BEAUTY: Hello there chaps, having a sneaky peak at the beauty page looking for a bit of inspiration for tomorrow, are we? Well, my fair-weather friend, I'm happy to provide some last-minute suggestions that she'll think you've spent ages thinking up. I can see you're very pressed for time, so everything below is widely available or just requires a phone call, or popping an email confirmation into an envelope. Now do you think you could do that?
A gift of a weekend away treats both of you. The Cliff House Hotelin Ardmore, Co Waterford offers a spectacular vista, Michelin-starred restaurant and a spa that features facials from French cult skincare brand, Anne Semonin. Quirky decor meets traditional comfort, with a romantic cliff walk on its doorstep so you can take in the stunning coastline. Specials from €390 for two sharing. Telephone 024-87800, thecliffhousehotel.com
Eve Taylor'sAspects of Love trio of candles (€26) provide an aromatic and relaxing ambience. Ranging from the sensual fragrance of Rose Geranium to Ylang Ylang, patchouli, and my favourite, Bergamot. The candles are perfect to burn while bathing, and after putting out the flame, the melted wax can be used as a massage oil. Soya wax is warm rather than hot, so it has a lower melting point. A great pampering treat for hands and feet. For nationwide stockists, telephone 053-9143032.
Believe it or not, most women have a hit and miss relationship with cosmetics. There’s many a tale of woe about the search for the perfect foundation, lipstick or mascara.
Step forward Ken Boylan and Ellie Balfe, from Off the Rails, who run a one-day introductory course on the art of making up. Covering classic day and night looks, with advice on products to update her look; your Valentine might appreciate this fun day out, and learn a lot, too. BB are not aligned to any one brand, so she'll get impartial recommendations across the brands. So give Ellie a call on 087-7487277 or Ken on 087-2381212. boylanandbalfe.com
Scent is an obvious gift choice for a loved one, but why give an obvious scent? Surprise her with something different, such as Florascent(€56), a natural but not hippyish collection of fragrances available from heath shops nationwide. Hand made in the traditional style of 17th-century Parisian perfumes, the collection has something for all tastes, from romantic rose scents to sexy orientals. And you'll get extra marks for the lovely presentation. Email info@naturalselection.ie
If you're always waiting for her to do her hair, consider a gift of the Keratin Complex Smoothing Therapy, from €250. Also known as the 12-week blow-dry, this treatment conditions hair to such an extent that it's relaxed into super smoothness, and was voted the best of its kind by Voguemagazine. It's not cheap, but consider that it lasts from three to five months and blow-drying time is reduced by 60 per cent. If time is money, it's a bargain.
Available at Queen Beauty Emporium, Aungier Street, Dublin. 01-4789633, queenbe.ie
