Big isn’t always better with beauty gifts – so here are the best…
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The best beauty gifts are things you might not splash out on for yourself. And big isn’t better: always welcome are a single stunning lipstick or palette (ideally, the Hourglass Ambient Lighting Palette, €94, at Space NK); luxurious haircare (the Oribe travel set, €45, at Brown Sugar salons and www.brownsugar.ie), or a decadent body cream (we love Dr Barbara Sturm’s, €95, at Space NK, and Voya’s Luxury Body Butter, €43; www.voya.ie). Perfume is hard to buy for others; discovery sets can be a good idea.
Seek out unusual bottles for scent connoisseurs, such as this delicious almond perfume with a green lid (www.caswellmassey.com).
We’d also be delighted with Laneige Lip Sleeping Masks (€23, at Space NK)…
and L’Occitane’s Winter Rescue Duo, featuring hand cream plus Petit Remède balm (€19; ie.loccitane.com). And just one chic soap – try Dior’s, or a creamy one from www.selfridges.com. Aim to avoid all the coffrets, though, with their endless packaging.
Overall, experiences are what we want, rather than more “stuff”. My friend Colette raves about a group Charlotte Tilbury make-up lesson at Brown Thomas – they all had a great time and learned a lot. If you can stretch to a massage or facial (or club together), that can be a thoughtful treat. How about a restorative retreat at Powerscourt Springs health farm in Enniskerry, Co Wicklow; www. powerscourtsprings.ie? Or save up for a joint trip – for example, a spa experience somewhere lovely like Galgorm, Co Antrim; the Spa at Cashel Palace Hotel, Co Tipperary; or the Ice House, Co Mayo, for a Voya Spring Tides Face and Body massage, designed for during menopause (or times of stress). Loveliness to anticipate during the depths of January.
Tried and Tested: Good Face Lifts
A voucher for a facial is always gratefully received. We recommend these naturally skin-enhancing treatments;
Andreas Body Restoration is one of the best in the business. He has relocated to Wicklow Town (book in at www.andreas.ie).
Maeve O’Sullivan’s new Escapada Health Clinic in Dun Laoghaire specialises in Chinese Medicine, acupuncture and gua sha, plus yoga classes, LED and microneedling; www.escapada.com.
The renowned Olga Kochlewska is often booked up, but do book with Katarina at Skin by Olga, Donnybrook (www.skinbyolga.ie), for excellent facials.
Skin expert Dawn Hill is back at city centre haven Floraison; www.floraison.ie.
Try Neelu’s natural, glow-enhancing facials in Dublin 1; www.neelus-salon.com.
Virginie Vuillaume at V Claire in Harold’s Cross, Dublin 6 is the gentle, natural choice (facials from €55); www.vclairenaturalbeauty.ie.
Tara Casserly at Base Skin, Galway, is our pick of the west; www.baseskin.ie.
