To celebrate our first ever pop up shop, grab 15% off across our website with code POPUPSUMMER 

We are so excited to have teamed up with two other luxury female-owned Irish businesses to launch our first pop up shop in a collaboration themed “Pop Up Summer!” where we will brought our collections to a venue at Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre, Dublin from 3^rd – 15^th August 2021.

We joined up with luxury Irish children’s shoes and clothing brand Dainty Bear and Hue Complete Me, who specialise in bright colourful cards and stationery designed and printed in Dublin. 

With an ever-increasing trend of shopping Irish and local all three brands have products that are either designed, developed or made in Ireland.

We were delighted to be able to pop up together in Dun Laoghaire Shopping Centre where our stunning collections were available with some not to be missed exclusive offers, education sessions and one to one consultations, from 3^rd – 15^th August 2021.

Keep an eye on our Instagram to find out the latest updates!

Lockdown in all its forms saw an emergence of a new “must-have” in our skincare repertoire – the facial tool.

We embraced rollers, cryo tools, quartz and jade, micro-needling and dermaplaning. But how do you choose which one is right for you and why should you at all?

We’ve delved into the world of facial tools with aplomb, and we want to share with you what we learned.

Types of tools

Most popular options are rollers and vibrating wands, which firstly help your skincare products penetrate better, but they also do so much more for our skin and our mood.

They relax us by alleviating tension and kicking our lymph system into gear. Just try applying some of your favourite serum to freshly cleansed skin and following up with a cooling quartz roller and you will very quickly see what we mean.

So, salons are open again, you say. Does that mean that the newfoundland of at-home facials is no more? We think not.

The benefits far outweigh the time commitment, and we think this new trend is here to stay.

We’ve rounded up 5 of our favourite face tools, along with how to use them and the benefits you can expect.

Cryo Facial Tools

Famously used on red carpet facials for their instant visible effects, Cryotheraphy Face tools have a soothing, anti-inflammatory, and firming effect on the skin. Best stored in the fridge until needed, the cooling sensation calms inflamed skin on contact, while the gentle rolling motion promotes lymphatic drainage and boosts blood circulation for a lit-from-within glow. They also help to tighten pores, depuff the eye area and they are the key to brighter firmer skin.

Aliso Organic Beauty Cryo Tools, €54.95

Rose Quartz Crystal Facial Roller

Rose Quartz – or the “love stone” – is said to be a powerful healing stone that can ease tension and de-stress. The rolling motion helps to increase blood flow to the skin and can help to reduce puffiness, especially around the eye area, to temporarily tighten the skin, aid with the absorption of serums and oils, and boost your mood.

Kitsch Rose Quartz Crystal Facial Roller, €21.99

Vibration T-Bar Wand

A real treat for tired skin, the vibration of this facial tool helps to soothe the facial muscles through the gentle massage motion, and can tighten, tone, and lift the skin. Sonic vibration technology stimulates blood flow leaving skin feeling and looking radiant. Best used with a serum or oil on freshly cleansed skin.

Aliso Organic Beauty Face Sculpting Beauty Tool, €34.95

Micro-needling Derma Roller

This chic gadget mimics the effect of micro-needling, puncturing the skin with non-invasive microscopic pricks to encourage the skin to repair and restore itself. It targets uneven skin tone with a painless collagen-stimulating facial workout. It increases the absorption of oils and serums, reduces the appearance of fine lines, and improves signs of rosacea and hyperpigmentation.

Kitsch Micro Derma Roller, €17.00

Dermaplaners

This type of hair removal, called dermaplaning, is less scary than is sounds. The benefits to your skin from the process, which is a form of exfoliation, are pretty immediate. Available in budget-friendly formats too, we love the convenience and multi-benefits of dermaplaners. While removing light “peach fuzz” from the surface of the skin to allow for a more even makeup application, they also exfoliate the skin removing dead skin cells, and are a great tool for precision shaping around the eyebrows.

Kitsch Dermaplaners, €8.49 for a pack of 12

We asked beauty entrepreneur, Andrea Roche, Founder of Aliso Organic Beauty to tell us why she identified the need in Irish consumers for these innovative facial tools.

