Melanie Morris takes four friends for some hotel pampering.
Sometimes it's hard to get a regime going, so why not give things a little helping hand by gathering a posse and making a night (or two) of it? Not only will your skin thank you, but you might develop some good new habits and learn a few professional tips into the bargain. Start as you mean to continue, with help from friends and experts.
Hotel heaven: The idea of leaving your troubles at a revolving door is tempting in January, and with the proliferation of luxury hotel spas, there are some pretty fabulous options out there. Think about checking in - alone, with a partner or with friends - for a break that involves a fluffy robe as the only essential packing. We took ourselves to the Merrion Hotel's new penthouse to road-test a pampering day. The duplex suite includes two bedrooms, bathrooms, an open plan living area, huge kitchen and terrace with cedarwood hot tub, with access to the hotel's Tethra spa.
There's no place like home: There are some beauty therapists who work flexible hours so you can be attended to in your own living room, or even at your office desk. Ger Walsh (Mobile Nails, 086-8476170) does manicures and pedicures, working with natural nails or extensions in acrylic or gel. She arrives laden with varnish, paraffin wax, footspas and all the necessities to create perfect talons - as modelled by the Corrs, Louise Kennedy and Samatha Mumba. Great for parties, she offers 10 per cent discount on groups of three or more.
Two of Ireland's best make-up artists - Ken Boylan and Ellie Balfe (www. boylanandbalfe.com) - run three-day make-up courses. Advice on application, new looks, key products and those essential wonder-products is reliable and impartial. Gather your friends for sessions on consecutive days (or over three Sundays), or join a class at their Dublin studio. They will also call out to apply make-up at the office/home (individuals or groups) before a special event.