Whether you're travelling for business and need a quiet spot to work or simply looking for a stress-free airport experience, these lounges are a game-changer—and this discount makes them even more appealing. Pour Moi's Free Spirit Bikini - £22-£36 Keeping with the summer theme here — because let's face it, what's a summer getaway without a little swimwear refresh? — holiday-goers will no doubt be on the hunt for a new bikini to make their social media snaps pop. With that in mind, Pour Moi has delivered this season with a gorgeous range of styles (some of which have been spotted on actress Salma Hayek, no less). One standout is this bright orange bikini, which is practically made for golden hour selfies. It's playful and chic, with flirty frill detailing and flattering shirred fabric. Its removable straps mean it can be worn as a bandeau when working on your tan or as a classic strappy top for more support. Meanwhile, its hidden underwired cups add subtle shaping, while a clasp fastening makes it easy to get on and off. Note that the bikini top and briefs are sold separately and priced at £36 and £22, respectively. Tiffany's picks: Skin Rocks The Light Moisturiser - £58 When skincare expert Caroline Hirons hinted at a new product launch, fans were over the moon. The Light Moisturiser, dubbed 'light as air', offers barrier-supporting benefits and long-term hydration. It retails at £58, the same price as the original. Ideal for combination, oily or blemish-prone skin types, The Light Moisturiser is clinically proven to increase hydration by up to 141% after one hour based on an independent clinical study of 52 participants. A daily use of the cream for four weeks helps reduce red spots by up to 51% after one week and increases skin elasticity by up to 53% after four weeks. With a significant portion of the UK population experiencing vitamin D deficiency, the cream is formulated with pro-vitamin D3 to boost vitamin D production, support long-term skin health, and promote optimal barrier function. Feedback has been positive, as fans say it "absorbs instantly and leaves skin feeling plump and smooth with no breakouts." M&S Per Una Denim Quilted Gilet - £49.50 Quilted jackets are many fashion lovers' go-to lightweight spring jackets, and M&S has given the style a twist. This Per Una Denim Quilted Gilet is a style icon, and I have been enjoying wearing it along with the Per Una Lyocell Drawstring wide-leg trousers. The padding at the back keeps you warm, and the sleeveless design gives you room for movement. The matching belt can cinch the waist for a slimmer silhouette. However, the jacket doesn't have buttons, so you'll have to use the belt to keep it closed. Otherwise, you can consider Boden's Denim Quilted Gilet —currently reduced to £73.50 from £98. Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist - £20.80, was £25 Known for its glow-giving products that boost hydration in the skin, Glow Recipe has launched a new product that beauty buffs can take along with them anywhere. Following the global success of its Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops, the K beauty-inspired brand is giving us the Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist—a handbag-friendly mist to quench your skin's thirst whenever needed. Simply shake and spritz; the sweet watermelon scent will instantly refresh and hydrate. And unlike others on the market, the juicy blend of watermelon, hyaluronic acid, and hibiscus AHAs keeps skin plump and glowy without stripping it of moisture. If fragrance is a concern, Curel's Deep Moisture Spray, £13, offers similar skin benefits without any scent or fragrance. Anua Heartleaf 77% Toner - £15.99 When it comes to skincare, many will look into the active ingredients that matter most to their skin, and sensitive and irritated skin users might have heard about Anua's popular Heartleaf 77% Toner. Glass skin is fading out in 2025, but in comes the 'Butter Skin' trend—a softer and more natural glow than the high-shine radiance. Thanks to its anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties, heartleaf extract keeps the skin balanced. The formula is mild, and it clears deep within pores, including stubborn blackheads and whiteheads, after continued use. The Anua toner is also loved by K-pop star Suho, the leader of boy band EXO. People who suffer from redness and breakouts found their skin was 'calmer and less inflamed' after trying the product. I have also used it to treat my spots, and while it's not an overnight miracle, the size of the blemishes reduced the next day and disappeared on day two. If you're looking to get rid of dead skin, the Anua Heartleaf 77 Toner Pad, £17.98, gently exfoliates and effectively clears impurities.
