For her: Here are 35 thoughtful gifts your darling sister will adore

Dec 16, 2019

Whether it’s a gift for your Mum, your best friend or yourself, these Christmas gift ideas are sure to please.

Becoming – A Guided Journal by Michelle Obama (published by Penguin Random House)

What's your journey of becoming? Based on Michelle Obama's bestselling memoir, this gorgeous journal features an intimate and inspiring introduction by the former First Lady and more than 150 inspiring questions and quotes to help you discover-and rediscover-your story. "It's not about being perfect. It's not about where you get yourself in the end. There's power in allowing yourself to be known and heard, in owning your unique story, in using your authentic voice. And there's grace in being willing to know and hear others. This, for me, is how we become." – Michelle Obama

These pages will help you capture your own voice and journey so you can nurture your sense of belonging. Inside, you'll find an opportunity not only to take heart in the experiences that brought you to where you are today, but also to feel empowered to take those next steps, wherever they might lead.

RRP €18.99

Available in all good bookshops

Iluma Intense Brightening Exfoliating Powder by Image Skincare

The onslaught of winter can impede the skin’s ability to shed dead skin cells naturally, which causes a build-up that casts a dull look over the skin and often highlights imperfections. By exfoliating the skin, you can remove that build-up, and reveal the youthful and healthy cells below. The Iluma Intense Brightening Exfoliating Powder is the best exfoliant for the job. This micro-exfoliator is made with coconut milk powder that is extremely gentle, so that you can use it as often and necessary. The result is skin that looks more radiant in mere seconds. It contains a new generation of natural botanicals, enzymes and antioxidants to help skin reach a new level of radiance. A lovely gift for the person who needs a little TLC this Christmas.

RRP €41

Image Skincare is available from approved salons nationwide.

L’Occitane Enchanting Rose Music Box

Gently turn this music box and let yourself be transported by the sweet melody of Nutcracker. Open it to discover four body treatments with rose floral notes. This is a delightful gift containing 75ml Rose Shower Gel, 75ml Rose Body Lotion, 30ml Rose Hand Cream and 50g Rose Scented Soap all in a beautiful keepsake tin music box.

RRP €35

Available to purchase instore or online here

New Eau de Parfums Le Matin des Possibles and Le Soir de Possibles by Nuxe

Nuxe has added two eau de parfums to their fragrance collection, two emotions in direct contact with the skin captured in the evanescence of the first and last rays of sunshine: a fresh and luminous morning and a sensual and bold evening. The result is an intense and poetic duality, freeing your senses and finally making everything possible. The graduated shading of the bottles and textured effects on the boxes reflect the first and last rays of sunshine.

RRP €49.50
Nuxe is available from Arnotts, selected Boots, Cloud 10 Beauty and all major pharmacies nationwide.

Brooke & Shoals

Irish brand Brooke & Shoals is well known for their luxury gifting. The multi award-winning range includes luxury gifts that smell amazing, create Irish jobs and have a lower carbon footprint than many other brands in their sector. Their range comes in candles made using only natural wax, diffusers, hand wash and hand lotion in scent favourites such as White Lily Ylang Ylang, Elderflower, Rhubarb & Rose, Sweet Pea & Tea Rose, Grapefruit & Lemongrass, Lemon Verbena & Bergamont, Saffron Patchouli & Oud, Sandalwood, Vanilla & Salted Caramel. Not only do they sell their stunning ribbon wrapped boxed candles, but they also have diffusers, hand wash, hand lotions and fragrances in the range too.

Pictured above: Scented Candle – Green Fig & Vetiver Wood – RRP €22

Our must have for that Christmas present this year is their seasonal Frosted Ginger & Winter Berry candle. It combines the comforting spices of ginger, cinnamon and nutmeg with the rich fruity notes of blackberries and bilberries to create a scent sensation that is so enticing, it is almost good enough to eat.

Pictured above:

The Brooke & Shoals Christmas Cracker Set includes 2 travel candles and retails at €20.

The Brooke & Shoals Christmas Bauble contains 1 travel candle and retails at €13.

Available from over 300 stockists nationwide including Meadows & Byrne, Carraig Donn, House of Fraser. Buy on-line at Brook & Shoals or we highly recommend a visit to their store in Greystones where they beautifully gift wrap all purchases.

Image Skincare Beauty Sleep Collection
This is a lovely collection from Image Skincare for anyone who has had a tough year. The products make the most of the skin’s auto-repair mode. The nourishing routine delivers moisturising upgrades to lock in goodness at night, while a pure silk sleep mask helps to better your beauty sleep, Antioxidant’s, Vitamin and Hyaluronic acid will help you wake up to revitalised skin.

The collection includes the Image Skincare Max Stem Cell Facial Cleanser 118ml, Vital C Hydrating Overnight Mask 50ml, IMask Hydrating Hydrogel Sheet Mask x2, Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum 15ml and pretty sleep mask gift.

RRP: €108.50

Image Skincare is available from approved salons nationwide.

Bondi Sands Glo Lights

New Bondi Sands Glo Lights is the perfect highlighter to give a lustrous, all day glow. It’s a highly blendable, creamy highlighter to enhance and bring a natural glow to any complexion. Pioneered for everyday beauty, Glo Lights illuminating pigments work to softly glisten and give skin a touch of radiance to complete your makeup look.

Available in three shades (Bronze, Gold and Pearl) to suit all skin types, the highlighter may be worn alone to illuminate high points where light naturally hits the face or mixed in with a base product such as foundation for an all-over, flawless glow.

RRP from €15.99

Available in McCauley’s pharmacy and Cloud10Beauty

Charlotte Posner

Introduce a touch of artistic fun to your everyday items with the Yoga Girl Water Bottle from Charlotte Posner. The bottle is stylishly designed with paintings of ladies in yoga-inspired poses, while it's made from non-leaking stainless steel and is lightweight to make things super convenient. RRP €22.95

We also love her whimsical espresso set with fabulous ceramic mugs which we think will make a lovely Christmas gif this year. RRP €55.95

The full Charlotte Posner range is available from Brown Thomas

CND Viviennne Westwood Junkyard Chic Collection

Designed by Marian Newman, this upcycled nail features chromed and metallized pieces of recycled plastic. Get this super scrapyard look using Brass Button or Mercurial, topped off with the CND Gel-Like Effect Topcoat for a high shine, metallic finish.

RRP €14.95

Available in good pharmacies nationwide.

Yon-Ka Paris Nutri+ Nutrition Booster

Oil rich serums are very beneficial for repairing depleted skins and preventing damage from heating, wind and cold which is why Yon-Ka Nutri+ booster, with cereal germ oils and vitamins, can be added to any day or night cream to add extra nourishment and improve the skin’s resilience. This Ultra energetic oil nourishes and revitalizes all skin types. The skin lights up, recovering its suppleness, tone and vitality.

