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Irish Independent
20-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Irish Independent
Louise McSharry: My four go-to SPFs when you're looking for more than just sun protection
Alas, I'm not right. I know this because my own father is a sun cream denier. He's genuinely an intelligent man most of the time, but when it comes to sun cream, he simply refuses to engage. Each year, he develops a lobster-red shell, which peels and reforms multiple times over the course of the sunny season. We plead with him to apply sun cream, and he laughs in our faces. I'm not sure if it's misplaced arrogance or pure obstinance, but he simply won't do it and, at this stage, I've given up. I would never give up on you, though, and I'm sure that you would never dream of willingly burning or damaging your skin in the sun. Neither would I! So, let's talk about sun cream. At home, I tend to use whatever sun cream I have on the go for the kids, but if I'm going on holidays, I like to treat myself to something a little more grown up. With that in mind, here are some of my favourites. 1. Hawaiian Tropic Hydrating Protection Sunscreen Lotion (€22 via — This has been a go-to for me for many years, thanks to it being a pleasure to use and reasonably friendly on the wallet (it's frequently on special offer; the price here is the maximum you should expect to pay). This formula is beautifully hydrating via cocoa and shea butter, and I usually leave a holiday significantly more moisturised than I've arrived as a result. It's not sticky or greasy. Instead, it feels like a normal body lotion. Plus, its tropical scent gets you straight into the holiday vibe. 2. Nuxe Sun Oil Gold Shimmer High Protection (€33 via — It's hard for me to choose one product from Nuxe's sun protection range, because I am such a fan of them all, but this gal is definitely worth highlighting. If you're going to a wedding or special event, this product will keep you safe from the sun while delivering beautifully gleaming skin with flecks of golden shimmer. Nuxe products smell delicious, and this is no exception, with notes of sweet orange, Tiaré flower and vanilla. 3. Kopari Sunglaze Sheer Body Mist SPF30 (€41.40 via — This light spray delivers sun protection and glamour via a gorgeous coconut scent and light sheen. It dries quickly and is comfortable to wear, and I particularly like its spray bottle, which functions well and applies product evenly. It's also just pretty, almost like an accessory for the pool. 4. Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ (€9.35 via — This is another winner in the texture category thanks to its light formula, which feels more like a moisturiser than an SPF. It functions as a moisturiser too, leaving the skin soft and hydrated, and is fragrance-free for those of you who prefer that. Lost in translation Ginseng is an ingredient frequently seen on skincare packaging, but why is it so popular? Ginseng root has been reported to have anti-ageing, skin-whitening, anti-wrinkle and moisturising effects among other things, making it an ideal raw material for skincare products. Some research also indicates that the presence of ginseng can also reduce inflammation and improve skin elasticity. Aside from that, ginseng holds significant cultural importance in Korea, making it extra appealing for skincare brands from that part of the world. Something old… If you are unfamiliar with the phrase keratosis pilaris, you probably don't have it. This skin condition results in bumpy, rough skin, usually on the upper arms, thighs or bum, and while harmless, is unpleasant for many of those who experience it. Fortunately, there are lots of products to reduce its impact, mostly via gentle exfoliation. Byoma's Smoothing Body Polish (€14.68 via and Smoothing Body Serum (€15.81 via work well on their own, or as a pair, thanks to ingredients like exfoliating succinic acid and nourishing panthenol. Fortunately, Byoma's prices are relatively reasonable, so testing these guys out won't hit your bank account too hard. As with any skincare product, consistency is key if you want to get results, so regular use of the body polish in the shower and body serum afterwards is your best bet. ... Something new Joonbyrd is a bodycare brand founded by dermatologist Dr Alexis Granite, who's love of beauty products goes back to exploring her grandmother's makeup collection. That love, along with her expertise from decades working with patients on their skin challenges, has resulted in joyfully packaged, very effective products. Joonbyrd's latest launch is Kaleidoscope Body Serum (€88 for 100ml via a lightweight serum which delivers gentle exfoliation to smooth and brighten the skin as well as delivering hydration. This product is ideal for anyone who struggles with keratosis pilaris, aka chicken skin. The presence of azelaic and shikimic acid gently exfoliate, while nourishing ingredients like blueberry seed oil ensure the skin is left soft and supple. This is not an inexpensive product though, so you may wish to try the 15ml size (€22 via before investing in the large bottle.
