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5th April 2014
04:00pm BST

Elave Skincare, from €22.95
We spent a month trying out the latest additions to the Elave offering recently, and we were very impressed. Based in Dundalk, Ovelle skincare are marking their 80th birthday this year with a new three-part facial skincare regime made up of the steps Renew, Rebalance and Protect. The'free-from' approach makers pride themselves on is a big plus point for this brand; the products are free from harsh colourings, preservatives, perfumes and foaming agents, making these beauty buys especially suitable for sensitive skin. Of course, they're founded with the Irish climate in mind too.
STEP 1: RENEW
AGE DELAY GLYCOLIC CLEANSING TREATMENT 200ML - €26.95
This cleansing treatment boasts 12% Glycolic Acid, which works while cleansing to exfoliate dead skin cells and stimulate collagen activity in the skin. A blend of Humectants protect the skin from dehydration, while the combination of emollients work to deeply soften and smooth skin.
Given the active ingredients, we found it best to use this only once a day and left on the skin for a shorter period of time. Alternatively, you could use it only once or twice a week as a treatment, leaving for a minute or two on the skin before removing with a warm and damp facecloth.
Expect a tingle when you apply too - that's the acid at work - and with active ingredients at this concentration a patch test is always a good idea. Though these products are specifically designed for sensitive skin, it's always better to be safe than sorry.
STEP 2: REBALANCE
AGE DELAY NIGHT GLYCOLIC TREATMENT 50ML €27.95
This product again boasts that all-important Glycolic Acid again, but in a less concentrated form. An anti-oxidant blend of coconut and palm glycerides and vitamin E helps to repair signs of environmental damage, while, like the cleanser, a combination of emollients soften and smooth skin.
This treatment can be used in conjunction with glycol cleanser, and makers advise using it at night time before bed.
STEP 3: PROTECT
DAILY SKIN DEFENCE SPF 45+ 50ml €22.95
Nowadays the majority of skincare brands contain some SPF, but as Irish women we're amongst the worst for assuming we don't need a high factor as we rarely see the sun. In fact, your skin needs SPF every single day. That protection from Ultraviolet UV light and environmental pollutants could make all the difference when it comes to visible signs of ageing, and the sooner you start - the better!
This moisturiser contains SPF45+ Broad Spectrum High UVA/UVB Protection, which protects skin every day from signs of UV exposure like dark spots, roughness and loss of elasticity, along with vitamins C, B & E and zinc oxide to protect sensitive skin. The oil-free formula won't clog your pores, and the lotion is light and easily absorbed. Suitable for everyday use in all weather conditions.
Nivea In-Shower Body Moisturiser in Nourishing Cocoa Butter & Pampering Honey, €3.99
For anyone who values a lie-in as much as we do, beauty timesavers are a morning godsend. The good folks at NIVEA brought us their super-clever In-Shower Body Moisturiser range last year, and we loved it. Now, they're back with two new indulgent scents; nourishing Cocoa Butter and pampering Honey. Simply cleanse with shower gel as usual and rinse off, apply In-Shower Body Moisturiser to your wet skin– when your skin is most absorbent. Leave for a few seconds, then rinse off and towel dry. No residue means no waiting around - win! The range now includes:
NIVEA In-Shower Moisturiser Cocoa Butter (all skin types) RRP: €3.99
NIVEA In-Shower Moisturiser Honey (all skin types) RRP: €3.99
NIVEA In-Shower Moisturiser (Normal Skin) RRP: €3.99
NIVEA In-Shower Moisturiser (Dry Skin) RRP: €3.99