RRP €50

Yon-ka Paris skincare is available from approved salons nationwide.

Seoulista Beauty® Limited Edition Christmas Wonderland Advanced Clinic Duo

Seoulista Beauty have launched these wonderful purse-friendly luxury gift with two stylish limited-edition duos.

Golden Goddess – featuring two of Seoulista Beauty’s Advanced Clinic Formulation Gold Glow Instant Facials, nestled in a gorgeous complimentary clutch, this is the perfect anti-ageing treat. The Gold Glow Instant Facial is infused with 30ml of high-tech ingredients including: Niacinamide, Adenosine and Vitamin C, along with seven potent active botanicals and Bulgarian Rose Complex to firm, hydrate and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Shine Like A Diamond – featuring two of Seoulista Beauty’s Advanced Clinic Formulation Diamond Radiance Instant Facials, in complimentary silver clutch, this is the perfect solution for bright and luminous skin. The Diamond Radiance Instant Facial is infused with 30ml of high-tech ingredients including Niacinamide, Adenosine and Vitamin C, along with seven potent active botanicals to exfoliate brighten and hydrate the complexion.

RRP €30

Available from Irish pharmacies and leading department stores nationwide and at www.seoulistabeauty.com.

Payot Hydra 24+ Concentré D’Eau 30ml

This serum provides a source of continuous hydration, it re-infuses the skin with water to quench thirsty skin. It provides intense and lasting hydration for 30 hours, to restore comfort, suppleness and radiance to the skin. This universal serum meets every woman’s needs and can be used in addition to all types of intense hydration care. Skin is intensely hydrated, plump and luminous.
We're in love with its ultra-cool, watery texture that is quickly. Its light scent diffuses notes of bergamot and white tea on a spellbinding musk base.

RRP €47

Available in pharmacies nationwide and online at here at Cosmetics Online.

Accessorize Reece Rainbow Sequinned Clutch Bag

Give this gift to the girl in your life who loves a night on the town – the stunning Reece rainbow bag is guaranteed to look the part. This slouchy clutch is coated in beads and sequins, fastening with a magnetic press stud and easily carried with a detachable chain strap. Fully lined with an interior zip pocket.

RRP €45.90

Available in Accessorize stores and online at Accessorize

Søstrene Grene Gentle Skin Care Series

The series called Pure Bliss is completely absent of perfume, and all the products in the series are recommended by Asthma Allergy Nordic and bear the new, common Nordic brand. When a product carries this brand, one can be sure that the product does not contain perfume.

As always with Søstrene Grene, the aesthetics are not forgotten either, and the packaging is carefully designed to be able to decorate the bathroom shelf. The skin care series is also available in two variants with perfume for those who prefer care products with fragrance. These two series have the names Sage Dawn and Geranium Rain. All three variants of the skin care series are otherwise vegan and labelled as such by The Vegan Society, meaning they do not contain any animal ingredients.

RRP: Bodybutter 200ml RRP €5.48; Bodyoil 100ml RRP €6.48; Bodyscrub 200ml RRP €6.48; Bodywash 500ml RRP €4.98; Hand lotion 250ml RRP €5.80; Hand soap 500 ml, RRP €4.98

Available from Søstrene Grene stores

Real Techniques Artists Essentials Brush Set

Build her brush collection with the Real Techniques Artists Essentials. A step beyond the everyday essentials, this is an edit of artist brushes to detail, define, and accentuate €24.99 worth over €45 if you buy individually. The set contains: RT 217 Expert Edge Large Brush, RT 421 Soft Accent, RT 420 Spotlight Fan Brush, RT 317 Smudge Liner and RT 425 Lip Smudge Brush – pretty much every brush she will need.

RRP €24.99

Available from Shaws, all major pharmacy chains and independent pharmacies nationwide.

Birdhouse Nesting Box 5 Colours

For the women who has everything, these beautiful bird feeders are the gift that keeps on giving all year round. From the Blue Door, these bird houses from Sweden convert into nesting boxes in the spring. They come in 5 colours and we think they are so pretty.

RRP €59

Available from The Blue Door

Kilkenny Shop Jewellery & Knitwear

Kilkenny always has a focus on beautiful Irish jewellery and knitwear accessories. A gift that means more because it has a rich, local story because it is of the highest quality and because it is beautifully designed. This year, Kilkenny has a host of beautiful gifts, but our favourite is the Juvi and Jo Harpur jewellery from this look.

RRPs – Necklace by Jo Harper €120, Necklace by Juvi €165, Necklace by Juvi €75, Earrings by Jo Harpur €64, Bracelet by Jo Harper €78 (Top by Inwear €69.95)

Available from Kilkenny Shop or online here

Bird Cage Handbag

This stunning Missguided Bird Cage Handbag will brighten up any little black dress this Christmas. Gold frame with black velvet inner bag embellished with rhinestones and pearls.

RRP €33
Available from Zalando

Book Subscription Box by The Book Resort

The Book Resort is a new book subscription box company based in Waterford that delivers a luxury box with a new book, delicious Irish chocolate and a small surprise to book lovers every month. Monthly subscriptions are available and one-time gift boxes can be sent as a gift along with a handwritten card on the customers behalf. All suppliers are small Irish businesses. Offering free nationwide delivery (including to the North of Ireland).

Boxes are priced at €23 for a monthly subscription and €25 for a gift box.

Available from The Book Resort

Happy Plugs

Happy Plugs deluxe edition headphones and mic pretty as picture in pink.

Available from Zalando
RRP €33

Dermalogica Be Bright Ornament

This year’s Dermalogica collection includes four kits, priced from €16.50 to €97.50, and includes a mix of best-selling hero products and new innovations in both travel and retail sizes. Each kit also features unique packaging artwork derived from street artist Kelsey Montague’s murals – inspiring buyers to make her bold, uplifting art a part of their holiday gift-giving. Their holiday ornament features 13g Daily Microfoliant with a cut out wing design by Kelsey is a gorgeous gift for some one who loves good quality skincare products.

RRP €16.50

Dermalogica x Kelsey Montague is available at Dermalogica-authorised spas, salons and skin centres and at dermalogica.ie

Jo Malone Christmas Cracker

A Christmas cracker filled with a trio of scented surprises. English Pear & Freesia Cologne (9ml), Blackberry & Bay Body & Hand Wash (15ml) and Basil & Neroli Body Crème (15ml).

RRP €38
Available from Brown Thomas

Life is Better with Make-Up Day Look by Fuschia

Well-established premium make-up brand Fuschia believes that everyone needs a secret helper, to feel strong enough and confident enough to go out and perform at their absolute best. At Fuschia they make it their business to provide the tools for women everywhere to feel like this, every single day. They call this ‘The Fuschia Effect’. This ‘Life is Better with Make-Up Day Look’ gift set includes the Fuschia Life is better with eye shadow palette, shine gloss, lippy, liner, blush and highlight.

