What is niacinamide?  Simply put, it’s a form of vitamin B3 (like how retinol is actually a form of vitamin A). Like many other vitamins, it’s pretty darn great for the skin because it works with the natural proteins in the skin, strengthening them. So, what’s so good about it?   It’s compatible with all skin types and other products One thing we love about niacinamide is that is works for all skin types. Yep, even sensitive and rosacea-prone skin. It also works extremely well with any of the other products in your routine (retinol, antioxidants, the lot). Because of this, you…

Fruit acids (AHA) You’ve probably heard of AHAs, it stands for alpha hydroxy acid (in case you wondered). The best known of these is glycolic acid – a chemical exfoliator found in toners, serums, exfoliators and creams that removes the surface layer of dead skin cells for a smoother complexion. Other AHAs include lactic acid, critic acid and mandelic acid.   Salicylic acid (BHA) Beta hydroxy acid, otherwise known as salicylic acid, is the number one for fighting acne. BHAs can get deeper into the pores to remove dead skin cells, impurities and excess sebum. While salicylic acid can help…

Snow, wind, rain - this weather is almost making us glad that we’re cooped up indoors. Not only is it absolutely freezing, but our skin is dry, cracked and flaky and cranking up that central heating is only making things worse (it dries out the air causing moisture to evaporate from the skin much faster). It really is a double-edged sword. Whether you struggle with year-round chapped skin or it just crops up in winter, urea is the ingredient to get to know. 

We’re all pretty well-versed on the skincare changes we should make in the winter months - two words: more moisturising, and ‘lip balm’, come to think of it - but do you pay the same amount of attention to your haircare? Much like our skin, our hair needs more moisture during winter. The colder temperatures outdoors and the central heating indoors make the air much dryer which lifts the hair cuticle, letting moisture out more easily and leaving the hair dry and frizzy. Here are some of the changes you should make to your hair routine during the winter.

Like all great beauty trends, we stumbled across this one on the Internet. Not Reddit or TikTok this time, but Pinterest. Skinimalism is an ultra-natural, skincare-cum-make-up routine. Think Glossier vibes - effortless, cool, fresh and paired back. Here’s how to hop on the trend.

You’re following every skincare guru on Instagram’s advice, you’ve bought all the latest products and you’re dedicating more time to your skincare routine than you are your career and social life combined but your skin just isn’t playing ball. If this sounds familiar then there’s a high chance it’s because you’re using the wrong products for your skin. Now we’re well and truly in lockdown number three (or is it four? We’ve lost count) and once again with more time on our hands (just please, no more baking banana bread) many of us will start to experiment with our skincare…

Coloured hair has come a long way since the frosted tips of NSYNC days. We’re embracing colour now (more than ever before) with acid brights, chalky pastels and good ol’ platinum blonde lining Fashion Shows, street style, and even our office. Colour’s cropping up everywhere, and it’s commanding our attention.   Yep, we’re calling it that a neon chop is a good idea for AW18. Better yet, whether you’re sporting longer locks, or an all-over buzzcut, there’s a dyeing technique to suit. From fluro green ombre, to ice-white afro, there’s heaps of inspiration for your next salon trip. So much,…

Today’s the day that salons in Ireland reopen their doors and if that’s not a Christmas miracle then I don’t know what is. Actually, come to think of it, if you managed to get an appointment this side of the new year that’s also a miracle because calendars filled up f-a-s-t. With that in mind, we’re going strategic. Think long-lasting treatments that will see us through to 2021, no problems. Here’s what’s on the list. WRITTEN BY Beth Ludolf

Right, it’s December 1st and that means it’s officially the festive season and no one can say it’s too early. It’s going to be a bit different this year, granted. There won’t be a knees-up at work, Christmas markets aren't open and you can’t have the whole family around on the big day – that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do the stuff you normally do though, treatments included. Here are some extremely valid excuses why you should still do it too, in case you need some gentle enabling. WRITTEN BY Beth Ludolf

Every time a new spot appears – uninvited may I add – on my face, I can guess with about 99.9% accuracy what caused it. That big, painful, under-the-skin one on my chin? Time of the month. The angry ones around my mouth? Maskne, ugh, 2020. Diet is another big one (don’t worry, we’re not about to go all ‘you are what you eat’ on you). Eating too much red meat, refined sugar and saturated fats, or drinking too much alcohol are all classic culprits. Obviously, we’re not going to tell you to cut out chocolate or wine (we’re not that cruel)…

We have a few go-to’s when it comes to beauty advice. Our stylists, obviously, that friend who’s always trying the newest miracle ingredients – and now, Reddit (yep, that’s the social media platform with forums on literally everything under the sun) and TikTok. They both have thriving communities of hair, beauty and skincare obsessives. In this series, we’ll be sharing the need-to-know tips and tricks we found from hours (and hours) of scrolling. Consider this your hair and beauty school cop-out (see what we did there?).  WRITTEN BY Beth Ludolf

Newsflash: All-over colour found dead – and these looks killed it.  Milennial pink, baby blue – we’ve pretty much worked our way through the entire spectrum of the rainbow. This is how Instagram’s coolest are wearing colour-pop hair. By Beth Ludolf

