Thoughtful (beauty) shopper

Problem solver

Already a viral skincare sensation in the US (with 22 million views on TikTok and counting), CeraVe’s Advanced Repair Ointment is one of the brand’s most requested launches here. Developed with dermatologists, the moisturising ointment is a skin salve to help heal and alleviate the symptoms of compromised skin conditions, such as eczema and psoriasis. The non-greasy formula is lightweight enough to not block pores and uses hyaluronic acid to draw moisture into the skin, while ceramides and petrolatum work to restore the skin barrier, form a waterproof barrier on the skin’s surface and lock moisture in. Hyaluronic acid meanwhile adds a much-needed boost of hydration by binding up to a thousand times its weight in water. Advanced Repair Ointment, €15.50, Cerave, from pharmacies nationwide.

Snow-kissed beauty

Chanel is going very much on-piste this January with their new Les Beiges Healthy Winter Glow, featuring a new blush in a fresh pink, coral, and mauve pink (for a natural flush post-hike look it is a creamy, pearlescent powder enriched with castor oil); a primer in three shades which is a blend of jasmine-infused oil, camellia seed oil, and hyaluronic acid for plumping and radiance; an eyeshadow palette; four new Rouge Coco lip shades and two new nail colours in Snow White and Frosted Pink. Winter Glow Blush, €65; primer, €50; palette, €67; lipstick, €42; nail shades, €32. Available from Chanel counters nationwide.

Haircare hero

A new Irish brand worth having on your radar in 2024 is the luxury haircare line SEA+SOLU. Founded by Longford-born entrepreneur Sinead Asple, who spent the last number of years refining the range of plant-based, clean beauty products, the brand launched last week with its ‘hero’ product, the Moisture Melt hair mask (€33.95), which is formulated with active ingredients like B-vitamins and algae extracts that nourish, balance and support the overall health of the hair. This is complemented by four booster shots (anti-frizz, moisture, volume and strength) at €20.95 which you can add to the mask for a bespoke hair treatment. Described as “the first Irish customisable haircare brand”, its no-fuss products and ethical credentials are ones we can get behind. seaplussolu.com

Winter skin saviour

At this time of year, sudden temperature changes can play havoc with your skin, harming the skin’s natural water-retention systems, causing dehydration and making skin appear duller and less radiant. Good timing then for new additions to Clarins’ Hydra-Essentiel range, which was launched in 2023, with a new Bi-Phase Serum and Cream-Mask serum being added to the collection. Channelling the same hyaluronic acids of low and high molecular weight, combined with the organic leaf of life extract of last year’s new formula, Clarins have now added an acetylated hyaluronic acid which gives 13 times longer-lasting hydration. The serum also comes with saffron flower polyphenols and organic strawberry tree fruit extract to refine skin texture and tighten pores. The Restoring Cream-Mask meanwhile comes with ceramides and lipids naturally present in the skin barrier. Hydra-Essentiel [HA2] Cream-Mask 75ml €40, Hydra-Essentiel [HA2] Bi-Phase Serum 30ml €55, available at Clarins stockists nationwide, Clarins Boutique & Spa, Wicklow Street and clarins.ie

Night shift

Shiseido’s new Shiseido Vital Perfection LiftDefine Radiance Night Concentrate is a night serum comes with what they are calling “LiftDynamic 4D Technology”, a four-pronged approach to improving skin’s overall condition. The first is the use of Liquorice Extract, aimed at enhancing facial contours; their “Nighttime Regeneration” concentrate works on the skin's self-regeneration process during the night; a “Lock-in Texture” formula works against skin sagging and there is a recommended specific “Night Sculpt Massage” to enhances the serum's effects. Available at Arnotts and pharmacies nationwide, 40ml - €168/80ml - €255

Do-gooder

UK brand Medik8 has just become B Corp certified, making it one of only 66 beauty manufacturers in the 8000-strong B Corp community worldwide to be recognised as a certified B Corporation. B Corporations (B Corps) are designated as companies that meet high standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency and are also legally committed to bringing benefit, not just to shareholders, but to all their business stakeholders - so workers, customers, communities, and the environment. With a required minimum of 80 points across various categories, including socially and environmentally responsible practices relating to energy supplies, waste and water use, worker compensation, diversity and corporate transparency, Medik8 gained a score of 89.9 points. And if that doesn’t make you interested in trying the brand, they also do one of the best Vitamin A creams around with their Crystal Retinal serum, €65. Available from Spacenk.com