RRP €47.50

Available in professional salons and pharmacies nationwide and for purchase on www.fuschia.ie

Personalised French Jam by Confiture Parisienne

There is nothing quite like a special jar of jam or marmalade – you’d never buy it for yourself but you’d love to receive it as a gift. The jam collection from Confiture Parisienne is just that gift. Made by hand in extremely small quantities using only the best seasonal fruit their jams are to die for. You can customise the label when ordering so everyone knows to keep their hands off this thoughtful gift. Varieties include raspberry, apricot and star anise, rhubarb with rose water or their divine chocolate cream tartine noisette.

RRP from €9.90

Available from Confiture Parisienne

Ella & Jo Squeaky Clean Brush Cleanser

Squeaky Clean Brush Cleanser was designed with both the professional and non-professional in mind. It has been produced and manufactured in Ireland and designed to change the mindset around brush cleaning and to take the “chore” element away. With modern day busy schedules, most of us, unless in the professional trade, don’t find the time to clean our makeup brushes and tools as often as we should. This one product will clean, disinfect and condition the brush fibres on both natural hair and synthetic brushes so that brushes will last longer.

It is convenient to use and is specifically designed to extend the life of your brushes. Squeaky Clean Brush Cleanser removes pigments, oil and product residue leaving your brushes smelling fresh and ready for re-use within minutes.

RRP €20

Squeaky Clean Brush Cleanser is available in over 600 stockists nationwide. Find stockists on www.ellaandjo.ie

Lugano Belle loungewear by Melissa Mills Bari

We’ve been lusting after Melissa Mills Bari lounge wear and robes for quite some time so it’s no surprise that her new Lugano Belle collection makes the cut. It’s a limited-edition collection with stunning piping trim detail on the pocket, cuff and hem, made with 100% cotton and has pretty mother of pearl buttons.

RRP €69

Available from MMB Melissa Mills Bari

Gym+Coffee Gift Boxes

Gym+Coffee athleisure and lifestyle brand has a lovely range of gift boxes this year which feature their high-quality Irish designed clothing. This year, they have launched 7 gift box options for women. Each box contains their famous leggings, perfect tee, beanie, water bottle and socks with various colour options on offer. Combinations in-store have a little more flexibility in product choice.

RRP €100

Gift boxes can bought in Republic of Ireland stores or online here.

Where the Wild Cooks Go (Hardback) by Cerys Matthews (published by Penguin)

This book by Cerys Matthews is not your ordinary book gift. Cook your way around the world with Cerys Matthews' Where the Wild Cooks Go, with a Spotify playlist ready for each country, as well as poems, proverbs, curiosities and some very surprising aspects of world history. The pages of her 'folk cookbook' are brim-full of generations' old nuggets of wisdom, as well as stories about Catatonia touring days and other escapades, plus over a hundred recipes and cocktail ideas from 15 countries.

RRP €28

Available from all good book shops

Night Time Renewal Set by The Inkey List

British brand The Inkey List has caused quite bit of a stir since its launch last year. Hailed as a new The Ordinary, the extremely affordable range of skincare essentials has a gorgeous Night Time Renewal set this Christmas – a duo of two top products from The Inkey List. It includes: Retinol – the powerful anti-ageing ingredient renowned for stimulating collagen production and promoting skin renewal to reveal a more youthful-looking complexion and Polyglutamic Acid which plumps the skin and appearance of fine lines. Can hold four times as much moisture as Hyaluronic Acid and it also works as a fantastic primer before makeup application.

RRP €25

Available from Cloud10Beauty and good pharmacies nationwide

Apivita Intensive Moisturising Hand Cream with Hyaluronic Acid & Honey

This intensive moisturising cream helps to maintain the hands naturally hydration, while at the same time it nourishes and protects the skin. It moisturises beautifully thanks to ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, organic aloe vera juice, organic Greek olive oil and panthenol. The addition or organic beeswax and shea butter helps prevent irritation. It has a rich texture that is easily absorbed leaving hands extremely soft.

RRP €8

Available in pharmacies nationwide and www.cosmeticsonline.ie

Blank Canvas – Tools To Match Your Talent Brush Set

This is a gorgeous Christmas present for the beauty guru in your life. It is a three-tiered box set which contains 40 face and eye brushes from Blank Canvas Cosmetics. The value of the whole set comes to €440, which means a saving of €190.

RRP €250

Available from Cloud10Beauty, Blank Canvas and good pharmacies nationwide

Gift Card from Hermans Hair Salon

Hermans hair salon, Grafton street has been in business for almost 50 years and is one of Dublin city’s longest standing salons. Since then Hermans has opened salons in Dundrum Town Centre, Grafton Street and Ballinteer along with Knights on the Green and Dundrum Town Centre. To thank its loyal customers this Christmas every Hermans client will receive a festive Christmas card filled with special discounts for the month of January to help beat those January blues. Included in each card is a blowdry for just €20 and €20 off any colour with a cut. If you aren’t lucky enough to receive one of these vouchers, you can always pick a gift voucher up instore for that special someone.

RRP FREE! to loyal customers

Available from Hermans Hair Salon

Boots Soap & Glory Glazm-azing Goddess Collection

This is a dinky gift of a make-up selection from Soap & Glory. This goddess-worthy set features: Thick & Fast™ High-Definition Mascara in Jet Black 10ml, Crazy sexy kohl™ in Smoulder 0.5g, Love At First Blush™ Rosy-Radiance Shimmer Powder 7.5g and Spectaculips™ Lip Plumping Gloss in Bare Enough 7ml. With four products for €26 it’s a great price point too.

RRP €26

Available from all Boots stores and Boots.ie

We solemnly swear that Harry Potter fans will LOVE these gifts

Dec 12, 2019

by Kat O'Connor

If you’ve yet to find a gift for your Harry Potter obsessed friend then look no further. We’ve conjured up a list of presents that they’re bound to adore. They range in price so there’s something for everyone, no matter what your budget.

We solemnly swear Hogwarts hopefuls will be thrilled with any of these gifts.

Harry Potter Print €5.06

Harry Potter Jumper €16.89

Dobby Pop! Vinyl €15.99

Image result for Dobby Pop! Vinyl — Eason

Harry Potter Book Collection €34.99

Harry Potter Travel Mug €4.99

Harry Potter Necklace €9.84

Harry Potter Colour Changing Lipsticks €13

Harry Potter Scarf €24.62

Harry Potter Moleskine Notebook €14.49

Chocolate Frog €6.47

Harry Potter Make-Up Brushes €26

Harry Potter Power Bank €20.72

Harry Potter Egg Cup and Toast Cutter Set €11.99

Mini Hedwig Plush €14

Muggle Mug €16.95

A little bit of luxury! The beauty gift sets on our Christmas wish lists

Dec 11, 2019

by Amber Saunders

Yon-Ka Paris Body Vanity

This gift set contains Yon-Ka Paris Huile Delicieuse 100ml – the oil softens the skin, brings it glow and nourishes deeply. Its delicate, natural and relaxing scent invites the mind to escape on a journey to well-being. It also includes Yon-Ka Paris Gommage Aux Sucres 200ml – a 2-sugars body scrub which melts on the skin and turns into milk when mixed with water. It exfoliates and leaves a light veil of softness on the skin. Both products are contained in a beautiful Yon-Ka Paris Vanity Bag.

