HAUTE so FABULOUS

Beauty

Investment Wellness + Beauty Tools I Love

WellbeingRebecca O'ByrneComment

Working from home has always been the norm for me being self employed, but doing just about everything else at home this past 18 months has, like for us all, become slightly tiresome + a little repetitive. I’m definitely not complaining one bit as it’s very much a first-world problem (I’m in no way discounting how blessed I am to have somewhere safe to call home) but I guess it had become more + more important to ensure we’d been doing all the nice little things possible to make the whole experience a little brighter + lighter. While I’m not exactly the girl who has a million things in my social diary as lockdown slowly lifts - book me dinner with friends + get me home by 11 + I’m a happy lady. Apart from restaurants + cute weekend brunches though, one thing I’m definitely excited to have back in our lives is the ability to book in for a facial (I literally booked in with my facialist on her first day back) or a major ‘beat-the-crap-out-of-those-shoulder-knots” massage.. now that’s what I call LIT!! Totally my jam.

However, in spending so much time at home through it all, it’s been pretty cool to see what we CAN do in terms of our beauty routines + what treatments, I for one, will definitely continue to enjoy at home which includes some of the beauty tools I’ve invested in + used + truly love. Here today I’m talking about the investment beauty + wellness tools that, if you’re in the market for something new or uplifting, I absolutely recommend.

H I G H E R D O S E S A U N A B L A N K E T

I’d been wanting to try the Higher Dose at-home Sauna Blanket for a while + in December I took the leap to buy it. It’s basically a sleeping bag/blanket that acts as a sauna, the benefits of which are on par with an in-person session in an infrared sauna. I’m someone who LOVES to get a good sweat on, whether working out or doing Bikram (I get the reddest red face of.all.time - I’m an over-heater if ever you met one). I love the feeling of toxic release. It feels like a tonic to me. So with Higher Dose, it’s super simple, all you do is set up where you want to do it (always ensuring the wire isn’t under the blanket), let it heat for 10 minutes + then enjoy the time to relax, read (if you’re keeping your arms out of the blanket itself), watch a movie or, like I sometimes do, lay in the dark with a chic R O A D S candle lit + listen to a meditation // audiobook // podcast.

The benefits of Higher Dose are pretty incredible + as I’m not a healthcare professional of any sort, I share only my own experience - for me it’s been things like better sleep, increased mood + a lift in my energy levels as I find the time I spend in the blanket entirely relaxing that I absolutely see a boost in my energy the day after which is of course helped by the better sleep the blanket encourages.

SHOP at HIGHERDOSE.COM + use my personalised discount code HAUTE75 for $/€75 off your purchase..

M A N U C U R I S T

Next up is a new best friend to my nails. Manucurist is the BOMB!! I love it. I feel clean + fresh when I have my nails done + I’d been missed having the luxury of a nice manicure. However, since I tried Manucurist I’m all about my at-home DIY job. It’s super quick, so effective + fabulously glossy with no mess. It takes just about 8 minutes in total too so it’s perfect for while I’m on a (non-video) call or sitting at my desk listening to something. You can read all about it at Manucurist.com but basically it’s the first ‘clean’ non-toxic gel polish on the market so it’s also a super healthy option for your nails + I’ve been using it for a few months now + can attest to the fact that it doesn’t peel any layers of your nails or leave you with chipped varnish, in fact it lasts about 10 days; no joke.

SHOP at M A N U R C U R I S T . C O M

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C E L L U M A

Like many big investment pieces, I do a lot of research into which one I really want to go with, always staying clear of or at least being aware of the many fads that storm their way through IG + my at-home LED ‘mask’ was definitely one I was super cautious about. With so many on the market I was unsure which weren’t just a trend + I also really wanted one that was FDA approved (be aware that most aren’t). So, as with all things skin related I asked my facialist Dawn, the founder of Floraison, which mask she would recommend. Enter Celluma Face LED. This isn’t a traditional ‘mask’ so-to-speak - not like the ones you typically see on IG these days, but rather a wrap which, with it’s flexibility means it can actually be used on many parts of the body like arms, legs, or the chest + neck area. LED light therapy has been around for a long time but in recent years, you’ve most likely seen how it’s been zapped up by the beauty industry + made into a highly commercial trend of sorts. However, what isn’t a quick trend is the medical grade technology of Celluma’s scientifically proven ability to provide the compromised cells in our skin the opportunity for tissue repair, an increase in micro-circulation + decreased inflammation which together, support the skin in it’s natural ability to look + feel healthy. And who’s not into that. With two settings, the Celluma is multifaceted + allows for the treatment of wrinkles + acne at a more topical level, while at a more muscular level, the management of pain + deeper healing. The Celluma isn’t just any ‘mask’, it’s a medical grade experience at home.

