Triona McCarthy: Switch up your routine with a fab Carboxy facial or try the newest products for hair and skin

Our columnist mourns the passing of one of her favourite designers, undergoes a high-tech facial and reviews the latest beauty releases

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"Clinique Take The Day Off Charcoal Cleansing Balm, €35, Brown Thomas; Boots, is infused with Japanese charcoal which is great for clearing pores of grime."

The Carboxy Facial, €250, Bellaza Beauty Clinic in Ranelagh, Dublin 6. See bellazabeauty.com

"Alfaparf Semi Di Lino Cristalli Liquidi, €19.50, is a new take on a hero product from a brand that’s been around for over 30 years."

Jo Malone London charity candle for 2023 is Hemlock & Bergamot, above, €60. The brand will donate 75pc of the RRP to the Shining a Light on Mental Health Foundation. See brownthomas.com

"Clinique Take The Day Off Charcoal Cleansing Balm, €35, Brown Thomas; Boots, is infused with Japanese charcoal which is great for clearing pores of grime."

The Carboxy Facial, €250, Bellaza Beauty Clinic in Ranelagh, Dublin 6. See bellazabeauty.com

"Alfaparf Semi Di Lino Cristalli Liquidi, €19.50, is a new take on a hero product from a brand that’s been around for over 30 years."

Triona McCarthy Twitter

January 29 2023 02:30 AM

‘I’m not terribly interested in beauty. What touches me is someone who understands herself.” This is one of my favourite Vivienne Westwood quotes, although there are so many I love.

I was so sad when the news of her death broke last month. What an inspiration she was. An advocate of buying less but better, an activist and utterly individual, she’s credited with translating punk music into fashion in the 1970s.

What blows my mind is that she was a self-taught fashion designer — she was truly one of a kind.

With her fashion career spanning five decades, I was lucky enough to meet her backstage at numerous fashion weeks over the years. Back in October 2022, the Vivienne Westwood Spring/Summer 2023 runway show was a glimpse into the looks that are set to be big for the year ahead – actually, make that huge, given her recent death.

So, if you want to pay homage to an icon through your beauty looks, here’s the lowdown — our skin will be powdered; our lips will be candy pink or muted red and brows are remaining skinny.

Rest in punk, Vivienne Westwood.

The Treatment

Breath of fresh air

The Carboxy Facial, €250, Bellaza Beauty Clinic in Ranelagh, Dublin 6. See bellazabeauty.com

Recently, I met Sue Machesney, the face behind Bellaza Beauty Clinic in Ranelagh, Dublin 6. She has a great menu of advanced facials including the Carboxy Facial. This uses non-invasive carboxytherapy gel and an activator face mask. By infusing the skin with carbon dioxide, an increased flow of oxygen is encouraged.

As carbon dioxide occurs naturally in our bodies, it’s safe for everyone and no one is allergic to it. The treatment isn’t very invasive and there’s very little downtime, so it’s a great one to do on your lunch break. You’ll be left with a tightened, brighted and regenerated complexion thanks to better circulation and lymphoid drainage. See bellazabeauty.com

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The Talk

Pick of the newbies
We’re one month into 2023, so we all know what that means — new beauty releases for anyone excited to switch up their routine. This week, I’ve rounded up some of the latest launches that are sure to make your skin glow, your hair shine and have you smelling divine.

Jo Malone London is embracing colour in 2023 with a brand new cologne and candle line in revamped bottles and jars.

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Jo Malone London charity candle for 2023 is Hemlock & Bergamot, above, €60. The brand will donate 75pc of the RRP to the Shining a Light on Mental Health Foundation. See brownthomas.com

Jo Malone London Cologne Intense, €120 for 50ml, is inspired by far-off places and included in the line are the scents Oud & Bergamot and Myrrh & Tonka. This year’s Jo Malone London charity candle is Hemlock & Bergamot, €60. The brand will donate 75pc of the RRP to the Shining a Light on Mental Health Foundation. See brownthomas.com.

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"Alfaparf Semi Di Lino Cristalli Liquidi, €19.50, is a new take on a hero product from a brand that’s been around for over 30 years."

Hair protection is as important as daily SPF in my book, so a great serum that looks after your locks as you use your heated tools is a must. Alfaparf Semi Di Lino Cristalli Liquidi, €19.50, is a new take on a hero product from a brand that’s been around for over 30 years.

As well a protecting and adding shine, it smells gorgeous and is loaded with flaxseed oil, vitamin E and other antioxidants to fight frizz. Available from salons nationwide and beauty e-tailers.

"Clinique Take The Day Off Charcoal Cleansing Balm, €35, Brown Thomas; Boots, is infused with Japanese charcoal which is great for clearing pores of grime."

This is a fab time of year to focus on your skincare routine with a detox. Clinique Take The Day Off Charcoal Cleansing Balm, €35, Brown Thomas; Boots, is infused with Japanese charcoal which is great for clearing pores of grime and removing excess oil from the skin. Balms are my go-to for taking off stubborn make-up and this one melts into the skin and draws everything out. Just wipe it away with a warm, damp face cloth for a refreshed complexion.