RRP €74

Yon-ka Paris skincare is available from approved salons nationwide.

Image Skincare Renewing Ritual Collection

A complete day-to-night regimen with Image Skincare bestsellers for bright, luminous skin. This set features some of our most popular formulas for fast acting (and long-term) visible results. They brighten, tighten and firm the skin’s appearance. The collection includes the Image Skincare Max Stem Cell Facial Cleanser 118ml, Ageless Total Pure Hyaluronic 6 Filler 30ml.

Vital C Hydrating Repair Crème 59ml, I Mask Firming Transformation Mask 7ml and Illuma Intense Brightening Serum 7ml.

RRP €139

Image Skincare is available from approved salons nationwide.

L’Occitane Immortelle Divine Gift Set

With a unique concentration of Immortelle essential oil, the L’Occitane luscious Divine products glide on smoothly, releasing exceptional benefits for visibly transformed skin. Bursting with vitality and newly energised, your skin will look simply radiant. This gift set is worth €240 when products are purchased individually and contains Immortelle Divine Cream 50ml, Immortelle Divine Eyes 15ml and Immortelle Divine Extract 30ml.

RRP €189 (worth €240)

Available to purchase instore or online here

Clarins Super Restorative Daily Cream Collection

The Clarins Super Restorative Daily Cream is the must have wonder product this year. It is an intensive replenishing day cream that meets the specific needs of skin. Enriched with exclusive organic Harungana extract, a 'healing' tree from Madagascar, it replenishes the skin at all levels and cares for dry skin on the face.

It immediately leaves the skin brighter-looking and smooth. Day after day, face is left replenished, lifted, radiant and with glowing skin.
The Clarins Super Restorative Day Cream is included in this gift set in a 50ml size along with the Clarins Super Restorative Night Cream 15ml and Clarins Super Restorative Hand Cream 30ml – all presented in a large size 2019 holiday pouch.

RRP €91

Available in all good pharmacies and department stores nationwide and online at www.clarins.ie

My Payot Gift Set

My Payot is an energising range designed to hydrate and protect the skin. Infused with superfruits, Goji berries and Acaí, to illuminate and energise the epidermis. Goji berries increase the level of antibodies in the skin, which strengthens the immune system and makes it easier to eliminate unwanted substances. The vitamin B and carotene content in goji berries encourage the epidermis cells to multiply and become more active.

Acaí regulates water levels in the skin, encourages natural drainage of toxins and restores radiance to the skin. This set contains My Payot Regard 15ml, My Payot Concentre Eclat 50ml, My Payot Jour 50ml and a beauty pouch.

RRP €69

Available in pharmacies nationwide.

Eminence Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream (with Bonus Peel System) Gift Set

Ultra-hydrating jojoba oil works alongside Eminence’s exclusive Peptide Illuminating Complex to soothe your skin. It’s a powerful daily moisturiser for all skin types. Reveal your radiance naturally and discover smooth, even and luminous skin. The Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream is part 3 of a 3-step Professional system:

Step 1: Exfoliate – Arctic Berry Enzyme Exfoliant (bonus of 3 ml)

Step 2: Activate – Arctic Berry Advanced Peel Activator MA10 (bonus of 3 ml)

Step 3: Illuminate – Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream (Full size 60 ml)

RRP €99

Available from Eminence.ie or can be bought in-salon at the Wicklow Street Clinic, Dublin and selected spas and salons throughout Ireland.

Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Collection

A golden gift idea for someone with a taste for English Pear & Freesia. This beautifully boxed gift collection includes a Cologne (30ml), Body & Hand Wash (100ml) and a Body Crème (50ml).

RRP €97

Available exclusively from Brown Thomas

Nuxe Charismatique Prodigieux Le Parfum Gift Set

Charismatic box set lovers of the captivating notes of Prodigieux® le parfum will be powerless to resist the charm of this rose gold lamé box set. It contains a 50ml bottle of Perfume, Prodigieux Scented Body Lotion 100ml and the Prodigieuse® 70g candle.

RRP €49.50

Available in pharmacies nationwide.

Clarins Double Serum Gift Set

The New Clarins Double Serum is a complete age control concentrate formulated to help work on the 5 vital functions of the skin for a more youthful and radiant complexion. N ow containing 21 active plant extracts including new star ingredient turmeric, distinguished for its exceptional anti-ageing properties.

New Double Serum acts on the appearance of major signs of skin-ageing, skin is more radiant, firmer and fine lines are smoothed. The new innovative bottle delivers a made-to-measure dosage of the serum, thanks to its rotating push button. This gift set includes Clarins Double Serum in a 50ml size along with Beauty Flash Balm 15ml and Lip Perfector 5ml – all presented in a large size 2019 holiday pouch.

RRP €92

Available in all good pharmacies and department stores nationwide and online at www.clarins.ie

Lierac Lift Integral Box

This gift box offers exceptional value with a saving of €45 off the retail price of the full product value. Not only is it great value for the luxury Lierac brand, but the Lift Integral range has been clinically shown to have immediate and lasting effectiveness.

As we grow older, we see structural changes taking shape to our faces. The face’s volume gradually melts and migrates, its contours sag, and the oval shape becomes blurred. Armed with expertise, a pioneer in lifting for twenty-five years, Laboratoires Lierac have identified the source of this problem and so the Lift Integral range was born. This set includes the Lierac Lift Integral Sculpting Cream 50ml and the Lierac Lift Integral Eye Lift Serum for Eyes and Lips 15ml.

RRP €70

Available in pharmacies nationwide.

Eminence Cleanse and Glow Gift Set

The brand has released a vegan gift set which includes two of its top-selling products. Eminence products are high-end luxury products that come with a medium price tag. This is because a tiny amount of each product is needed. So, the products last longer (up to a year in some cases) so there’s no need for constant repurchasing – it’s an effective investment brand.

This set includes the Mangosteen Daily Resurfacing Cleanser – this milky gel lightly lathers to slough off dead skin without manual exfoliation or over-stripping. The Lactic Acid Complex and mangosteen in this cleanser work together to restore a smooth, radiant complexion.

It also includes the Stone Crop Oxygenating Fizzofoliant – this powder-to-foam exfoliant employs microgreens, stone crop and rice flour with adzuki powder to infuse skin with a youthful looking glow. With its light fizzing action, this revitalising formula gently invigorates the skin and removes impurities to reveal a beautiful, brighter looking complexion. No microbeads are used in the product either.

