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skincare

Getting clear, glowing and blemish-free skin could be as easy as making a few simple changes to your routine – but the key is knowing which ones.

There's no point in splashing out on a trolley's worth of beauty products if none of them is right for your skin.

Regardless of their skin type, there are a few simple things that all women with great skin count as part of their everyday routine.

1. Using SPF every day
Even in rainy Ireland, direct sunlight can cause harm to our skin over time. Avoid wrinkles and dark spots in the future by using a moisturiser with SPF on your face and neck. Many foundations and BB Creams now come with added SPF too – win.

2. Not being afraid of oil-based products
Those of us with oily skin or spot-prone patches tend to shy away from oil-based products. But ensuring your skin is properly hydrated is important for preventing excess sebum production. If you're still reluctant, use an oil-based cleanser on your skin to remove all traces of make-up, before following up with a regular cleanser.

3. Exercising regularly
As if you needed another good reason to hit the gym. Exercise increases blood flow to the skin, helping to nourish cells and improving circulation. Plus, sweating is a great way to get all those toxins out – just be sure to wash your face well after your gym session.

4. Exfoliating at LEAST once a week
People with oily skin may need ot exfoliate more, but most of us should be working up a scrub at least once every seven days to buff away dead skin skills. A regular exfoliation routine will keep your skin looking brighter, and will prevent build up of oil and dead skin in pores. Fewer blemishes and clearer skin – it's a no-brainer.

5. Refusing to go to sleep with make-up on
Whatever guilty pleasures you give into of a Saturday night, don't let falling asleep with a full face of slap be one of them. Even in a worst case scenario you should aim to take make-up off with a cleansing wipe and to moisturise well.

6. Washing bedclothes regularly
We spend eight hours a night in our bed, and if you sleep on your side that means a third of your day is spent with your skin resting on your pillowcase. Washing your bedclothes at least once a week is key to preventing spots and irritation from bacteria.

7. Avoiding alcohol-based skincare products
Unless you have severely oily skin, astringent products are a no-no as they can leave your face feeling tight, dry and red. If you have naturally dry skin, use a fragrance-free cream or oil-based cleanser and moisturiser for all-day hydration.

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We never say no to a little bit of sparkle on our nails, and when it's as easy as this, we don't have to.

Korean salon owner Eun Kyung Park started something of an Instagram craze recently when she started using tiny pieces of holographic cellophane in her manicures.

The result? A sparkly/iridescent finish that gives the effect of a pane of shattered glass.

Design possibilities for this look are pretty endless – you can pile on the cellophane for a more layered look, or keep it simple, like this:

If your nail art budget won't stretch to a trip to Korea, fear not, as the process it VERY easy to recreate at home with nail foil or pink-toned cellophane.

1. Cut your cellophane into small shard-like triangles.

2. Paint your nails with a base coat as usual.

3. Then paint them with the colour of your choice – light colours work best for the iridescent effect.

4. With the polish still wet, use a tweezers to pick up the cellophane and place it on the nail in the pattern of your choice. Keeping the triangles vertical helps for the shattered-glass effect. You may need to work one nail at a time.

5. Allow your nails to dry, then paint over with two layers of top coat.

6. Enjoy the sparkle!

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One of our favourite looks from Sunday night's Emmy Awards was Game of Thrones star, Maisie Williams. 

She donned a very soft retro look with a pastel pink strapless gown and fluff-top heels (which we adore).

Something else we adored on the night was Maisie's make-up.

Her skin glowed from one end of the red carpet to the other and we have just found out that's all thanks to Kiehl's skincare. 

Makeup artist, Kindra Mann, was responsible for the stars look on the night.

“I was totally inspired tonight by Maisie's retro feeling pink dress. I loved that the colour and texture gave it a vintage feel."

"We wanted the makeup to feel that same way, but with a more modern twist.”

“To keep Maisie’s skin looking fresh all night I started off by pressing a few drops of Kiehl’s Daily Reviving Concentrate onto her skin before applying a little of Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream for added moisture."

"I prepped the under eye area with a little of Kiehl’s Creamy Eye Treatment with Avocado.

Sounds like a dreamy pampering session to us!

“For the lips we wanted a nice nude color that was a little softer than the pink in the dress.  I started off by applying Kiehl’s Lip Balm #1 to hydrate the lips." 

"I then added Hourglass Femme Nude Lip Stylo in #1 Pale Pink Nude to give it that perfect nude color.”

And what's more, we can get our hands on these gorgeous products too! Everything used on Maisie is available from Dundrum Town Centre and Arnotts

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When someone tells us that we can achieve better skin without cutting out our favourite snacks then we are going to support that idea.

Some of these are not that surprising, green tea has been celebrated for being rich in anti-oxidants and adding it to your favourite recipes can help you achieve a flawless complexion. However, did you know that red wine can do the same? Along with more of your favourite foods wine can also be used to help clear up your skin.

This is the best news we’ve heard all week.

Almonds

Rich in Vitamin E to help improve complexion and protect against pathogens. Also, almond butter is the snack of the food-gods so a clear winner there.

