BEAUTY: Skin-deep solutions

I’M forever researching and testing beauty products, some new, some tried and well-tested favourites that others suggest. Some I recommend, while others I consider a huge waste of money.
I’m also aware that beauty can be totally confusing, there’s no denying the skincare market is totally saturated. There are too many choices today, all making massive promises. If they all did what they said they did, I should now look about ten! Having said that, I adore some of the latest products, and the addition of some seriously good ingredients has definitely raised the beauty bar.
Here are a few of my favourite new arrivals.

Rescue remedies
IRISH Company Ayu (ayu.ie) recently introduced its Anti Redness Colour Corrector (€34.50). This green-coloured cream provides an instant concealing effect and counteracts redness. I personally don’t suffer redness but my skin tone can be uneven, and this is brilliant for smoothing it out. I mix it with my hydrating Ayu Fresh skin Foundation for more plumped smooth coverage.
Another product, CeraVe’s Advanced Repair Ointment, is specifically designed to repair and restore vulnerable skin through the use of ceramides, which help to retain skin moisture and elasticity.
Age spots need no longer be an annoyance thanks to L’Oreal Paris and the aptly named Age Perfect Rapid Spot Corrector (€17.50) for face, neck and hands. It contains niacinamide and peony-cells extract, which assist in preventing age-related dullness, and in trials, women claimed their complexions looked brighter after about a week.

Basic to bling
NEUTROGENA began with a bar of soap. The Norwegian Company designed the product specifically for the harsh climate, that’s why it’s a particular favourite in Ireland, another harsh climate! A lot of dermatologists actually recommend it. Their top seller Hydro Boost Water Gel (around €7.75) has hyaluronic acid as a key ingredient, and promises to deliver hydration and boost moisture for up to 72 hours. at chemists nationwide. You’ll also find makeup, sunscreen and body care items in their product range. Great products, with even better prices.
La-Roche Posay products are tailored to treat everything from sensitive skin and blemishes to psoriasis, while thermal spring water is in each of the formulations. This water is said to have both calming and antioxidant-like properties. The company is hugely committed to the prevention of skin cancer, and its Anthelios SPF 60 is very effective in the prevention of sun-induced damage to skin. I’ve seen it advertised anywhere from €35 to €42, so shop around a bit. Worth buying.
At the higher end of the cost scale are SkinCeuticals products. These are expensive, mainly because the formulas are top of the range and thoroughly researched. Loved by dermatologists. the products use ingredients like retinol, vitamin C and E and hyaluronic acid, while The C E Ferulic remains a bestseller in the beauty market, at €185.

No frills
THE Ordinary has long held the premise is that good ingredients shouldn’t mean inflated prices. This is a no-frills brand, with minimalist packaging. They don’t advertise, which keeps prices low. Every time I see an ad for skincare I remind myself that the customer is actually paying the cost! Caveat emptor!
The Ordinary’s Retinol 1% in Squalane (around €10) offers a water-free solution containing retinol, which improves the appearance of fine and dynamic lines that arise from a loss of collagen and elastin, while evening skin texture and tone. I bought mine up in Arnotts, but check next.ie or lookfantastic.ie for online prices. Always ask for advice before starting on a regime of retinol as it can be harsh on the skin at first.
The Inkey List is another ingredient centred brand that offers effective ingredients into skincare without breaking the bank. Look out for their Hyaluronic Acid Serum (€10).

Maggie Gibbons is an image/style consultant based in Louisburgh, Co Mayo. She can be contacted at living@mayonews.ie.