Health, Beauty and Lifestyle with Denise McNamara

With everyone minding their pennies, it’s nice to be reminded that there’s still value out there when it comes to skincare.   Note Cosmetique has recently launched some new skincare and makeup essentials that won’t break the bank. A wonderful budget brand that is widely available in Galway pharmacies, they now sell a liquid Drop Highlighter (€11.95) which gives you a dewy glow without the dryness of powder blusher.

I have been using the Benefit liquid eyeliner for years, but the Note Elegant Matte Dip Liner (€7.95) gives it a damn good run for its money at a third of the price. The Natural Look Brow Pencil (€6.95) which has a brush on one end is impressive. Their Invisible Perfection Foundation (€14.50) is well worth a try if you can get the right skin colour match.

If, like me, a sagging jawline and flabby neck is what you notice in photos, the new Neostrata Rebound Sculpting Cream (€80) packs a real punch. Launched after eight years of research and development to firm, lift and sculpt the skin, it boasts MicroDiPeptide229 peptides that are 2.5 times smaller than what is usually contained in similar high-end sculpting creams.

This is for women with normal/combination skin who want to improve volume while addressing ageing symptoms, such as uneven tone, dryness, dullness, fine lines and wrinkles. While expensive, I feel this is worth the investment. Use twice a day religiously and wait for the compliments to flow.

Another annoying symptom of aging for many of us are dark spots on the face. Demologica has launched a 15-minute at-home peel called Powerbright (€92) which fades dark spots in just five uses whether the dark spots are caused by the sun, post-blemish marks, acne or hormones.

The instructions recommend using daily for four to five days then switch to two to three times a week. As I have sensitive skin, I was afraid to use it that much so instead used it every two days and saw some of the worst blemishes gradually fade. This is one I’ll be reaching for as the age spots get worse.