If you’ve been toying with the idea of an at-home LED mask, I absolutely recommend the Celluma as a brand + would propose you speak with Dawn about it directly if you’re considering investing.

SHOP at F L O R A I S O N . I E

D E R M A F L A S H

Working as an effective exfoliation procedure, dermaplaning is one of the hot topics on the agenda of beauty seekers and aestheticians alike. Short + sweet, the procedure is very simple with endless results. DERMAFLASH allows for the ability to do derma planing at home safely; derma planing consists of a sterile surgical blade which gently “shaves” off the surface of the skin in order to remove all excess dead skin + peach fuzz hair around the face. 

Again another thing I love to get done in normal times when getting a facial, it was suddenly no longer an option during lockdown so I thought I’d try this + I’ve not looked back. It’s not for everyone but I love the results. So easy to use + with very little way to do it ‘wrong’ (make sure to watch the videos on the Dermaflash website here though to ensure full safety) or harm your skin, it’s a really good investment if you’re looking to continue your dermaplaning journey at home. I love it.

SHOP at C U L T B E A U T Y . C O M

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F A C E G Y M P R O T O O L

I’ve had my FaceGym Pro Tool for a long time now + absolutely love it.

The whole idea behind FaceGym is genius. It’s that, just like we workout our bodies, so should we approach the muscles in our face the same way. It was founded by Inge Theron who once worked for the Financial Times as one of their Wellness, Beauty + Spa writers where she shared her tried + tested reviews of endless amounts of beauty + wellness retreats, procedures + treatments in her column, ‘Chronicles of a Spa Junkie’ until one particular face-lifting procedure went wrong + left her house bound. She then sought to find the most organic way of working-out + lifting the face + so, FaceGym was born.

The brand now has 13 studios across the UK + US territories + is honestly such a fun way to get a facial in when you can get to a physical location.. However when at home or if you can’t get to one in person, their FaceGym Pro Tool, created in partnership with Xtreem Pulse is a powerful + non-invasive addition to any any-home skincare routine; it simply uses electrical pulses to stimulate your muscles just like we do our body when we workout. I use mine several days or nights a week alongside my Gua Sha routine + genuinely adore it for taking the tightening + toning in the face to another level. I see + feel a real difference with this in my weekly routine.

SHOP at F A C E G Y M . C O M


 

What Is.. Dermaplaning

WellbeingRebecca O'ByrneComment
dermaflash-dermaplaning.jpg

Working as an effective exfoliation procedure, dermaplaning is one of the hot topics on the agenda of all beauty seekers and aestheticians alike right now.  Short and sweet, the procedure is very simple with endless results. It consists of a sterile surgical scalpel that a trained beauty therapist uses to gently shave off the surface of the skin in order to remove all excess dead skin and peach fuzz hair. 

Don’t let the fear of hearing ‘surgical scalpel’ in the same sentence as your face scare you though, as there is no pain to the procedure and very little - to almost no - downtime post treatment for most people. Typically it is used as an add to another facial or peel. One of the most celebrated benefits of dermaplaning is that your skin is left without all the old cells, as it works to remove all the dead skin at the surface level, which then allows the skin’s absorption levels to fully revive. Lovers of the skin technique say it’s amazing how much longer products tend to last when they are being consistent with the treatment, as the skin’s ability to drink in all the products’ goodness is heightened so much more, making the skin look and feel clearer and brighter from every angle- and your monthly beauty product bills less I might add. Another use for Dermaplaning is the removal of any peach fuzz one might have on the face.

I’d been getting it done every few months + loved it. When COVID hit though + with it access to a trained aesthetician to attend in person suddenly vanished, I looked into being able to do it at home myself. Hello DERMAFLASH; one of the best at-home beauty tools. Easy to use, with very little way to do it wrong (make sure to watch the videos on the Dermaflash website here) or harm your skin, it’s a really good investment if you’re wanting to be able to continue your dermaplaning journey at home.

