My preference for skin treatments leans towards quick, results-driven approaches like microneedling, radiofrequency and chemical peels. I struggle with traditional facials or spa-like treatments because I find them too long and too boring. The “Last of the Mohicans” style music that is often piped into the room also makes me feel unhinged.
That being said, I was introduced to Biologique Recherche treatments a few years ago. Over time, they have eroded my need to be in and out of every skin clinic in 30 minutes or less. These treatments are customised to suit your skin, less fussy than other facials, and I always feel amazing afterwards.
One place that excels at Biologique Recherche treatments is Base Skin in Galway. I enjoyed my recent visit so much that I dragged my heels when it came to leaving, an unprecedented development.
Base Skin opened on Merchants Road in Galway in 2022. It’s the creation of Galway native Tara Casserly, a skin therapist with more than 20 years of experience in Ireland and Australia. Her proficiency is evident in every corner of the clinic and in every detail of the treatment.
There’s a beautiful shopfront-style window that floods the space with light, an artfully displayed selection of products (the aforementioned Biologique Recherche and DMK, an American brand), and even a cute sheep mannequin. Because, Connemara.
It’s a quiet, chic, minimal space that immediately lets you know you’re in good hands. Even the music is good; Mazzy Star was crooning in the background when I arrived.
The treatment rooms are equally appealing and feature arguably the most comfortable treatment bed I have ever had the pleasure of lying on. When I gushed about the comfort during my visit, Tara told me she had brought the beds with her from Australia because she couldn’t find exactly what she wanted here.
I couldn’t put my finger on it initially but, in hindsight, I realise that this attention to detail is exactly what makes Base Skin stand out.
The treatments Tara offers are bespoke. Yes, there is a menu online where you can select a therapy, but this changes as soon as Tara examines your skin. The consultation is thorough and lengthy, peppered with to-the-point questions about lifestyle, skincare routines and realistic goals. Tara is patient and attentive but direct. No flowery lingo, no speaking in hushed tones. Her main focus is achieving results while respecting your skin.
I discussed a Biologique Recherche Soin Lissant facial (from €175) with Tara as I felt my skin needed some TLC. It’s an anti-stress treatment that works to calm, hydrate and sculpt the skin. She used a customised combination of some of Biologique Recherche’s bestselling masks to address redness and soothe and cool my skin: Masque Biosensible, Crème Masque Vernix, and then a cold mask with cryo sticks. The latter was particularly interesting; my face felt like I had been briefly transported to the Arctic, but in the best possible way.
At the conclusion of the treatment, Tara placed a light therapy device over my face for several minutes. She explained that it would help reduce any excess inflammation and stimulate fibroblast cells to boost the production of collagen and elastin.
In the quiet, I asked her about opening the clinic and the treatments she favours. She told me this space was years in the making, a pipe dream that eventually became a reality when she moved back from Australia. She felt her approach to skin health was missing in Galway but was initially unsure what the response would be when she opened. Now, almost two years later, clients travel from all over the country to see her for acne treatments, skin revision, and bespoke Biologique Recherche and DMK facials.
I told her I was not surprised to hear this, but I was concerned about being able to get an appointment again. She laughed and told me it was time to go. The blow was softened by a glass of ice-cold sparkling water placed in the room before I hopped off the bed. Like I said, it’s all in the details.
This week I’m loving… Sam McKnight Sundaze Sea Spray
As the weather gets better, my enthusiasm for doing my hair diminishes. I want to get up and go without having to tame, smooth and style, and I’ve found the perfect product to do it. Sam McKnight Sundaze Sea Spray (€32 from millies.ie) adds movement and texture without crunch. Simply spritz it on to dry or damp hair, scrunch as desired, and you’re ready to head out. It offers UV protection too.
