Given the imminent arrival of the Easter Bunny, I’ve taken inspiration from chocolate for this week’s column.
With a beauty spin, chocolate is more likely to go on your face than in your belly, but are there any real benefits to using it beyond an appealing scent? Actually, yes: chocolate – or cocoa to be more specific – is jam-packed with natural anti-oxidants that are great for nourishing the skin and combating environmental damage.
If you really want to indulge your inner chocoholic, try the Chocolate Indulgence Package, available this month at The Spa at the Shelbourne Hotel in Dublin (shelbournespa.ie). For €145, the package includes a full-body Swedish massage using chocolate-scented body oil, followed by a glass of Champagne and some delicious chocolate truffles served in the relaxation room. You’ll also receive a personalised chocolate candle to enjoy at home afterwards.
If your beauty budget doesn’t stretch that far, read on for some DIY Easter-themed treats for every budget.
Hey, cheeky
Cheat your way to looking like you’re just back from a hike with Bourjois Délice de Poudre Contouring Duo, €10.50. Lightly dust the powder bronzer, infused with flecks of gold, across cheeks for a fresh-faced, outdoorsy look. Then, use the highlighter section to give a glow to the tops of cheekbones, brow bones and tip of nose. From pharmacies nationwide.
Eggcellent pores
This mask will literally leave you with egg on your face – but in a good way! This microfiber sheet mask is infused with albumen (egg white extract), which diminishes the look of pores, while vinegar clarifies skin in a jiffy! Too Cool For School Egg Cream Mask, €7, from Brown Thomas stores.
Glow-getter
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As an alternative to a pink cheek for spring, this brown-toned blush is brilliantly priced and prettily packaged. Essence My Glow Passion Blush, €3.50, from Penneys and pharmacies nationwide.
Cherry on top
This dinky Easter-themed beauty box is filled with a gorgeous-smelling and beautifully packaged Cherry Blossom hand cream, shower/bath gel and body lotion.
L’Occitane Cherry Blossom Easter Egg, €17, from pharmacies, department stores and L’Occitane stores nationwide.
Nail it
Indulge in chocolate without the calories by giving yourself a choccy mani and pedi. Try CND Shellac Varnish in ‘Arrowhead’, €11.95, from nail salons nationwide and lovecnd.com.
Good hair day
Is your hair in need of some Easter TLC? Try a shampoo enriched with protein-rich egg extracts. The Too Cool For School Egg Remedy Pack Shampoo, €22, comes in a rich formula that thickens and strengthens hair strands, with added honey to nourish and soften hair. From Brown Thomas stores.
Bombtastic indulgence
This chocolate bath set looks and smells good enough to eat! The Bomb Cosmetics Chocolate Ballotin Box, €17.99, contains a Vanilla Bath Creamer, Chocolate Orange Bath Creamer, Coffee Mocha Bath Meltz, Chocolate Bath Mallow, Double Choc Chip Bath Gem and a Chocolate Buttercup. From littlewoodsireland.ie.
Sweet & soft
For skin that smells like every chocoholic’s dream, and also feels nourished and smooth, try a chocolate-based moisturiser. The Cocoa Brown Chocolate Whip Body Moisturiser, €5.99, is a lovely product. From pharmacies nationwide.
