Call it luck of the Irish if you like, but as an Irish businesswoman in the beauty sector, I for one know the hard work and dedication that goes into creating beauty products that consumers want and keep coming back to.
But we must be doing something right, as the world is catching on to what the Irish are offering, with the sector’s cosmetics export value predicted to reach a whopping $10.5bn by 2026.
In March, Irish beauty companies showcased at a national pavilion at Cosmoprof Worldwide for the very first time. This is no small feat, being one of the leading trade shows for the beauty sector in the world.
Sourcing locally is a priority for lots of Irish beauty brands, helping each stand out amongst the global heavyweights in the sector. Here are a just a few of my favourite Irish-grown brands to support and celebrate.
Co Kildare-born skincare brand Pestle & Mortar is one of Ireland’s success stories, created by Sonia Deasy and launched in 2013. The brand’s line-up offers a wide range of skincare to provide a complete hydrating routine. With a waitlist said to hit over 35,000, one of the brand’s most popular products is Pure Hyaluronic Serum, a multi-molecular hyaluronic acid that hydrates and plumps skin.
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Pestle & Mortar Erase Balm Cleanser, €45, theskinnerd.com
TanOrganic’s story began back in 2010, when founder Noelle O’Connor appeared on Dragon’s Den. As a former beauty therapist, Noelle became determined to create a natural and organic self-tan that would be as kind to your skin as it is to the planet. Now, TanOrganic is proudly the first and only eco-certified and organic tanning brand in the world, with an extensive range of tanning and skincare products made from high-quality natural ingredients, and free from synthetic ingredients, fragrances and alcohols.
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TanOrganic Firming Gradual Self Tan Cream, €29.99, ie.tanorganic.com
Belfast hair-care brand We Are Paradoxx have a strong commitment to sustainability, launching their first collection of hair-care products housed in aluminium packaging, making the products 90% plastic-free.
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We are Paradoxx Moisture Hangover Hair Elixir, weareparadoxx.com
This family-run business hails from Carron, Co Clare, and takes inspiration from the scenic landscape surrounding them. Along with a stunning selection of scents created at their very own perfumery, the brand offers a range of products for the face, hands, body, and lips, alongside candles, essential oils, and herbal teas.
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The Barren Perfumery Neroli EDT, €130, thebarrenperfumery.com
Founded in 2017 by advanced skin therapist Niamh Ryan and makeup artist Charlene Flanagan, Ella & Jo’s multi-award-winning collection of skincare takes inspiration from plants and wellbeing, combining natural and active ingredients to create the most effective skincare products.
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Ella & Jo Nourish & Glow Superfood Oil, €55, theskinnerd.com
Blank Canvas is the brand to turn to for affordable, on-trend makeup brushes. Created by Una Tynan in Galway, Blank Canvas offers a range of over 150
budget-friendly brushes in both natural and vegan-friendly fibres.
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Blank Canvas One Stop Foundation Brush, €24, blankcanvascosmetics.com
Created by siblings Lorna Stewart and Aisling Boyle, this skincare range is based around organic Irish peat which is locally and ethically sourced from Glenasmole Valley.
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Oiche Midnight Dew Sheet Mask Bundle, €25, oiche.ie
I couldn’t not mention this best-selling brand created by the lovely Aimee Connolly. Aimee started out as a make-up artist before founding her brand in 2016. After achieving success in her home country, Sculpted secured a spot in Boots in the UK, taking the brand from strength to strength. Now the line-up includes skincare, make-up and accessories, with Aimee hosting regular masterclasses and events.
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Sculpted by Aimee Liquid Lights Blush, sculptedbyaimee.com
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Soap & Glory™ Strike A Balance™ 5% Niacinamide Tonic, €8.99, boots.ie. This balancing toner is infused with 5% Niacinamide and Cimicifuga Racemosa Root Extract to refresh and rejuvenate the complexion with ease.
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Dr. Hauschka Facial Toner, €29.99, McCauley Pharmacy
Support the skin’s natural renewal process with this luxurious-feeling facial toner from Dr. Hauschka. Enriched with witch hazel and Anthyllis, this mist is oil-free and ideal for use post cleanse for those with normal, dry, sensitive or tired skin.
