From MIC to TLC: Beauty blogger Binky Felstead indulges in some winter pampering

Read article : From MIC to TLC: Beauty blogger Binky Felstead indulges in some winter pampering

By Binky Felstead

Published: 16:56 BST, 20 November 2012 | Updated: 17:34 BST, 20 November 2012

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Wow - it's cold outside. Not freeze-your-false-lashes-off cold, perhaps, but still seriously chilly. And it's no fun, especially when you're standing around for hours filming on location.

I'm starting to worry that I may spend the whole of this season of MIC with dry skin and a drip on the end of my nose - definitely not a good look.

So earlier this week, as soon as filming wrapped for the day, I decided to trade MIC for TLC and treat myself to a real beauty treat. One of my favouritepastimes is locking the door on the rest of the world, taking the phone of the hook, and really pampering myself.

Binky Felstead talks you through the perfect pampering winter bath" class="blkBorder" />

Binky Felstead talks you through the perfect pampering winter bath

I'm lucky enough to have a really luxurious feminine bathroom in my house. It's so lovely that my housemates and I, two of my best female friends, are always fighting for bathroom time. I'm starting to think about drawing up a bathroom rota just so I don't get one of the girls knocking on the doors as I dip my toe in the scented water.

Dolce & Gabbana Rose The One is a feminine fragrance that is perfect for layering

Luckily, I found out that the others would both be out on Tuesday evening, so the minute I arrived home from work, I knew I had hours of indulgent Binky-time ahead of me.

I started by dimming the lights and filling the bathroom with gorgeous scented candles. There are tons of delicious ones to choose from, and I'm a real fan. In spring I go for light, girlish floral candles; in summer I burn zesty citrus flavours, but in winter I like to fill my home with really lush green scents and woody spiced fragrances.

I recently treated myself to three incredible Acqua Di Parma candles - Precious Wood, Spicy and Cloves all available atEscentual.com- all perfect for creating a warm, cosy deliciously scented room. So I lit them all and dotted them round the room.

Next I filled my bath right to the brim with steaming water and bath oil. I have to admit that my shelves are heaving with lovely bath time lotions and potions. I'm a complete beauty addict - in case you hadn't guessed - and I can't resist splashing out of scrumptious scents and smellies. But there are two bathing classics that I return to time after time.

Firstly I never tire of the heavenly lemon scented L'Occitane Verbena Festival Foaming Bath - it smells so divine that it always makes me feel wonderfully refreshed. I've enjoyed L'Occitane's Verbena products for ages and the bubble bath has to be my favourite.

A long bubble bath is the perfect way to relax and pamper yourself on these cold winter nights

My other bath essential is Clarins Tonic Bath & Shower Concentrate. If I've had a really long tiring day, I always pour three or four capfuls of this aromatic oil into the water - it contains Rosewood, Geranium, Mint, Rosemary essential oils to cleanse and firm the skin, and it really does revive my spirit.

Jennifer Lopez debut fragrance, Glow by J.Lo: Could we soon be seeing a signature scent by Binky?" class="blkBorder" />

Jennifer Lopez debut fragrance, Glow by J.Lo: Could we soon be seeing a signature scent by Binky?

I'd had just the sort of day that called for a real pick-me-up soak, so out came the Clarins. Once I'd warmed up and relaxed in my steamy, scented bath for an hour,  it was time for a little bit of body work. The mixture of cold weather and hot central heating can leave my skin feeling really dull and dry so I use a body scrub religiously during the winter months. Right now I'm loving Acqua Di Parma Italian Resort Pumice Body Scrub, which contains three different exfoliating granules: volcanic pumice, marine salts and citrus peel. It leaves my skin wonderfully smooth and silky.

I snoozed on for another hour, rousing myself every so often to top up the hot water, but finally it was time to climb out of the bath. However, my pampering session wasn't over yet. I still had to moisturise and scent my body. Like most girls,  I am a bit of a fragrance flirt and find I fall in love with a new scent every three or four months. I love everything from unusual niche fragrances by elegant perfumiers like Annick Goutal or Serge Lutens, to the blockbuster celebrity scents from the likes of J Lo and Lady Gaga - you never know, one day I might even bring out my very own Binky perfume, after all, I've put in years of research!