Beef

Burgers for everyone! Ok, so maybe not Big Macs three meals a day, but grass-fed beef is a source of omega-3 fatty acids to improve your skin’s elasticity.

Avocado

One study from 2008 found that avocados are rich in Vitamin D, E and A which help replench dry or damaged skin.

Dark Chocolate

High levels of cocoa hydrate your skin and make it more firm and supple. The antioxidants it contains also improve your skin’s luminosity. So, give us all of the chocolate.

Red Wine

Research from Harvard Medical School has shown that red wine drinkers reap the benefits of resveratrol which is an anti-aging agent found in the skin of red grapes.

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If you find your skin is dull or prone to break outs no matter what "wonder products" you use to cleanse and exfoliate, it could be time to start looking at things differently.

After all, what does it matter if you have the best cleanser on the market if you're not using it to its full potential? And who cares what fancy body butter you use if your skin's not able to get the full benefit of the ingredients? 

That's where Clarisonic's sonic cleansing and smart technology come in. Clarisonic devices utilise a patented oscillation movement that moves the brush head back and forth between 200 and 300 times a second.

Celebrity fans of the products include Eva Longoria, Sarah Jessica Parker, Lauren Conrad, Emmy Rossum, Demi Moore and of course, Oprah, who sent sales skyrocketing a few years back when she raved about the first Clarisonic range on her show.

Now, there's a new addition to the Clarisonic family. 

The new Clarisonic Smart Profile allows for a powerful and fully customised cleanse from head to toe at the push of a button, using the skincare products of your choice.

This, coupled with Clarisonic’s fluid forces technique, provides a gentle and effective cleanse, allowing your cleanser and exfoliator to better penetrate the skin. The same rule applies to any products you apply after cleansing, such as face masks or moisturisers. With perfectly cleansed skin, you can finally get the most out of every product you apply.

For the first time, Clarisonic have developed brush heads specifically designed for use on the rest of the body. The Clarisonic Smart Profile Kit includes a Smart Turbo Massage Body Brush Head as well as a Smart Dynamic Facial Brush Head, so you can get a deep cleanse from head to toe.

SHEmazing! headed along to the official launch of the Smart Profile Kit in Dublin's Suesey Street this week, to check out the new brush heads in action, and we loved what we saw:

The kit retails at €249 and is available from all Clarisonic stockists now.

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We all know that picking the best make up and skin products can be hard sometimes, especially when there are SO MANY brands and types to choose from.

Well, now there's a new website on the scene that does all the hard work for you!

Powder is a site that gives expect advice on what items you should be using and where to get them. Just go on to their website, type in a few personal details, (like your skin type and your beauty routine) and – viola! – the experts will tell you the best product to use to suit your skin type.

What's more, the site also covers a range of products from moisturisers to cleansers, foundations to mascaras and even lipstick and eye liners. 

You can filter your results too depending on your budget; just tell them how much you'd like to spend and they will stick to that number.

This is actually the first beauty site that is completely tailored to you so you can get bespoke advice right in your own home. The website is produced in collaboration with magazines such as Marie Claire, InStyle, Woman & Home, and Look so you know the experts giving you advice are the best there is.

They will also give you handy tips and tricks on the best way to apply your make up and skin care.

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It's the sort of thing we should do more of, but can't always be bothered.

Because checking up every single ingredient on the label of your favourite beauty products can be tedious, not to mention confusing.

To make it a little easier for you, however, (and because we know you have busy schedules AND don’t have time to find a magnifying glass AND spend hours on Google), we identified the one magic component you NEED to look out for: hyaluronic acid.

It's actually something that your body produces itself naturally.

The issue is that as we grow older, this natural ability reduces. This can lead to the development of (uh-oh) dry skin, and (worse still) wrinkles.

Thankfully, products like Alpha-H Pure Liquid Gold are designed to revitalise your skin for a natural-looking glow, while also helping to reduce any wrinkles or scarring.

And it's not just wrinkles either: a lack of hyaluronic acid also mean you skin takes longer to heal. This can mean you're more likely to attract bacteria to your skin’s surface, which can lead to breakouts and acne. 

So treat yourself to a mini facial at home powered by this wonder ingredient.

In particular, the Nip + Fab Glycolic Fix Exfoliating Facial pads are a real beauty find. Soaked in glycolic acid as well as hyaluronic acid, they help replenish skin moisture for smoother and brighter skin.

Meanwhile, REN's Radiance Renewal Mask is a gentle, hyaluronic acid-infused peel that results in firm, plump and radiant skin like you wouldn't believe.

In fact, one of the best things about hyaluronic acid, is how it attracts water: if you apply a serum with hyaluronic acid in it, then put your moisturise on over the top, it will stay in place longer. No other biological substance is capable of this trick!

Anti-bacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory: kind of like a superhero, for your skin. We love hyaluronic acid!

All of these are available on Cloud10Beauty.com. FYI: this site is a gem if you're looking for ANY kind of beauty steal.

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Ladies with oily skin will know what a nightmare it can be.

You shy away from the camera on nights out just in case your powder has failed you and your make-up just never seems to last like you know it should.

