It’s a serious perk of the job here at Her.ie towers that we get to try and test some of the latest and greatest beauty releases and call it work. Lucky us. Here is a heads up on three products that got a communal thumbs up from the team in the week that was…
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MeMeMe Cosmetics, from €6.25
We may be on to a winner with this one.
MeMeMe Cosmetics is new to these shores, and the Brit beauty brand grabbed our attention from the outset with some uber-pretty packaging. After all, it’s nice when nice things look… nice. But just like a book, you shouldn’t judge a beauty buy by its cover. This range starts at €6.25 for nail shades and goes up to €18.99 for the Seventh Heaven Mositurising Facebace. We put five products from the line to the test.
Flawless Tinted Moisturiser, €12.99
Available in four shades, this silky formula glides on easily and gives skin a lovely even tone. Jojoba oil makes this a nourishing treat for skin, and SPF 15 works to protect your visage from the sun’s rays. (They’re there, even if you can’t see them…)
Correct & Perfect Concealer, €8.99
Available in three shades, this little pot contains a hydrating cream designed to hide dark circles and blemishes, along with a mattifying setting powder. One of our favourite finds, this nifty tool is getting a big thumbs up here.
Goddess Rocks, €15.50
These bronzing beads might seem a little gimmicky to anyone who prefers a compact, but they offer great colour payoff and a nice sun-kissed tone that steers clear of the dreaded orange.
Blush Me, €10.99
There are four shades in the Blush Me range and on sight they look slightly terrifying, so intense are the colours. Happily, they’re not like that on the skin. Easily applied and easily built up, the rouge in particular is a beauty steal if you need a little colour in your life, and on your cheeks.
Luxury Lip Cream, €10.50
Shea Butter and Vitamin E make this lipstick a treat for your pout. Ten shades include dusky pinks, rich wines and hot reds. The light scent is pleasant, and the colour lasts. Another winner.
Elave Skincare, from €22.95
We spent a month trying out the latest additions to the Elave offering recently, and we were very impressed. Based in Dundalk, Ovelle skincare are marking their 80th birthday this year with a new three-part facial skincare regime made up of the steps Renew, Rebalance and Protect. The’free-from’ approach makers pride themselves on is a big plus point for this brand; the products are free from harsh colourings, preservatives, perfumes and foaming agents, making these beauty buys especially suitable for sensitive skin. Of course, they’re founded with the Irish climate in mind too.
STEP 1: RENEW
AGE DELAY GLYCOLIC CLEANSING TREATMENT 200ML – €26.95
This cleansing treatment boasts 12% Glycolic Acid, which works while cleansing to exfoliate dead skin cells and stimulate collagen activity in the skin. A blend of Humectants protect the skin from dehydration, while the combination of emollients work to deeply soften and smooth skin.
Given the active ingredients, we found it best to use this only once a day and left on the skin for a shorter period of time. Alternatively, you could use it only once or twice a week as a treatment, leaving for a minute or two on the skin before removing with a warm and damp facecloth.
Expect a tingle when you apply too – that’s the acid at work – and with active ingredients at this concentration a patch test is always a good idea. Though these products are specifically designed for sensitive skin, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
STEP 2: REBALANCE
AGE DELAY NIGHT GLYCOLIC TREATMENT 50ML €27.95
This product again boasts that all-important Glycolic Acid again, but in a less concentrated form. An anti-oxidant blend of coconut and palm glycerides and vitamin E helps to repair signs of environmental damage, while, like the cleanser, a combination of emollients soften and smooth skin.
This treatment can be used in conjunction with glycol cleanser, and makers advise using it at night time before bed.
STEP 3: PROTECT
DAILY SKIN DEFENCE SPF 45+ 50ml €22.95
Nowadays the majority of skincare brands contain some SPF, but as Irish women we’re amongst the worst for assuming we don’t need a high factor as we rarely see the sun. In fact, your skin needs SPF every single day. That protection from Ultraviolet UV light and environmental pollutants could make all the difference when it comes to visible signs of ageing, and the sooner you start – the better!
This moisturiser contains SPF45+ Broad Spectrum High UVA/UVB Protection, which protects skin every day from signs of UV exposure like dark spots, roughness and loss of elasticity, along with vitamins C, B & E and zinc oxide to protect sensitive skin. The oil-free formula won’t clog your pores, and the lotion is light and easily absorbed. Suitable for everyday use in all weather conditions.
Nivea In-Shower Body Moisturiser in Nourishing Cocoa Butter & Pampering Honey, €3.99
For anyone who values a lie-in as much as we do, beauty timesavers are a morning godsend. The good folks at NIVEA brought us their super-clever In-Shower Body Moisturiser range last year, and we loved it. Now, they’re back with two new indulgent scents; nourishing Cocoa Butter and pampering Honey. Simply cleanse with shower gel as usual and rinse off, apply In-Shower Body Moisturiser to your wet skin– when your skin is most absorbent. Leave for a few seconds, then rinse off and towel dry. No residue means no waiting around – win! The range now includes:
NIVEA In-Shower Moisturiser Cocoa Butter (all skin types) RRP: €3.99
NIVEA In-Shower Moisturiser Honey (all skin types) RRP: €3.99
NIVEA In-Shower Moisturiser (Normal Skin) RRP: €3.99
NIVEA In-Shower Moisturiser (Dry Skin) RRP: €3.99