Candles create an air of relaxation in a bathroom- but picking the right scent is important

For head-to-toe beauty sessions like this one, however, I like to layer up a single scent, as different fragranced products can lead to a perfume clash. Most of the big-name brands produce full body ranges for their fragrances - everything from deodorant sprays, hand creams and body lotions to shampoos and conditioners. And of course there's the actual scent itself.

This time I chose Dolce & Gabbana Rose The One, which has a Perfumed Shower Gel, a Perfumed Body Lotion and a Perfumed Shimmer Powder, all featuring the deliciously feminine fragrance that mixes fruity top notes, with a central bouquet of peony, lily, lychee and Bulgarian rose. A final spritz of Rose The One Eau de Parfum, and I was done. 

At the end of my luxurious evening I felt deliciously relaxed, my skin was baby-soft and smooth, and I smelled good enough to eat. Pity the only one at home to see and smell the results of pampering was my beloved pooch Scrumble.

Read more of Binky's blog for the Mailhere

Oils for Face, Body and Hair

Read article : Oils for Face, Body and Hair

Friday, 9th December 2016

Oils for Face, Body and Hair

Oils have formed part of beauty regimes for aeons, but having fallen out of favour in the twentieth century they’ve recently seen a huge resurgence. They’re a really lovely thing to give as a gift at this time of year – a proper treat for the skin as we work our way through the colder months. The perfect oil nourishes the skin without overloading, and these do the trick beautifully.

 

Uma offer a range of different oils for body, face and hair from £60. I tried the Beauty Boosting Day Oil – it was light on the skin and beautifully scented. The Body Shop Oils of Life Intensely Revitalising Facial Oil, £28, is also gorgeous and not overly heavy on my skin. It also comes as part of a gift set with a matching moisturiser for £40. Aveda’s Tulusara radiant oleation oil, £65, is designed to follow exfoliation with a dry brush (although this step isn’t necessary), and is a nourishing treat perfect for a cold, dark January day.

For use on the body, both Liz Earle Superskin Treatment Oil, £35 and Clarins Relax Body Treatment Oil £40 will sink into the skin beautifully after a bath or shower and provide an intensely cheering scent.

Finally, for a hair treat, 72’s Repairing Oil,£14.99, will soften any frizz and nourish any dryness.

Debra Brock is co-founder of salihughesbeauty.com and a contributing writer.

Related - Features

Come spa with us at Ragdale Hall: Exclusive Woman’s Own Offer

Read article : Come spa with us at Ragdale Hall: Exclusive Woman’s Own Offer

Indulge in some me-time with Woman's Own at Ragdale Hall

Fancy a treat? Then why not club together with friends and start saving now for a fantastic,
relaxing spa break at the award-winning Ragdale Hall in Leicestershire.

The specially discounted two-day event will give you the chance to sample the spa’s state-of-the-art facilities, including the multimillion-pound Thermal Spa with a series of heat and water experiences, indoor and outdoor pools, and the Pavilion, a sumptuous area to relax in – it oozes blissful calm and is Ragdale Hall’s ultimate chill-out zone!

As part of your stay, you’ll also receive a free Clarins Tonic Bath & Shower Concentrate, and Tonic Body Treatment Oil for extra pampering so don’t hesitate to take advantage of this great offer now for an indulgent two-night (three-day) break at one of the finest spas in Europe!

Date for your diary: 2017: The event takes place Sunday to Tuesday and arrival time is between 2-4pm, check out at 2pm on the Tuesday.

◆ 7-9 May 2017

Your two-night break will also include:

–          Welcome drinks with members of our team

–          Two nights’ accommodation

–          Breakfast (served to your room), three-course lunch and dinner

–          A Clarins gift set worth over £20

–          Your choice of a 50-minute Blissful Face and Back Therapy or two 25-min treatments or a Soothing Back Massage and a Lavender & Tea Tree Exfoliation (both 25-minutes)

–          Full use of Thermal Spa and all facilities

–          Pre-dinner drinks and entry to a prize draw

–          A Clarins skincare and make-up workshop

–          A fashion showcase and 10% boutique discount voucher

Tempted? Book your places now!

TO BOOK: Call 01664 433 000 and quote ‘WOMAN’S OWN’ or click here to use the online booking system and secure your stay!