RRP €59

Available from Eminence.ie or can be bought in-salon at the Wicklow Street Clinic, Dublin and selected spas and salons throughout Ireland.

Clarins Weekend Treats Collection

This collection includes the Clarins cult product, the Beauty Flash Balm which is the ultimate pick-me-up for tired skin. It’s a best-selling product which delivers a radiant skin booster and helps eliminate signs of fatigue in a flash. This beauty balm instantly moisturises, brightens and tightens facial contours so tired skin looks rested and relaxed. It contains soothing bisabolol which helps restore skin’s youthful glow for radiant skin. It also prepares skin for perfect make-up application and hours of luminous wear.

Along with the Clarins Beauty Flash Balm 50ml it also includes Clarins Hand & Nail Cream 100ml, Clarins Moisture Rich Body Lotion 30ml, Clarins Hydra Essential Cream 15ml, Clarins Eye Contour Gel 3ml and Clarins Lip Perfector 5ml – all presented in a large size 2019 holiday pouch.

RRP €59

Available in all good pharmacies and department stores nationwide and online at www.clarins.ie

Yon-Ka Paris Anti-Aging Vanity

This Yon-Ka anti-aging vanity comes with the Yon-Ka Paris Advanced Optimizer Serum 30ml which is their ultimate firming product that visibly lifts the skin on the face, the Yon-Ka Paris Advanced Optimizer Crème 50mll which acts in tandem with the serum to visibly redefine face contours and the Yon-Ka Paris Advanced Optimizer Gel Lift 5ml which smooths and restores firmness to the delicate area of the neck, décolleté and bust. All three products are contained in a beautiful Yon-Ka Paris Vanity Bag.

RRP €110

Yon-ka Paris skincare is available from approved salons nationwide.

Image Skincare Beauty Sleep Collection

This is a lovely collection from Image Skincare for anyone who has had a tough year. The products make the most of the skin’s auto-repair mode. The nourishing routine delivers moisturising upgrades to lock in goodness at night, while a pure silk sleep mask helps to better your beauty sleep, Antioxidant’s, Vitamin and Hyaluronic acid will help you wake up to revitalised skin.

The collection includes the Image Skincare Max Stem Cell Facial Cleanser 118ml, Vital C Hydrating Overnight Mask 50ml, IMask Hydrating Hydrogel Sheet Mask x2, Vital C Hydrating Anti-Aging Serum 15ml and pretty sleep mask gift.

RRP €108.50

Image Skincare is available from approved salons nationwide.

Declaré Skin Meditation Anti-Stress Gift Set

The Declaré Switzerland’s Skin Meditation Set comes with their Skin Meditation Cream and Anti-Irritation Serum. For all-round protection against stress, tailored to the needs of today. Comprehensive protection against inner and outer stress factors, the cream protects skin intensively and is tailored to modern stress factors and skin needs which increasingly place higher demands on immune protection.

Skin Meditation is SOS skin care – for whenever your skin loses control. Help your skin to repair its own protection system and thus appear calmer and more relaxed in the long-term. Strengthen your skin’s resilience and forearm yourself against daily stress.

RRP €80

Available in all good pharmacies nationwide.

Lierac Premium Absolute Box

Lierac Premium is a new era in anti-ageing skincare. The regeneration potential of the skin is controlled by an exceptional protein called Foxo Protein. Also known as the protein of immortality, it works deep inside the cell nucleus to control all the stem cells to boosts the regeneration of dermal and epidermal tissues. This set includes the Lierac Premium Absolute Anti-Ageing Eye Cream 15ml and the Lierac Premium Voluptuous Absolute Cream 50ml.

RRP €129

Image Skincare is available from approved salons nationwide.

Dermalogica The Ultimate Cleanse & Glow Trio

This year’s Dermalogica collection includes four kits, priced from €16.50 to €97.50, and includes a mix of best-selling hero products and new innovations in both travel and retail sizes. Additionally, each kit features unique packaging artwork derived from street artist Kelsey Montague’s murals – inspiring buyers to make her bold, uplifting art a part of their holiday gift-giving. Our favourite is The Ultimate Cleanse & Glow Trio which contains a trio of their top sellers in full retail sizes. It includes the PreCleanse (150ml), Special Cleansing Gel (250ml) and Daily Microfoliant (74g).

RRP €97.50

Dermalogica x Kelsey Montague is available at Dermalogica-authorised spas, salons and skin centres and at dermalogica.ie

Dr. Hauschka Night Care Set

Night-time is when our skin has the chance to restore and revitalise itself after a busy day battling the elements. The Dr. Hauschka Night Care Set features four stunning products that result in a fresh, radiant complexion come morning. The Soothing Cleansing Milk and multi-use Facial Toner both support the skin’s natural renewal and cleansing process. The set also contains the award-winning Eye Make-Up Remover which effortlessly removes all your eye make-up while conditioning eyelashes and eyebrows. Just before bed, apply the Oil Free Night Serum which will revitalise and assist the skin in rediscovering its natural balance as you sleep.

RRP €49.95

Available from Dr. Hauschka stockists nationwide.

Green Angel Vital Moisture Giftset

This Green Angel super duo helps keep skin moisturised 24/7. Containing seaweed daily moisture Face Cream with jasmine, neroli and vitamin E and Seaweed Night Cream with 6 essential oils, these nutrient-rich, powerful ingredients help maintain healthy youthful-looking skin.

RRP €49.95

Available in stores nationwide (find stockist here) and online here.

Eminence ‘The Beauty Experts’ Top Picks Gift Set

If you have not discovered the amazing world of Eminence Organic Skin Care, then this gift set is the perfect introduction to the Eminence range which brings visibly improved and radiant skin. This all-in-one travel-sized set is ideal for normal to dry skin types, and each product is chosen to deliver a beauty ritual that cleanses, treats, hydrates and replenishes for exceptional results.

The Beauty Experts’ Top Picks Gift Set includes Stone Crop Gel Wash 30 ml, Bamboo Age Corrective Masque 15ml, Coconut Age Corrective Moisturizer 15 ml and Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil 15 ml.

RRP €95

Available from Eminence.ie or can be bought in-salon at the Wicklow Street Clinic, Dublin and selected spas and salons throughout Ireland.

Bon appetite! The best Irish cookbooks for the wannabe chef

Nov 20, 2019

by Kat O'Connor

Super Food In Minutes by Donal Skehan (Published by Hachette)

Super Food in Minutes is all about real, fast and delicious family food that just so happens to be good for you! Donal’s latest book includes 90 delicious recipes, and tips and tricks, for healthy home cooks that will change the way you cook.