Andrea said: “I wanted to offer products that could allow us to have a very relaxing and beneficial facial treatment at home.”

Aliso beauty tools have won many accolades and their vibration t-bar wand has been name-checked by Vogue Magazine.

“Our Beauty can help to give us the glow you get after a very good spa facial. We all lead such busy lives but it’s still so important to look after our skin. Aliso products will Nourish, invigorate and awaken your spa level skin,” said Andrea.

Always remember to keep all facial tools clean and sterilise regularly to avoid any build up of product which might irritate the skin.

 

Shop our range of Facial Tools

We caught up with THE GRUFF STUFF Founder, David Sparkes to find out about his journey to creating this phenomenal unisex skincare brand, and what the future holds…

Tell us a little bit about yourself?

I’m a born and bred Mancunian (UK) still based here with my long suffering partner and Wheaten Terrier Reggie! I started life in the beauty industry working as a Christmas temp for Chanel.

 

What is the most memorable job you have ever had?

I took a 1 year sabbatical from working at Crème de la Mer and spent 6 months working for a coral reef conservation company scuba diving each day to collect data in tropical waters. I then joined a 6 star cruise ship in Singapore for a further 6 months working as the onboard makeup artist/ skincare specialist. Amazing opportunity to see the world and meet people from all walks of life.

 

What inspired you to create a skincare brand? 

After working for numerous beauty brands, I was inspired to create a simple yet result driven brand as an alternative to the many brands with extensive product portfolios, promoting complex skincare routines.

 

Where did the name come from – The Gruff Stuff?

The name was something that I spent a lot of time thinking about. Nothing felt right, then after months of deliberation I woke up with ‘THE GRUFF STUFF’ swirling around my head. I always go with my gut feeling and this one seemed perfect! Interestingly we’ve found it’s easily pronounced in many different languages and of course memorable.

 

What was your aim when you came up with the idea to launch The Gruff Stuff?

THE GRUFF STUFF offers a unique approach to skincare, by stripping your routine back to basics. We offer only a capsule range of three result driven products for the face, eyes and body.

 

What was your most “pinch-me” moment since you launched the brand?

This was actually something that happened quite recently. We were putting together a pack of information for our nomination for the Pure Beauty Global Awards 2021 for the category of Best New International Breakthrough Brand and we realised we now are sold in 30 countries around the world. This really made me take stock and realise what has been achieved since our launch 16 months ago.

 

What is the one product in the range that you see as your masterpiece?

I live for THE EYE BALM, so much so I’ve used it all over my face! The formula is utterly bliss and the active ingredients deliver everything they say they will.

 

How important is it to you that consumers recognise The Gruff Stuff as a unisex brand?

I believe skincare should not be limited to gender, we all have skin. Whats more important is that I wanted to have a skincare brand that is vegan, fuss free, natural, innovative and delivers result driven formulas. As we are made for sensitive skin and it is dermatologically tested, our products are available for everyone.

 

What is the biggest mistake you made since the start of your entrepreneurial journey?

Your contacts that you believed would support you on your journey never do. My biggest piece of advice is that you should never believe that someone will ‘get back to you’. Chase them until you get an answer.

 

Who do you admire most in business and why?

Ricardo Semler is a CEO of a Brazilian company who fired almost all of top management and passed the power to the worker. Allowing them to approve expenditure, hire management themselves and work as a democracy. This strategy made a $4million business into a $200million+ business. The workers accepted reduced wages for a greater share of the profits. I’m a firm believer that people make business happen, so those that put in should be rewarded for their successes and not with a £20 amazon gift card.

Shop The Gruff Stuff Range 

We caught up with Jennie Haire, Registered Nutritionist, @OneHealth_Nutrition to get the full low down on how to get that skin glow!

So, when it comes to skin health, we know that having a good morning and evening skincare routine that suits our skin type and skin goals is essential, but topical skincare is only one piece of the puzzle! Nourishing our skin from the inside will amplify the results of your expensive topicals tenfold!