Prices based on two people sharing:
◆ Economy £294pp
◆ Standard/Lodge £345pp
◆ Superior twin/double or triple room £355pp

If you would like to extend your stay, you can book the Tuesday night in addition. This extra night costs £139 per person, which includes dinner, breakfast, lunch and a 25 minute Soft Hands treatment.

Book NOW to avoid disappointment!

A deposit of £100 is required on booking. The final balance is to be settled on departure. Terms and conditions apply*

See you there!

For more info, visit www.ragdalehall.co.uk or click here to book your stay – simply choose the dates of the Woman’s Own events to see the reader offer rates and secure your booking.

*Clarins Tonic Bath & Shower Concentrate 100ml and Tonic Body Treatment Oil 30ml Images shown on page are full-size products.**Read and relax bundle contents may vary subject to availability

RSVP'S Beauty Awards 2016 - RSVP Magazine

Read article : RSVP'S Beauty Awards 2016 - RSVP Magazine

Welcome to your essential beauty bible. Alex Hatton, together with Ireland’s leading beauty experts, brings you the definitive collection of the most effective skincare, body and make-up products on the market.

MEET THE JUDGES
Alex Hatton,  Maura Derrane and Sarah Keary

Our columnist Alex Hatton brings you a collection of the most effective buys in skin and body care. These gems are a must for every beauty buff.

BEST VALUE CLEANSER

Simple, Micellar Water, €4.99 A star budget buy. An express, easy and efficient no-rinse cleanser and make-up remover solution.

BEST TONER

Urban Veda, Purifying Hydrating Toner, €18.99 www.urbanveda.co.uk A simple spritz of this light facial toner hydrates, refreshes and soothes skin.

BEST DAILY EXFOLIATOR

Dermalogica, Daily Microfoliant, €53 An RSVP favourite. This hard working rice-based powder exfoliates dead cells, leaving skin smoother and clearer.

BEST FACE MASK

SkinCeuticals, Hydrating B5 Masque, €58 Beauty editors stock up on this gem because it’s packed with deeply hydrating vitamin B5 to help restore the skin’s natural moisturising factor. Skin genuinely becomes softer and more radiant.

BEST DAYTIME MOISTURISER REFORM

Everyday Moisturiser, €39.99 Everything you need in one jar: it reduces moisture loss, restores the skin barrier function and protects the epidermis against free radicals.

BEST SPF FACE

Eucerin, Sun Protection Sun Fluid Mattifying Face SPF 30, €18.50 A matte melting formula that delivers UVA-UVB protection. Specially formulated for the visage and ideal under foundation.

BEST NECK CREAM

NeoStrata, Skin Active Triple Firming Neck Cream, €63.95 This cream is your only answer to directly targeting the appearance of wrinkles and creases on the neck and décolletage.

BEST FOR RADIANCE

Murad, Intensive-C Radiance Peel, €65 This at-home peel treatment is packed with a powerful cocktail of glycolic acid, vitamin C and indian fig to brighten, smooth and hydrate.

BEST SERUM

Emma Hardie, The Midas Touch Face Serum, €80 This treatment serum is packed with powerful antioxidants – it’s also super hydrating – and skin feels more subtle, toned and radiant after application.

BEST EYE CREAM

Kinvara, Eye Wow Eye Serum, €29.95 Perk up your peepers with this newbie juice that contains a powerful blend of 11 plant extracts targeting dark circles, fine lines and puffiness.

kinvaraskincare.com

BEST ANTI-AGEING PRODUCT

Eau Thermale Avène, PhysioLift Precision Wrinkle Filler, €39 Completely fuss-free, just one simple click helps to visibly correct deep wrinkles and furrows around the mouth and nose, the eye area and forehead in just three weeks.

BEST LIP BALM

Nuxe, Rêve De Miel Lip Balm, €12 It soothes, softens and helps rejuvenate your pucker with intensive moisture and a kiss of honey.

BEST VALUE LIP BALM LIDL

Cien Bodycare Lip Balm, €1.59 (for a pack of three) A purse-friendly buy that instantly hydrates parched pouts.