So how can you deal with oily skin? Here are some tips you may find helpful when it comes to dealing with the shine monster.

  • Cleansing is essential

In order to stay blemish-free and to stop a build up of oil from wreaking havoc with your skin, it’s important to cleanse at LEAST twice a day.

Always look for an oil-free foam/gel based cleanser that will keep your skin clear but still be gentle enough to use more than once a day.

  • Don’t skip the toner

It can be easy to think of toner as an optional step in your skincare routine – but once you do use it, you won’t go back. For best results, use a toner that is specialised for oily skin such as La Roche-Posay’s SEROZINC.

This mattifying facial mist has been specially formulated to give your skin a non-shiny appearance as well as tightening pores. SEROZINC has been something of a must-have with Irish beauty gurus but has not been available on our shores – until now. 

From April 1st, the misting toner, specialised for oily and blemish-prone skin will be available in pharmacies nationwide for only €10.

  • Should you moisturise oily skin?

Many people believe that putting moisturiser on oily skin will only make things worse – but not so. Your skin needs hydration and moisture, especially with all of the elements we are subjected to every day; from the cold weather to the office air con it’s important to treat our skin right.

While heavy moisturisers may leave oily skin feeling clogged and heavy, finding a light-weight, water-based and most importantly non-oily moisturiser, your skin can get what it needs without risking outbreaks.

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S! TV presenter Niamh Geaney sat down with Clarins' Debbie McVicar to talk all things skincare. 

From cleansers and serums to foundation, Debbie taught the SHEmazing! girls all we need to know about looking after our skin from an early age. 

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If you don’t yet follow a skincare routine by the middle of your 20’s, it’s probably time to start.

Looking after your skin now will ensure you have it down by the time the aging (gracefully!) process starts.

Skin issues facing many in their 20’s tend to be breakouts, acne, and dry skin.

Here is the best skincare routine to follow for whatever type of skin you have:

Combination skin
Step 1: Wipe away eye make-up with micellar water or eye make-up remover.
Step 2: Use a foaming wash for combination skin to remove any final traces of make-up.
Step 3: In the morning, apply a light moisturiser with a high SPF under your make-up to protect from sun or wind damage.
Step 4: Before bed, apply a night cream to ensure you wake up with a glow.

Skin tip: 1-3 times a week use an exfoliater to polish away dead skin cells and leave your skin renewed and fresh.

Oily skin
Step 1: Remove eye make-up with micellar water or eye make-up remover.
Step 2: Use an oil-free foaming cleanser to remove any remaining trace of make-up.
Step 3: Apply toner to oily areas (generally the T-zone).
Step 4: Use a light, oil-free moisturiser with a high SPF under your make-up during the day.
Step 5: Night creams can be too heavy and pore-clogging for skin prone to oiliness. Instead, use a serum designed for oily skin that will hyrdrate your skin as you sleep without clogging pores.

Skin tip: If oily skin has you feeling self-conscious during the day, carry some blotting papers in your handbag.

Dry skin
Step 1: Use a cream cleanser to wipe any traces of make-up from your skin.
Step 2: Go over skin once again with a cream cleanser or soap and fragrance-free foam cleanser specialised for dry skin to ensure all your make-up is removed.
Step 3: Apply a serum with skin calming properties under moisturiser.
Step 4: Use a moisturiser for dry skin with a high SPF underneath your make-up.
Step 5: Before bed, apply a night cream for dry skin that will keep your skin hydrated.

Skin tip: Always use warm water, not hot when washing your face (and your body for that matter!)

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The aging of the eye area is the number one beauty concern of women across the globe.

They are, after all, the windows to the soul and with such delicate skin around them, it’s important to make sure we protect the eye area.

Now, Clarins have launched their Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate, which used the power of plants to give and maintain a youthful look about the eye area.

While Silktree helps reduce the appearance of dark circles from one too many nights out with the girls (totally worth it), Guarana extract which is rich in caffeine, helps to reduce that puffy look.

Working in a three pronged effect from temple to temple, Clarins’ Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate smoothes the appearance of wrinkles, reduces puffiness and dark circles as well as making the eyelids appear ‘lifted’. A huge 94% of women were satisfied with the product after just one week's use. 

The new formula will be available from Clarins counters nationwide from the 29th March and retails at  €61.

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A new survey has found that four out of five women do not shower every day while up to 63% of the 2,021 women questioned admitted that they do not remove their make-up before bed.

The research was conducted by skincare company, Flint + Flint in order to find out how women in the UK are looking after and treating their skin.

The survey also found that a rather shocking one in three women leave it up to three days without showering and over half of women revealed they use face wipes to remove their make-up.

The findings are in contrast to what the survey also found women know about their skin; almost all of the women asked, 92%, were aware of how important looking after their skin is.

Founder of the skincare line, Maxine Flint, spoke about the perplexing findings, saying: “ I understand the appeal of sleeping in, but skipping a morning wash is both anti-social for the people around us and unhealthy. We are talking about routines that literally take minutes out of your day. It’s true that today’s pace of life is fast, but surely as a nation we haven’t become too busy to wash.”

Do you have a strict routine when it comes to looking after your skin? 

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