Founder of Lash Star Beauty, Orla Maguire, who is originally from County Monaghan and is now based in New York, has shared her lash expertise, beauty insights and favourite make-up buys …
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Key beauty staples/old favourites I’m never without …
“Well, as the founder and owner of a lash-focused brand, naturally I’m never without my Lash Star Beauty Full Control Lash Sculpting Mascara! The reason I founded the brand was because I wanted a mascara that did it all. It’s an absolute must for me because once my lashes are done, I feel like I can tackle whatever the day brings, knowing that at least I look half-decent. I love to add a little sizzle with a swipe of Lash Star’s Pure Pigment Kohl Liner; I make it a transparent wash for daytime and then layer it on for a sexy, smokey look for evening. The products are buildable, which I absolutely adore, so I can start off tame and add on the drama!”
Best beauty investments – what I spend a bit more on that’s worth it …
“Starting a cosmetics brand means a lot of product development. Perfecting mascara wands and other tools is something I have become very passionate about. The correct beauty tools are crucial, and I cherish my Westman Atelier make-up brushes. A complete splurge, but worth every penny. Gucci Westman is one of my beauty heroes, not to mention my girl crush! So if anyone is going to have the right brushes, it’s Gucci. I ran into her at a Taylor Swift concert this past summer when we were both there with our daughters. I of course had to go over and introduce myself and tell her how much we at Lash Star are in love with her brand. Taylor didn’t matter that night, I was so thrilled to meet Gucci! She was heading to Ireland the following month, and it was so nice to hear that she loves coming to Ireland to visit friends in Tipp.”
Most recent purchase …
“Seoulista Beauty is a brand I picked up in Selfridges a couple of years back, I love the sheet masks. And Seoulista’s founders are Irish, which of course piqued my interest. So when they launched their Cryo Cool device – an aluminium cooling device that dispenses their serum directly onto the skin – I had to check it out. I picked it up at my local chemist on a recent trip home. Their Hydrating Super Serum makes it a travel must; I fly a lot and find this fabulous for keeping my skin refreshed. It’s like lymphatic drainage for the face and gives me a healthy glow. I now want to check out their turban-style hair masks.”
Favourite places to shop for beauty …
“The cosmetics and skincare markets are bursting at the seams, with so many brands to choose from. I find Sephora in the US a great place to see new brands, such as many of the popular celebrity brands like Lady Gaga’s Haus Labs or Selena Gomez’s Rare Beauty, but also a lot of newer indie brands that I follow. Joyce Beauty in Hong Kong is one of my favourite destinations to discover Asian brands that haven’t made it this far yet.
Dublin’s T2 Duty Free has a fantastic selection of brands, so I allow myself plenty of time to indulge whilst passing through; I like to check out Pat McGrath, Hourglass, Augustinus Bader, Memo perfumes and so many other fabulous brands.” www.theloop.ie
Favourite Irish beauty product …
“Voya is a brand I’ve loved for years. For many reasons, including its sustainable organic luxury ethos. As a marine-based company with its origins based in seaweed harvesting, it is my go-to brand for a full-on, full body exfoliation. Their Effervescence seaweed and sugar body scrub, €54, is unparalleled for when I want to get rid of the grime that comes from living in New York. The fragrant essential oils of lavender and orange make having a shower a complete treat every single time.” www.voya.ie
All-time favourite beauty item …
“I discovered Chanel’s Baume Essentiel glow balm a few years ago and I absolutely love it as it comes in a stick formula. It is my secret weapon for fresh, dewy-looking skin. It highlights my cheekbones to give me a youthful look that I am trying desperately to hold onto! I gravitate towards stick formulas, as powders don’t always survive my travels. While there are a lot of stick highlighters and illuminators now available, for me this one still tops them all.”
I’m coveting …
“Acqua Di Parma have jumped on the bandwagon of car diffusers. It’s a beautifully designed bright yellow leather case diffuser that releases the most gorgeous of fragrances. Like many busy mums, I’m always picking up and dropping off – so having that olfactory delight when I’m behind the wheel would make every journey a lot more pleasant!” (€116, www.acquadiparma.com)
The loveliest perfume bottle on my dressing table …
“I’ve been wearing Acqua di Parma’s Colonia Intensa for years – every time I try and take a detour – Le Labo, Byredo, Tom Ford, Hermes – I always come back to it. The wood and leather accords bring an intense touch to a cologne that exudes self-assurance, and at the same time transforms me to a more sexy, confident version of myself. The art deco influences on the bottle makes it a stand-out classic amongst the other mix of products on my vanity.” (From €98 at Arnotts.)
My home fragrance …
“If you haven’t already tried Soilse candles, you’re missing out! As you can probably already tell, I’m a fragrance junkie. And living in New York, the Turf scent was my go-to – lighting it was my little link to home. Then came Abhaile – I die and go to heaven every time I smell this beauty. A blend of fig, liquorice, oak moss and tonka bean, it’s warm and familiar yet exotic at the same time. My American pals love it when I gift one to them. Very uniquely Irish!” (€27, from www.soilsecandlecompany.ie.)
One foundation I swear by …
“I like to keep it light when it comes to foundation, so I gravitate towards a tinted moisturiser. I like a ‘no-make-up’ make-up look on my skin, but enough to even out the tone. Laura Mercier has been the one that ticks all the boxes for me – it’s light, oil-free and feels great, and with such a great shade selection. It makes make-up application a no-brainer for me. Their Vanille shade is the perfect fair-neutral for my Irish complexion, and warms my skintone to perfection.”
My beauty ethos …
“I like to keep things light – except for my mascara and my fragrance: I hold no limits with either of those! I like to enter a room feeling elegant, sexy and confident and yet causing a little stir. The mascara always adds to my confidence and the fragrance always causes a little stir.”
Lash Star is available on www.zolobeauty.com;www.lashstarbeauty.com.
