Triona McCarthy: Forget about celebrity fragrances, it's all about collagen in 2021

Irish company glamdoll.ie has the most amazing chic and v Housewives-esque storage. Just check out the Travel Glam make-up case with lights, €399.99. It’s the dream for anyone who has a fast growing collection of make-up that needs to stay tidy.

For collections that aren’t as hardcore, I’ve been reading about how some kitchen accessories can work wonders for make-up storage and beauty zones, too.

Got lots of nail polishes? Try a spice rack or how about a cutlery tray of make-up brushes? I’m a big fan of perfume, so having a lazy Susan of my favourite scents ensures they all get used at some point. Perhaps it’s because I’m missing salons so much that there’s something so satisfying about having everything neatly organised and on display. Why not make it your next lockdown project? You won’t regret it.

The trick

I was a thumb-sucker till I started boarding school and I still do it now to get lipstick off my teeth! Pop a (clean) thumb in your mouth and pull it out quickly to wipe away any lipstick on the inside so it doesn’t stain teeth.

The trend: Saving face

OK, stop everything and write this down or screengrab it… Cult US skincare brand CeraVe boasts celebrity fans such as Emily Ratajkowski, Olivia Wilde and Blake Lively, pictured above. The CeraVe Hydrating Hyaluronic Acid Serum, €18, is possibly the best hyaluronic serum you’re going to find on the market for under €20. In a sea of sameness, where a lot of new skincare has left me a little ‘meh’, this blue and white bottle delivers results after a month of using it and I am definitely rebuying. In beauty, hyaluronic acid is a standout ingredient for hydrating skin but this little darlin’ also has vitamin B5 and ceramides to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and — here’s the science bit — lipid lamellae. The brand’s founder, Tom Ellison, explained to me over a Zoom from NYC that lamellae are like sheets of lipids that act as the mortar to protect the skin cells. Basically, if this barrier is damaged, your skin can lose hydration and get really itchy. If this sounds familiar and you’ve tried everything, check out this hydrating formula that contains CeraVe’s signature three ceramides, Vitamin B5 and glycerin. This serum also contains lightweight emollients to promote moisture retention and soften the skin. Best of all, I prefer its texture — kinda creamy — to other serums that just feel tacky on my skin. Find it in pharmacies nationwide.

The talk: Plump it up!

Celebrity fragrances are so last century. Every sleb worth their hair extensions has a range with the ingredient of the moment — collagen. The news that Khloe Kardashian’s ingestible collagen is now available online has only fanned the flames. Yup, the LA stars swear by collagen, so naturally, I wanted in on the action. Here’s everything you need to know: Collagen is a protein we have in abundance in our bodies. Many would describe it as the glue that holds us together and helps our systems function as best they can. The sad news is that collagen depletes as our bodies age, so often a supplement is needed to replenish it. It is said to have huge health and beauty benefits. Khloe herself said it did wonders for her after she gave birth in 2018. This led to the star teaming up with Dose & Co. Its Pure Collagen, €29.99, is easy to take every day, seeing as it blends effortlessly into food and drinks. Find the range of products at hollandandbarrett.ie. It’s not just Khloe who swears by it. Jennifer Aniston is also backing a collagen brand. She’s actually the chief creative officer of Vital Proteins, a collagen supplement she’s been taking for five years, available from selected pharmacies. The range includes Collagen Peptides, from €15, for healthy skin, hair, nails, joints and bones. A little pricier is Marine Collagen Peptides, from €35, and I can see the reason for the price hike — it’s made from the scales of fresh, white fish caught off the Alaskan coast. How specific! Even when WFH and homeschooling aren’t a thing, I can often feel a little run down at this time of year. Collagen or no collagen, I always make sure to stock up on my vitamins and minerals anyway.

Swedish Nutra is a new lactose-free and gluten-free liquid supplement range that specialises in a good all-round multi-vitamin, joint support and a vitamin C with D3 and zinc. But the Hyaluronic Acid, €23.95, available at pharmacies nationwide, is the one you need if more collagen is the aim of the game. Find Swedish Nutra products in selected pharmacies nationwide and swedishnutra.ie. Always consult your GP before taking supplements. Collagen is also making its way into self-tanning products.

A new Irish tan, BeautiEdit, developed by Jennifer Cullen and Lisa McDermott, is available to buy next month at beautiedit.com. It’s a long-lasting mousse tan, available in three shades: Medium, Dark and Ultra Dark. With vitamins A, C and E, it’s vegan, clean and good for the skin as it’s anti-ageing and helps combat cellulite. Pop it on and it will last for up to seven days.

Put a Cork in it

I love a good excuse to talk about Cork, my home county — a place I can’t wait to get to when all of this is over! I’ll be sure to pop into Samui boutique, which is celebrating an impressive 20 years in business. For now though, its Instagram account is feeding my fashion and beauty habit, Mary-Claire is a content kween, often asking owner, camera-shy Clodagh, to show off everything from super cool Aussie brand Aesop (adored by Emily Ratajkowski), along with the instantly recognisable Fornasetti candles from Italy — and now Samui has its own eponymous Room Spray, above, €50 for 100ml. Since a trip to Cork is likely to be a long time coming, why not set up a virtual shopping appointment with the gals? Samui, tel: (021) 427-8080, or see samuicork.com