 

And while there is no magic supplement that you can just pop with your morning coffee that will give you the skin of your dreams, the nutrients that are associated with skin health are the same ones that are linked to our overall health. Often our skin can be a reflection of how nutrient dense our diet is – we all have that one friend who is the first one to order a spinach salad with grilled salmon … well, it’s not a coincidence that her skin just seems to be glowing all the time! 

 

There isn’t one particular diet that has been shown to resolve all of our skincare concerns, but there is research to support the importance of essential fatty acids and antioxidants in skin health and this is where the Mediterranean style diet comes into play. The Mediterranean style diet is not restrictive, it promotes the inclusion of an abundance of fruits and vegetables, a variety of healthy fats from foods such as; avocados, olive oil, nuts and seeds, wholegrains and plenty of fish. It provides all of the nutrients that are essential for skin health.

5 Essential Nutrients for the Glowing Skin you’ve been Craving:

 

1. Omega-3s

 

Omega-3s are essential fatty acids which means that our body cannot make them so we need to get them from our diet. Omega-3 fatty acids act as an internal moisturiser for the skin, giving it that plumpness that we are all longing after. They can serve to regulate the skin’s oil production, improve balanced hydration, subdue breakouts and minimize signs of aging. Omega-3s can also help soften rough, dry skin and have a soothing effect on irritation and dermatitis.

 

The omega-3s that are most bioavailable (most easily used) in our body are those that come from marine sources like salmon and mackerel. Despite living on an island with a very plentiful fish supply the average Irish person’s diet tends to be lacking in fish. If you don’t like fish or tend not to eat it very often, consider supplementing with a good quality Omega-3 fish oil supplement.

 

If you’re vegan you will be able to get some omega-3 fatty acids from chia seeds, walnuts and flaxseeds however, our body needs these sources in greater amounts to have the same effect as fish sources. There are vegan omega-3 supplements available that are derived from algae sources, this is the only marine source of omega-3 that is suitable for vegans.

 

 

 

2. Vitamin A

 

Vitamin A plays a vital role in cell regeneration. It’s an ingredient that you may be familiar with from your topical skincare products, where it’s often included in various forms such as; retinyl palmitate, retinyl acetate and retinoic acid. It has been dubbed the holy grail of skincare for its ability to promote skin cell renewal which gives the skin that supple healthy glow by replacing older, duller cells with new ones. Toxicological Research also indicates that retinol is effective at stimulating collagen production and reducing wrinkles when used topically. Vitamin A helps to speed up healing, prevent breakouts, support the skin’s immune system and promote natural moisturising – which means it helps to hydrate the skin effectively, giving it a radiant glow. It assists in promoting and maintaining a healthy dermis and epidermis; the top two layers of your skin.

 

Vitamin A plays this same, regenerative role within the body by promoting cell rejuvenation. You can amplify the effects of your vitamin A skincare by including quality sources such as dairy, egg yolks, oily fish and plant-based sources such as; green vegetables, carrots, sweet potatoes in your diet.

 

3. Vitamin E

 

Like vitamin A, vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that helps minimize oxidative stress in the body. It’s an antioxidant, making it effective at combating the effects of free radicals produced by the metabolism of food and toxins in the environment. Vitamin E may be beneficial at reducing ultraviolet (UV) damage to skin through its ability to absorb the energy from UV light. Thus, it plays important roles in photoprotection, preventing UV-induced free radical damage to skin. Vitamin E may also have related anti-inflammatory roles in the skin and is normally provided to the skin through the sebum. Topical application can also supply the skin with vitamin E and may provide specific vitamin E forms that are not available from the diet.

 

Vitamin E is actually a nutrient that a lot of people are actually low in, some great dietary sources include are; oily fish like mackerel and salmon, sunflower and pumpkin seeds and avocados.

 

 

4. Vitamin C

 

Vitamin C (also known as ascorbic acid) is a potent, water-soluble antioxidant meaning it helps to prevent damage caused by oxidative stress and free radicals in the body. It also plays a role in collagen formation which is one of the primary structural proteins of the skin – it gives skin its elasticity and that youthful suppleness that we are all looking for! Dietary and topical ascorbic acid have beneficial effects on skin cells, and some studies have shown that vitamin C may help prevent and treat ultraviolet (UV)-induced photodamage.

