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As the heat rises, so does the requirement to remove clothes and bare a bit more. The IMAGE team tests some of the best treatments and services as summer hits high voltage.
WHAT?Packing as much personality into their beauty services as they do their quirky products, the Benefit flagship store in Dublin offers top-to-toe treatments for busy girls who need to stay groomed.
THE STORY?I booked in for brows, tan, make-up and a blow-dry. Brows are treated in The Beauty Boutique and I opted for a quick brow shape, €16, as I favour the subtle approach. Once complete, I was escorted up to the beauty rooms, where I received a medium shade Vita Liberata tan, €30. I loved the effect, and would definitely go back for another. Next, it was make-up time. After listening to my preferences, my beauty therapist suggested I opt for a natural look. Again, I didn’t want my brows to be the focus, but I did agree to her using Gimme Brow, and guess what? I was converted. They have two make-up options: the makeover, which is a?full make-up application (40 minutes) and the Make Upper, which is a?partial make-up application (20 minutes), like just having your eyes done. There are no set costs, but the makeover comes with a?purchase of two products (minimum cost is €45). Next, it was onto my blow-dry. There are various options to choose from, but I went for the Gabbi, which was loose curls, €30. Again, I was thrilled with the results and have already vowed to return.
THE RESULT Altogether, my four treatments took just over two hours. I’d highly recommend this as an excellent one-stop-shop for beauty maintenance. Benefit also offers a selection of waxing treatments, from €20-?49.
FOR BOOKINGS The Benefit Beauty Boutique has been recently and glamorously refurbished, 17 South William Street, Dublin 2, 01 447 5285.
WHAT Flagged as the treatment to suit all brows and shapes, Brazilia Brows is a hybrid of multiple techniques, which ultimately aims to give you the most natural look, tailored to your needs.
THE STORY There are a combination of steps to this one, starting with measuring – working with your face and natural brow shape to devise the best approach, colour matching your tint, waxing using Lycon wax, threading to define the shape, with tweezing to finish. Total time of treatment is 30 minutes – the perfect lunchtime service.
THE RESULT This combi treatment gives a good result; evening out any differences in the brows, and creates a good symmetrical finish. I was thrilled with my new brows, which have held their shape well since.
FOR BOOKINGSBrazilia Brows, €30 (a patch test must be done 24 hours before treatment) at Brazilia, Dublin 2 and Sandyford, brazilia.ie
WHATThe Margaret Dabbs pedicure with Shellac.
THE STORY Margaret Dabbs is a superstar podiatrist with a stream of A-list clients. She invented the medi-pedi, so it was her treatment I turned to for my holiday hoofs. The whole experience took about 75 minutes, including removal of gel and Shellac finish at the end. In between, my feet were filed (dry – a Dabbs trademark to remove more dry skin), moisturised, and massaged; nails were filed and cuticles trimmed (again, dry for best results); and Margaret Dabbs products, infused with nourishing antibacterial emu oil, were used throughout.
THE RESULT My feet felt light as feathers afterwards, and were smooth and definitely more youthful in appearance (sounds mad, but true!). The black Shellac has lasted excellently.
FOR BOOKINGSMargaret Dabbs pedicure with Shellac, €80 at Edvard & Pink, Dundrum Town Centre, Dublin 14, 01 215 7958, pinkbeautyemporium.ie.
You can find this article in the IMAGE July issue which is now available nationwide.