Using 10 ingredients or less, each recipe uses streamlined, quick cooking methods with minimal effort and maximum results that help you make the most of your time spent in the kitchen. There are clear nutritional breakdowns, vegan, vegetarian and paleo options for each recipe, and a clean cook-friendly design. With Super Food in Minutes, you’ll have exciting everyday dinners, made with healthy ingredients at the core, on the table in less than 30 minutes.

Butlers Chocolate Cookbook (published by Butlers Chocolates)

Butlers has unveiled a chocolate cookbook just in time for Christmas. Chocolate Masters since 1932, their first ever cookbook is inspired by favourites from the extensive Butlers Collection. The cookbook contains 60 delicious, chocolate-based recipes to suit every occasion from family fun days to a show-stopping Christmas dessert.

Now available in all Butlers Chocolate Cafés and leading bookstores nationwide, readers can look forward to mouth-watering chocolate-based recipes, from spectacular special occasion cakes to magnificent mousses, scrumptious brownies and other tempting teatime treats.

Burren Dinners by Trevis L. Gleason (Published by O’Brien)

What do chefs cook when they have friends and family round for dinner? Award-winning author Trevis L.Gleason asked just that of the renowned chefs and artisanal food producers of The Burren.

Influenced by their rugged surroundings, pristine indigenous ingredients and generations-old passion for communal dining, the leading voices in The Burren food scene share treasured three-course dinner-party menus they’d serve in their own homes. From everyday dining to special occasions, these foodies share their recipes and Trevis serves up the back-stories of these creative, passionate, hard-working lovers of food at its best.

Clever Batch by Susan Jane White (Published by Gill Books)

Susan Jane White’s brilliant new book shows you how to eat well all week while respecting your time, money and patience. Learn to create meals that will sit in your fridge, hang out on your shelves or wait patiently in your freezer, giving you much more return on your kitchen investment.

So you can say yes to that bike ride with the kids or stay late at work to finish that report, because you took Three-Bean Chilli and Salted Coffee Caramels out of the freezer for dinner tonight.

One Pot Feeds All by Darina Allen (Published by Hachette)

One Pot Feeds All features 100 new recipes, from roasting tin dinners to one pan deserts – perfect for anyone who's time-poor. Simple, tasty dishes that are high on flavour and low on fuss – and washing up. It includes soups, frittatas and hearty dishes like stews, tagines and curries, as well as lots of desserts.

You can cook in one pot for one person or one hundred – all you have to do is scale up or down ingredients – perfect for solo cooks, families and anyone wanting to rustle up a feast for friends. Chapters are divided into Eggs, Poultry, Meat, Fish, Vegetables, Rice, Grains & Pasta and Sweet Things with an international mix of dishes, including Mexican Fried Eggs, Thai Chicken & Noodle Soup, Moroccan Lamb Tagine, Spanakopita, Chettinad Tomato Rice and Coffee Crema Catalana.

Raising Dough for Marymount by Gary Burke (Published by Mercier Press)

From local favourites like Timoleague sticky pork ribs, Ballycotton chunky seafood chowder and Mahon knickerbocker glory, to mouth-watering inventions like duck pastilla roll with roasted plums and guacamole, the recipes from this Cork cookbook will delight everyone around the table. From a Cork chef who loves his work, this is food for young and old alike.

Children will love chocolate cornflakes with popping candy, while blackened turkey tacos with bean salsa and avocado or chocolate soufflé with Jameson Anglaise will go down a treat with all the family. The money raised from this cookbook will help Marymount Hospice to continue offering the support and services it provides to so many Cork families.

It's safe, calm environment allows families to share those last precious moments with their loved ones, and its renowned comfort and care is appreciated by so many in the community. This book is for everyone who loves food and wants to get more out of their family time and cooking.

The Black and White Cookbook (Published by Clonakilty Food Co.)

The Clonakilty Food Co. have the perfect stocking-filler for the food-lover in your life. The Black and White Cookbook celebrates the iconic Clonakilty Black Pudding and Clonakilty White Pudding that is made in West Cork and enjoyed all over the world. The hardback cookbook contains a carefully curated selection of recipes which have been crafted by some of Ireland’s leading chefs, food writers and home cooks including Clodagh McKenna, Adrian Martin. Joe Shannon, Gastro Gays and Lilly Higgins.

Create Beautiful Food at Home by Adrian Martin (Published by Mercier Press)

Adrian Martin is a chef, author and television presenter. At the heart of his talent is a passion for good food and an eye for perfection. His love of food and showing how anyone can create a meal that belongs in fine-dining restaurant provide the inspiration for Create Beautiful Food at Home.

The first part of the book focuses on how to prepare the ingredients such as shucking an oyster, breaking down a chicken and filleting a fish. The second part is broken down into courses: Bread, Starters, Palate Cleansers, Mains, Desserts and Petit Fours. Striking images showcase how the dishes should be presented, with each dish having an image and step-by-step instructions for how to recreate it yourself. Dishes include Lobster Thermidor, Crab Ravioli, Blood Orange and Thyme Sorbet, Braised Beef, Venison and Barley Risotto, and Pear Tart Tatin.

Mother’s Day: The perfect books to buy the mammy who LOVES to read

Mar 29, 2019

by Kat O'Connor

Mother’s Day is fast approaching and it’s time to find the perfect gift for mother dearest. One of the best things to receive is a good book, whether you like fiction, self-help or gardening books, being gifted an endearing tale is such a treat.

We’ve put together a list of the best reads to buy your mum (or yourself) this Mother’s Day. They’ll certainly make the book lover in your life very happy.

1: The Importance of Being Aisling by Emer McLysaght and Sarah Breen (Gill Books)

Taking up where book one left off, Aisling is now 29 and she’s still a complete Aisling. After a tough year, things seem to be going well with Aisling and boyfriend John, and life with her flatmates Sadhbh and Elaine in their notiony Dublin apartment is more craic than ever.

However, readers can expect big changes for Aisling in book two when a shock change sees her moving back Down Home. Can she give up the sophistication of brunch and unlimited Pinot Greej? Will she and Mammy kill each other living back under the same roof? And where does that leave her and John? The storyline includes a hilarious girls’ trip to Vegas which gives Aisling some unexpected confidence that sees her going on to grab Ballygobbard by the horns with a new venture.

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2: The Positive Habit by Fiona Brennan (Gill Books)

This ultimate manual for the mind will help you train your brain to embrace negative thoughts and transform them into positive emotions.

The Positive Habit is a transformative book that helps readers embrace their negative thoughts and cultivate a positive mindset, through six practical steps, which are grounded in the science of habit, mindfulness, positive psychology and neuroscience. Learn how to self-generate six core positive emotions that guide you from negativity to positivity, from anxiety to calm and from fear to love.

Accompanied by an audio-hypnotherapy meditation plan that takes just a few minutes a day, split between morning and evening, The Positive Habit will transform your mental health as you doze off peacefully to the sleep-time audio and wake up happy as you listen to the 7-minute morning ritual. The relaxing morning- and sleep-time audios will programme your brain effortlessly and help you develop the ability to take control of your emotional health, as you build your ladder to happiness and develop The Positive Habit!

