Beauty

Compiled by PHYL CLARKE

Into the groove

Knockranny House Hotel is packing quite a bit into its Glow Package overnight special.

One night’s bed and breakfast and an evening meal bookend the main attraction; a two-and-a-half hours of top-to-toe treatments in the award-winning Spa Salvo, which features the Kerstin Florian range.

The package costs €195 per person. Knockranny House Hotel, Westport, Co Mayo, tel: 098-28600, khh.ie.

If you're not in...

If you’re a fan of the Dermalogica skincare range you could win a treatment at the company’s flagship store in New York by entering a competition it is running supporting the FITE movement, which fosters financial independence for women through entrepreneurship. Five of the brand’s top sellers include entry details. If you’re new to the range, try the Daily Microfoliant (€46), an exfoliator made with rice grains which instantly brightens skin. The prize includes a trip for two for four nights in the Big Apple, with spending money, treatments and a range of products specific to your needs. For stockists, tel: 1800-556785.

Red in the face?

High colouring, broken capillaries and skin sensitivity are all symptoms of rosacea. In severe cases sufferers also have bumps and pimples and these should be treated by a dermatologist, but the vast majority of cases can be tackled with soothing and protective skincare and a little cosmetic help. Sun protection is a must, as UV rays will only exacerbate the condition.

FAST ACTING

Clinique has a number of products in its Redness Solutions range to tackle the problem. Urgent Relief Cream (€38) will calm and soothe skin immediately, and there’s cosmetic help too with Daily Protective Base (€20.50), which protects and primes the skin for make-up, and has a sheer green tint to visually combat redness. Instant Relief Mineral Powder (€38) comes in loose or pressed form and contains minerals in a yellow blend, which immediately reduces redness.

SOOTHING

Origins Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief (€69.50) is a calming cream packed with Dr Andrew Weil’s Signature Six irritation-reducing ingredients, combined with lily bulb, which helps reduce the redness associated with rosacea.

FORTIFYING

La Roche-Posay Rosaliac XL Anti-Redness Moisturiser SPF 15 (€21) has a blend of three ingredients that protect sensitive skin against changes in climate while strengthening it. Used long term, it can help neutralise outbreaks of redness and also comes in a richer formula for more dry skin.

Ahead of the rest

Hats off to Gillian Quinn of GQ Hairdressing in Galway, whose lateral thinking has given customers control of what they spend at her hair salon. The Fair Concept is simple. From a detailed hair “menu” you decide which services you want and pay for just those. Save money by coming in with your hair already washed and have a blow-dry from ¤9.99 or have a root retouch for €19.99. Fringe needing a trim? That’ll be €2.99. The corner-cutting only applies to services, as the salon uses L'Oréal products and boasts a friendly and talented team of stylists. Quinn came across the concept while holidaying in Austria, where 120 salons offer the service. More like this please. GQ Hairdressing, 3 Kirwan’s Lane, Galway, tel: 091-563944