The look

Compiled by PHYL CLARKE

CAVE CURE

A visit to Galway is not complete for me without a visit to the Salt Cave , located next door to the Radisson Blu Hotel. The zen-like calmness of the interior encourages total relaxation while absorbing the therapeutic benefits of the iodine rich air.

It’s especially good for respiratory problems, but is also very popular with athletes who want to improve their breathing stamina. It’s a fuss free treatment, not even requiring the removal of clothes and will leave you refreshed and invigorated after the 45-minute session. Normally a session costs €25 but is currently on offer at just €15. The perfect antidote to shopping frenzy.

Tel: 091-538338

Get your ‘Downton Abbey’ fix at Brown Thomas this week where internaional make up artists will be on hand to advise and demonstrate the look of the Roaring 20s until Sunday December 2nd

I can't live without

Actress Amy Molloy, currently appearing in ‘My Cousin Rachel’ at the Gate theatre

The more natural and chemical free my beauty products are the better. I love fragrance-free shampoos such as Jason and Malki Dead Sea products, especially their body scrub, simple and so good.

Pure coconut oil is a great, affordable all-round moisturiser that you can even use on hair.

I have just started taking the skin supplement Hyaluronic acid which did wonders for my mother’s skin.

My favourite mascara is Diorshow and I find Clinique very helpful in finding the right make-up match and don’t mind giving testers and product makeovers. My diet is very much vegetarian, I love my veg!

Pale skin, stained lips and a flush of high colour on the cheeks – the ‘Twilight’ look is surprisingly wearable with lashings of old-school glam.

Budget brand Essence nails it with its Breaking Dawn collection – standouts are the silky blush €3.49 and lipgloss €2.49. At Dunnes, Penneys and selected pharmacies

Mask the problem

Winter winds, central heating and colds and flu have a detrimental effect on your skin, so try a little tenderness in the form of The Body Shop’s Vitamin E Sink-In Moisture Mask. It has an immedieate soothing effect and seems to magically plump skin with its whipped cream softness – apply liberally and slip into a bath – now, isn’t that better? €19.95

See the light

Banish post-party dark circles with the Lacura Concealer Pen at €4.49 – a bargain which you can pick up with your shopping at Aldi supermarkets.

Regeneration game

Olay’s Regenerist range has been flying off the shelves since its launch and it’s not difficult to see why women love it. What’s not to like about a product that performs as well as some of its more expensive rivals and has the scent and texture of a luxury cream? For those who prefer their creams fragrance free, there’s now a new version of the origional 3 Point Treatment moisturiser, €41.49.