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3: Happily Imperfect by Stacey Solomon (Harper Collins)

In Happily Imperfect, be moved to tears and laughter by joining Stacey in her journey so far, as she reveals how to stay positive despite the everyday pressure to be and look perfect. Told through hilarious, sometimes moving, and always charming anecdotes, discover how to get the best out of life by being positive, not following the crowd and trusting your gut instincts.

Covering how to navigate motherhood, deal with anxiety and prejudice, as well as the experience of getting older, Stacey has plenty of words of wisdom to share. With tips and tricks on how to apply a positive mindset within your own day-to-day life, become emotionally freer and happier with Stacey by your side.

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A post shared by Stacey Solomon (@staceysolomon) on Mar 7, 2019 at 11:12am PST

4: Lost in Motherhood by Grace Timothy (Harper Collins)

Best described as The Wrong Knickers for mums, in this wry, resonant and darkly funny memoir, journalist Grace Timothy explores motherhood as an issue of identity.

The hilarious book follows Grace’s journey from a young married woman at the top of her editorial game in London, to a thirty-something mum, confused as to how she can love someone as much as her daughter and yet feel lost as a person.

Compulsively readable, irresistibly written and incredibly well-observed, Grace’s searingly-honest account of motherhood is essential reading for every mum trying to find their way after the mother of all identity crises.

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5: Organised by Sarah Reynolds (Gill Books)

Wouldn’t life run more smoothly if your home was organised? Enter Sarah Reynolds, Ireland’s leading professional organiser and her new book Organised: Simple Ways to declutter your house, your schedule and your mind.

Whether you live in a chaotic family home or a small apartment, this book will show you how to organise your self, schedule and space so that getting and staying organised is easy; declutter with confidence; set up your wardrobe so you wear the clothes you have; entertain friends in a relaxing, clean space; tame your inbox!

Step-by-step, room-by-room, you'll soon find that you hardly ever lose things, massive clear outs become a thing of the past and you never spend more than 10 minutes a day tidying up.

If you are stuck in a vicious cycle of wanting to get organised but not having enough time to do so, then Organised is what you’ve been waiting for. This book will help you fall in love with your home again and keep it that way.

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6: The Baby-Friendly Family Cookbook by Aileen Cox Blundell (Gill Books)

With a 16-year-old, an 11-year-old vegetarian and a lively 4-year-old, Aileen Cox Blundell has a breadth of experience with catering to all appetites and demands.

In her new cookbook, The Baby-Friendly Family Cookbook, Aileen is back with over 150 wholesome recipes that suit the entire family. From winning breakfasts like MacMammy Egg Muffins and Sweet Potato Orange Pancakes, to lunchbox wonders like Veggie-Loaded Mini Quiches and Italian Quinoa Bites.

Every recipe has been developed with health and nutrition in mind and will appeal to the whole family, making mealtimes a pleasure rather than a chore. As well as the recipes, Aileen includes practical advice including how to cook for a vegetarian, safety tips around baby-led feeding, and the ultimate guide to fussy eating.

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7: The Newborn Identity by Maria Boyle (Penguin)

Meeting a baby is like meeting someone from the internet: you got used to calling them by a weird nickname and now you need to call them by their real name; they look nothing like their photo; it is hard to believe they’re real until they are actually there…

The hilarious and poignant cartoons of illustrator Twisteddoodles bring a smile to the faces of parents every single day. Her drawings brilliantly capture the unique experience of motherhood and the huge range of emotions that it brings.

In this warm and witty book, Maria writes candidly about what becoming a mother has meant for her. Interspersing her words with brilliant cartoons, she delivers a marvellously entertaining snapshot of life as a modern-day parent. Her sharp observations cover everything from the sleep-deprived early days of having newborn twins to the reality of being a working mum; from just getting out of the house to slowly get your social life back. Upbeat and humorous, this is a wonderful book for parents and parents-to-be.

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8: The Gift of Friends by Emma Hannigan (Hachette Ireland)

The final novel from the beloved and inspiring Emma Hannigan is a life-affirming, uplifting story that celebrates the strength and joys of female friendship.

Kingfisher Road- a leafy, peaceful in the town of Vayhill. But there are whispers behind closed doors. Who is moving into Number 10? Danielle appears to her new neighbours to have a perfect, glossy life. But not everything is as it seems… In fact, each of the other four women who live close by has a secret and each is nursing their own private heartache.

But could a gift be waiting on their doorsteps? And, by opening their front doors, and their hearts, to each other, could the women of Kingfisher Road discover all the help they need?

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The Gift Guide for the Mum who says she ‘doesn’t want anything’

Mar 25, 2019

by Staff Writer

It's a typical thing that most mum/stepmum/grandma/aunty/mother-figure's on the planet have said at one point or other.

''What would you like for Mother's Day/your birthday/Christmas?'' to which she replies, ''Oh, nothing at all, sure what would I want when I've got everything?''

If that answer throws you into a spiral of worry, fear not.

We have a few ideas up our sleeves as to what you can get her when she says she doesn't want anything at all.

1. Mum In A Million Pandora Charm

2. Revlon Pediprep Foot Spa

Image result for Revlon Pediprep foot spa — **€33.99**, Boots

3. Lush Bath Bombs

4. The Ladybird Book Of The Mum

5. The Break by Marian Keyes

6. L'Occitane Hand Cream Trio

Must-Have Hand Cream Trio — **€25.00** , L'Occitane

7. Fitness Tracker

8. Stunning Notebook

9. Bee Hive Sew Box

Bee Hive Sew Box Multicolour Bee Hive Sew Box — €39.00, Home Focus at Hickeys

10. Eco-Friendly Flowers

Fragrant Irish Woodland — €54.50, Annie Bloom

11. Bamboo Folding iPad Stand

12. B by Ted Baker – Light Pink Floral Print

Light Pink Floral Print 'Palace Gardens' Dressing Gown — **€49.60**, Debenhams

13. YSL Rouge Pur Couture The Slim

14. Celtic Candles Burner & 3 Melts Pack

15. Custom Family Portrait

16. Wheel Thrown Ceramic Clay Teapot

17. Passport Holder

Fun gift ideas for that special someone you’ve just started dating

Dec 19, 2018

by Amber Saunders

When you've just started dating somebody, and then the festive season comes around, the whole present debacle can be pretty awkward if it goes wrong.

Whether it's their birthday, Christmas day or just to show them a token of your appreciation (*wink*), if you get them the wrong gift, you can really miss the mark.

You want to show them your best side when it comes to gift giving, so we've put together a group of gifts that are quirky, fun and niche.

They're essentially impossible not to love, no matter who you're dating right now.

