Oscar wild

BEAUTY:Hollywood comes out to play tomorrow night – can't you just imagine the stress? On a normal day, LA has more drama queens per square mile than anywhere else on the planet – so on the day before the biggest party of the year, strops will be thrown, immaculately pedicured feet will be stamped and tempers will reach boiling point.

Which fabulous designer dress to wear, which jeweller to favour, not to mention the nightmare of choosing the perfect style of hair and make-up to complement all of the above . . . Sit back and enjoy the results tomorrow night and in the meantime, here’s a bit of Hollywood closer to home . . .

Let's make up

Tomorrow night's Oscar for best make-up will showcase the top artists working in film and special effects.Irish students of the art of make-up now have the opportunity of studying in Los Angeles, learning from award-winning make-up artists and industry leaders. The Dublin-based LA Make-Up Academy has just opened a sister branch in Burbank, home of the studios and cosmetic companies. They are offering a one-week Master with the Starscourse covering everything from high-definition make-up for television to airbrushing, with a portfolio photoshoot including hair, fashion and wardrobe styling using top US models. Tel: 01-6706886 or see lamakeupacademy.com for more details.

Ole, Ole!

With a dream client list including Barbra Streisand, Ellen DeGeneres, Charlize Theron and Kylie Minogue, skincare guru Ole Henriksen is right there at the top. From humble beginnings in Denmark to a flagship spa on Sunset Boulevard, his rags-to-riches story reads like a Hollywood script. Way back in the late 1970s, he was literally cooking up his own formulations in his kitchen when an LA Times Magazineeditor set him a challenge to "fix" her problem skin in six weeks. The rest, as they say, is history.

If you can’t make it to his flagship spa on Sunset Boulevard, you can experience his treatments at the Spirit One spa in Galway’s Radisson Blu Hotel (spiritonespa.com). Alternatively, this little trio is a great introduction to the range and is suitable for all skin types.

Three Little Wonders incorporates the award-winning Truth Serum along with a renewing cream and night treatment (€44). Order on 091-538462. Postage is free.

High Brow

When Heidi Klum needs her brows shaped, she heads to Anastasia Soare of Beverly Hills. Don’t ever underestimate the importance of a good eyebrow shape. Believe it or not, there is such a thing as “the Hollywood brow”, so called because it’s an undetectable face freshener and eye lifter, and great news – it’s available here. Libby Ryan of Elysian Brows has trained with Soare and is redesigning eyebrows in Dublin in true red-carpet style. There is also a complimentary touch-up service for clients between shapings. Elysian Brows, Dawson Street, Dublin. Tel: 01-6788260 or see elysianbrows.ie for details.

Classic Glamour

Estée Lauder brings old-school glamour and modern textures to its Brown Thomas counter with its Very Hollywood range. Designed by Michael Kors, this limited-edition collection is available in two colourways. Bel Air Beige is the warmer collection and uses soft beiges and subtle shades. It’s the perfect way to channel the current trend for the colour coral. Rodeo Pink provides a more vibrant palette with cool raspberry tones and defined eyes. Shimmering Loose Powder (€39) is a lightweight shimmer powder that gives a silky lustre and it can be worn with either collection. Oh yes, and it’s all packaged in divinely chic compacts. Touché.

pclarke@irishtimes.com