Welcome to the Mulligans Pharmacy blog, where you'll find everything you need to live a happier, healthier and longer life! You'll also find the latest news on new launches and learn some tips and tricks from our expert cosmetics teams!
Every skincare lover knows the importance of using SPF on a daily basis to protect skin from the potentially harmful rays of the sun.
Sunlight can prematurely age the skin and by ignoring your daily SPF you’re leaving your skin open to a range of damage.
This might sound a little over the top, but this is advice that skincare experts agree on.
One scenario that you might think about going without SPF is on an airplane, mainly because you’re not under direct sunlight.
However, flying without SPF can negatively impact your skin as you’re much closer to the sun and its harmful rays.
This is most important for people who regularly fly, a point noted by dermatologist Dr. Harold Lancer in an interview with Marie Claire.
“If you fly 20,000+ miles in a year, it is an absolute must to wear sunscreen when you fly because of the UV radiation caused by elevation.
“If you don’t, your skin will age prematurely and fine lines and wrinkles will be much more visible earlier on.”
Dr. Lancer says that it’s advisable to wear at least SPF15 and if possible, SPF 30 with UVA/UVB protection and to regularly reapply to your face, neck and chest.
We all know this situation, you’re attempting to pluck our brows to perfection but the tweezers are blunt and won’t let you grab those fine hairs.
Tweezers, jut like everything else wears with age, but is there anything worse than trying to get a difficult hair and pinching your skin and causing a red bump on your eyelid?
Say goodbye to days like this, because there’s a handy hack that has been making its rounds online to help you keep your trusted tweezer.
The trick is really obvious when you think about it! Use a nail file to rub against the grip side of the tweezers to sharpen it!
Now go try it with your old faithful tweezers and try this out!
Volumising mascaras are the standard ‘must have’ item in almost every makeup bag around the world. Everyone loves them, the secret is to find the perfect fit for you! To help you in this search, we’ve put together a list of some of our favourite mascaras to give you big, bold, dramatic lashes.
1.Shiseido Full Lash Volume Mascara
Shiseido is well known for it’s skincare ranges, however, their mascara is definitely a hidden gem of their collection! As volumising mascaras go, their Full Lash Volume is everything you could need in a volumising mascara!
2.Clarins Supra Volume Mascara
Besides being an amazing mascara, the Supra Volume formula is infused with carnauba and cassie flower, which help to condition and care for your lashes by making them stronger to avoid them falling out as quickly. Ultimately that means you have more natural fullness/volume for the product to work with.
3.Essence Lash Princess Volume Mascara
This cult favourite from Essence would definitely have to make this list! Essence’s Lash Princess is a perfect example of a volumising mascara that your makeup bag NEEDS!
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or have never applied false tan, it can sometimes be a daunting task! Will it be even? Is it the right shade? There are so many worries that you can face when applying false tan.
We’ve put together this helpful list to see you through any #TanningThursday!
1.Plan Ahead
Self tanning isn’t something you do on a whim! Although spontaneity is a great personality trait, lets not risk it when it comes to false tan! Be ready, set aside a few hours and get ready. Remember never skip preparation!
2.Exfoliate
The day before you tan, make sure to exfoliate the skin to remove dry, flaky dead skin cells. If you don’t exfoliate properly, you may end up with streaks and dark patches. Take time and scrub your entire body, be sure to take extra time and focus on your knees, elbows, ankles and any other areas with dry patches.
3.Moisturise
Before applying self tan, you should shower, towel dry and apply a light moisturiser or lotion to your elbows and knees since they tend to grab more colour than other areas. Avoid applying lotion all over the body as oils don’t mix well with false tan.
4.Use The Right Mitt
Using the right application mitt is essential if you want to avoid the streaky look. We recommend using a double sided velvet mitt to make application easier.
5.Give Yourself Time
Take your time! Applying false tan is something that shouldn’t be rushed. If possible apply false tan during the day time in natural light with a full length mirror.
6.Apply In Circular Motions
Apply small amounts of the self tan in circular motions. Don’t move on to a new area until the current area is complete.
7.Avoid!
Avoid applying false tan to the bottoms of your feet and to the palms of your hands (It rarely ends well). Alternatively mix some of your false tan with some lotion to apply to the tops of your hands once your body is finished and you remove your gloves.
8.Less Is More
If you are using a gradual tanner then you won’t see results for hours, you can always reapply two to three days later instead of going overboard all at once!
9.Blend
If you need to remove any false tan, use a non-oil based scrub and gently blend the scrub on the area you’d like to lighten and then remove with a damp wash cloth.
10.Wait
Try not to shower straight away, allow yourself time for your tan to develop. Remember to wear loose fitting clothes and avoid exercising/sweating. By the next day you should have a beautiful sun kissed glow!