BEST BEAUTY SUPPLEMENT

Viviscal, Maximum Strength tablets, 30 capsules, €49.95 The daily cosmetic supplement that nourishes hair from within to give you the luscious locks you’ve always wanted.

BEST DETOX TEA

Miss Fit Skinny Tea, 14-Day Teatox, €24.99 The #1 natural, laxative free teatox programme that allows you to lose up to five pounds in five days. You just sip your way to a slimmer you.

BEST FACE OIL

Kiehl’s, Midnight Recovery Concentrate, €44 A Hall of Fame beauty buy! Just a few drop of this elixir and you’ll wake up to a fresher more radiant face: fact!

Kiehl’s.com

BEST NIGHT CREAM

Lancôme, Visionnaire Nuit, Beauty Sleep Perfector, €74 The skincare launch of the year: this nightly number transforms the quality of the skin while you slumber. it is smoother, more elasticated and radiant upon waking.

lancome.com

BEST PRODUCT INNOVATION

Elizabeth Arden, Superstart, Skin Renewal Booster, €59 Meet the next gen in skincare: the beauty booster! Used just before serum or moisturiser this booster works on the surface layer of the skin to increases its natural defenses and ability to renew.

elizabetharden.com

BEST CLEANSER

Liz Earle, Cleanse & Polish, €21.87 A beauty icon. This hot cloth cleanser leaves skin clean, soft and radiant. Ideal for your morning or evening cleanse.

lizearle.com

BEST MOISTURISER

Crème de la Mer, The Moisturizing Cream, €138 Experience the comforting richness of the famed “miracle broth” in a rich, lux cream. Expect an immediate improvement in moisture levels and radiance. It’s worth every single cent!

cremedelamer.co.uk

BEST BUDGET BODY MOISTURISER

Vaseline, Spray Moisturiser, €7.49 This is the business: a snazzy spray system, that dispenses a moisture rich lotion quickly and evenly for an all over coverage in seconds. Just spray and go!

vaseline.us

BEST BODY MOISTURISER

L’Occitane, Almond Milk Concentrate, €44 A cult classic. Enriched with powerful almond extracts, this milk melts into the skin to help it look firmer and smoother while delivering a 48-hour hydration hit!

uk.loccitane.com

BEST VALUE BATH WASH

Radox, Muscle Soak with Sage & Sea Minerals, €4.44 This bubble bath leaves skin refreshed, soft and squeaky clean. It’s the beauty equivalent of a hug.

BEST BATH OIL

Neom, Tranquility Bath & Shower Oil, €48 This elixir is packed with 19 essential oils including lavender, sweet basil and jasmine. A real beauty treat.

BEST VALUE BODY SERUM

Dove Derma Spa, Uplifted+ Massaging Body Roll-On, €11.99 A nifty roller-ball serum that moisturises and massages as it rolls to improve firmness and elasticity. It also smells divine!

BEST BODY BUTTER

The Body Shop, Spa Of The World, Hawaiian Kukui Cream, €39 The bodycare product of the year: this deeply nourishing emollient is packed with famed kukui oil to restore the skin’s natural suppleness.

BEST DAYTIME BODY OIL

Waxperts, Beautiful Body Oil, €9.99 This multi-usage dry oil contains a cocktail of star active ingredients to nourish, repair and soften skin.

BEST EVENING BODY OIL

Holos Skincare, Good Night Body Oil, €16.90 This Irish holistic hero is all you need for night-time skin moisturising and is made up of a calming trio of essential oils: lavender, chamomile and rose.

BEST BODY SHAPER

Thalgo, Stomach and Waist Sculptor, €44 We love this: it helps to firm the deeper layers of the skin for a tighter and firmer looking waist. Just in time for summer!

BEST BUST TREATMENT

Palmers, Cocoa Butter Formula Bust Cream, €9 A must-have beauty weapon for a perkier pair; specially formulated with pure cocoa butter cream and vitamin E that smoothes on like gel.

BEST HAND WASH

The Handmade Soap Company, Lemongrass & Cedarwood Hand Wash, €12.95 Nourish and revive your paws with this zingy and refreshing hand wash. Buy Irish!

BEST HAND CREAM

Green Angel, Seaweed & Lavender Hand Cream, €20 We’re dedicated fans of this luscious cream packed with minerals and essential oils to nourish your mitts.

