My Day in Beauty with Marissa Carter: “Skincare is next on my to-do list!”

CEO of Carter Beauty and Cocoa Brown, Marissa Carter is one of Ireland’s most successful businesswomen. A beauty expert in her own right, I was dying to know what products she can’t be without…

“My one hard and fast rule is that I always cleanse my skin at the end of the night,” Marissa says.

“I can’t remember the last time I didn’t. At the moment I’m using the Jo Browne Facial Cleansing Balm to remove any oil-based products, followed by the Elave Facial Cleanser for anything left behind, as well as Nivea Double Effect Eye Make-up Remover for my eyes.”

And as for her handbag essentials? “I would never leave the house without lipstick — Carter Beauty, of course,” says Marissa. “A slick of lipstick makes all the difference even if you haven’t got any make-up on. Last, but by no means least, I don’t go anywhere without a layer (or two) of tan.”

Marissa’s skincare picks:

Cleanser: Jo Browne Facial Cleansing Balm
Toner: Pure Balance Mattifying Toner
Moisturiser: Eucerin Hyaluron Filler Day Cream
Serum: Ella and Jo 3-in-1 Hyaluronic Skin Mist
Eye cream: Declaré Eye Contour Firming Cream
Mask: At the moment, I’m using the Lancôme Advanced Génifique Hydrogel Melting Mask. That said, I don’t have a massive amount of loyalty when it comes to face masks — the packaging usually sways me
Other: The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%

“I’m fascinated with the concept of The Ordinary as a brand and how they’ve managed to make what is essentially professional level skincare accessible to the masses. I’ve always had a massive interest in skincare, it’s next on my to-do list!”

The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2%, €5.80

Marissa’s top skincare tip:

“Fake, don’t bake. Seriously. UV rays will damage your skin more than any other lifestyle choice. There are so many choices when it comes to fake tan (obviously, Cocoa is the best…) so there’s no need to damage your skin to get a rich brown glow.”

Marissa’s makeup picks:

Foundation: Carter Beauty Full Measure HD Foundation
Primer: Carter Beauty Hold Tight Perfecting Primer
Mascara: Carter Beauty After Dark Mascara
Liner: Carter Beauty Supreme Gel Liner, as worn by Ariana Grande
Palette/eyeshadow: Carter Beauty Warm Velvet 18-shade Palette
Powder: Carter Beauty Setting Standards Baking Powder
Brushes: I’m yet to find a brand I love enough to declare my loyalty to — maybe it’s time to create my own?

“I know you’re not supposed to have favourites amongst your babies but Supreme Gel Liner will always be my secret number one.”

Carter Beauty Supreme Gel Liner, €4.95

Marissa’s hair picks:

Shampoo: Cocoa Brown Kind Shampoo
Conditioner: Cocoa Brown Kind Conditioner
Mask: Living Proof Restore Mask Treatment
Hairspray: Alfaparf Style Stories Original Hairspray
Texture spray: Color Wow Dream Coat Supernatural Spray
Brushes: Faro Brushes
Tools: Lanai Blo Hairdryer

“I’m a Lanai Blo girl through and through – it’s as close as you’ll get to a professional blow dry without having to leave your house.”

Lanai Blo Rose Gold edition, from €99

Marissa’s top hair tip:
“Clean hair is not the be all and end all. Skip a couple of wash days and use a full bottle of dry shampoo — your hair will probably look all the better for it.”