Have a browse, and try not to buy them all. Or else just buy them for yourself instead….(sorry not sorry)

1. 'Hair of the Dog' Hip Flask

2. Harry Potter Hogwarts piggy bank

Buy: www.iwantoneofthose.com
Price: €8.85

3. Rose gold scratch map

4. What Do You Meme? game

Buy: www.whatdoyoumeme.com
Price: €26.31

5. Gameboy alarm clock

6. Disco ball decoration

7. Gold cocktail set

8. Burn Book notepad

9. Mystery Box: choose a category but not the gift, and let the box decide

10. Storm Cloud Weather Predictor (the clearer the better)

11. KiiPix Instant Photo Printer

12. Paladone Battle Shots game

13. Lonely Planet travel guide to the world

14. Pawsome socks, six-pack

15. Underwater disco light experience

Get off on the right foot, ladies and gents.

Tech-tacular: The ultimate festive gift-guide for the technology lover

Dec 19, 2018

by Staff Writer

Gifts that incorporate our era's obsession with all things technological are always a hit.

From the newly innovative to the nostalgic, we have a high-low mix of gadgets and accessories for the tech zealot in your life:

Huawei Mate 20 Pro

Huawei is quickly taking over as one of Ireland's most popular smart phone producers. The Mate 20 Pro in particular is hailed for it's amazing camera, super fast charging and huge screen.

We tried it out for a few months, and have concluded that it's one of the best phones on the market when it comes to photography and innovation – with features including direct translations, AI photography, 3D screening, nutrition cataloguing and water resistance.

Play Station Classic

Sony announced earlier this year that they were launching the PlayStation Classic – a console inspired by the original, preloaded with 20 vintage games.

The gaming device is modelled off the OG PlayStation however this device is almost half the size of the original. The console is being released exactly 24 years after the original and first ever PlayStation launched.

Fujifilm Instax Camera

Fujifilm’s Instax Square SQ6 is making memory conservation a priority – allowing digital natives to capture their happiest moments on real film, but with a modern interface.

The instant camera is capable of changing the brightness and exposure of images before they are printed, and photographers can take multiple images before scrolling through and choosing the one they want to print. There are also opportunities to get seriously creative, with capabilities for double exposure, strobe colour filters and selfie modes.

Beats Headphones

Beats by Dr Dre EP Headphones are finely tuned, which means you'll be able to hear music as the artist intended.

The clear acoustics give space and balance to the sound, which means your music will always sounds great. Usually, these headphone are pretty pricey – but they're on sale for almost half price at Curry's right now.

Smartphone Projector Deluxe

This handy partible projector uses a smartphone turn even the most mundane of surfaces into a TV screen.

The crafty contraption is ready for use with iOS, Android and Windows-compatible smart phones.

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer

The team behind Dyson's ground-breaking vacuum cleaners have redesigned the modest hair dryer into a beauty essential that will revolutionise your styling routine.

A powerful digital motor speeds up drying time significantly with precise airflow. The intelligent heat control system measures air temperature 20 times per second, preventing damage and retaining the hair’s natural shine.

10000mAh Solar Power Bank

For the social media savvy or avid iPhone photographers, sometime their biggest smart phone issue can be running out of charge.

While regular power banks also need to be charged up on the regular (and seriously, who remembers to do that) a solar power one only needs to be left in charging mode in the sun. Ideal for holiday where you can just charge it on any outdoor table or let it charge as you lie on the beach and scroll through Insta – it's a travel 'grammers dream.

Hairy mate? These hair care gifts will be perfect for under the tree

Dec 18, 2018

by Sorcha McManigan

Our luscious locks need the best hair care, so we've assembled some of our fave products.

If your loved-one is hair obsessed or you're looking for a little extra to go with a big pressie, these are ideal.

Give someone the gift of beautiful hair this Christmas.

Herbal Essences bio: renew Micellar Water & Blue Ginger Collection from €7.49

Tangle Teezer £11.00

Pantene Superfood from €5.29

Brown Thomas: Piubelle Diamantine Housewife Pillowcase €39.95

InStyler® MAX – Black 32mm 2-way Rotating Iron €99.99

Silke Hair Wrap The Eva €51.95

Macadamia Conditioner Masque £17.99

Champagne silk hair scrunchies €7.49

Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor Treatment 250ml €5.99

Kérastase Elixir Ultime Huile Cheveux Colorés €37.10

L'Oreal Elnett Heat Protect Straight Hairspray 170ml €8.99

Pantene Superfood: 3 Minute Miracle Conditioner 200ml from €4.99

Roots Scalp Treatment £12.95/225g

Fanola No Yellow Shampoo 350ml €11.55

Revlon Equave Blonde Detangling Kit €17.99

Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer €399.95

This home-grown Irish brand creates gorgeous scented candles

Dec 17, 2018

by Amber Saunders

If you are looking for a beautiful gift for a loved one, or a sure-fire way to treat yourself, look no further. We’ve found the perfect Irish-owned company who carefully create hand-made products to soothe the soul and melt your heart.

Candles have different meanings for every occasion; be it a special moment of celebration, a birthday festivity or just a calming night-in for the ultimate relaxation experience, a scented candle is the ideal reminder of healing and peace.

The talented founder of Lovato Candles created the luxury brand when he was just 20-years-old in his home county, Cork.

Jason Hamilton-Foott began the company from his home in the autumn of 2016, and the collection of gentle wax products has gone from strength to strength ever since.

The handmade candles are curated using only 100 percent natural wax and the finest blend of fragrance oils, ensuring that the end products are unique to each buyer.

Jason’s candles are an outlier in the market. Immediately a standout favourite, the high quality ingredients, contemporary design and careful crafting from beginning to end have attracted attention of consumers worldwide.

The founder’s love of travelling is a major influence on his brand and combined with his appreciation of Irish life, has resulted in a huge variety of scents and diffusers resembling the fragrance of our natural lands blended with those of further afield.

Lovato Candles have received a mountain of praise for their fragrance products which never fail to soothe, satisfy and exceed customer expectations.

Jason’s collection is comprised of a range of ten fragrances of scented candles and diffusers, each Lovato candle is instantly beloved both at home and abroad.

The choice within the Lovato Candle range is extensive; you can choose between votive candles, candles with a luxury box, clear candles, luxury candles with a silver lid and three-wick candles, as well as diffusers and wax melts.

Some of the beautiful aromatic fragrances include; Black Plum & Rhubarb, Seaweed and Juniper, Lemongrass and Ginger, Rock Salt and Driftwood, Thai Lime and Mango, Mandarin and Sandalwood, and Night Blooming Jasmine. Each one is truly a gift for the senses.

Lovato Candles are stocked in some of Ireland's most celebrated retailers. Jason and his company now have their own Bandon studio where their decadent collection is carefully crafted.

Why not try give your perfect match the tranquil candle they deserve? We want the full range for maximum comfort within our home, these crafted candles are the image of self-care.