Irish Independent
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Louise McSharry: From snail essence to crayon liners, the K-beauty products worth buying
It started with the occasional product, then people were developing elaborate multi-step skincare routines entirely based on Korean practices. These days, most people have simplified their routines, but Korean products are still incredibly popular, as evidenced by Boots's recent launch of a curated selection of skincare brands from the country in store and online. It's an impressive gathering of products — a couple of my favourites are Cosrx's Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence (€31 via a quickly absorbed fluid which delivers intense hydration; and Erborian's CC Crème (€52 via a sheer, glowy and ultra-natural skin tint. The reality is, though, that the influence of Korean beauty, or K-beauty, goes far beyond skincare. In fact, K-beauty products are influencing product development right across the cosmetics industry. These days, social media comment sections on almost any new category of product will include several people pointing out an existing Korean product which is virtually identical. Good examples of this are Hailey Bieber's brand Rhode's launch of Lip Shape Lip Liners (€32 via and, similarly, Refy's Blur Liner (€20 via Unlike traditional lip liners, these are thick, crayon-like products which deliver a blurred line around the lip as opposed to a sharp one. The blurred lip trend is relatively new to western beauty lovers, but it's been around for some time in… you guessed it, Korea! As a result, there are lots of existing K-beauty products which achieve this look, and most of them are significantly less expensive than the previously mentioned launches. Personally, I'm a fan of Romand's Lip Mate Pencils (€9.73 via which achieve the same look and include a beautifully cool-toned brown, a shade that can be hard to find in this part of the world. Another example is Victoria Beckham's Contour Stylus (€40 via an excellent product which allows you to precisely contour the face, especially around the nose, thanks to it being significantly slimmer than other popular contour products in this part of the world. There is, however, a similar Korean product: the Colorgram Contour stick (€10.09 via which is significantly less expensive. It's worth noting, though, that Korean shade ranges tend to work well on fair skin, with lots of cool-toned options. However, you may find that if your skin is dark, the shades simply won't work for you. If you like 4. Milk Makeup's Jelly Tint (€28 via you'll probably love 5. Fwee's Lip & Cheek Glowy Jelly Pot (€17.64 via which is not only a beautiful product but also adorably packaged. I could list more examples, but you get my drift. Korean beauty products are generally excellent, and there is no doubt western beauty companies are being inspired by them. If you want to be ahead of the game, follow some Korean bloggers or reddit threads which focus on Korean trends. They'll probably be the next big thing here too. Lost in translation You may already know about peptides, but what of copper peptides? These short chains of amino acids bind with existing copper ions in the body to help stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. Increased collagen and elastin leads to plumper, firmer skin, which improves the skin's overall texture and reduces the appearance of fine lines. Copper peptides also have antioxidant properties which protect the skin from environmental damage. Thus, you'll see this ingredient in all sorts of skincare products, from serums to moisturisers. Something old… I'm a big fan of American brand Kosas, which is all about creating products that bridge the gap between skincare and make-up. One of my absolute Kosas favourites is Wet Lip Oil (€21.40 via although I have to say I think it's been misnamed. While they may call it an oil (and ingredients include avocado oil and evening primrose oil), I find it functions like a lip gloss, although not like the lip glosses of old. Rather than being sticky and uncomfortable, this product is moisturising and comfortable to wear. Hyaluronic acid delivers hydration, peptides stimulate collagen production, and it looks absolutely gorgeous thanks to it being packed with pigment. There are eight shades available, including a rosy red and several nude options. My personal favourite is Unbuttoned, a gorgeous mauve. Products like this are ideal for holidays or nights out, as they deliver a full look in one swipe, and won't leave your lips dry. ... Something new Appropriately for this week's column, our 'something new' comes from Korean brand Laneige. Most people will know Laneige for its incredibly popular Lip Sleeping Mask, a rich lip balm. However, the brand has a full range of skincare products, including Bouncy and Firm Serum, a personal favourite of mine. Its latest launch pushes Laneige beyond the parameters of skincare into the beginnings of make-up. Glaze Craze Tinted Lip Serum is infused with 95pc skincare ingredients, which means its deeply hydrating and comfortable to wear while also delivering shine. It's pigmented, delivering a sheer but significant tint to the lips across eight shades, from rosy pink to deep brown and berry. This won't be for everyone, though, as each shade is individually scented with fruity and sugary fragrances.
