Go west: Celebrating Ireland’s beauty innovators
From the now-iconic Belle Brush and Bobbin, created by Nancy Costello, to the powerhouse skincare brand Ella & Jo, a firm favourite among celebrities and beauty experts alike — the west is making waves across the industry.
Ella & Jo, founded by two dynamic west of Ireland women, Niamh Ryan and Charlene Flanagan, continues to set standards for effective, accessible skincare. And not to be forgotten, the pioneering Haumea devices, developed by salon and clinic owner and beauty guru Anna Ford, reflect the west’s drive for excellence and advancement in professional beauty at home.
Born from a passion for beautiful, healthy hair, The Belle Brush collection is the brainchild of Irish entrepreneur Nancy Costello, founder of the cult-favourite InvisiBelle clip-in extensions.
The Belle Brush (€34.99)
Glides effortlessly through the hair, creating a full, voluminous finish, while the Baby Belle (€24.99) perfects shorter styles and fringes with precision. To complete the ritual, the Belle Bobbin (€10.99) holds hair securely without a trace of a crease, preserving every blowdry and curl. Recently crowned Young Entrepreneur at the Image Beauty Awards, Nancy’s vision for effortless, luxurious hair is now available at Dunnes Stores and Planet Beauty.
Elevating at-home skincare to an entirely new level is the Haumea RF SuperSculpt Pro (€279).
This is a masterclass in innovation and indulgence. Seamlessly blending radio frequency, electric muscle stimulation, red led light, and multi-frequency vibrations, this sleek device delivers transformative results usually reserved for the clinic.
Having trialled it myself, I was struck by how effortlessly it sculpted, firmed, and revitalised my complexion — restoring that elusive lit-from-within glow. A
true investment piece for serious skincare devotees, it redefines what’s possible from the comfort of your own home.
From Irish skincare heroes comes Ella & Jo, the Nourish & Glow Superfood Face Oil (€55).
A true skin saviour, designed to deliver hydration, strength, and resilience without overwhelming sensitive skin. This antioxidant-rich formula blends rosehip oil, rich in vitamin A and essential fatty acids to calm and repair; jojoba oil to mimic the skin’s natural sebum and restore balance; sea buckthorn oil to boost barrier repair with omega fatty acids and carotenoids; and Evening Primrose Oil to soothe redness and irritation.
Light yet deeply restorative, each drop cocoons the skin in comfort, leaving it luminous, supple, and beautifully fortified. It’s certainly worth a try!