To find your perfect self tan or to chat to our expert beauty team on what tan suits your skin type, call to your nearest Mulligans Pharmacy!
Micellar water is often praised for its ability to remove even the toughest makeup. It’s often a beauty essential as its seen at a multi-use product, not only does it remove makeup but it also cleanses, tones and cleans your skin.
If you’re only using Micellar Water to remove your makeup at the end of the day then we have tips for you on how to get the most out of your Micellar Water!
Remove Fragrance
We’ve all been there, you’re applying your favourite fragrance and realise you’ve applied far too much! When you don’t have time to shower, Micellar Water on a some cotton wool can help wipe away residual scents!
Clean Makeup Brushes
Makeup brushes should be cleaned regularly as makeup and germs can gather on brushes. Without cleaning your makeup brushes, they may fail to apply makeup properly to your skin, while also being unhygienic. You can clean your brushes using Micellar Water by swirling your brushes in 2-3 inches of Micellar Water and leaving them to dry on a hand towel.
Remove Makeup Stains
Before you rush to the dry cleaners to get makeup stains from your clothes, try this handy tip! Dab the stain with a cotton ball dipped in Micellar Water. Fresh stains should lift quickly, but remember this isn’t recommended for delicate fabrics like silk or lace!
Wash Your Hands
If your hands are too sensitive for hand sanitisers, Micellar Water might be perfect for you! Simply pour a drop on the palm of your hands and rub them together!
With St. Patrick’s Day being this Saturday, we thought we’d celebrate our favourite Irish Skincare Brands that we couldn’t live without! We’ve put together a list of our top Irish made products that you HAVE to try!
Voya
VOYA is a journey that began in 1912 when the first seaweed baths opened in Strandhill, Co. Sligo, Ireland. Seaweed bathing is a 300-year-old tradition and Ireland’s only indigenous therapy. Shown to improve muscle healing while also detoxifying your skin, Seaweed Bathing has steadily grown in popularity. In terms of Seaweed bathing, the results speak for themselves!
ANTI-AGING PROPERTIES
Seaweed contains natural anti-aging properties. VOYA products can improve the suppleness and elasticity of skin, stimulate the renewal of damaged skin cells, detoxify, cleanse and tone while being naturally moisturising. The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is reduced, preventing the signs of premature aging, resulting in brighter, younger and fresher looking skin.
ANTI-OXIDANT PROTECTION
Seaweed is nature’s most powerful anti-oxidant from the vegetal world. Its abundance of minerals and vitamins are deeply detoxifying, hydrating and nourishing, helping to fight against harmful environmental aggressors and strengthen the immune system.
IMPROVES SKIN CONDITIONS
Seaweed has been known to be used as an effective treatment for conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, and acne. It contains anti-inflammatory & therapeutic properties that are effective in the treatment of sensitive and allergy prone skin.
IMPACTS THE APPEARANCE OF CELLULITE
Seaweed aids the contouring process by stimulating micro-circulation. Toxins are flushed from the body as the circulation functions in a healthier manner and lymphatic drainage is increased, as a result, the appearance of cellulite is reduced.
Pestle & Mortar
As a busy mother of five, Sonia Deasy needed a simple, effective skincare routine she could count on. And she wasn’t alone. While working alongside her husband, acclaimed international photographer Padraic Deasy, she saw firsthand how dry, dull and patchy his subjects’ skin looked up close. She knew there had to be a better solution. So she began to research one herself, working closely with her sister – who just so happened to hold a degree in biochemistry.
Together they began to develop a formula that followed Sonia’s own less-is-more approach to beauty. Always in favor of a natural look over layers of makeup, Sonia was determined to create a line of no-fuss skincare – free of harsh chemicals and worrisome ingredients – that left women looking and feeling their best.
Pestle & Mortar have adopted a game-changing method of formulating, where all Pestle & Mortar products are formulated as stand-alone products. By doing this their formulations end up being individual and easy for our customers to use our entire range. You won’t find Hyaluronic Acid in any of our other products as there is ample amount of HA active in our serum, so we concentrate on unique actives for every product making sure your skin is benefiting from an abundance of goodness.
Green Angel
Green Angel is an award winning luxurious range of Irish skincare, hair care and bath care preparations, which are based on the fusion of Irish seaweed and natural essential oils. The duel energy blend of their unique qualities provides Green Angel Irish Skincare with a truly outstanding range.
Using the very best quality natural raw ingredients is a corner stone of their business. The seaweed comes from the west coast of Ireland and is packed with vitamins, minerals, iodine, trace elements and iron and the natural essential oils are chosen for their individual qualities.
