May's new beauty launches centre around improving what you’ve got — not camouflaging

That sounds nice, doesn’t it? Let’s get stuck in.

Thu, 08 May, 2025 - 02:00

Kate Demolder

Is there anything better than the first few weeks of an Irish summer? Though they may be hard to spot – no, my winter coat has not yet been put away either – we’re coming into the time when it’s undeniable. Just ask the 9pm sunset, and the fact that you look a little less dead behind the eyes.

This month’s newness all centres around improving what you’ve got, rather than camouflaging what you don’t. That sounds nice, doesn’t it? Let’s get stuck in.

1. No 7 Future Renew Night Serum

(RRP €44.99 for 25ml, Boots)

Future Renew is the result of years of research into the science of circadian rhythms and how they impact skin health. No7 scientists, in collaboration with the University of Manchester, have discovered that our skin repairs itself best at night, but that sun damage can disrupt this natural process. Enter the full suite of Future Renew products – from night until day. The star? Future Renew Night Serum is designed to work with the skin’s natural rhythms to maximise repair and rejuvenation while you sleep. Beauty sleep in a bottle.

2. Eminence Sun Defence Mineral Collection

(€69, eminence.ie)

You should be wearing SPF every day, but when the UV Index is high, layering becomes more important. This summer, I will be re-applying Eminence’s feather-light, mattifying broad-spectrum mineral sunscreen regularly, to top up sun protection while also catering to my combination skin’s needs. Designed to protect your skin from UVA, UVB and blue light, this soft powder sunscreen with SPF 30 perfects your complexion with a touch of tint. Six shades available.

3. Skingredients 15% Vit C, E + Tri-Mushroom Skin Booster

(RRP €45, skingredients.com)

Jennifer Rock has done it again. Containing 15% Ascorbic Acid for visibly brighter, firmer and younger-looking skin, the Tri-Mushroom Skin Booster is a welcome addition to the brand’s 10-product line-up. Created to target dull, fatigued, photodamaged or pigmented skin, this anti-ageing booster serum revitalises, adds radiance, and awakens the skin’s natural glow in just one drop.

4. Benefit Hoola Wave Bronzing Balm

(€41, Boots)

You all know Hoola. Now, the iconic powder bronzer is making waves in an all-new, creamy balm. Weightless, buttery soft and packed with skin-loving ingredients. In five, mostly cool-toned shades, this is something for everyone to try.

5. Relife Definisse [KP1]® range

(RRP €110 - €140, aesthetic skin clinics nationwide)

We know collagen production declines with age, and with this new dermatologist-backed line from Relife, one can seemingly safeguard their existing collagen while enhancing skin rejuvenation. The range feature three specialised products — Definisse [KP1]® Regenerating Serum which reduces fine lines and boosts luminosity, Definisse [KP1]® Redensifying Cream which provides hydration and improves elasticity and Definisse [KP1]® Revitalising Eye Contour which targets wrinkles and dark circles around the eyes — which all harness the energy of Key Peptide One [KP1]®, a groundbreaking peptide that protects collagen from degradation. And according to Dr Cal Condon, Consultant Dermatologist at Blackrock Health, “The introduction of Definisse KP1 Collagen Modulator to your skincare routine offers a groundbreaking approach to anti-ageing.”

6. Charlotte Tilbury Super Nudes Sculpting System

(€26 - €75, Brown Thomas)

The woman behind one of the most coveted brands on the planet has launched what she is describing as “shapewear for your face”. Tilbury has outdone herself with a comprehensive contouring system. The Lip Cheat Contour Duos (€26) come in four shades to help anyone contour their lips. Big Lip Plumpgasm in Nude Diamonds (€36) is a sparkling champagne nude gloss to add dimension to your contoured pout. Super Nudes Shapewear Brush (€34) is a dual-ended sculpt and blend brush for everywhere from cheekbones to eyes, and the Glowgasm Face Palette in Nudegasm (€75) is returning to fanfare once more.

7. Sam McKnight Pure Genius Natural Scalp Restoring Oil

(€42, Cult Beauty)

Trichology perfectionist Sam McKnight, the man behind Kate Moss, Jodie Comer and The Hadid Sisters’ locks, has released a scalp product to beat the band. Formulated with 98% natural ingredients and enriched with over 15 proven hair-enhancing natural oils, this scalp oil protects the microbiome by moisturising the surface and creating an optimal environment for hair to thrive. Housed in a 100% biodegradable oil-dropper and delivered in a box made from agricultural waste,.

8. IMAGE Skincare AGELESS+ collection

(€115 - €130, imageskincare.ie)

Sensitive skin friends, listen up. IMAGE’s new six-product range is set to make daily retinol use a seamless reality. With patent-pending XOSM™ Technology, a system designed to optimise retinol absorption while shielding the skin from irritation.

As a result, AGELESS+ offers a progressive retinol approach, meaning users – even those with sensitive skin – can build up a tolerance and maintain visible results. (Pro tip: Start at the lowest percentage, which in this range is the 0.1% Pure Liquid Retinol, and slowly work up.)

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