BEST VALUE HAND CREAM

Ziaja, Goat’s Milk Hand & Nail Cream, €3.49 A brilliant budget buy: this intensive hydrating formula keeps your paws soft and supple.

BEST FOOT CREAM

Aveda, Foot Relief, €26 For happy hoofs, slather on this deeply nourishing cream designed to sooth the roughest and toughest feet!

BEST NAIL TREATMENT

Sally Hansen, Complete Care 7-in-1 Nail Treatment, €10.99 Whatever your nail dilemma this is the solution: after just three days, nails look shinier, stronger and brighter.

BEST DEODORANT

Sure, Max Pro, €7.35 A summer essential. Simply use before you hop into bed, wash off in the morning and rock off knowing this number will keep you dry all day.

BEST BODY SCULPTING TREATMENT

CoolSculpting, River Medical Group, from €840 A great non-invasive way to reduce fat by up to 40% after one treatment. Results can be seen within 4-6 weeks but as your body ‘gets rid’ of the fat cells you will continue to see results for up to 3 months.

BEST NAIL VARNISH RANGE

SoSu, Nail Polish Collection, €7.99 A digit game changer: gives the look of a gel finish without the need to visit the salon.

sosueme.ie

BEST HAIR REMOVAL PRODUCT

Waxperts Wonder Pads, €9.99 for 40 discs These little wonder pots are a bathroom must-have. Use daily in between waxing, or after shaving to avoid ingrown hairs.

waxperts.bigcartel.com

BEST BODY EXFOLIATOR

Organic Surge, Tropical Bergamot Skin Perfecting Body Scrub, €16.99 This uplifting wonder pot is packed with natural pumice, sweet orange and bergamot essential oils to gently polish and smooth your skin.

organicsurge.com

BEST SHOWER FOAM

Molton Brown, Dewy Lily of the Valley and Star Anise, Bath & Shower Gel, €22 This scrumptious, sudsy shower gel is blended with delicious Lily of the Valley: it leaves a light floral scent while deeply cleansing the skin.

moltonbrowne.co.uk

Sarah Keary is one of Ireland’s most established make-up artists with a background in fashion, television and bridal. Her celebrity clients include Pippa O’Connor Ormond, Kathryn Thomas and Sharon Corr.

BEST VALUE PRIMER

Flormar, Illuminating Primer Make-Up Base, €9.95 Prep and prime to selfie ready skin with this brilliant illuminating base.

BEST EYE PRIMER

Smashbox, Photo Finish 24-Hour Shadow Primer, €23 An eyelid primer that instantly makes your shadow look more vibrant and locks on color for a full 24 hours – no fading, creasing or smudging!

BEST VALUE FOUNDATION

L’Oréal Paris, True Match Foundation, €14.99 This lightweight and silky texture glides on seamlessly for an all-day, buildable coverage.

BEST POWDER

Giorgio Armani, Luminous Silk Compact, €45 We covet this chic compact; it delivers a flawless finish with a gorgeous touch of the famed Armani illumination.

BEST FACE CONCEALER

NARS, Radiant Creamy Concealer, €28 Partied a bit too late last night? Mum’s the word with this lightweight concealer!

BEST UNDER EYE CONCEALER

Clarins, Instant Concealer, €26 This buy just might be your new best friend. It instantly brightens dark shadows so you look refreshed and revived.

BEST EYESHADOW

M∙A∙C, Eyeshadow, €16.50 A highly pigmented powder that applies evenly and blends seamlessly. Available in a host of hues.

maccosmetics.com

BEST GEL LINER

Inglot, AMC Gel Liner No.77, €15 This black glam gel eyeliner glides on like a dream, making it ideal for creating the perfect feline flick.

BEST VALUE LIQUID LINER

Essence, Easy 2 Use Jumbo Eyeliner, €2.89 One of the thickest eye marker pen on the market; accurate lines are super easy to achieve, even if you’re an eyeliner newbie!

BEST VALUE MASCARA

Catrice, Glam & Doll False Lashes Mascara, €4.50 This number scores extra points with its curved brush, which reaches each individual lash in one swift swipe.

BEST BROW FILL

Benefit, Brow Zings, €34 Put your best brows forward with this mini brow salon, it’s complete with all the tools you need for perfect brows!