 

Vitamin C is a normal skin constituent that is found at high levels in both the dermis and epidermis. Aging causes a decline in vitamin C content in both the epidermis and dermis and excessive exposures to UV light or pollutants such as cigarette smoke and pollution may also lower vitamin C content, primarily in the epidermis.

 

Ensuring your diet is rich in quality sources of vitamin C will help to counteract this decline in vitamin C levels. Despite what you may think, Vitamin C is not only found in oranges and there are in fact much better sources, like green leafy vegetables such as spinach and kale, tomatoes, kiwis, red and yellow peppers and potatoes. You can also help to support your skin’s vitamin C levels through the use of topicals; we recommend Pestle and Mortar’s Vitamin C 2 Phase Serum!

 

 

5. Water

 

Healthy skin is hydrated skin! Aiming to get your 2 litres of water every day will do wonders for your skin health (alongside an array of other benefits!). Without adequate water intake, skin appears duller, and wrinkles and pores more prominent. Proper hydration levels help the skin to become plump and improves its elasticity meaning it’s less likely to crack and have irritations and blemishes – pass me my BPA-free, reusable bottle RN!

 

 

So, nutrition might not be the quick skin fix you were looking for, but it is what will make all the difference in the long-term, not only to your skin but your overall health! It comes down to having a diet that is consistently rich in all of these nutrients on a daily and weekly basis – incorporating them the odd time unfortunately won’t have the same effect.

But, now that you know the fundamentals .. we know you’re going to be GLOWING in no time!

 

From Jennie Haire, Registered Nutritionist – One Health Nutrition 

For more information, follow One Health Nutrition on Instagram @onehealth_nutrition

We are all missing our hairdressers and our regular trips to the salon right now, and our hair is starting to tell the tale.

Chances are, if you are remotely interested in beauty, you have heard about OLAPLEX. It is one of the rare, cult-status beauty products that does truly live up to its claims, hence why it is having a moment right now with all of the beauty fanatics who are seeking to take care of their hair at home.

 

So how does it actually work? 

The star ingredient is Bis-Aminopropyl Diglycol Dimaleate, a mouthful we know, this is the active ingredient found in all OLAPLEX products. It is backed by world-wide patents and proven by millions of real results. It is this patented ingredient that actively restores broken bonds in the hair. Once all the bonds are intact and in alignment, you have healthy, beautiful, shiny, touchable hair.

You could say that OLAPLEX has created a category of its own.

The best results from OLAPLEX is from a three-step process that aims to repair and prevent hair damage. Stages 1 and 2 contain the most intense forms of the formula and therefore exist only in salons for professional use, to treat your hair from within while colouring the hair. Given that our salons are now closed, we need to look to the at-home versions of the formula to get the best results we can to care for our hair at home.

Step 3 of that three step process has always been the ultimate mini-treatment for your hair, available to use at home in the form of OLAPLEX No.3 Hair Perfector. This is the product that has build the cult-status of the OLAPLEX brand and is a world-wide best seller. For best results, use OLAPLEX No. 3 once a week.

 

But what of the more intensive options that we usually rely on our salons for?

Luckily, OLAPLEX recently launched an intensive at-home treatment to boost the effectiveness of their previous range under the name OLAPLEX No. 0, Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment.

No.0 acts as an intensive repair booster, ideally working in tandem with OLAPLEX No.3 to deliver the most intense repair. This means 68% more repair and 3x stronger hair when they are used together.

OLAPLEX No. 4 and 5 are their Bond Maintenance Shampoo and Conditioners, developed to repair and protect hair from everyday stresses — including damaged hair, split ends, and frizz — by re-linking broken bonds.

 

Here is the OLAPLEX range: 

 

Olaplex No. 0 Intensive Bond Building Hair Treatment – primes hair to absorb nourishment for maximum repair.

