Ireland is now a haven for beauty innovation
Ireland is definitely one of the most innovative places for cosmetics and in the last few weeks and months we have seen so many excellent new launches from Irish brands. Last week we were talking skincare but this week I have some other fantastic additions for your makeup bag and bathroom.
Cork entrepreneur Lisa Jordan just dropped her new colour range of Luna glosses and lipsticks which are for sale individually, and not just as a lip kit, which will have hardcore fans jumping for joy because I use Morganite liner pretty much as a base for all of my nudes.
Luna the brand will celebrate its second birthday in September and has a core focus on haircare and face products. My picks of the new colours include Cherry Opal liner and lipstick and the lip scrub which keeps your lips supple. Her shampoos and conditioner are selling out in Penneys all over the country.
Next up is Irish brand Indeora, the brainchild of an Irish couple that wanted to offer an alternative to aluminium containing antiperspirants that didn’t compromise on comfort. What I love about this is that it contains magnesium which is a natural odour neutraliser and an essential mineral for our body. It doesn’t contain any environmental hazards such as propellants, but you’ll be delighted to hear it is still a spray. That, to me makes a huge difference.
It smells unisex and quite summery, natural coconut and vanilla - therefore pleasant. It won’t block pores or stain clothing which is essential if, like me, you love wearing black.
The creators are Eimear Tully, someone who is passionate about natural healthcare and sustainability, and graduate of UCC medicine Dr Pranshul Chauhan. A 75ml bottle will last about 9-12 weeks and retails at €19.99.
It is manufactured in Ireland to the highest standards. It is so handy for the handbag, too, as the bottle is compact.
Ayu is an Irish makeup company set up by renowned makeup artist Suzie O’Neill in 2015. Suzie, from Co. Kildare, was working as a makeup and beauty tutor and realised the makeup brushes in the kits given to students at the college were extremely poor quality. After some research, Ayu was born and the business has grown from strength to strength since.
Starting with a range of affordable, premium quality brushes back in 2015, the brand offering has expanded to include a Signature Eye Shadow Palette, a Radiance Cream and the newly launched easy-to-use brow pencil.
Susie gave me a great tip recently when I complained about my skin feeling muggy. “When applying your makeup base, stick to lighter formulas than you would use in the winter. They will look and sit better on your skin and won’t clog pores in the heat. Products such as BB and CC Creams and tinted moisturisers with SPF are perfect for this time of year.” Thank you, Susie!
Lastly, the queen of tan Marissa Carter has blown me away with her latest release. Not only has she launched a full range of cosmetics, she has brought two brand new products to the market.
First up is a spray oil tan that develops and smells so nice.
It is fantastic for dry skin and glides on the skin effortlessly. It’s a lovely one to pop on post shower and run out the door. It is, like all her products, so affordable at €8.95 for 150mls.
Next up is the Body Makeup that offers both colour and coverage. I tried this on Sunday and could not believe how flawless my skin looked after application. It still offers a nice finish, though, and isn’t powdery or drying on the skin. It also won’t leave streaks like some brands. It even covered some old residual tan that was left over from last week.
Both new launches are animal friendly, and of course, vegan.