Beauty

Compiled by PHYL CLARKE

The eyes have it

Lancôme Renergie Yeux (€53)

Getting two products in one is a bonus. This clever combination of eye treatments is a good choice heading into the warmer weather as its formula is so light and refreshing. Tap along the orbital bone and allow it to melt in – no rubbing please. The lid contains the tinted smoothing cream, which smoothes fine lines and reduces puffiness.

Salonaddict.ie

Here’s a really useful site that gives instant price comparisons on hair and beauty treatments in your area, plus the facility to book appointments online. For example, if you’re thinking of popping out for a lunchtime blow-dry in Dublin city centre, the cost varies from just €9.55 (Koreana Hair on Parnell Street) to a whopping €38.20 depending on your choice of salon. Yes, €38.20 (Davey Davey on Drury Street, if you must know). I’d want Nicky Clarke flown in from London at that price. The man behind the idea is Cormac McNamara. “Money is tight and people don’t have time to be calling around salons looking for the next available appointment. This way they can make their choice and book an appointment with the click of a mouse.” At the moment the catchment area is counties Dublin, Meath and Wicklow, but the site is proving so popular that from next month, Cork, Galway and Limerick are also being added. There is a facility for salons to sign up and also for clients to suggest a salon they’d like to see included.

DIY hair

Backstage at New York Fashion Week, Eugene Souleiman kept models’ hair sleek and simple at the DKNY shows, and for once it’s a style easily copied. He describes the look as “feminine minimalism” and stresses the importance of the curved parting, which accentuates the shape of the head.

Get the look by applying Velvet Amplifier to freshly washed hair, followed by Perfect Setting at the roots of wet hair. Both products are by Wella (€10.25 each). Blow-dry hair flat to the head for a sculpted finish. Make a parting at the side, curving it towards the opposite ear. Tie your hair in a ponytail at the nape of the neck and finally, fold it back to make a lopsided knot. Dare I suggest it’s also a perfect solution for a bad hair day?

Tips from the pros

There will be a big buzz of activity at certain counters at Brown Thomas this weekend, where international make-up artists will be on hand to share their knowledge and skills. YSL’s head European make-up artist Fred Letailleur will be there, along with Derek Miller, global make-up artist for Estée Lauder. Bobbi Brown’s right-hand woman will be dropping in – just ask for Hannah – and there’ll be master classes from Laura Mercier’s team from Thursday to Saturday, at all BT branches. If you need a new look or just want some advice on your favourite brand, tel: 01-605666 (appointments essential). Until Sunday, May 22nd.