Triona McCarthy: Now I’m in my 50s, I’m all about affordable formulas that turn back the clock on dark circles and sagging skin

Now that spring is in full swing, there are lots of fab new skincare products around to bring some sunshine into our lives. With so much choice available, it can be hard to know what ones to use, but the thing to remember is that skincare doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Just use what you have and be consistent — and I know it’s boring but you have to do all the boring stuff as well, such as drinking lots of water and getting enough sleep.

As I’m now in my 50s — eek! — I’m very interested in the Nivea Q10 Targeted Wrinkle Filler Serum, €17.99, boots.ie. It visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines in just five minutes thanks to its fast-absorbing formula that penetrates the skin 10 layers deep. The coenzyme Q10 also stimulates the production of collagen to fight wrinkles effectively from the inside out.

A little bit more expensive, but of course you’re worth it, La Mer The Moisturizing Fresh Cream, €95, arnotts.ie, renews skin’s youthful bounce for a firmer feel. And I love a firmer feel! It features a lightweight soothing technology that delivers deep renewing moisture and youth-renewing Miracle Broth, which helps to balance sebum and protect against environmental stressors.

Jennifer Rock is the Irish queen of skincare and she has just released two fab new products Skingredients Retinol 0.6% + B3 Serum and Retinol 1% + B3 Serum, €49/€55, skingredients.com. They have been four years in the making, were tested by 40 panellists and have four active ingredients. Retinol is dubbed the holy grail in skincare by dermatologists and facialists, and according to Rock, it delivers retinol at its finest and is suitable for everyone that is serious about levelling up their skincare.

I’ve had a few late nights recently and my eyes are telling the sorry tale. I’ve been reaching for Relife Definisse KP1 Revitalising Eye Contour, €110, medaesthetics.ie, which is a complete cosmetic treatment for the eye area. It reduces wrinkles, dark circles and under-eye puffiness due to its combination of three peptides and hyaluronic acids.

And finally, the new gold-shimmering, vanilla-fragranced Declare Switzerland Moisture Lip Balm, €18, declareireland.ie, is an intensive lip care made from beeswax, shea butter and coconut oil. It helps to intensively nourish and strengthen dry, cracked lips and its golden shimmer pigments play with the light and add a touch of glamour.

So now, don’t worry about your skin, be happy!

Three of the best… Hair Treatments

1 Aveda Botanical Repair Bond-Building Flash Treatment, €49, avedastore.ie

Say hi to this hair hero! A luxe, lightweight lotion that resurfaces the cuticle by smoothing down damaged, frayed layers for a flawless, smooth finish so hair is two times smoother and shinier after one use! Yes, please.

2 Redken Acidic Color Gloss Treatment, €38.20, millies.ie

I love a quickie so this five-minute treatment gently cleanses and polishes the hair fibre without disrupting the natural oils, depositing glossing molecules and smoothing the hair cuticle to seal in shine.

3 L’Oreal Paris Elvive Glycolic Gloss, €10.95, thebeautybasket.ie

Is there anything better than shiny, happy hair? Well, this lamination treatment takes five minutes and penetrates the hair’s fibre-improving shine, smoothness and strength, leaving hair silky and smooth to touch. Plus, the shine lasts for days!

Valentines scents to make your crush swoon!