BEST VALUE BROW FILL

WetnWild, Colour Icon Pencil, €2.49 Give the brows in your life the special attention they deserve with this versatile dual-ended pencil.

BEST VALUE POWDER BLUSH

Sleek, Blush in Rose Gold, €5.49 A brilliant beauty dupe! This longlasting and highly pigmented blush glides on smoothly and packs a great colour punch.

BEST LIPLINER

Maybelline, Colour Sensational Lip Liner, €5.99 Mirror like colour with reflective shine formula. This literally does not budge!

BEST RED LIPSTICK

Max Factor, Marilyn Monroe Lipstick Collection, €10.99 each This is so special: a beautiful edit of four lux lippies inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s signature rouge pout.

BEST LIP GLOSS

Rimmel, Oh My Gloss, €6.99 Perfect glam on the go! Your lips are instantly drenched with a seriously sexy shine.

BEST FALSE LASHES

Fuschia Make-Up, Faux Mink Lashes, €15 The most glam false lashes a girl can get – and they’re so lightweight, you’ll forget you’re wearing them too!

BEST CELEBRITY COLLABORATION

UD | Gwen Stefani Blush Palette, €42 Such a chic cheek collection developed and designed by the iconic Gwen Stefani for Urban Decay. You need this in your beauty wardrobe!

BEST POWDER BLUSH

Charlotte Tilbury, Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blusher, €39 This delivers a flattering flush of colour in two easy steps. Blend it on the apples of your cheeks for a just-pinched look. We love it!

charlottetilbury.com

BEST HIGHLIGHTER

Rosie for Autograph, Marks & Spencer, Highlighter Powder, €20 This gorgeous creamy highlighter boosts skin radiance in seconds. A highlight for the highlife!

marksandspencer.com

BEST FACE SCULPTOR

IsaDora, Face Sculptor, €25.95 This wheel of wonder contains a richly pigmented bronzing powder and highlighter, and blush. A musthave for your bag of tricks.

isadora.com

BEST PRIMER

Yves Saint Laurent, Touche Éclat Blur Primer, €38.00 This glitzy gel-based formula creates the perfect canvas for flawless, longer lasting make-up – simply apply and glow!

yslbeautyus.com

BEST MASCARA

Lancôme, Hypnôse Volume à Porter, €27.50 Let your eyelashes take centre stage with this wonder wand that gives lashes length, lift and va-va voom.

lancome.co.uk

BEST LIPSTICK

Shiseido, Veiled Rouge Lipstick, €25 Pucker up with this creamy, satin lippy that locks on to lips in one swipe, delivering an intense colour payoff.

shiseido.com

BEST FOUNDATION

Clinique, Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer, €32 This new formula provides a medium coverage, yet it’s so light in texture it almost feels like you’re not wearing foundation.

clinique.com

BEST PALETTE

Pippa for Blank Canvas, €34.99 This is the business: it’s packed with five matte nude toned shadows, a highlighter, peachy toned blusher and contouring powder.

blankcosmetics.com

BEST TAN TREATMENT

Guinot, Huile Mirific, Gold Nourishing Dry Oil, €39.25 A luxurious dry oil that delivers a stunningly sexy shimmer to the skin. A real tanning treat and officially our favourite find of the awards!

Guinot.com

BEST GRADUAL TAN

Karora, Gradual Tan Face & Body, €14.99 Get glowing with a daily dose of natural colour and a burst of hydration. Layer it up for a richer honey-dipped tan.

karoracosmetics.com

BEST BRONZER

Bobbi Brown, Face & Body Bronzer in Medium, €46 A beach bag essential, we adore this light-weight bronzing powder that highlights, colour and contours.

BobbiBrown.com

BEST INSTANT TAN

Cocoa Brown, Instant Tan Bronzing Gel in Shimmer & Matte, €6.99 each This delivers an instant, faux flawless tan and comes in a matte and shimmer finish. Every girl should try this!

cocoabrown.ie

TAN FOR FACE

Garnier, Ambre Solaire, No Streaks Bronzer, Dry Face Mist, €12.20 An ultra fine mist which dries instantly to give a streak free, gorgous golden hue to the face and neck area.

