Beauty

PHYL CLARKEtalks us through beauty products

All about eyes

A good eye cream is well worth the money as the skin around this area is so much finer than on the rest of the face. You can make the most of your investment by not applying too much product, which can lead to puffiness and whiteheads. Dot a small amount on the orbital bone all around the eye and massage in gently. The following are all excellent choices, combining lovely textures with the latest in anti-ageing technology.

Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye (€49)

At last we have a targeted eye product to complement the cult serum, which is a permanent favourite with beauty editors. The gel/serum texture is lovely.

The science bit: Helps individual cells to maximise their own DNA repair while you sleep through gene technology, and gives long term protection against environmental damage.

What to expect: Skin looks fresher and hydrated. An absolute steal at this price.

Crème de la Mer Eye Balm Intense (€140)

The soothing and comforting formula of the facial moisturiser is one of the reasons for its phenomenal success, and devotees won’t be disappointed with this balm. The silver applicator feels divine when applying the product (store it in the fridge for an extra cooling effect).

The science bit: Aerospace physicist Dr Max Huber is now more famous for pioneering the healing and renewing properties of sea kelp than any space-related discoveries during his time at Nasa. The resulting “miracle broth” became the key ingredient in the la Mer range.

What to expect: Reduced puffiness and irritation with a firming and lifted effect.

Shiseido Future Solution LX (€120)

This is a two-in-one restoring treatment for the eye and lip contour area that addresses the visible signs of ageing by using a “support veil” to stabilise and lift the delicate area around the eyes and mouth where there is constant movement.

The science bit: The award-winning key ingredient Skingencell 1P revitalises cells for optimum turnover while illuminating ingredients diffuse and reflect light.

What to expect: Improved resistance to sagging skin, eye bags and dark circles.

Revive yourself

SALON OWNER Una McGurk is not one to let the grass grow under her feet. Her philosophy can be summed up in the phrase “giving the people what they want”. Her two aptly-named Revive salons, both in Dublin, take a leaf out of the New York model where time-strapped clients demand affordable and time-efficient treatments that fit into their daily routines.

Currently “what the people want” is value for money and Revive obliges with some terrific special offers. From Monday to Wednesday, you can get a cut and blow-dry for €40. Aaron O’Brien is the latest addition to the styling team and he exudes passion, knowledge and fun. If you fancy a facial, the Eve Lom Ultimate Cleanse (right), currently reduced to €75, includes a week’s supply of the cult cleanser to take home. Lom’s facials leave skin feeling brand new and glowing and are delivered with a no-nonsense approach that delivers superb results (we’re talking extractions and paraffin wax). Revive.ie, tel: 01-2604781.

Scent-sational

William Penhaligon was considered to be a bit of a wild boy, even by the standards of 1870s London. His first scent, Hammam Bouquet, was inspired by the steam and aromas of his local Turkish baths. It became an instant bestseller, with many more unusual scents following. Today, the distinctive style of Penhaligon carries on, with scents such as the caramel powdery silkiness of Artemisia, inspired by the Renaissance painter Artemisia Gentileschi, and Endymion, a semi-oriental with citrus and spice named for a love interest of Diana, the Roman goddess of the moon. There are 32 scents in the range, each of which comes in an apothecary-style bottle complete with ribbon seal. The scents cost €65 and are available from branches of Brown Thomas.

pclarke@irishtimes.com