10 Mood-Boosting Beauty Buys

Do you ever find yourself in need of a little mental pick-me-up? 2024 birthed the trend of the ‘dopamine menu’, a curated list of things you enjoy that can give you a dopamine boost. Online, we saw people share lists of the things that bring them joy, from that first sip of coffee in the morning to starting a new TV series.

The dopamine menu serves as a positive reminder to put your happiness and wellbeing first. Naturally, happiness looks different for everyone, and what might go unnoticed by one person can be a huge source of joy for another.

For many beauty and self car play a huge part in day-to-day happiness, myself included. As a beauty writer, I have tried my fair share of products – both good and bad – and with that I have been able to fine-tune what works and doesn’t work for me.

From my daily skincare and makeup routine to more time-indulgent self-care rituals, I want each product I use to serve me joy, like a shot of serotonin straight to my brain with each swipe, spritz and scrub. Here’s what’s currently making me happy.

1. The skin healing mask

As an acne sufferer, my main skin focus is healing wounds and fading marks. While skincare is great, there is only so much you can do with it, which is where I need to call in the big guns. The Current Body LED light therapy mask, €349, has transformed my skin, reducing marks and scars, and improving texture, all while combatting fine lines and wrinkles.

2. The skin-brightening investment buy

You don’t need to spend a lot of money on lotions and potions for them to actually work. However, some products are worth the extra buck, like Skinceuticals Vitamin C Serum, €177. The skincare item that brings in the most compliments, one use of this stuff leaves my skin looking brighter and my face happier. 

3. The energising body brush

Body brushing is a staple in my wellness routine. Voya’s exfoliating body brush, €24, comes out once a week before a shower. Working it in circular motions all over my body, it exfoliates my skin, removes toxins and boosts circulation.

4. The speedy hair styler

I love a slick back hairstyle as much as the next person, but on rushed mornings, there just isn’t time. The Luna Stray Tamer, €14, has been a game changer, taking the time and stress out of styling my hair.

Plus, the strawberry scent will hit me at random moments throughout the day, giving me an extra hit of dopamine with each whiff.

5. The glow giver

A glowy base is something I can’t and won’t compromise on. One light layer of Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless Filter, €50, brings life back to the face, even on the gloomiest of days, making the rest of my makeup glide on perfectly.

6. The hydrating hand cream

If my mam taught me anything, it’s that bodycare is just as important as any other beauty ritual. Making sure not to neglect my hands, I apply a generous amount of Galway brand Kinvara Omega Rich Hand & Nail Cream, €15.95, as the last thing I do each night before bed, allowing them to soak in the goodness while I sleep.

“I want each product I use to serve me joy, like a shot of serotonin straight to my brain.”

7. The sunny scent

Smelling gorgeous is an instant mood booster. It can be hard to find a fragrance that you can actually smell on yourself, but since discovering Sol De Janeiro’s Body and Hair Mist, €24, I’ve been spritzing it daily.

8. The super SPF

A good SPF is my desert-island staple. It can be hard to find one that isn’t too heavy, yet still does the job. La Roche Posay has formulated the perfect product for this in its Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream, €22, which protects without leaving you feeling like you have a thick layer of cream on your face for the day. Plus the compact bottle is perfect for throwing into your handbag for top-ups on the go.

9. The multi-tasking wonder

Blush can bring life on even your dullest complexion days, this Pearl Beauty Lip and Face Stick in Classic Beauty, €26.95, particularly brings me joy thanks to its multipurpose nature. If I’m in a rush, I pop it on my cheeks, lips, and eyes et voilà – I’m alive!

10. The all-in-one scalp oil

Irish brand Annutri have formulated their Grow It Scalp Oil, €35, to work wonders on your gruaig. I’ll massage it into my scalp once a week and let it do its strengthening, hydrating and nourishing magic.

Photography by Yamila Pavía.