Personally I just love being able to do things at home in the comfort of my own space + the ease of my own time + although of course some things simply aren’t accessible, either financially or logistically, this one completely has my backing.

For best results, it is suggested to repeat the procedure every three to four weeks with a fresh as this leaves enough time for the skins natural rejuvenation process to take place - a cycle is typically about 30 days.

SHOP THE DERMAFLASH


 

Clean Beauty; Ground Wellbeing

WellbeingRebecca O'ByrneComment

G R O U N D  is a newly launched luxury wellness brand I was recently introduced to + am truly loving. Focusing on artisan aromatherapy for your entire family, each product is created to awaken your senses through the beauty of + healing properties found in essential oils. Hand-crafted in small, quality-controlled batches in Cork, Ireland by Peigín Crowley, a globally celebrated curator of luxury spas, GROUND is neutral by design with each product created to encourage a sense of relaxation + grounding.

Peigín, has established a highly respected career in the wellness space as the originator + designer of high-end luxury spas in Ireland’s most indulgent properties including Cliff House Hotel, Old Head of Kinsale + Adore Manor. Her love of constructing beautiful experiences has been brought to life in her latest venture + is something you can see, smell + touch in each drop; a treasured treat in the every day rituals of self-care.

I was gifted some of the beautiful products from the range by Peigín when she first launched - the Recovery Hair Oil + Sleep Face Oil + I have been using them ever since. The Recovery Hair Oil quickly became a favourite; each time I wash my hair I gently massage the product into my scalp before getting into the shower, then after towel drying it, post shower, I put about 5 drops into the ends of my hair - again gently massaging it in. I’m particular about what I use on my hair + skin as I get older + I just love how natural GROUND products are - no gross pesticides or herbicides + each ingredient is organic (where possible) + completely sourced naturally.

One of the other products I love is the Sleep Face Oil. On the nights when I Gua Sha this is amazing, as with it’s beautiful texture, it means my Gua Sha stone glides so smoothly over my skin instead of pulling on it. Also with chamomile as one of it’s main ingredients, it means it’s a great way to de-stress your mind + body before bed. Peigín advises to rub the oils between your palms + inhale deeply before applying to the skin for an added boost to the senses - something that is applicable for the entire collection.

Since falling in love with G R O U N D products, I’ve ordered several others myself including the Uplifting Body Oil which is so divine after a lovely hot shower or bath. Our bodies skin needs that extra TLC in Winter + I‘ve found this (along with my unfailing love of Jojoba Oil) to be such a treat for dry skin + it smells so divine too.

You can find the full range, including Bath Salt, Body Oils, Face Balms, Face Oils, Face & Body Masks, Beard Oils + Mother + Baby products on BrownThomas.ie or directly on GROUNDWELLBEING.com

What Is.. An LVL Lash Lift

Life 02Rebecca O'ByrneComment

Tired of the hassle and expenses of maintaining your false lashes or perhaps you’ve never desired to embark down that road, cause let’s face it, once you start it’s hard to return.. amirite ladies?

Well it’s been a hot minute since my days with false lashes and of late I’ve been getting LVL’s, known more technically speaking as Length, Volume, Lift. Created and exclusive to Nouveau Lashes, the revolutionary treatment is all about enhancing what you already have and works to construct a look of longer, more voluminous lashes, leaving you looking less tired, more youthful and well, just feeling fabulous AF!

After finding a certified LVL Lash artist (you can find your nearest one here) and completing a patch test at least 48 hours prior to your treatment, it’s a seamlessly smooth and painless process. Lying back for the entire treatment it begins with your eyes being protected with a specifically-sized shape shield which is placed on your eyelid and lower lashes against which your lashes will be pressed with a bonding gel. After these first preparations it’s all about the lift; this includes the application of a lifting balm which works to reshape the structure and shape of your lashes so as they now lift out and up from the root in a beautiful curved direction. Step two is to volumise - after removing the lifting balm the therapist applies a volumising fix which seals the lashes into their newly found shape. Next comes the lash tint which once left on for a few minutes leaves the lashes looking darker and fuller. The last and final stage in the process is one in which a moisturising serum is added to nourish and promote longevity in the lashes new shape and also ease them off the shield. And voila, you are done. 

