Desire Lines: Dopamine dressing extends to the gym, right?

Forget the post-exercise high, we’re even more buzzed by the pre-exercise high of another woman complimenting our gym set.

The workout set

Women's Influential II Leggings, €70, Dare2B

Forget the post-exercise high, we’re even more buzzed by the pre-exercise high of another woman complimenting our gym set. This happened recently when sporting one of Dare2B’s signature printed co-ords, because dopamine dressing extends to the gym, right? We love the Influential II leggings in navy inky print (€70) paired with the Don’t Sweat It III sports bra in moonlight denim (€30). Even better? The brand’s winter sale is offering up to 70% off, so you might just get them at a fraction of that recommended retail price... Available online and in select Regatta stores.

dare2b.com/ie

The communion collection

Paul Costelloe Holy Communion collection. Dunnes Stores

Dunnes Stores has unveiled this year’s Holy Communion collection from Paul Costelloe Living Occasionwear, paying homage to the fashion designer who passed away in November.

Speaking last year, Costelloe described designing Communion pieces as “incredibly special”, adding that he hoped they would be “worn with pride, remembered fondly, and passed down through generations”.

The 2026 collection comprises five classic dresses, priced at €130, with bows and pearl detailing featuring prominently throughout.

dunnesstores.com

The home gym

12kg Hit Fitness neoprene dumbbell set, €39.95 to a King Smith WalkingPad C2 mini foldable walking treadmill, currently €445. McSport

If the cost of gym membership doesn’t suit your budget, McSport’s home gym equipment is a great alternative.

The sport and fitness experts, now proudly part of Guaranteed Irish, have everything you need to get your strength and stamina on track for 2026. From compact essentials to fullscale home gym setups, their expert team can help you create a space that meets your needs.

Their sale offers great value to get you started, from 12kg Hit Fitness neoprene dumbbell set, €39.95 to a King Smith WalkingPad C2 mini foldable walking treadmill, currently €445.

mcsport.ie

The supplement

ReviveActive Collagen Complex, €59.95, Revive Active

Like LED masks, collagen supplements are hard to ignore right now. While some clinical trials point to potential benefits for skin, hair, nails and joints, we would like more robust evidence before we start shouting about it. For the curious but sceptical, Revive Active’s Collagen Complex might be the answer.

Rather than a standalone supplement, the respected Irish supplement brand pairs it with vitamins and minerals — including vitamin C, zinc, and copper — that are independently recognised for their roles in supporting collagen formation in the body. €59.95.

reviveactive.com

The style saviour

Laura Jordan of the Irish Style Institute

Curious about a career in personal shopping and styling? Enter: The Irish Style Institute’s eight-week diploma in Image Consultancy & Personal Shopping. Led by Laura Jordan, founder of StyleSavvy.ie, this course will equip you with everything you need to take those first steps towards a career in fashion, from the basics of body shapes and taking measurements, to colour analysis, wardrobe editing and the business of styling itself.

Starting this Monday, January 20, the course offers a hybrid mix of online and in-person sessions at a cost of €1,500 with flexible payment options available.

The healthy treat

Oatco super fuel caramelised biscuit energy balls, Aldi

‘Quitter’s Day’ might have passed, but we are still hanging on to those new year’s resolutions. So, we are only delighted to get the news that homegrown brands Supernature Snacks and Oatco Super Fuel are launching permanently in Aldi stores nationwide.

We’re longtime fans of both brands, particularly Oatco Super Fuel’s caramelised biscuit energy balls that have gotten us through many an afternoon slump. With 2g of protein and 2g of fibre, it’s a sweet treat with some added health benefits.

aldi.ie

The complexion hero

Merit complexion stick in silk, €42, MERIT

The minimalist beauty brand MERIT is marking five years this year. “They say year five is often when brands can start to lose their way,” the team shared. “It feels more important than ever to stay grounded in the original purpose.”

That purpose? Quality, intentionality, merit — with a focus on what works, not trend chasing. In that same spirit, we’re spotlighting the brand’s much-loved complexion stick. Lightweight and buildable, the handbag-friendly stick formula works as a spot or under-eye concealer, highlighter, contour or full foundation, user’s choice. €42.

meritbeauty.com

• Compiled by Vickie Maye, Nicole Glennon and Jillian Bolger, [e-mail]