BEST TANNING SUPPLEMENT

Pharma Nord, TanCare, €18.95 (for a twomonth supply) Packed with beta-carotene, these clever capsules enhance the appearance of your skin and will give you a gorgeous golden tan with less sun exposure.

Maura Derrane believes that a spritz of perfume can lift your mood, make you feel confident and indeed evoke happy memories of times past. Maura is also mum to Cal who is nearly two years old. Maura places a lot of emphasis on what skincare products she use on Cal and herself: here are some of her all time favourites.

Perfume –

BEST DAYTIME

Shiseido, Ever Bloom, EDP, 50ml, €76 Modern and feminine, this musky white floral scent is a timeless addition to any perfume collection. It’s a very intimate and smooth scent – and is guaranteed to turn heads wherever you go.

BEST FRESH

Tom Ford, Neroli, Portofino Acqua, 50ml, €120 This is Tom Ford’s original Neroli scent with additions of citrus notes like orange and lime. It is the Italian coastline in a bottle and conjures images of orange groves and warm sea breezes.

BEST CELEBRITY

Britney Spears, Fantasy, EDP, 30ml, €27.50 If you like really sweet and chocolaty fragrances this one is for you. With notes of sweet fruits – lychee and kiwi –and gourmande notes of white chocolate, this is a really girly perfume.

BEST SCENTED BODY WASH

Viktor & Rolf, Flowerbomb Perfumed Shower Gel, €45 If you love to start your day with your favorite scent, then a shower gel is the way to go, especially this one with its uplifting notes of bergamot and rose.

BEST SCENTED BODY LOTION

Jo Malone London, Pomegranate Noir Body & Hand Lotion, €50 No need for any perfume when you wear this body lotion. It has a brilliant silky consistency that totally envelopes your body with powerful notes which include clove, raspberry and pomegranate.

BEST SCENTED BODY CREAM

Roger & Gallet, Fleur d’Osmanthus Precious Revitalising Balm, €23 This is one the most revitalising scents, with the beautiful fleur d’Osmanthus at its heart, which has a peachy and orangey smell. The balm itself is enriched with precious oils like almond and shea butter, and literally melts into the skin.

BEST REED DIFFUSER

Max Benjamin, Tea Diffuser, €24.95 We adore this reed diffuser; it’s warm, comforting and the on-trend tea notes coupled with the fresh zest of lemon provide a delicious scent for your home.

BEST LUXURY CANDLE

L’Occitane, Lavender Candle, €25 Enriched with relaxing lavender essential oil, this scented candle fills your home with a soothing, aromatic atmosphere for up to 23 hours.

myloccitane.com

BEST NEW FRAGRANCE

Brooke & Shoals, Lemon Leaves, Grapefruit and Green Tea, EDT, 50ml, €60 A totally uplifting and invigorating scent. The lemon and grapefruit are to the fore when this is first sprayed, but it settles on the skin as a soft cologne.

brookeandshoals.ie

BEST ROSE

Juicy Couture, Viva La Juicy Rosé, EDP, 100ml, €85 This is a zesty mix of fruit and jasmine with powdery rose and woody notes at its base. It is a modern and youthful take on a rose scent.

juicycouture.com

BEST FLORAL

Lancôme, La Vie Est Belle Florale, EDT, 50ml, €63 A totally different compilation to the original fragrance. It has more of a zingy scent thanks to the additions of osmanthus and bergamot. A stunning scent.

lancome.co.uk

BEST EVENING

Marc Jacobs, Decadence, EDP, 30ml, €62 A sweet deep perfume with top notes of plum and iris with a woody and amber base. The sweetness still comes through when it settles on the skin. This is a good night time choice and the bottle is a perfume collector’s dream.

marcjacobs.com

Mother and Baby –

BEST BABY WIPES

Water Wipes, Baby Wipes, €2.99 These Irish wipes are perfect for newborn babies as they contain 99.9% water and the only other ingredient is grapefruit seed extract. They don’t have any scent and are very moist, which is exactly what you need for the little ones.

BEST BABY BODY WASH

Mothercare, Little Softie, Top to Toe Wash, €2.50 A paraben-free, no-tears wash that is gentle on both baby and mum’s skin. Suitable to use from birth.