Basically it’s like a perm for the lashes and as well as saving time in your daily routine, it’s something so none invasive and leaves you looking and feeling like you’ve done something done to them but just what, nobody can tell.. just that they look WOW!

The treatment takes about 45 minutes to an hour with instant results. No part of the process should hurt, however if it stings a little, just let your therapist know. Costing on average about £45 per treatment, I warn it’s absolutely as addictive as getting your extensions done but in my opinion much healthier, less maintenance and there is absolutely no in between time of feeling like you’re only half-lashed!

Find your nearest certified artist here

 

12 of the Best Red Lipsticks

Style 02Rebecca O'ByrneComment
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Whether you’re more into something silky and smooth or mate and moody, a good red lipstick can change everything.. and I mean everything. It’s a statement of confidence and one of the most instant attainments of an" “ok world, I’m ready for you” kind of mood, of course not forgetting the tiny detail that takes many an outfit from day to night in the simple swipe of an application. High-pigment is vital for a power play while slightly more subtle options that can be worn during the day are also a good addition to your lipstick wardrobe. Here we look at 12 of the best on the beauty market, from MAC’s cult favourite Ruby Roo to Tom Ford’s ever classic take on the world of red in Armie 33 from the Boys & Girls II collection and of course one of my all time favourites, Modern Matte Powder Lipstick in Flame 509 from Shiseido.

CHANEL

ALLURE Luminous Intense Lip Colour in Pirate // £31

Shop here...

L’ORÉAL

Color Riche Matte Addiction in Haute Rouge // £7.99

Shop here..


TOM FORD

Boys & Girls II in Armie 33 // £30

Shop here..

BOBBI BROWN

Luxe Lip Color in Parisian Red // £25

Shop here..


SHISEIDO

ModernMatte Powder Lipstick in Flame 509 // £25

Shop here..

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RIMMEL

Lasting Finish By Kate Moss in shade 01 // £5.49

Shop here..


LANCÔME

L'Absolu Rouge Drama Matte Lipstick in shade 507 Dramatic // £27

Shop here..

GIORGIO ARMANI

Rouge d'Armani Matte Lipstick in shade 401 // £31

Shop here..


CHARLOTTE TILBURY

Matte Revolution in shade Red Carpet Red // £25

Shop here..

NARS

Semi-Matte Lipstick in Jungle Red // £23

Shop here..


MAC COSMETICS

Retro Matte Lipstick in Ruby Roo // £17.50

Shop here..

REVLON

Revlon SuperLustrous Matte Lipstick in shade Reds Rule the World // £7.99

Shop here..


What Is.. FaceGym

Style, TravelRebecca O'ByrneComment
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Maybe you’re a spin enthusiast or a resistance-goddess, perhaps you love your morning run or sweating it out at Bikram? Whatever your chosen method of movement you understand and agree with the benefits in time spent working the body and a dedicated commitment to strengthening the muscles of our body; simply put it pays off to workout, right? Why then have we never connected such dedication to the face? Step forth FaceGym, the world’s first ever gym session for the face.

FaceGym was founded in 2016, by ex-beauty journalist Inge Theron who as a contributor for the Financial Times, documented her search for the next big thing in beauty in her column ‘Chronicles of a Spa Junkie”. Over a 3 year period she visited 57 spas, tried 25 anti-ageing treatments, tolerated 15 detoxes and sweated her way through 32 different types of movement classes. In her extreme search she underwent a face-lift procedure that left her house-bound due to complications and with a new outlook on skincare and the search for what works, she wondered if perhaps there was a less invasive was of ageing gracefully?

FaceGym is her resulting creation, the fruits of a two-year study that saw her travel the world to work with fitness experts, doctors, gurus and facialists. It’s a non-invasive facial workout requiring no knives, needles or recovery time; just 45 - 60 minutes in the hands of one of the company’s expert trainers. Exercising the face works to increase the blood circulation (allowing oxygen and nourishment to reach skin cells) and develop the 43 muscles in the face, making the shape of the face more full and defined. The ‘training’ part of the workout varies depending on the outcome you desire, so whether it’s a lifted look, tightening, detox, de-puffing or sculpting there is a varying custom-created workout. However the overall aim of a session at FaceGym is to stimulate the muscles, bringing back the skin’s natural elasticity and promoting collagen production. 

