From my mum’s dressing room to mine, this is the skincare we both love
Passed down through a generation, skincare has become IMAGE Editorial Director Dominique McMullan and her Mum's love language through the years. Here are their favourite products, all of which can be found at Kildare Village.
My Mum and I have a shared hobby. We love discussing and trying the latest skincare and make-up products. It’s something we bond over during quieter moments. We are always trying and testing something or other, and swapping bits we think would work better on her or my skin. So when Kildare Village asked us to come down recently to have a look at their Beauty Edit – we were only delighted to have an excuse to spend the afternoon together in beauty Nirvana.
Our first stop was Millie’s. It’s an Irish-owned beauty destination in itself and stocks some of our absolute faves. I introduced Mum to Skingredients by Jennifer Rock a few years ago and we’ve both been huge fans ever since.
I love the Preprobiotic Cleanser. It’s gentle on my sometimes sensitive and rosacea-prone skin, and I was able to use it during all my pregnancies. I’ve re-bought it over and over again.
She’s a fan of the AHA Cleanser which speeds up cell turnover and gently chemically exfoliates the skin. We both picked up refills (a smart eco-friendly initiative from Jennifer Rock) as well as some Skingredients Skin Shield and a few Kérastase hair masks to give our blonde locks some much-needed shine.
If I ever happen to have Mum’s house to myself (a rarity), her dressing room is the first place I go. It’s like an Aladdin’s cave full to the brim, beautifully messy and always fragrant with lovely creams — I while away hours rooting around in there, discovering her latest must-have.
My first discovery there was Double Serum from Clarins. I can remember the smell to this day the first time I pumped the double chamber bottle onto my hand. Mum bought me my own bottle and we would apply our serum together. I felt like the most special person in the world. I reminded Mum of this as we nipped into Clarins to get their Hand and Nail Treatment Cream — an absolute saviour to keep in the car and apply at traffic lights.
Next up is Elemis. Mum wants to pick up their Pro Collagen Renewal Serum. This product is new to me, and Mum tells me it’s a more gentle alternative to other retinols. She also picks up the Pro Collagen Marine Cream as it’s a great offer to buy both together. At sixty years old, Mum has the glowing and smooth skin of someone much younger. She looks after herself and loves her lotions and potions. She has always been religious about wearing sunscreen, drinking water and being generally healthy — and it shows.
We pop into Neom next. When it comes to traditional “wellness” I am probably more of an enthusiast than my Mum. I love a long bubble bath and a luxury candle. Mum takes a little more convincing to sit still. Recent years have seen this change though, I bought her a Neom candle for Christmas that she adores. We decide to purchase a stunning Neom Wellbeing Pod for a friend who is having a difficult time. I already have one and there is no better feeling than when its gentle aromatherapeutic fragrances fill your home.
I bring Mum to Pestle & Mortar next. I’m a big fan of this Irish-owned brand. Sonia Deasy, the founder, is a Wonder Woman who knows what she is talking about when it comes to skincare. I love their Pure Hyaluronic Serum and grab one for Mum along with a Vitamin C Two Phase Serum that I have been reading rave reviews of.
Another brilliant Irish-owned company that we visit is Jo Browne. Their natural, luxury products are divine. I’m tempted by a Bamboo Sleep Mask, but end up purchasing a Floral Note Female Solid Perfume. It’s handmade in Ireland and the bamboo packaging makes it a very visually appealing addition to your vanity as well as a handy way to bring perfume out and about.
We make a quick stop off in Beo Wellness and admire their beautiful knitwear before heading to L’Occitane, which is last on our list and always somewhere to pick up a nice body cream. I opt for their Shea Ultra Rich Body Cream, as I know I will also use it on my two young kids, straight out of the bath.
All in all, a pretty beautiful way to spend an afternoon.
Beauty fans assemble! The 2023 Beauty Edit at Kildare Village is a huge celebration of all things skincare, make-up, body care and wellbeing. With a series of inspiring events featuring influencers, beauty experts and some simply sublime offers on the beauty brands you love, this beautiful moment is one not to miss! Find out more about The 2023 Beauty Edit at Kildare Village here.