Kate Demolder: A look inside my beauty bag and my everyday skin and make-up must-haves
Kate Demolder with her make-up bag. Photograph Moya Nolan
Beauty, to me, is fascinating; the way it informs us about where we are in the world, and what we deem as important (including the Succubus Chic era, or the old/new crimson hair trend we seem to be returning to).
It’s also, for me, a fine line to tread — given that much of the beauty industry is founded on insecurity abuse, while a lot of it is also based on health and happiness.
Being a woman in this world is overwhelming (it is for men too these days, but X-chromosomes got here first) so, with this column, I hope to provide a space where you don’t feel you have to buy products to succeed, but enjoy where you are with whatever you have — be they Biologique Recherche masques or ice cubes from your freezer.
![La-Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume, €9.49, 40ml, Boots La-Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume, €9.49, 40ml, Boots](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/7713/3856900_6_articleinline_13938507-1644986148945170_1_.jpg)
![La-Roche Posay Anthelios UVmune 400 SPF 50+ Hydrating Cream 50ml, €21.45, McCabes Pharmacy La-Roche Posay Anthelios UVmune 400 SPF 50+ Hydrating Cream 50ml, €21.45, McCabes Pharmacy](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/7713/3856903_6_articleinline_ezgif-3-0f1bd49889.jpg)
![Sásta Microbiome Booster Serum (€45.00, 30ml, Meaghers Pharmacy) Sásta Microbiome Booster Serum (€45.00, 30ml, Meaghers Pharmacy)](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/7713/3856906_6_articleinline_ezgif-3-685439cdc2.jpg)
![Charlotte Tilbury’s Flawless Filter, €40, 30ml, SpaceNK Charlotte Tilbury’s Flawless Filter, €40, 30ml, SpaceNK](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/7713/3856909_6_articleinline_2.55886319.jpg)
![YSL Beauty Touche Éclat Illuminating Pen (€35, 2.5ml, Boots) YSL Beauty Touche Éclat Illuminating Pen (€35, 2.5ml, Boots)](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/7713/3856912_6_articleinline_ezgif-3-d9010046da_1_.jpg)
![Lukey Lukey Crème Blush Dream Cheeks in Cosmo Flush (€30.28, 3.5g, dollfacehouseofmakeup.com) Lukey Lukey Crème Blush Dream Cheeks in Cosmo Flush (€30.28, 3.5g, dollfacehouseofmakeup.com)](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/7713/3856915_6_articleinline_Lukey_20Lukey_20Cr_c3_a8me_20Blush_20Dream_20Cheeks_203.5g.jpg)
![Chanel Les Beiges Bronzing Cream (€47, 30g, brownthomas.com) Chanel Les Beiges Bronzing Cream (€47, 30g, brownthomas.com)](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/7713/3856918_6_articleinline_ezgif-3-d958c3c0a9.jpg)
![e.l.f. Ultra Precise Brow Pencil (€6.84, 0.05g, Feel Unique) e.l.f. Ultra Precise Brow Pencil (€6.84, 0.05g, Feel Unique)](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/7713/3856921_6_articleinline_ezgif-3-21b97b976d_1_.jpg)
![Act+Acre Stem Cell Serum, €88, 65ml, Millies Act+Acre Stem Cell Serum, €88, 65ml, Millies](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/7713/3856924_6_articleinline_ezgif-3-2dccf05f0d.jpg)
I’ve ashamedly only recently gotten into haircare, following a decade of bleach. I wash it every 3-4 days and use either Kevin Murphy or Olaplex products, but Act + Acre Stem Cell Serum (€88, 65ml, Millies) has really made a difference in hair growth where the blonde has obliterated the vibes.
I air dry 90% of the time and use a myriad of hair oils that are either formulated for blondes or entirely clear to avoid staining.
For a scrub, I mix sugar with oil and do a hair scrub in the shower.
Then, after, I’ll use the Shu Uemura Extreme Repair Treatment masque (€70.95, 200ml, LookFantastic) which is expensive but genuinely a religious experience. You also need the tiniest drop so it lasts the test of time. I have mine a year and just under half is left.
![YSL Libre Eau de Parfum Spray by Yves Saint Laurent YSL Libre Eau de Parfum Spray by Yves Saint Laurent](https://www.irishexaminer.com/cms_media/module_img/7713/3856927_6_articleinline_12218721-1084936819628340.jpg)
Finally, for scent, I tend towards the earthy and essential oily. Perfumes are expensive, and though there are ones I die for –– YSL Libre, Glossier You, E11even –– more often than not, I’m wearing rosewater or patchouli.
But if anything blows me out of the water, you guys will be the first to know.
Next week, we’re gonna kick things off with some new releases that are worth your time––as well as the ways to achieve the looks associated with them on a budget. Now, reapply your SPF and chat next week.
Product prices are subject to change and may differ across retailers.