Kate Demolder: The best beauty products and treatments of 2023

These stand-out products were given the seal of approval this year by the Irish Examiner’s beauty columnist

Thu, 28 Dec, 2023 - 14:56

Kate Demolder

1. Secret RF, Ciara Darcy Skin Coach (course of three for face and neck comes in at €1,900, skincoach.ie)

Of all the treatments that will make you feel like your best self, Secret RF could be number one.

A powerful treatment combining radio frequency and microneedling, this machine works deep in the skin to stimulate and remodel collagen.

It lifts, tightens and minimises fine lines as well as buffing out acne scarring and pigmentation.

“It’s like microneedling on steroids,” Ciara Darcy, the Skin Coach says, astutely.

While it’s not cheap, it is unparalleled when it comes to radio frequency, and is safe to use around the eye area.

While it doesn’t hurt, you will be red-faced for two hours after.

From then on, it’s all glow. (Experts recommend three sessions, one month apart, and then one per year going forward.)

2. Dyson Airwrap Multi-Styler Complete (€449, Currys)

There’s a reason these guys constantly sell out.

Easy to use, better for your hair than your average tool and gives even stubborn curls the ability to look Farrah-adjacent.

It’s exceptional.

3. Living Proof Triple Bond Complex (€48.95, lookfantastic.com)

Using this weekly strengthening treatment regularly stops the split ends I do have from getting worse, and helps prevent new ones from recurring, to the point where even my hairdresser thought the condition had improved.

Full marks.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Oil Correct SPF 50+

4. Anthelios Oil Correct SPF50+ (€29, Boots)

If I could give you any piece of advice when it comes to skincare, it’s to wear suncream.

There is zero point in applying expensive serums if you’re not getting the SPF in.

A second piece of advice, then, is to choose a suncream from a brand that makes them their hero product, which is exactly what La Roche-Posay does.

This is light, affordable and has zero white cast.

It also will protect your skin in hail, rain or shine.

5. E11even Fragrance Oil (€90, Brown Thomas)

Not since Glossier’s You have I gotten so many compliments on a fragrance than when I wore e11even Fragrance Oil, the moody, essential-oil-inspired creation from friends Cat Deeley and makeup artist Amanda Grossman.

It came from Grossman’s love of mixing oils and scents to create something individual for all of her clients, including Deeley, who insisted they bottle and sell it.

6. Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Sun-Kissed Glow Bronzer (€48, Space NK)

So rarely does one bronzing product cater to so many skin types, but this one truly does.

From fair to deep in hue, Charlotte Tilbury’s bronzer comes in a shade for everyone.

It, too, blurs out imperfections, enhances and defines and, importantly, comes in a huge palette that is perfect for on-the-go application.

Lukey Lukey Crème Blush Dream Cheeks in Cosmo Flush (€30.28, 3.5g, dollfacehouseofmakeup.com)

7. Lukey Lukey (€30.35, Doll Face)

Luxurious, buildable, lightweight and with intense pigment, Lukey Lukey blush is one of the big standouts of the year.

Enriched with oat kernel oil to moisturise and soothe the skin barrier as well as oat kernel flour to brighten the complexion while achieving a natural, soft result, this cream formula melts into the skin for a long-wearing, skin-like finish with minimal effort.

8. Smooth Stick (€16.99 Arnotts)

I am very picky when it comes to eyebrow maintenance.

I’ve never liked a gel before, because they dispense too much product and the colours are generally off.

However, I retraced my steps when I found Smooth Stick – the transparent product with an excellent spoolie grip that is the best eyebrow product I’ve used this year.

Originally for taming flyaways (which it’s also great for), I get this on double duty by way of my eyebrows, too.

This one product allows you to look put together in less than ten seconds. And we all need more of that.

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