LOOKING GOOD: Make the most of your lunch hour, writes Melanie Morris
In addition to in-store makeovers, salon blow dries and quickie manicures, why not try ...
FACIAL PEEL
Most salons now offer speedy and effective acid peels. These aren't as scary as they sound, smoothing and brightening the complexion by dissolving the top layer of dead, flaky skin cells. Not a pampering experience, but as the peel stays on for no longer than five minutes, it's totally bearable for the resulting velvety-smooth skin.
Who: Therapie, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2 (01- 4721222) Pain factor: 6/10 Time: 45 mins Immediately after: Slightly pink, blotchy and/or shiny skin ... the appearance of thorough cleansing. You can easily go meet your public.
RED VEIN THERAPY
Unsightly veins in the face, thighs and shoulders can be quickly zapped with an electrical current that shuts them off and makes them disappear. This is usually undertaken over a series of sessions.
Who: Ann McDevitt, South William Street, Dublin 2 (01-6777962) Pain factor: 4/10 Time: 20-30 mins Immediately after: Slightly blotchy skin but nothing problematic.
LASER HAIR REMOVAL
A bit of a production (goggles, cool packs, zapping, more cool packs), but most dark hairs can be permanently removed within three treatments using the Polymar system. Remember, not all lasers are equally effective, so be sure to try a patch test before shelling out money.
Who: LK, 6 Chatham Street, Dublin 2 (01-6351686) Pain factor: 7/10 (can be more, depending on time of the month) Time: 1 hour Immediately after: The more ice/cooling, the less redness. Tell-tale redness is hard to avoid, however. Best done on an office-based afternoon.
SEMI-PERMANENT LASHES
Perfect for the party season, these differently-sized lashes are individually applied and last up to two weeks. The finished result is weightless, easy to wear and requires no liners or make-up. Different effects are possible, from just a few extra lashes to full-on Jessica Rabbit glam.
Who: Pout counter, Brown Thomas (with purchase of €25) Pain factor: Zero Time: 15/20 mins Immediately after: Nothing bar the flutter effect.
WAXING
Just because it's winter doesn't mean you can develop Chewbacca-like tendencies.
Who: Pauline's Beauty Salon, 42 Lr Baggot Street, Dublin 2 (01-6611803) for ongoing maintenance. Bare at Toni and Guy, Chatham Street, Dublin 2 (01-6714071) for Brazilian and specialist jobs Pain factor: A short, sharp 6-9/10 (depending who/what/where) Time: From 15 mins Immediately after: Body waxing can obviously be hidden, facial waxing will result in very obvious red patches.
BOTOX
Get wrinkles smoothed out with muscle-freezing injections of Botilium A. Takes about five days to reach full efficacy and lasts approximately three months.
Who: Dr Rosemary Coleman, Charlemont Clinic, Charlemont Street, Dublin 2 (01-4188446) Pain factor: 4/10 Time: 10/15 mins Immediately after: Tiny needle marks, occasional small area bruising.
MICRO DERMABRASION
Using crystals to blast away dull dermal layers, age spots, fine lines, minor scars and uneven pigmentation, this is a great way to combat dry, dreary winter skin. Harsh ... but sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind.
Who: Solo, 21 Upper Fitzwilliam Street, Dublin 2 (01-6625750) Pain factor: 8/10 Time: 1 hour Immediately after: Definite redness and blotching. Cancel afternoon meetings.
I WASN'T EXPECTING THAT
If you've emerged with telltale signs, cover up with Glow-Minerals, a make-up based on ground minerals that is flattering, gives good coverage, and, unlike most brands, is safe to use directly after most procedures.