A professional-inspired treatment that primes hair for deeper repair with the highest dose of patented OLAPLEX technology in any take-home product. It rebuilds hair bonds, strengthens and protects hair integrity. Use as the first step in a two-part system with No.3 Hair Perfector.

How to use:

• Apply throughout the ends of the hair until the hair is fully saturated
• Leave on for 10 minutes
• Either rinse off and wash with shampoo and conditioner
• Or apply No. 3 Hair Perfector and leave for a further 10 minutes at least, for maximum results
• No.0 bottle should last 3-6 applications, depending on hair length and density

 

 

OLAPLEX No. 3 Hair Perfector – the product that made OLAPLEX famous!

This global best-seller is an at-home treatment, not a conditioner, that reduces breakage and visibly strengthens hair, improving its look and feel. It will restore your hair’s healthy appearance and texture by repairing damage and protecting hair structure.

How to use:

• Apply No.3 throughout the hair from root to tip, on damp, towel-dried hair
• Leave on for a minimum of 10 minutes – longer if you can, and overnight for an even better result
• Rinse off and wash with shampoo and conditioner
• Use once a week, or two-three times a week for damaged hair
• Suitable for all hair types

 

 

OLAPLEX No.4 and No.5 Shampoo and Conditioner – highly-nourishing and reparative shampoo and conditioner

No.4 Shampoo repairs and protects hair from everyday stresses — including damaged hair, split ends, and frizz — by re-linking broken bonds. Leaves hair easier to manage, shinier and healthier with each use. No.4 is colour-safe and proven to reduce breakage and strengthen all types of hair.

No.5 Conditioner leaves hair easier to manage, shinier and healthier with each use. Protects and repairs damaged hair, split ends, and frizz by re-linking broken bonds. It is colour-safe and will strengthen and leave your hair stronger than ever.

How to use:

• Apply a generous amount of No.4 shampoo from roots to ends of wet hair
• Rinse out fully and then apply No.5 conditioner focusing on the ends and distribute evenly
• Rinse out conditioner fully from the hair and style as usual

 

 

OLAPLEX No.6 Bond Smoother – a highly concentrated leave-in smoothing cream

No.6 strengthens, moisturises, and speeds up blow-dry times. Excellent for all hair types, including coloured and chemically treated hair, and eliminates frizz and flyaways for up to 72 hours. Please see below for No.6, 6 ways!

• After styling your hair, add a drop or two of No.6 for a smooth, weightless finish
• Apply No.6 to damp hair to speed up blow drying time
• Work No.6 through your waves to go frizz-free for up to 72 hours
• Be generous with No.6 when styling to help promote healthy-looking defined spirals
• Safe for chemically treated hair, No.6 helps restore your hair’s health
• Use No.6 to touch up and smooth frizz or flyaways

SHOP THE OLAPLEX RANGE

We were delighted this month to be featured among some of Ireland’s best Irish online beauty stores in The Gloss Magazine feature on 5 Great Irish Online Beauty Boutiques.

“One of the casualties of Brexit that I didn’t anticipate was beauty,” Leonard Daly explains, as he explores the challenges of buying your favourite beauty brands since on the onset of Brexit and how Irish online beauty stores are the go-to solution for Irish consumers.

“In the past year, most of us are really trying to buy local and support Irish jobs and industry. And while the lure of cheaper beauty products from the UK was too great to pass on, now with new Brexit rules and charges finally Irish sites can compete with the big guns and we can fully support homegrown companies.”

To read the full article click the link here:

The Gloss Magazine: 5 Great Irish Online Beauty Boutiques That Really Deliver

Meet the Founder: Rupert Kingston, co-founder of delilah cosmetics 

We were delighted to start the year with an opportunity to get some insights into the world of a makeup maestro, Rupert Kingston, who shared with us some of his learnings over the years, what inspired him to develop the delilah range, and what’s next on his agenda…

• After so many years in the industry, what inspired you to create a range of your own? 

I had been working as a Creative Director for a while doing brand and product development, I was always amazed that there were no high-end brands focussing on a cleaner approach to formulation. We wanted to create something a little simpler, that wasn’t overloaded with too many colour choices.