Cleanse Off Mitt
An innovative Irish product, created by the renowned skin therapist Jennifer Rock aka The Skin Nerd, Cleanse Off Mitt is a reusable microfibre cosmetic mitt designed to remove makeup and oil from the skin. It is safe, gentle, thorough and respectful to the skin. Cleanse Off Mitt contains no harsh chemicals or preservatives that can often irritate and exacerbate many skin conditions. It needs no product added to it in order to work.
Cleanse Off Mitt is designed to replace the need of facial wipes, which can be harsh on the skin. Cleanse Off Mitt is an ideal gentler and more convenient alternative to a typical facecloth and cotton wool.
When wearing a full coverage foundation, you really want the foundation to last no matter what the day throws at you, especially if you’re attending a special occasion like a wedding! Even it you are only wearing it for a couple of hours in the evening, the whole idea is that you don’t have to worry about your makeup splitting or going shiny.
One of our favourite full coverage foundations has to be Estée Lauder Double Wear.
One of the original Full Coverage Foundations, Estée Lauder Double Wear, is a longwearing make up with 15 hours staying power. Looks flawless and natural. Lasts through heat and humidity and non-stop activity. Won’t change colour, smudge or come off on clothes. Feels lightweight and comfortable. Provides medium to buildable coverage. For a look that lasts all day, without touch ups. For best results apply your double wear stay in place make up SPF 10 with a foundation brush on top of your repair and moisturiser products.
Another product from the Estée Lauder Double Wear family, is the Double Wear Light, it’s ideal for those who prefer a slightly lighter finish than the classic Double Wear. ‘Double Wear Light Stay In Place’ liquid foundation offers sheer to medium coverage with a natural finish up to 15 hours wear and SPF 10 protection. Goes on sheer, leaves skin free to breathe all day controls oil, resists smudging and won t melt off through heat and humidity. It is photo friendly, non acnegenic and dermatologist tested.
Ideal for all skin types, call to any of our Estée Lauder counters to find your perfect foundation!
When it comes to Tanning Thursday, we all want the perfect glow to see us through the weekend. Well worry no more! The team in bBold has put together their tips on how to get the best tan using their range of tan!
Wax 48 hours before tanning and Shave 24 hours before to allow your skin to recover and your pores to close.
Exfoliate
Exfoliate thoroughly 24 hours before tanning. Exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the skins outermost layer to help ensure even coverage on application. After exfoliating moisturise your skin.
Clean, Dry Skin
Shower 30 minutes before application.This will enable your skin to return to its natural PH balance and allow time for your pores to close. Do not apply body lotion or deodorant before tanning.
Moisturise Areas of Dry Skin
Apply a small amount of bBold Body Beautiful moisturiser to areas of dry skin to include hands, elbows, knees and ankles. This will provide a slight barrier and prevent a build up of tan.
Using a bBold Applicator Mitt apply bBold Self Tan to the skin. All products within the bBold Range provide an instant colour therefore there is no risk of leaving areas untreated.
The instant colour achieved by bBold products helps indicate the depth of colour your tan will be when fully developed. Apply more or less to achieve your desired colour.
Wear Loose Clothing
Wait 2-5 minutes until your tan is dry before getting redressed. Wear loose dark clothes until your tan is fully developed.
Wait 8 hours
Avoid showering and vigorous exercise for up to 8 hours after application, until your tan is fully developed.
Shower gels with a high PH level can cause your tan to fade from the skin faster. Use a mild moisturising soap to maintain your skins natural PH level and help prolong your tan for longer.
Moisturise
Your tan will fade away from the skin as dead skin cells erode. To prolong your tan for longer moisturise your skin daily with bBold Body Beautiful moisturiser.
To learn more about bBold or to try it yourself, call to you nearest Mulligans Pharmacy!
Lip lining can be difficult and frustrating to master, BUT we love any makeup hack that makes our lives easier and this is definitely one of those!
We’ve all been there, trying to get the perfect lip then you hand might have a little wobble and there’s your perfect lip dreams gone out the window! Ten sometimes you think you have it perfect but it turns out you’ve applied it unevenly.
Some tips that that will help are:
Apply pressure on skin just after your lip line. When you gentle press that spot it will pull your lip so that you can reach all the edges.
Colour in your full lip with pencil. Starting from the inside at the fullest part.
Keep your lip pencil clean and shard to get the perfect lines.
If you find it difficult at first, apply your lip colour, this will act as a guide when lining your lips.
Using your lip pencil draw a ‘X’ at each peak of your cupids box, then draw a straight line at the fullest part of your bottom lip. Once you have made these join them to the outer edges of your lips.
Here’s a diagram to help you get the perfect liner every-time!
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