The one beauty essential we can all afford is water!

One of the most important, if not THE best way to nourish your skin is to drink plenty of water, at least two litres a day.  Water assists the body with it’s natural elimination process by flushing unwanted toxins out, and keeping the skin hydrated, plump and supple.  Sometimes those really fine lines on your forehead or around the eyes are simply dehydration.

Did you know?  Crankiness and irritability are some of the first signs that a person is dehydrated.  So, the next time you and your hubby are at each others throats, just hand him a tall, cold glass of uisce!  Make sure he knows that you want him to drink it, or else watch the look of horror on his face as he anticipates getting it in the face!

Top Tip No.1

Keep a never-ending supply of water near you at all times.  Try adding a bit of zing with a squeeze of lemon and lime juice and a few sprigs of chopped fresh mint.

Top Tip No.2

For a little added pampering at work, try a hydrating mist.  You can easily make your own.  Just mix 500ml cooled boiled water, 2 tablespoons of fresh orange juice, and a tea spoon of finely chopped fresh mint.  Pour the mix into a travel spray bottle (available at your local chemist), and don’t forget to shake well before you use to mix up any settled ingredients.  Failing that La Roche Posay do a great hydrating spray, great for stuffy offices or flying.

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Product review: John Frieda Weather Works Style Sealant Crème

This cream promised to provide ultimate protection against style ruining weather conditions, but living in Ireland, we have to think rationally.  Sometimes we can’t even step outside the door without our rain gear, so I doubt a cream is going to banish the need for a brolly.  But, it does promise to protect against the dreaded frizz inducing humidity and it also gives u.v. protection, so a great holiday bag essential me thinks.  I did however get to try out this product on one of those precious sunny days that we had last week.  It was a particularly hot and heavy day, and my hair is naturally wavy and prone to frizz anyway so god knows I need this miracle product.

So I washed and towel dried my hair as usual and evenly distributed two pumps of the cream through my hair.  It felt light and creamy, but spread really well without any stickiness.  I then blow dried my hair and quickly ran the straightener through my locks to tame any unruly waves.  I had a busy day ahead of me (visit to the doc, grocery shopping, shopping for baby clothes etc) so off I went about my business.  My hair felt smooth but it wasn’t weighed down by the product.  Any split ends seemed to be smoothed down and by the end of the day I was still frizz free.

Yippee!  This product is a lighter formula than the original frizz ease serum, and is just perfect for us girlies with naturally wavy hair.  Also available from this range is the weather proofing shampoo and conditioner, and it is advisable to use all of the range together for maximum results.  Big smiles all round!

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Nail biting is a bad habit that is not easy to quit, just like smoking.  We usually bite our nails when we are nervous or during stressful situations, generally whenever confronted with a stressful event or moment – not to mention when bored!  If you are fed up of your nails being bitten down to the stubs and even bleeding sometimes, try these simple remedies to promote normal, beautiful nail growth.

- Make a conscious decision to start to care for your nails and hands.

- Invest in some really nice hand wash and hand cream sets, and place them at every sink in your house.

- Give yourself a mini manicure once a week.  Soak your cuticles in warm soapy water, and then push your cuticles back.  Nail biters often nibble on the cuticles as well, so if you push your cuticles back, they will seem less obvious and it will prevent you getting them hangnails that you just love to chew on.  This will also give the illusion of longer nails.  Then apply a nourishing oil such as almond oil to the cuticles and nails, and massage well for a few minutes.  Any stimulation around that area encourages quicker growth – get rubbing!

- Always carry a hand cream in your bag for when you wash your hands and there is none available.  Again, rub into the cuticle area.

- Always carry a nail file with you at all times.  This way, if you chip or crack a nail, you can fix it on the spot with the file, and not with your teeth!

- Treat yourself to a professional manicure at your local salon once a month.  This is a very relaxing treatment that will help you on your way to nails you should be proud of.  It will also encourage you to leave them alone so you have some success to show your therapist.

- Try wearing a nail varnish every day, even if it just a clear polish.  This will deter you from biting and getting a mouth full of polish.  But, don’t forget your base coat to prevent the polish from staining the nail plate.

You can also get clear nail polish that tastes absolutely Yuk.  If this doesn’t stop you, I don’t know what will.  They contain ingredients such as cactus extract and chilli pepper.  I don’t know about you, but I prefer my chillies in my curry, not painted on my nails thank you very much!

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I generally wear make up every single day, unless I’m really really sick and have no intention what so ever of climbing out of my super comfy bed.  Whether it’s to go to the shops, work, the doctor or even walking the dog, I really do feel naked without my bit of slap.  I have a vast collection of powders, creams, liners and glosses and I love trying out new products.

A flush of excitement washed over me when I saw this cute little compact trio and I could not wait to put it to the test. It is an ideal size for those nights out when you are just bringing your clutch and don’t have room for your usual larger colour palette.  I tried the shade ‘grey obsession’ as it stated on the back that it is ‘tailor made for blue eyes’.  I wore it to work where I knew I would be busy just to see if it would last me the day without creasing or irritating my eyes.

