Beauty

Compiled by PHYL CLARKE

On the lash

La Roche-Posay’s Respectissime, a waterproof mascara for sensitive eyes and contact-lens wearers, combines extreme hold and volume without irritation. It costs €17 at pharmacies.

Clinique’s Lash Building Primer boosts the effects of your regular mascara. It sells for €14 at Clinique counters.

It took seven years to perfect the wand on Lancôme’s Doll Eyes. Its conical shape ensures that even the tiniest lashes can be coated. It is available at department stores nationwide (€25.50).

For serious lash improvement, Rapid Lash is a high performance protein serum that rejuvenates and promotes lash growth and can also be used on brows. From Boots chemists (€49).

All-in-one skin care

How about a multi-tasking skin perfector which moisturises, protects, evens out skin tone and brightens the complexion? BB or Blemish Balm creams are the next big thing in high-tech skincare, with a powerhouse of ingredients that combine the elements of a moisturiser, concealer and foundation, together with vitamin C and mineral pigments.

The formulation was originally developed in 1970 by a dermatologist to treat sensitive skin after facial peels, and the brightening effects of the balm made it hugely popular in Asia, where skin lightening products are in demand. Now Garnier has released a BB for the European market, offering a lot of bang for your €14.99 buck. The time saved by combining moisturiser, primer, concealer, SPF and foundation is a major plus, but it’s the finished effect that will have you smiling in the mirror. Garnier Miracle Skin Perfector BB cream is widely available.

For one day only

The staff at Hession Hairdressing in Drumcondra and Clontarf are gearing up for a month-long celebration to mark 40 years of good hair days. The highlight of the month will be on September 10th, when founder Frank Hession comes back on the shop floor for one day, cutting hair at 1971 prices. Hession is one the fathers of Irish hairdressing and one of the great personalities of the industry. Son Paul has been at the helm for the past 10 years, during which the salon has won many awards. He shares his father’s passion for the business and approaches each day “like it was the first day”. For more information on the September special offers, tel: 01-8376265 or see hessionhairdressing.ie.