Beauty

Compiled by PHYL CLARKE

Complexion perfection

I’m getting a big head – I can’t help it – people keep telling me how well I’m looking. Compliments have been coming thick and fast – some have even asked outright if I’ve had something “done”.

Modesty aside, I have to agree with them. Looking in the mirror (5x magnification and positioned unflinchingly against the full force of unforgiving morning light), I see a brighter, fresher me. My skin is clearer and more toned. Those nasty lines that used to run from nose to mouth have softened and filled out and I’m loving my new under eye area, which used to be my bête noire. Oh, and did I mention my newly defined jaw line?

The credit for all this goes to Neelu White (right) who invited me to try out her Perfector machine. In my book, White is rather perfect herself – a therapist with decades of experience and a loyal following. (If you think eyebrow threading is a recent addition to our shores, White pioneered it here almost 30 years ago.) Her natural, non-invasive approach led her to the Perfector – a non-surgical face-lifting system that rejuvenates, firms and lifts the skin. It is also known as the “knifeless facelift”, and fans include Sharon Stone, Cameron Diaz, Madonna and Meryl Streep.

The technique uses low frequency microcurrents delivered through metal infused gloves, using massaging movements to the face and neck (above). The movements are very specific and White went to extraordinary lengths to perfect her skills, including middle-of-the-night training sessions on Skype with a Honolulu-based expert, Xanya Weiss. Completely pain-free and relaxing, you’ll see results after one session, with the full benefits after 10 treatments, which are then maintained with a monthly top-up.

She is based at Arnotts on Henry Street in Dublin, and prices range from €175 for a single session to €1,500 for a course of 10. To complement her therapeutic talents, White's range of skincare products – Neelu – is also available at Arnotts. Tel: 01-8050 400; neelus-salon.com

I can't live without . . . LORRAINE MAYE organiser, Culture Night 2012

Benefit They’re Real! Mascara I have tried hundreds of different mascaras over the years but this is definitely one of the best. A lot of products claim to make it look like you are wearing false eyelashes, but for me this is the only one that actually does, and best of all it doesn’t smudge.

Samsonite Suitcase I do a lot of travelling around Ireland and abroad: my suitcase and I go everywhere together. I’m not sure what model this suitcase is but it has been dragged across snow, sand, even fields . . . and is still going strong.

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs The handiest and most effective fake tan for legs. It’s really quick to apply, covers up any blemishes or imperfections you might have and gives legs an even colour. Soap Glory Wish Upon a Jar 21-Day Collagen Overhaul Cream This is a facial moisturiser that you are supposed to use 21 days in a row, a couple of times a year. It sounds like a gimmick but it is fantastic for anyone who has dry skin: after about 10 days you can actually see and feel the difference. An accidental find in Boots that I tell all my friends about.

iPhone What did we do before iPhones? Social media, directions, weather, emails, beautiful Instagram photos, music – iPhone has it all, including a new app for Dublin Culture Night. Available to download on iTunes, it’s designed to ensure that the public has the full list of participating venues, locations and event listings for Dublin Culture Night 2012 at their fingertips.

Culture Night takes place nationwide on Friday; culturenight.ie