Irish Independent
27-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
Triona McCarthy: My must-have faves and ultimate go-tos for skincare and make-up from the last 20 years
Do You C It? When I first started writing this beauty column, older beauty editors raved about this product. I thought it was incredibly expensive and I had way too many other things I wanted to buy back then. Fast forward to today, the 20th anniversary of the launch of SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic (€185, and although it's still a bit of a splurge, I religiously use it. It has truly earned its title as the gold standard in vitamin C. The award-winning formula features a potent blend of 15pc pure vitamin C, working tirelessly to shield your skin from environmental damage, enhance firmness and texture, and diminish the appearance of wrinkles. The Alpha Peel Another non-negotiable in my skincare routine is the Dr Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Universal Daily Peel (€25, These peels are nothing short of incredible. This two-step treatment is an absolute powerhouse, with a gentle blend of multiple acids designed to exfoliate, nourish and protect your skin from pesky free radicals. They polish, brighten and even out your skin tone, while the alkaline formula enhances radiance and boosts collagen production. Trust me, when my skin is misbehaving, this is my go-to miracle worker! What's the Skinny? J'adore the Dior Forever Skin Perfect Foundation Stick (€60, This beauty wonder, which seemingly came out of nowhere, has become a new icon, with everyone on TikTok and Instagram raving about it. So much so that it was nearly impossible to find with shades disappearing faster than I could grab them at Brown Thomas. The foundation promises 24-hour wear and hydration, delivering that coveted blurring 'filter' effect. Its smooth coverage effortlessly evens out your complexion and erases imperfections, while the lightweight formula keeps your skin looking fresh instead of cakey. Use as a foundation, a targeted concealer or for quick touch-ups on the go. Poco Loco I'm thrilled to include an Irish product in my round-up of beauty icons. Poco Beauty Universal Glow (€30, via ADVERTISEMENT Learn more This innovative beauty product has become a cult favorite, and for good reason. It's infused with SPF 30 and acts as a primer, colour corrector and moisturiser all rolled into one. With its anti-inflammatory properties, it brightens the skin and improves texture, delivering that coveted 'lit-from-within' glow. A Rare Beauty If you want a blusher that delivers a radiant glow that lasts all day, try Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush (€28, Selena Gomez launched her brand back in 2019, and the blush comes in 13 shades with both matte and dewy finishes. It has a long-lasting formula that blends and builds colour easily. Trick I'm intrigued by Salma Hayek's famous beauty tip – but hey, it's working for her. She says that you should never wash your face in the morning because, at night, your skin is rebuilding some of the oils that you need to keep your skin young and help balance the PH. According to Salma, you don't want to get rid of these oils, so splash your skin with water or do something mild to it rather than going in with the full cleansing routine. This is a great topic to discuss with any of your beauty obsessed friends! Treat There's a good chance you'll adore Chanel's latest eau de toilette, Chance Eau Splendide (€130, as much as I do. A floral heart of rose geranium from the fields of Grasse, tangy raspberry notes, a hint of mysterious white musk and whispers of iris and violet. The perfect summer scent. Treatment Exosomes are quickly becoming the buzzword in beauty. These tiny, powerful messengers can supercharge your skin rejuvenation and Dermalogica is right at the forefront with their innovative EXO Booster Microneedling treatment, available at select Dermalogica salons, including the Skin Essence on Dublin's South Anne Street ( Having experienced this treatment myself, I was amazed. I walked out of the salon glowing. Trust me, this treatment is a game changer.
