This week cemented the fact that it is time to break out our winter coats…even if it is just September.
We’ve had a pretty busy week here at VIP HQ as we move into the darker evenings. But just because the weather is getting damper…a lot damper, doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t have plenty to enjoy.
So here’s what we’ve been up to this week!
Digital Editor Bronwyn is loving…Remnant Ecologies
I am one of the few who absolutely loves autumn. Although we no longer have that grand stretch in the evenings, it means that we get to enjoy those cosy dark nights.
And the National Botanic Gardens are ready to celebrate the autumn evenings as for the first time ever they will host a sound and light installation. Remnant Ecologies is a 1.3km night-time adventure by Welsh artist Jony Easterby that opened Wednesday 21st September and runs until Sunday 25th September.
This spectacular experience will give thousands of visitors exclusive access to the National Botanic Gardens after dark, for the first time in history! The art installation is inspired by society’s evolving and complicated relationship with the natural world, with these intimate artworks exploring the cultural remnants humans have created through their love of nature in which a passion for the natural world is intertwined with anxiety for its future.
Axis: Ballymun and The Welsh Government Office in Ireland teamed up with the iconic gardens to make the installation that will run for only a handful of days.
You can find out all the information at www.fringefest.com
Commercial Director Rebecca is loving…Skechers new collection
As runners become a firm staple in our smart casual wardrobes, it’s great to see brands bringing out funkier styles that can add a cool edge to your look.
I am loving Skechers’ new collaboration with international brand tokidoki, which has introduced cute characters plus the signature heart and crossbones logo across some of their women’s fashion sneakers.
All the styles are available on skechers.ie
Staff Editor Michelle is loving…CeraVe
I’m generally very lucky with my skin, but recently, I’ve had a few breakouts. I like to keep my skincare routine fairly simple, and have always been a fan of CeraVe products, so when their Blemish Control Range came out, knew I had to try it.
After using it for a period of time, I’ve found the Blemish Control Cleanser (€11.50) to be top tier, and the Blemish Control Gel (€13.50) is now up there in my beauty bag essentials. Both free from alcohol and overly harsh ingredients, the products do their job without drying the skin or causing any additional irritation. The salicylic acid, glycolic acid, niacinamide and hectorite clay in the products work in harmony to clean deep into the pores, wipe away dead skin cells and soak up any excess sebum.
After a week, my problem area and breakouts had totally cleared up – and I’ll definitely be going back to these! I completely understand all skin types are different and what works for one person mightn’t work as well for another, but I can’t recommend this range enough.
Weekend Editor Sláine is loving…Boucléme Curl Defining Gel
View this post on Instagram
The summer is truly over and our weather as of late has just been proving it. Now, honestly, I don’t mind this at all, I’m fine with the cold and the rain, winter is even my favourite season so I can handle whatever autumn wants to throw at us.
But there is one aspect that has me annoyed: my hair. The rain wreaks havoc on my curls, but it was particularly bad lately.
And after getting stuck in a heavy downpour leaving my locks looking like a Halloween witch’s wig, and decided enough was enough and a new styling product was needed. Before I was using a jelly, which I wasn’t the biggest fan of. So I decided to go back to gels, and Jesus I’m glad I did.
Right now I’m using the Boucléme Curl Defining Gel and it’s perfect so far, it’s even held up decently well in the rain so it’s a firm favourite now. It feels like a serum and leaves my curls smooth and defined, plus it isn’t crunchy with you break the cast, so I’d highly recommend!
Deputy Editor Niamh recommends…you chow down on the new All-Day Menu in Dublin’s Dylan Hotel
Tucked away in a tranquil, leafy part of the city — a stone’s throw from Baggot Street and the Grand Canal — is this boutique hotel that is brimming with character and style. Most unique is its restaurant The Eddison, which features a ‘moss wall’ living art installation and is decorated in shades of calming green and cream. I
recently visited to sample the new All Day Menu, which combines the best local Irish ingredients with delicacies from across Europe, from a special Ars Italica caviar menu to a charcuterie, olive and cheese platter. There are also plenty of casual classics to choose from too, like fish and chips or a Club sandwich. I went for Roaring Water Bay mussels with nduja and cream to start, followed by roasted chicken breast with chorizo and lemon gnocchi for mains, and dark chocolate crémeux with candied nuts to finish.
It was a delicious meal, perfectly portioned, and with friendly, attentive service. Plus, there was the addition of an exquisite cocktail by its adjacent bar — the Emerald Isle, made with Plymouth Gin, green apple, fresh lemon juice, vanilla syrup and Pommery Champagne. My mouth fizzed with flavour. Breakfast at the hotel is great too, whether you opt for the comforting apple, cinnamon and almond crumb porridge or an American-style pancake stack.
To treat yourself to a foodie stay, click to dylan.ie