My day in beauty with Muireann O’Connell: ‘I scrub my face like a washer woman!’

Radio and TV presenter Muireann O’Connell is talented, sound and can wear anything, as evidenced by her Instagram feed. Right now though? I’m quizzing her on her beauty routine, how she keeps her hair so gorgeous all the time and what her skin secrets are.

“I’m pretty good at cleaning my skin properly – maybe a bit too good; I scrub my face like a washer woman after the Battle of the Boyne trying to get blood out of britches. I should probably lay off a bit but it just feels so good to go for it. I wash/cleanse/tone/moisturise with a serum and retinoid thrown in for good measure at night.”

Muireann’s Skin Picks:

Cleanser – It’s a Vichy face wash. That’s a cleanser, right?
Toner – La Roche-Posay Effaclar
Moisturiser – It’s a mix of whatever’s not empty.
Serum – La Roche-Posay Pure Vitamin C10
Eye cream – Cosmedix Opti Crystal Eye
Mask – La Roche-Posay Hydraphase
Hand cream – L’Occitane hand cream
Other – The Ordinary Peeling Solution

The Ordinary Peeling Solution, €7.20

“I’m terrified of/love The Ordinary Peeling Solution. The first time I used it I thought it was ripping my face off and almost rang 999 but it makes you look like Sissy Spacek in Carrie when it’s on, which is great for freaking people out. Also, it does really even out the skin but you have to be careful with it. It’s not suitable for everyone.”

Muireann’s top skin tip:

“I always roll my eyes when I see this but, water. After a big weekend, my skin always goes to feck if I haven’t been drinking enough of it.”

Muireann’s Make-up Picks:

Foundation – Teint Idole by Lancôme
Primer – Don’t use it
Mascara – The purple Rimmel one
Liner – Whatever’s in the end of my bag
Palette/eyeshadow – can’t use it. Always end up looking like Ursula from The Little Mermaid. She can pull that look off. I cannot.
Powder – No specific one. At the moment I’m using a Make Up For Ever
pressed powder
Brushes – Real Techniques. They’re always on offer. Nice wan.

Lancôme Teint Idole Ultra Wear Nude, €40

“I’ve been using the Teint Idole for years. I started trying out other foundations last year because I got sucked into the bloody buzz of stuff but none of them worked. Stick with what you know.”

Muireann’s top make-up tip:

“Don’t forget the neck. I wish I took my own advice.”

Muireann’s Hair Picks:

Shampoo – Kerastase in the green bottle/ T-Gel/ whatever’s there
Conditioner – Honestly, I’m swayed by what’s on offer in the shops. The hairdressers in Virgin Media are not happy with this
Mask – Kerastase Resistance Ciment. I was TOLD I had to get this for my gammy hair by the wonderful women in Virgin Media
Hairspray – Don’t use it
Texture spray – They use Moroccanoil at work
Brushes – Faro paddle and round brushes by Mairead Ronan
Tools – Turbo Stratos Hairdryer
Other – L’Oreal Root Touch Up – essential for my granny feature hair

Faro Professional Brush Set, €49

“I am very bad at hair but I can really see the difference since I started using the Kerastase Resistance Ciment, my hair is softer. I love my Faro hairbrushes. They’ve stopped the chore of drying hair from being a complete hellscape to manageable and quick.”

Muireann’s top hair tip:

“I shouldn’t be giving anyone advice on hair but having a cheap brown eyeshadow at the ready to paint in the greys is very handy!”

IMAGE Beauty Festival

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