With similar steps to a body workout, the trainer will take you through the warm up, cardio, sculpting, and cool down stages of the workout. Using high energy kneading movements, a carefully selected selection of high-quality products from around the globe alongside optional vitamin boosters, a jade gua sha tool, a yoga ball and an electrical muscle stimulator (EMS), a session at FaceGym leaves your skin looks instantly tighter and brighter with your face visibly more sculpted. Fresh skin, the natural way, what’s not to love?

Available in London, Manchester, New York & coming soon to Los Angeles // Book your workout here // Workouts cost bewteen £50 and £225 or $70 and $270


SHOP FACEGYM APPROVED PRODCUTS



 

Spritz Up Your Life

StyleRebecca O'ByrneComment

Scent is an important part of one’s identity. Unlike the clothes we wear and the manner in which we act - both of which are only linkable to a physical interaction, the scent a person wears is a beautiful, delicate impression that lingers and lives on long past the time spent in their company. It can also ignite memories- sometimes in the most unassuming and unexpected places, reminding you of them from a far. Frangrance is sexy. In a way, so sneakily suggestive, you don’t even need to see or feel the person to know it’s theirs.

It’s important to really know what you want and love when it comes to fragrances, to find something sexily unidentifiable yet distinctly all encompassing. I’m a believer in building out a wardrobe of scents, ones for different situations in life; the one you wear during the day and then a special one for nighttime only. Ones for summer and others for winter. Our senses change all the time, be it due to seasonal changes or situational ones. Really it’s all about moods, the mood you’re in or the one you want to project and a scent always helps create that.

In an age where brands bang out a million products and cover every imaginable genre of commodities, it’s an understatement to say how much I love a good niche perfume brand! My all time favourite is ROADS, an Irish brand that has gone super global. They focus on incredible, multi-layered scents which take a year to create from the birth of idea to the end product and the luxuriousness of each scent transport you into the person you want to be while wearing it. Here, we take a look at some of my favourite luxury perfume brands and a personal favourite in each one..


ROADS

Unsaid Eau de Parfum 50ml

£95


 

BYREDO

Bal D'Afrique Eau de Parfum - Neroli & Cedar Wood, 50ml

€98


Maison Margiela Replica

Beach Walk Eau de Toilette 100ml

€112.80


 

LE LABO

Santal 33 - Eau de Parfum, 50ml

€152


FREDERIC MALLE

L'Eau D'Hiver Eau De Parfum 100ml

€226


 

ACQUA DI PARMA

Colonia Eau de Cologne Spray 100ml

£95

 

DIPTYQUE PARIS

Philosykos Eau de Parfum 75ml

€125


 

KILIAN

Good Girl Gone Bad Icon Eau de Parfum

€203.68

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Top Image via Pinterest

The HSF Holiday Guide; Beauty Gifts For Your Beauty

BeautyRebecca O'ByrneComment

To You Beauty, With Love

From the essentials to the luxurious, there is always something fabulous to give the beauty lovers in our lives at Christmas in terms of trending beauty products. This year we've compiled 100 of the hottest from the slickest brands - from classic red lips to the everyday necessities in skin care, here's what we'll be giving (and fingers crossed, receiving) this holiday season..

 
 

Frédéric Malle, The Interview

LifeRebecca O'ByrneComment

Sensually creative, Frédéric Malle is the master of his trade. Sitting at the helm of Editions de Perfumes Frédéric Malle, his journey to the top of the fragrance industry is steeped in family history and yet he stands alone as a visionary whose creations finds their way into the lives and perfume wardrobes of men and women the world over. 

Trish McEvoy, The Interview

Beauty, LifeRebecca O'ByrneComment

With an expertise spanning four decades it is undoubtedly for good reason that Trish McEvoy is a name we’re all familiar with. Makeup artist, entrepreneur and one of the beauty industries most prolific innovators, Trish is a woman with endless knowledge to impart and an array of lessons to teach.

Sonia Deasy of Pestle & Mortar, The Interview

Beauty, LifeRebecca O'ByrneComment

Having just launched her brand, Pestle & Mortar, on QVC, one of America’s largest selling platforms, Sonia Deasy is a lady on a mission. Her recent success in America which was received to a more than eager audience and a complete sell out in just seven minutes, is the next step in bringing about a better way of taking good care o our skin. At the core of Pestle & Mortar is an admirable value set the exemplifies simplicity, quality and a strong understanding of the less-is-more philosophy.