Irish-made hero product... - Financial Unions

Fionnuala Jay lists her top Irish beauty brands, and the hero products she recommends the most this summer.

Nowadays, we are spoiled for choice when it comes to Irish beauty brands. Gone are the days of scouring beauty counters, stores and online shops to support our own, with makeup bags across the country now heaving with the very best in homegrown skincare and makeup talent.

Here are some of my favourite Irish beauty brands I've encountered over the years:

1. Sculpted By Aimee
Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know all about Sculpted By Aimee. Founded by makeup artist Aimee Connolly in 2016, the cruelty-free brand boasts a wide collection of high quality, multi-use products across makeup and skincare.

Hero Product: Complexion-wise, Sculpted covers every base (no pun intended), but my personal favourite is the Tint And Glow - a tinted moisturiser and SPF combo that delivers on radiance and protection.

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2. Anam Cosmetics
A relative newbie to the market, Anam Cosmetics is for those who cannot live without sparkle. Their biodegradable glitter eyeshadows will bring a pop to any smokey eye, or use with a mixing medium to create incredible graphic liner looks for your next festival.

Sustainability is also at the heart of what Anam do, offering full transparency around things like ingredients and packaging.

Hero Product: Don’t be scared of glitter eyeshadow! Anam’s Biodegradable Glitter Eyeshadow in Taupe is the perfect starter shade to experiment with for those wary of going full Edward Cullen. Apply a dab using your ring finger to the centre of your eyeshadow for a subtle spotlight detail.

3. Lukey Lukey Beauty
Another indie beauty brand, Lukey Lukey Beauty has come at the right time to ride the cream blush wave.

Founded by colourist and educator Luke Nolan, Lukey Lukey Beauty was born out of his love for beauty and colour theory. Lukey Lukey’s Dream Cheeks blushes come in a variety of punchy colours, housed in packaging Polly Pocket herself would be jealous of.

They have also managed to bag themselves some famous fans, from Nicky Hilton to Angela Scanlon.

Hero product: Lukey Lukey Dream Cheeks in 11:11 is a stunning blush/highlighter hybrid that will have your skin looking newborn-esque. This applied beautifully over foundation, without disturbing the product underneath - result!

4. Skin Formulas

Skin Formulas was born out of a desire to simplify the skincare market. Founded by aesthetician and clinic owner Geraldine Jones, Skin Formulas boasts simple products made with the highest quality ingredients.

Whatever your skin concern may be, this vegan brand has a product for you. Their nifty symbol system also ensures you’ll be able to use the product correctly, without having to resort to internet sleuthing.

Hero product: You’ll be harder pushed to find a better hyaluronic acid than Hydra, Skin Formulas’ award winning hyaluronic acid serum. Hydra feels like a massive gulp of water for the skin, giving you long lasting hydration. Nothing else compares.

5. Ella & Jo

Created by makeup artists Charlene Flanagan and Niamh Ryan, Ella & Jo has gone from strength-to-strength since its launch in 2017.

Ella & Jo’s aim is to put the fun back into functional, with every day skincare products for women. Their eye-popping packaging will make a colourful addition to anyone’s bathroom cabinet, while also delivering real results.

Hero product: Their Squeaky Clean Makeup brush Cleanser, while not glamorous, is an absolute necessity. There is zero point in spending money on skincare and makeup if your makeup brushes aren’t clean!

6. Remi
Speaking of things not being glamorous, it’s time to start paying attention to our scalps. Remi is a cruelty-free Irish scalp-care brand that knows how important hair is to people.

Manufactured in Co. Wexford, Remi’s four product range means you can start taking care of your hair from root to tip, ensuring longer, lusher locks.

Hero product: Everyone in the country could benefit from using Bye Bye Build-Up, Remi’s scalp exfoliator. Bye Bye Build Up removes excess product from the scalp, like oils, dry shampoo and other product, leaving a blank canvas for your hair to grow strong and freely.

7. Ground Wellbeing
For those looking to bring the spa vibe home with them, look no further than Ground Wellbeing.

Péigin Crowley’s wellness and beauty brand takes a 360 approach, addressing health issues like anxiety and insomnia, as well as aesthetic qualms.

Hero product: Ground Wellbeing's Restorative Cleansing Balm is suitable for all skin types, providing a gentle yet effective cleanse to take the day away.

You can follow Fionnuala Jay on Instagram @fionnualajay

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Irish-made hero products to add to your beauty regimen