Fashion and cosmetics news from our columnists
BRONZE IN A BOTTLE
In a sea of false tanning products, Clarins Liquid Bronze stands out because it can be applied with a cotton pad for subtle effects (and tan-free fingers) as well as leaving skin noticeably more soft. Created specifically for the face and décolleté areas, the colour is a nice, pale biscuity brown that can be built up over a number of nights. Doesn't clog pores or discolour in eyebrows if applied sparingly. Ideal for winter tans where colour is required, but in low-level doses. Clarins Liquid Bronze self-tan for face and décolleté, €24 from stockists countrywide. Melanie Morris
BOOTS FOR YOUR FACE
If you've been in Boots this month, you might have noticed an overhaul to the No 7 range of skincare and cosmetics. Boots employed make-up artist Lisa Eldridge to make it more customer-friendly and effective. No pumice stone was left unturned as she examined women's behavioural patterns as well as their cosmetic requirements. Compacts now open like DeLorean cars (one click, slow release), eyeshadow trios are more flattering and include an extra helping of the often-used base shade, and skincare formulations are more effective - check out the Uplifting range. Boots says one in three women has a No 7 item. Melanie Morris
JEWELS BY JENNIFER
Jennifer Kinnear's new boutique in Temple Bar is decorated like a femme fatale's boudoir, with antiques, a chaise longue draped in fur, coffee-table books waiting to be read and everything surrounded by arresting displays of jewellery. It is a real jewel of a shop that showcases not only her one-off pieces for fashion shows but also a best-selling commercial line of jewellery called Vanilla. New this season is a range of delicate gold and crystal jewellery, but this designer can also put her hand to bolder, more ethnic pieces. The spring Vanilla range has an 1920s twist, with tassels, chandelier earrings and pendant-style necklaces in garnet, crystal and aquamarine at prices from €39 to €110. Jennifer Kinnear is at Unit 6, Crowe Street, Dublin (01-6703088). Deirdre McQuillan
A LESSER-KNOWN BELGIAN
Antwerp is not only a really hip European city but also where young Belgians go to study fashion as a career. Some - Anne Demeulemeeser, Dries Van Noten and Veronique Branquinho - are now well-known internationally. A less well-known Belgian brand that sounds more Italian than Belgian is Linea Raffaelli, which specialises in occasion wear and glamorous "smart casual". Typical features of this collection are tie wrap fitted boleros and jackets worn over tops and dresses in easycare crush-effect fabrics with a metallic sheen. This aqua green tunic, for example (€405 with matching trousers €270) can be found in Choice fashion stores in Sandycove, Stillorgan, Sutton, Carlow and Galway. Deirdre McQuillan
A MIGHTY PEN
It's called Estée Lauder Artist's Brow Stylists Mobile Essentials Kit, and considering Estée Lauder has packed so many tools into one compact stylo, it's a wonder they didn't shrink the name, too. This female equivalent of the Swiss Army knife includes all you need for perfectly-groomed eyebrows: mini tweezers and brow brush at one end, a vial of brow gel and wand at the other, and a dual-ended pencil in the middle. Ergonomic and highly portable for €27. Melanie Morris
SEARCH FOR SERENITY
Long in the works, Nuala Woulfe's Serenity Day Spa in Glasthule, Co Dublin, is now open. Clients of Woulfe's 10-year-old beauty salon, just across the road from the spa, will not be surprised by the level of comfort, quality and aesthetics embodied in the newly-converted three-storey premises - with its understated ecru marble and blonde wood detailing; its state-of-the-art treatment rooms; its many windows (some with gorgeous sea views); and its relaxation areas furnished with deep leather sofas and canvas-cushioned lounge chairs. While Woulfe's women-only beauty salon will continue to offer skincare and beauty services, the day spa will address whole-body issues - tension, aches and pains, sleeping disorders, nutrition imbalances, skin problems - for both women and men. Serenity Day Spa, 55 Glasthule Road, Sandycove, Co Dublin, 01-2300255, www.serenityspa.ie. Elizabeth Field
WAXOLOGY
Urban Wax has always been on the cutting edge of designer depilation, but its move to swanky new premises (above Dylan Bradshaw's hair salon in central Dublin) firmly establishes these slick waxologists. Fast, efficient and discreet, the staff have been trained by New York's famous J. Sisters and offer everything from quick maintenance to something more daring. The salon's six treatment rooms offer complete privacy (as well as overhead TVs) while you consider your options, such as plunging for an Urban Outrageous - a bikini wax complete with a crystal finish - perfect for one's inner exhibitionist. Urban Outrageous bikini wax, €35 from Urban Wax, 5 Johnson's Place, Dublin 2 (01-6778577). Melanie Morris
FASHION OF THE WORLD
How people around the world dress and decorate their bodies is the subject of an engrossing forthcoming book of photographs called (un)fashion by Tibor and Maira Kalman. Tibor Kalman was an outstanding US graphic designer responsible for the brilliant series of single-theme magazines called Colors, published by Benetton, that broke new ground in terms of presentation, information and approach. He had finished the picture selection for this book just before he died in 1999 and it was completed by his wife, a noted children's author. "In our daily travels, Tibor and I were always looking for insane, inspired and beautiful stuff. There were no limits," says Maira Kalman. From three Namibian women dressed in red from head to toe (left) to a French tennis player seen from behind at the French Open (above), there are hundreds of photos showing how real people dress at work, on the street or for ceremonial occasions. The book is published by Thames & Hudson, €12.95 in UK. Deirdre McQuillan