What are the benefits? Facial acupuncture is a great non-surgical alternative for slowing down the ageing process. Vivienne, owner of Primo Herb, explains, “facial acupuncture increases circulation in the face and promotes collagen production” – two key factors in achieving youthful-looking skin. The micro-wounds left by the needles kickstart the regeneration process and increase blood flow and oxygen, keeping the skin from looking puffy or tired.   What actually happens in an acupuncture session?  It’s not just about sticking needles into your skin, willy-nilly, so don’t try it at home. Before your treatment starts, your therapist will discuss your skin’s needs and…

I mean, seriously, because I can’t remember. If I could sum up 2020 in three words it would be “WFH”, or maybe “house every weekend” (and I don’t mean the song). Socialising has been replaced by social distancing. For me, that means greasy hair days are easier to hide (shout out “switch camera off” mode), and washing my hair is more of a treat than a necessity – which is actually good for your hair too, you know? The sleek bun is one of the few hairstyles where the greasier the hair, the better the bun (in my expert opinion, at least). It’s no-fuss – one of…

Let’s get straight to the point: dandruff is annoying. I know first hand how much it impacts your self-confidence and how darn stubborn it can be. But, instead of attacking your scalp further (with harsh products and resentment), adopting a softer approach and giving it a little extra TLC is the way to go. Kill it with kindness. Healthy, shiny hair (that’s flake-free) relies on a balanced scalp so it’s important to detoxify the skin, eliminating impurities and restoring hydration and oxygenation. We’ll talk you through it. By Beth Ludolf

Every year when September rolls around, I venture up into the attic to retrieve the suitcase that houses my winter clothes during the summer - unpacking them into my wardrobe and leaving my summer dresses in their place. This year I’ll be doing the same with my skincare. Not lugging them up to the attic, but making some switches that will help my skin weather the cold months ahead. And you should do the same - here’s why.  A sudden change in temperature damages our skin’s barrier which means we’re more susceptible to aggravators (like pollution). This can leave skin…

Remember back in 2010, when Rihanna released her new album, Loud, and inspired an entire generation to reach for the red box dye? I truly never thought I’d be lusting over red hair again after that - but here we are. After Kim Kardashian and Dua Lipa both debuted bright red hues, a comeback was inevitable.  So, what do you need to know before taking the plunge? Well, red hair isn’t exactly low maintenance. You’ll need regular colour top-ups and a little bit of extra TLC.  Glossing or semi-permanent colours are a good option if you’re not ready to commit.…

Look, I know what you’re thinking - in a year full of uncertainty, why oh why would I get a fringe? We get it, it’s a notoriously risky move - it's also one of autumn's biggest hair trends (we're thanking Marianne from Normal People). So, without further ado, we’ve lined up a fresh batch of inspiration. Give in to temptation, book the darn fringe.  Contrary to popular opinion, anyone can wear a fringe (and look great doing it), it’s just about finding the right style. A blunt-cut, all-one-length fringe can look a little harsh while keeping a little more length…

Maybe it’s because summer never really began or the fact that we’ve been wearing joggers pretty much exclusively for the last 6 months, but this year, we’re really darn excited for autumn. If you’re not feeling it, a scroll through these autumnal nails will probably help.  Summer was all about bold nails (the brighter the better) but this autumn’s trends are much softer. Autumn’s signature tones - mustards, burnt oranges and reds - are a no-brainer, every year. Mixing them with earthy pastels, warm nudes and rich jewel tones (AKA, a dream) keep them on-trend for 2020. Add a matte…

Some men’s trends are best left in history (Ugg boots, I’m looking at you). Haircuts on the other hand… It’s not just the nostalgia, these styles keep cropping up on the catwalk and the high street, which confirms it – we’ve got a haircut revival on our hands. From throwback chops, to the resurrection of the mullet (potentially), these are the hairstyles making a comeback. By Rachel Spedding

The humble beard.  Whether it’s on your face because you couldn’t be bothered to get rid, or it’s more of a well-crafted labour of love, it’s hard to not to be a fan. When it comes to sculpting, there are a number of styles to choose from (aside from ‘letting it do its thing’), so here’s five of them. The most popular, if you will, ready to present to the barber at your next grooming appointment. By Rachel Spedding

In the immortal words of Joni Mitchell, you don’t know what you’ve got till it’s gone. I mean, she was talking about building car parks and we’re talking about natural curls but the message is pretty much the same. If you’ve got naturally curly hair, your hair care routine is probably extensive. Curly hair needs TLC or it can actually lose its curl pattern altogether. Getting it back isn’t easy, either. In fact, if your hair is badly damaged, that curl pattern probably ain’t ever coming back (not fully, at least). So, what’s to blame? Well, damage, obviously – from…

Remember that episode of Friends where Chandler tries to bond with Monica’s dad but accidentally sits on his lap in the steam room (naked) and then severely misjudges the dress code of the hot tub (again, naked)? Horrifying. Absolutely horrifying. Spa days are meant to help stress, not cause it. Relax, we’ve got the answers to all your spa-related questions.  By Beth Ludolf