We can’t believe we’re already halfway through August!
Where is the time going? This week we’ve been busy with interviews, events and everything in between.
But thankfully, we’ve had some time to indulge in some of her favourite things.
Staff Editor Michelle Dardis is loving…Sprezzatura
My fave pasta place Sprezzatura has launched a brilliant new campaign to raise money for Dublin Simon over the month of September. Kicking off on the 1st, some of Ireland’s top chefs will taking over the kitchen and cooking up culinary delights, with all proceeds going to support those experiencing homelessness.
Among the lineup of chefs is Paul Flynn of The Tannery who has created a Rigatoni with Sausage Meatballs, Pepper Cream and Thyme; Ashford Castle’s Hilary Casey will be making her Hassle back Beetroot Vegan Gnocchi; TV favourite Gráinne Mullins, created a Butternut Squash Ravioli; and Daniel Lambert of Harvey’s Point who has chosen a Parpadelle Carbonara as his dish. Visit sprezzatura.ie
Digital Editor Bronwyn O’Neill is loving…flânerie Skincare
I really desperately want to be a skincare girl, but I simply fail at every turn. Thankfully I was very lucky to be able to try out a brand new skincare brand, flânerie, which may have filled all my needs. I have terrible dark circles under my eyes and immediately fell in love with their Dark Circles Relief & Uplift Eye Serum. I am truly in love with it.
An added bonus is that they’re all vegan, cruelty-free and palm oil free, making them PETA certified. I’ve fallen completely head over heels for this brand. With prices starting at €104 for a three-piece set, it is certainly a treat but definitely worth it! Head here for all the details.
Deputy Editor Niamh Devereux is loving…shower filter brand Hello Klean
I live in Trim, Co Meath, where the water is hard. I never fully realised what that means for your hair and skin until I noticed an unpleasant change in mine. In fact, my scalp became so horribly dry, flaky and irritated in recent months, that it led to an eczema diagnosis (read more about that and what has helped in the new issue of VIP).
While I’m not entirely sure what the exact cause of this was, I know the type of water I had been washing my hair with had not been helping. In a nutshell, minerals and hard metals react with products to form a film that clings to your hair and scalp, and this build-up weighs hair down, making it look dull, flat and lifeless. It can also dry out your scalp, and fade colour, fast, turning your highlights brassy and brittle, as well as cause breakouts on your face and body.. If you suspect that hard water is damaging your hair, may I introduce the Hello Klean shower filter (€60, helloklean.com).
This handy, screw-on attachment (it took me less than a minute to set up) purifies water of +90% chlorine, hard minerals bacteria and impurities, and balances the water’s PH levels. Over the past few weeks, I’ve noticed softer, healthier hair with brighter, more long-lasting colour – so I can honestly say that this does work and I am THRILLED that I started using it.
Also, it’s sustainable, which is always a plus – it uses 70% less plastic compared to others on the market, it’s refillable (it recommends replacing the capsule every four months) and the capsules are compostable. Thumbs up all round!
Weekend editor Sláine is loving…Caudalie Instant Detox Mask
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Any good skincare fanatic will have heard of the Caudalie Instant Detox Mask, it’s gone viral on Instagram and TikTok, developing a cult following.
But is it actually worth the hype?
Well, I’ve tried and tested the infamous mask and can say it should definitely be a part of your skincare routine.
It really does a good job of detoxing your skin, a VERY good job. Be warned, you’ll want to go in with something hydrating afterwards, because all that detoxing can dry out your skin.
But I’ve found that if only used around once a week, and followed by a hydrating serum and rich moisturiser, it isn’t a problem. It’s a new superhero in my skincare routine.