What’s new in books, beauty, fashion and food

Aran Crafts Ireland, pictured, is one of the Irish brands taking part in this year’s Showcase Ireland. Ireland’s Creative Expo will take place as a virtual showroom this year, from January 25-29.

Supported by the Design & Crafts Council Ireland and Enterprise Ireland, Showcase is one of the industry’s largest international trade fairs where designers and craft-makers show their collections to retail buyers from across the globe. Aran Crafts, based in Kildare, specialises in beautiful woollen pieces using only 100pc natural fibres including merino wool, Donegal wool, and cashmere. LH Sweater, €68, see arancrafts.com

Notion: Dress to impress

Sustainable brand Queens of Archive is currently available at a pop-up store, and online, at Arnotts. Inspired by the style of Anita Pallenberg, Chrissie Hynde, and Marianne Faithfull, fans of the brand include Laura Whitmore and Imelda May. LH

‘Marianne Darcy’ dress, €185, Queens of Archive, arnotts.ie

Necessity: Bringing home Bacon

The fascinating life of Francis Bacon, as told by Pulitzer Prize-winning authors Mark Stevens and Annalyn Swan. From his traumatic childhood to his travels through Paris, Berlin and London; the early, unsuccessful years, and the journey to his eventual status as one of the greatest painters of the 20th century. LH ‘Francis Bacon: Revelations’, £30, HarperCollins

Notion: Dry January

If you’re determined to see out Dry January but need…something, non-alcoholic, Australian spirits brand Lyre was introduced to Ireland just before Christmas, with a range of 13 spirits and liqueurs, including an absinthe, a Bourbon whisky, a dry vermouth, and this gin. LH

Lyre’s Dry London Spirit, €25.99, SuperValu nationwide

Necessity: Drink up

Irish baby brand Cognikids is upholding the national mood to get out and about more in 2021 with add-on accessories to its Sip cup. The rubbery outer layer, with its easy-grip holes, promotes independent drinking and the new lid and straw elements allow for no-spill sipping on the go. In a range of cute colours, including this chic dusty pink. SC Sip cup, €12.99; lid and straw, €9.99, both packs of two, see cognikids.com

Notion: Foodie feast

Lennox Street Grocer opened in Dublin’s Portobello just before Christmas, with baked goods, coffee and ‘pantry items’. Sibling proprietors Christopher and Claire Arnold, pictured, both with a background in food and wine, have a January focus on fruits of the sea, and have the full complement of Irish seaweed products (from €4.15), which they suggest as a protein-rich salt substitute for a clean January. SC Lennox Street Grocer, 38 Lennox St, Portobello, D8, see lennoxstreet.ie

Necessity: Hair dryer

Dry shampoo has become a staple of modern life, particuarly as WFH makes washing your hair every day seem like overkill. Still, let’s keep our standards up. Gold Dust King Luxury Dry Shampoo contains no talc or alcohol, ingredients that can leave hair dusty and dried out, but also has no propellant gases, which help your typical product to spray on. With this stuff, you dab it on to the hair with a sponge applicator, while corn starch absorbs oil and natural moisturisers keep the hair soft. SC Gold Dust King Luxury Dry Shampoo, €12.95,

see kinghairandbeauty.com

Notion: Patch test

Patchology started out making patches for the medical industry and then moved into delivering skincare ingredients by the same method. We love these gel-based eye masks, with anti-inflammatory calendula, evening primrose extract and lavender for a full nest-and-chill January treat. SC Patchology Moodpatch Down Time Eye Gels, €12 for pack of five, Brown Thomas; Arnotts; Avoca and selected pharmacies nationwide