BEST BABY MOISTURISER

La Roche-Posay, Cicaplast Baume B5, 40ml, €7.50 This is a multi-tasking hero product. Mum can use it as a body cream and as a nappy cream for their little one. It can also be used on dry or irritated skin. It contains vitamin B5, shea butter and thermal water to soothe the skin. We love it!

laroche-posay.com

BEST SUPPLEMENT FOR MUM

Cleanmarine, Krill Oil for Women, €47 (one month supply) Each capsule is packed with essential Omega 3 Phospholipids combined with vitamin D3, B1, B2 and B6. They help regulate hormonal activity and reduce tiredness. Ideal for women of all ages.

BEST CHILD MULTI-VITAMIN SUPPLEMENT

Vivioptal Junior, €9.95 It is hard to get all the right vitamins into your kids if they are fussy eaters. Vivioptal has a good broad section of vitamins and minerals to help growth and bone development.

BEST BALM FOR MUM & BABY

Nía, Just Balm, €12.95 This balm is a real find: it’s a 100% natural healing moisturiser and is suitable for use on all itchy, dry skin conditions and rashes. Suitable for babies, children and adults.

BEST SPF FOR CHILDREN WITH SENSITATIVE SKIN

Bioderma, Photoderm Kid SPF 50+, €20.50 This not only contains a high protection sun screen but also protects sun sensitive and intolerant skin. Visible when applied, it is also water resistant and fragrance free.

BEST BABY OIL

NAIF, Soothing Baby Oil, 100ml, €14.95 Baby oils are great to use after a bath when baby’s skin is still a little damp. This one by NAIF is perfume and preservative free, and is really gentle with ingredients like cottonseed oil, which is easily absorbed into baby’s skin.

naifcare.com

BEST SPF FOR CHILDREN

Vichy, Idéal Soleil for Children, SPF 50, €21.50 This milk gives vulnerable skin high protection from the sun with mineral ingredients. It can be used on face and body and is very easy to apply.

Vichy.ie

BEST SLEEP AID FOR MUM

This Works, Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, €19.50 This is a great product to help you get some valuable shut eye. It contains essentials oils of lavender, vetivert and wild chamomile to relax both body and mind.

thisworks.com

BEST FOR STRETCH MARKS

Clarins, Tonic Body Treatment Oil, €47 This oil is amazing. It is full of pure plant extracts like rosemary and hazel to protect the skin’s barrier. It also smells really therapeutic and is really soft and silky.

clarins.co.uk

Gadgets –

BEST MAKE-UP BRUSH

Cailyn, O! Wow Brush, €29.99 This brush is incredible: it feels like velvet yet it is densely packed with ultra fine fibers that facilitate an airbrushed foundation application.

cailyncosmetics.com

BEST PRO MAKE-UP BRUSH SET

Blank Canvas, 12-piece “My Face and Eye” Professional Set, €89.99 This brush set has every tool you need for painting the perfect face. From blending and contouring to lips and eyes, your make-up application will be a joy.

BEST BRUSH TRAVEL SET

Nima Brush, “Girls on Tour” Travel Set Collection, €55 This is the best travel size pro brush kit on the market. A gorgeous edit of seven must-have brushes for on-the-go application.

BEST SONIC SKINCARE KIT

Clarisonic, The Smart Profile Kit, €249 The original and still the best. The oscillating head cleanses six times better than hands alone and is so effective that skin on the face and body is more receptive to creams, serums and moisturisers.

BEST NEW SKINCARE BEAUTY GADGET

Darphin, L’Institut Facial Sonic Cleansing and Massaging Expert, €149 This sonic cleanser and massaging expert works on two levels. Firstly, the brush cleanses the skin. Now for the magic: the kit contains a smooth steel massaging head that deeply delivers moisturiser to boost microcirculation and relax the facial muscles. Genius.

BEST HOME PEDICURE

Emjoi Micro Pedi Nano, €39.95 It exfoliates and removes dry, rough skin while being gentle on your feet; leaving your heels and soles soft and so summer-ready.

BEST WONDER WAND

M2 Beauté, M2Brows, €130, from The Derma Clinic, Dublin A precisely engineered brush with a rich serum that you apply to those places where you would like to optimize your eyebrow growth. Expect supermodel bushy brows in just four to six weeks!