I applied it dry for a subtle look but it can be applied wet for a more dramatic evening look.  It went on smoothly, blended really well and didn’t leave a lot of powder particles falling all over my face.  It looked fab all day long and stayed put which is great.  I felt no irritation on the area what so ever and it didn’t need to be touched up at all during the day.  I would definitely recommend this product and with nine different shades, there is something for every eye colour.

Price: €12.34

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Q: I am a forty three year old woman and apart from the premature wrinkles I have sun damage and pigmentation. Are there any creams or treatments you can recommend?

A: Anyone who exposes their face to the sun over long periods of time without the use of an S.P.F is at risk of premature ageing, slack muscle tone, pigmentation and worst of all, skin cancer.

Everyone should wear an S.P.F of at least 15 every day, rain or shine.  It should be applied 20 mins before sun exposure for maximum effect.  Even if you have already damaged your skin, it’s not too late to start with an S.P.F to avoid further damage.

I would recommend you use a regime which contains a.h.a’s, such as glycolic acid, salicylic acid and lactic acid.  These exfoliate the top layers of your skin, and will also produce new skin growth from deep down in your skin.  This new skin will eventually push its way to the surface, while pushing out any imperfections such as wrinkles, pigmentation and blemishes.  These home use products do however take time, so if you are looking for a more immediate result, there are skin peels or microdermabrasion.

There are two types of skin peel.  The first is a light to medium peel, using a high concentration of a.h.a’s, left on the skin for about 15 mins.  These peels work on the uppermost layers of the skin, and usually a course of 6 over a period of a few months is required.  After this treatment, your skin will look plumper and pigmentation marks will drastically be reduced.

The second type of peel is done using a chemical called phenol.  It goes much deeper than the first type of peel, and your skin will be left pink and slightly inflamed for a few days afterwards.  But, the result is fantastic.  It completely takes away all the damaged and dead skin and replaces it with new, plumper, non pigmented, non wrinkled skin.  A lot of aftercare and gentle homecare is required – it’s not for the faint hearted.

For more in depth information and advice, I would pop in to your local skin care clinic or dermatologist.  Going forward wear an S.P.F. daily.

Ask the Expert was answered today by our skin care therapist Thomasina.

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As a person with oily skin I was excited to try out this product as it claimed to leave your skin Matte but luminous at the same time.  It sounded far too good to be true, as I usually have to load my skin with a brushing of powder after I apply my foundation.

But, I was super amazed with the results.  It went on effortlessly and felt like I was applying silk to my skin.  I did not need to apply any powder after this product as it felt like it had micro sponges that soaked up any excess oil on my skin.  It has such a gorgeous texture, almost like velvet and it really did leave my skin looking great.  It reduced the appearance of my fine lines and it worked wonders in covering those large pores that I hate so much.  I wore it to work and after a five hour shift it still looked really great, but any longer and I’m sure I would have to reach for the powder for my super shiny nose.

I used a foundation brush to apply, as it really works it in to those fine lines and blemishes.  Only a small amount of this product is needed at a time, and build your look up slowly, no trowels girls, please!  It comes in six different shades so be sure to test a tiny amount on your jaw line to find the perfect shade for you.  This product has a recommended retail price of €15.49 and gets the thumbs up from me

The Colour Range

Rosy Ivory

Golden Ivory

Creamy Natural

Rosy Sand

Apricot Beige

Golden Honey

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It has to be said ladies, the ultimate cherry on the cake for your make up has to be the false eyelashes.  Whether it’s for a party, wedding, girls night out or your debs, the false eyelashes will top off your gorgeous look and will make you stand out from the crowd, unless everyone has the same idea, in that case, you will all look ab fab!

If you are surviving on a budget, then I would recommend the Girls Aloud Lashes at €5.99 from your local chemist.  There are five to choose from so there will most certainly be one to suit your style.  I would advise that you get a good friend to help you apply the lashes, as they can be quite tricky to do on your own and you will often be left looking like you have one lazy eye!

If you find you have an extra bit of cash, then why don’t you pop down to your local beauty salon or lash bar for a more professional look.  Try to find somewhere that uses the individual lashes as they can be tailored to suit your eyes and often look more natural.  Prices will vary from about €15 – €30 so be sure to shop around for the best value.  Before you head in for your appointment make sure to have no mascara on as you want the false lashes to stick to your lashes, and not to the mascara.  This way they will last longer.  You can apply mascara afterwards when the glue has dried, but if you want your lashes to last longer, then do not apply mascara, as the oils in it break down the lash glue quicker.  When you are getting your lashes done, your eyes might water a little as the professional glue used in salons is much stronger than the latex glue you get in over the counter products.

