I literally stumbled into Josephine Fairley and Sarah Stacey today while I was in Arnotts delivering some Falke swatches into the hosiery department. The great Leonard Daly was on hand to beautify and the two Beauty and Health guru’s were being interviewed by Xpose while loads of women lined up to have the latest book by these two women signed. I had my iPhone with me and pressed the video button instead of the photo one hence the 3 second video below!
In this latest book in the bestselling “Beauty Bible” series, health and beauty experts Josephine Fairley and Sarah Stacey bring together everything a woman needs to know about feeling great, looking gorgeous and being fabulous, whatever your age. Chapters include guidance on skin, hair, make-up, hands, feet and nails, sleep, exercise and much more. There are top tips for taking off ten years in minutes as well as the secrets of inspirational older women. And of course Jo and Sarah’s trademark ‘tried and tested’ reports on scores of health and beauty products – reliably tested by 2,400 women. Loaded with insider info from the world’s leading experts, this is the bible for all women, showing you how to look, feel and be fabulous – forever.
As a beauty junkie I managed to grab a few (or more) minutes with both women and have a chat. We covered sunblock, skin care, inner health and beauty and the all important Irish weather which they agree is partly responsible for our good skin! All this in under ten minutes as only three women in full flight could possibly do! I reminded them of their first book which came out 15 years ago in pre Amazon days and to get it I had to call a London book shop, send a draft and have it posted to Ireland! What I really like abut this book is not only the independent reviews and testing but the great tips and information. This is one book I can heartily recommend for everyone who is interested in what works. It’s on sale for €23.50 in Arnotts and a great Mothers Day Gift…(hint,hint)
Arnotts Book Launch from Nicky Harris on Vimeo.
I’m fed up reapplying lipstick and admit to being a little obsessed with whether it’s still in place. I’m not comfortable with taking it out in company and applying it in full view of all around me, preferring the usually awful mirrors in the bathrooms of whatever establishment I’m in to ‘fix’ my lips. I remember when the Benefit lip/cheek stain first came out and used it for quite a while though eventually I got fed up with the one colour choice. Recently while in Vancouver I decided to check out Sephora and specifically look to see if the whole area of lip stain products has moved on. Stila have been doing lip and cheek stains for some years but the other two I wasn’t familiar with so I came home with one of each. Both are pretty good with a few decent colours in each range (though I still wanted more choice) and with the addition of lip gloss ( which seems ok to take out in company) is staying on pretty well. Problem is my lips feel bare and so I’m checking up pretty often which is proving to be just out of habit as the colour is still all there!
If you really want to do the full old fashioned red lipstick look and want the penultimate way to apply then look no further than the video tutorial from Illamasqua . This is a really brilliant and unique way to do the full on red lips look and one that may just be the thing for New Years Eve. I love Illamasqua which in make- up terms keeps pushing the boundaries. They are in BT2 in Dublin but if you are in London, do check out their counter in Selfridges which has the most amazing make up artists and if you have a little time do get them to make you up. They are unlike any other counter beauty staff that I’ve met before.
There is a definite nip in the air and I have finally packed away all my high Summer clothes, shoes and accessories. It’s time to carefully go through all my Winter wardrobe staples, put them in order of item type and also put colours together. That way I will be able to see exactly where the gaps are when I go to choose what I might spend my hard earned cash on. What I often think I need bears no relation to reality and if I don’t do my homework I may find I have bought yet another black top to add to the collection rather than a badly needed new white shirt.
It’s not only my wardrobe that needs an overhaul. Last week I went from long hair to a short bob. A style I haven’t worn for twenty years and by all accounts it has shed a few years and I’m really happy with the new me. Every once in a while we need to throw caution to the wind and make fundamental changes,so no more up styles, pony tails and lengthy gaps between hair cuts. I have also noticed my skin is drying out and in a money saving exercise I put a good slug of olive oil and brown sugar in a bowl, mixed the lot and headed for the shower where is slathered it on all the dry bits (and more) The result?, silky soft skin and all for practically no cost at all!
When I think of soft skin Marilyn comes to mind!
I tweeted last week about the best (in my opinion) pedicure on the South Side of Dublin and was delighted to pass on information to lots of people who asked for it. When I started going to Andrea at Special Beauty in Aikens Village, Kilternan (tel. 086 323 6992) it was on a recommendation uttered in hushed tones and I had to promise not to pass it on for fear that there would be no possibility of getting an appointment at short notice. All that is well and truly over now and everyone who gives a really good service at a reasonable price should have their names shouted loudly from the rooftops (which is what I’m doing here today!!)
Telephone Number 00353 1 4945606
There is still bad service and bad value for money everywhere in Ireland recession or no recession and this needs to change fast if we are to get out of the economic mess we find ourselves in. Today I headed down the road to the Red Apple Hair & Beauty Salon in the Eden Shopping Centre in Rathfarnham on the Grange road to have my nails done by Fran ( who has been doing them for seven years) and my hair cut by Dee the owner of the salon who is a change of hairdresser for me. These are people for whom spending an hour or two with is a pleasure. Red Apple Salon has a friendly, relaxed professional feel to it and all the customers are regulars who enjoy a natter while they get coiffed and manicured. They have great stylists who do really seriously good blow dries and perfect upstyles.
Fran is the most professional nail technician I have ever had do my nails and I’m a regular gel, french polish woman who likes them quite short.
Fran is the most professional nail technician I have ever had do my nails and I’m a regular gel, french polish woman who likes them quite short. I noticed her nails looked fabulous and when I asked she told me they were the new system she has been waiting for.
I’ve heard about the new two week perfect manicure so asked Fran to show me the Shellac system that is proving extremely popular. For €30 you get beautiful chip free extended wear colour which applies like polish but is set under UV lights. The nails don’t have to be filed down and the results are spectacular with no possibility of messing up the polish when you reach for your car keys or touch a door handle minutes after leaving. It takes ten minutes to remove the polish with wraps so no messing or time wasting. Fran tells me that this system from Creative nails is brilliant for special occasions and holidays. There are 12 colours at present and more on the way. I thought the colours on offer looked beautiful and will definitely think about having this done next time.
Shellac, On like Polish, Wears like Gel
Frans Hand with Shellac manicure
Today I had my nails done and a total new( Mary Portas style|) hair do following some gentle persuasion. It was definitely time for a change so I said to Dee to go for it and another regular client sitting next to me helped in the decision making process. Once I decided to go for it and take the advise I just relaxed and kept thinking if all else fails I have some terrific hats! I’m delighted with the result though it will take a few days to get used to. My hair cut was €60 and my nails cost €40.
Red Apple Hair & Beauty Salon, Eden Shopping Centre Grange Road Rathfarnham, Telephone 00353 1 4945606
