It’s never been more difficult for small family run businesses to survive but thankfully the Irish beauty industry is not only hanging in there, it’s thriving and the vast range of products available make for the perfect gift.
From budget bustig bespoke bodycare to covetable candels this Christmas we’re going green!
Voya:
This family run business in Strandhill, Co. Sligo uses natural seaweed sourced in the most environmentally friendly way possible to create a high-end range of skincare that has won numerous awards. From eyecreams to bath oils, this luxe line outshines traditional department store brands.
My Little Hero Face Serum, €55
Voya.ie
Pixy:
Following an appearance on RTE’s Dragon’s Den in March, this Mallow based company is now getting international attention as far afield as Russia ! Pixy is committed to producing natural handmade skincare from fresh ingredients and is fast giving skincare giant Lush a run for its money. With over 70 products in the range, Pixy is now stocked in over 160 chemists and is available to buy online.
Pedi set, €16.95
Pixy.ie
Sevite:
Created in 1993 by marine scientist Patrick Mulrooney and his wife Kaye, this Galway based company is now run by the couple’s daughters Jane and Katherine. Both medical doctors, the sisters share their parents belief in the power of the sea to heal both the body and mind and each product features hand-harvested organic seaweed and is especially good for sensitive skin.
Exfoliating and Toning Gel, €17
Seavite.ie
La Bougie:
Who doesn’t love an expensive smelling candle? And when they look this pretty and are 100 percent Irish owned and produced they’re even better. Created by perfumer Lucy Hagerty, Cork based company La Bougie uses essential oils and aromatics to produce truly one-of-a-kind scents and are hand poured into hand painted glasses.
Lichen and Winter Jasmin candel, €25
Labougie.com
The Burren Perfumery:
Ireland’s oldest perfumery in the heart of the Burren is committed to making natural and organic cosmetics by hand their range includes hand creams, bath oils, balms and perfumes and uses the abundance of local ingredients – 70 percent of Ireland’s wild flowers are found in the Burren area – in their products. Everything is made on site in small batches and can be delivered world wide. And if you ever happen to be in the area in summer why not pop into their organic tea rooms for lunch or some cake!
Winter Wood fragrance, €40
Burrenperfumery.com
Green Angel:
Founded in 2003 by husband and wife team Mary and Chris Mitchell, Green Angel was initially created to fill a gap in the market – 100 percent Irish skincare and haircare containing natural Irish seaweed and natural essential oils. Since then the company has gone from strength to strength and is now stocked in over 500 retailers nationwide and boasts former Miss Ireland Holly Carpenter as their cover girl.
Seaweed and Collagen Face Cream, €24.95
Greenangel.com
Bia Beauty:
Creator Tracey Ryan became passionate about what was going into her beauty products when she was pregnant with her son Feidhlim and having studied Herbal Science at Cork Institute of Technology, the mum-of-one put her knowledge of natural herbal remedies to good use and Bia Beauty was born. This range of 100 percent natural and handmade beauty products promises to ‘feed your skin’ and after initially selling her products at local farmers markets, Tracey now operates an online shop and distributes the line to nearly 30 stockists nationwide.
Apple Blossom Body Butter, €19.95
Biabeauty.com