Removing False Lashes:

You should expect these lashes to last about one week.  Don’t use oil based eye make-up remover on the lashes as that will dissolve the glue, unless you are trying to take them off.  Using a cotton bud to cleanse eye make-up off without going near the lashes will extend their life span.  If you are having trouble removing the last few lashes, try working a bit of Vaseline into the roots for a few minutes, or indeed leave a light layer of Vaseline on over night and they should slide of quite easily the next morning.  Home kits usually have small capsules with removal liquid in the packet.  Now go get that camel eyed look for your big night out!

For more read our Ask the Expert: Individual over Strip lashes post.

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Not the ones I have.  The dreaded cellulite.  90% of women suffer from it and would do anything to get rid of it.  Bad news ladies, you can never completely get rid of that orange peel skin, but there are a few things you can do to dramatically reduce its appearance.

Here are some things that contribute to the formation of cellulite:

Diet: Particularly food high in toxins such as fried foods (that’s K.F.C out the window), caffeine (no more diet coke breaks), salt (the nasty stuff retains water) and sugar (only at the weekends girlies).

Genes: Some of us girls are predisposed to having the lumps and bumps from the day we are born. Thanks mum!

Lifestyle: Poor circulation, a sluggish lymphatic system, lack of exercise, excess stress and not enough water all contribute to the development of cellulite.

Age: The older we get, the thinner our skin becomes, and the more muscle tone we lose, resulting in cellulite becoming more visible.

Hormones: Particularly oestrogen, contribute to the formation of cellulite, which is why hardly any men get it.  Also, the pill and pregnancy can exacerbate the condition. Why do men have it so easy?

And here are a few tips on how to keep this condition under control:

Drink at least 2litres of water per day to flush out any toxins.

Eat a varied, healthy diet with plenty of fruit and veg high in antioxidants such as tomatoes, peppers, blueberries, the more colour on your plate, the better!

Plenty of exercise with a mixture of cardio to burn off fat cells that store cellulite, and weight and resistance training, to build muscle and reduce the appearance of the lumps. Lunges and squats are great for toning those problem areas such as the thighs and bum.

Regular massage increases blood and lymph flow, which will help remove the toxins that cause cellulite. Try massaging the area for 5 mins twice a day. Why not treat yourself to a professional salon or spa massage.  Much more relaxing than doing it yourself!

Try brushing the area for 5 mins after a hot shower or bath twice a week with a firm body brush.  Then, switch the water to cold for as long as you can bare it. This will help break down the fat cells.

Why not pop in to your local salon for a mud contour wrap.  You are guaranteed a minimum loss of 6” all over your body with the ‘Universal Contour Wrap‘. Woo hoo!  It costs about €190 for a course of three.  It will also tighten your skin and leave those wobbly bits feeling a lot firmer.

Hot pants here I come!

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This one is for all you ladies who like to have perfectly manicured talons at all times and would rather be caught dead than with a chip in your polish.  It’s a new craze to hit the world of beauty, 2 week manicures!  The brand I am aware of are called Gelish but there are many more available.  It applies like a nail polish, wears like a gel nail, but without the damage to your natural nail plate.

They are cured under a lamp like gel nails, and they last without chipping for 2-3 weeks on the hands and 4-5 weeks on the toes.  This brand have a great choice with 48 colours to chose from, some other brands have less so worth checking that out before you book in!  A great option if you are jetting off on holidays as it cuts down on the need for you to bring nail varnish remover, cotton wool and nail varnish for any touch ups.  God knows the hubby will be delighted that you are travelling lighter for a change!

Shop around for the best value.  Prices range from €15 if added on to a manicure to €30 – €65 if you opt just for the ‘Gelish’ treatment.

Off you go ladies and colour yourselves beautiful!

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Q: I always get little spots on my upper lip after my monthly lip wax.  Have you any tips on how to prevent these nasty little lumps?

A: Firstly, I would recommend that you have no makeup or cream on the area before you head in for your treatment. Your therapist will sanitise the area anyway, but the less rubbing she has to do on your lip, then the less sensitive the area will be.  Never attend for a lip wax after sunbathing, sun beds or if you have been in a sauna or steam room. These treatments heat up the skin and heat on heat does not mix. The same goes for after your lip wax.

After your treatment, avoid touching the area as little germs and bugs on your hands can invade the open pores and cause unsightly spots.  Avoid make up, creams, lotions, potions and also avoid washing your face and going swimming.  Try to relax for the day as excessive sweating on the area can also cause these dreaded spots.  If you had make up on the rest of your face, just use some gentle facial cleanser on all areas except the lip.  All of this aftercare has to be followed for at least 24hrs.  After this you can commence your usual skin care routine, and don’t forget to gently exfoliate the lip area to get rid of any dead skin cells which can block the pores and cause little blemishes.

If all of this fails, I would highly recommend that you try threading.  It is great for the more sensitive skin type, gentle on the skin, doesn’t pull the skin, thus preventing sagging and wrinkles, and is just as effective at removing every hair, even the fine downy type if not more affective.  The great thing about threading is that you can apply makeup straight away if needed, but if your skin is super sensitive and highly prone to spots, I would recommend that you leave the make up for at least 12 hours.

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