I also believe that now more than ever, customers are turning away from the huge brands and looking to the niche brands who are more trustworthy and tell a simpler story.

We are delighted to be featured alongside some fantastic Irish businesses representing the beauty category in the Irish Times list of Irish online retailers for Christmas shopping. Click the link below to read the full list.

Irish Times List of Irish Retailers for Christmas Shopping

 

So you’ve heard all the hype around Vitamin C but you’re not really sure what it can do for you or even if it is the right ingredient to boost your skin routine.

As one of the most highly searched skincare ingredients,  our editorial team at The Beauty Kit have explored this powerhouse for you, and we outline below why this is certainly one to consider if you are new to it, particularly for mature skin.

 

What is Vitamin C? 

The form of Vitamin C most commonly found in skincare is ascorbic acid (sometimes called L-ascorbic acid) – this is the most stable form of the ingredient.

Vitamin C is recognised as one of the best anti-ageing ingredients on the market because it promotes healthy collagen production, reduces irregular pigmentation, reduces skin inflammation, and reduces fine lines. It leaves the skin looking brighter, firmer, and more even, with an overall glowy complexion.

 

How should it be used? 

The most effective Vitamin C formulas in skincare tend to be in serums because serums can be more effective than creams or toners when it comes to active ingredients.

You should apply your Vitamin C serum to freshly cleansed skin, before applying your moisturiser.

You only need a few drops of serum for each application and it is recommended that the most effective time to apply Vitamin C serum is in the morning. (Note that it is sensitive to light, therefore make sure to allow your product to be absorbed into the skin before going out, otherwise the product will be less effective as a result of exposure to UV light).

If you are fond of using retinoids in your skincare routine, it is recommended not to use both Vitamin C and retinoids at the same time because it can cause irritation for some people. You can use your Vitamin C serum in the morning and keep the retinoids for night-time use.

 

 

What concentration should you use? 

 

Make sure when starting to use Vitamin C serum to choose the right concentration for your skin type. Those with sensitive skin should start with 5-6% Vitamin C and then as your skin grows more accustomed to the ingredient, you can build up to a stronger concentration later on. Its advisable to try a patch test on your skin first, if you think you may have some sensitivity.

 

We have pulled together a few of our Vitamin C serum favourites for you below:

 

Trilogy Vitamin C Booster Treatment 

 

Trilogy Vitamin C Booster Treatment is a freshly activated 2-week intense brightening treatment that helps improve radiance and skin tone.

When you are ready to begin your treatment at home, activate the formulation by releasing 6% Vitamin C powder from the sealed lid chamber into a plant derived hyaluronic acid concentrate enriched with daisy extract and rosehip oil.

This forms an antioxidant-rich skin booster that helps kickstart skin renewal processes, improves brightening, and reduces the appearance of pigmentation.

€31.45 

PLUS get a FREE Gift with every purchase from Trilogy, while stocks last – a full size Vitamin C Energising Mist Toner worth €20.95

 

Pestle & Mortar Vitamin C 2 Phase Serum 

 

Pestle and Mortar Vitamin C 2 Phase Serum is an intense blend of 16% Vitamin C and natural extracts for dramatically brighter looking skin.

It visibly smooths the complexion, firms, and brightens the skin.

3 types of high-performance vitamin C means that skin gets superior vitamin C benefits without irritation.

Blended with skin-brightening natural tamarind extract to deliver fresher, brighter looking skin.

Innovative 2 phase pump technology mixes a vitamin C rich water phase with a super lightweight oil phase to deliver one perfect dose of serum.

€76.00

 

Alpha-H Vitamin C Serum 

 

Alpha-H Vitamin C Serum embraces new generation technology blended with botanicals and the highly effective hydrating properties of hyaluronic acid to deliver superior antioxidant benefits.

This intensive serum stimulates collagen production and assists in the improvement of radiance, elasticity, and skin texture, whilst also helping to reduce pigmentation, refine pores and provide ongoing protection against future sun damage.

Consistent long-term use will result in plumper, firmer, more radiant skin that appears naturally healthy, vibrant and younger looking.

€29.40 (special offer)