The beauty pros we rely on. Here’s a hotlist of who we book in with, and why …
We all have our own little black books when it comes to beauty – perhaps it’s a highly skilled facialist, a manicurist who always nails it, or someone who always gets your brows just right. And the best thing is to get a personal recommendation. So we asked our independent beauty panel, The GLOSSiest, to name their can’t-live-without specialists. For the majority, a great hairdresser is the first name that springs to mind, but we also heard about a range of therapists and pros that we can’t wait to book in with. Thank you to our great panellists for kindly sharing their trusted favourites with us.
Who have we missed? If you have someone brilliant on speed-dial, please do share them with us (email shalliwell@thegloss.ie) and we’ll pass on the tips!
The GLOSSiest recommend …
Here’s a selection of recommendations from our discerning panel of beauty-lovers nationwide:
Carmel, age 44: “Eilis at Sugar Coated Blackrock for eyebrows.” Frascati Centre, Blackrock, Co Dublin, 01 283 6721; www.sugarcoated.ie.
Katie, 35: “My hair salon has the most amazing receptionist, Amanda at Occasions Hair, Naas. While stylists come and go over the years, I trust that she’ll book me in with the right person for me and my hair and she finds little ways to recognise my loyalty and make me feel special.” www.occasionshairdressing.ie; also in Maynooth.
Sarah, 45: “I couldn’t be without my facialist Agnes Gajewska [Face Yoga by Agnes, at essentials salon, Baggot Street, Dublin 4] – she is just a magician. And my hair stylist Aidan Darcy who paints my hair like it’s art. I feel like a new woman after seeing them.” www.faceyogabyagnes.com; www.aidandarcy.com.
Louise: “My most trusted beauty professional is my hairdresser Amanda Downey from Onyx Hair in Cork City. I’ve been going to her for eight years and wouldn’t go anywhere else. I even travel a 190km round trip to go to her.” www.onyxhairlounge.com.
Karen, 52: “Mizu Hair, Dundalk, County Louth – understated but great at making everyone look great.” www.mizu.ie.
Bairbre, 62: “Hairdresser par excellence: David Marshall [12 Fade Street, Dublin 2; www.davidmarshall.ie] – he is innovative, adventurous and listens. Annette Joyce beautician [Aran Seaweed Baths & Spa, Inis Oírr, Oileáin Árainn, Co Galway; 087 7600684], a restorer.”
Anne, 66: “My professional is Gillian Roe, of Bare in Kildare town – an AMAZING therapist. I’m only afraid after telling you about her I will find it difficult to get an appointment! Gillian is SO good.” Bare Beauty, Rathangan, Kildare.
Facials, Waxing and Threading Recommendations
Clare: “I often try new brands: usually anything the amazing Dawn in Floraison recommends; I met Dawn for the first time when she was based near the Stag’s Head and had my first facial with her – I have been a dedicated follower ever since.” Floraison, Fitzwilliam Street Upper, Dublin 2; www.floraison.ie.
Yvonne, 67: “Lisa Collins at Wax It Lounge in Newtownmountkennedy is my go-to for waxing. She also does brilliant brows. She is expert, professional and just lovely to chat to, can’t recommend her highly enough!” 21 Barleyfield, Wicklowhills, Newtownmountkennedy, Co Wicklow; www.waxitlounge.ie.
Sheila: “I am going to my hairdresser Jen Tobin [Jen’s Haircare, 5 Shannonville, Ennis Road, Limerick; 061 451 366] for years. I have a simple uncoloured bob, and she could cut my hair blindfolded at this stage. Always lovely, and because it’s a small local salon, €50. Fabulous. She is a lovely, bubbly person and so kind to all her customers. Also Escape Spa is my favourite treat place in Cork. Last time I was in, my therapist was Niamh, who was a wealth of information. Highly recommended! I’ll ask for her again next time I’m in there.” Morgan Street, Co Cork, 021 730 6622; www.imperialhotelcork.com.
Ursula: “I love getting my hair done with Siobhan in Alley Cuts [Bishop St, Gortboy, 069 62287], and threading and facials with Jacqueline in Ruby Pearl [Market Yard, 069 66840], both in Newcastle West, Co Limerick.”
Stephanie, 36: “The dream hairdresser is Sophie Sorohan, who works in Queens salon – she always listens to what you want, as well as always getting my colour right for myself (and for my mum). She’s also such a pleasure to deal with.” Queen Dame Street, Dublin 2; 01 670 8080; www.queen.ie.
Sarah Halliwell, THE GLOSS Beauty Editor: Some of my own tried and trusted experts include Andras (www.andreas.ie) in Dun Laoghaire, for amazing head and body massages (ideal for relieving tension in the neck, head and shoulders). Also Sinead Dunleavy at Seapoint Health (www.seapointhealth.ie) for acupuncture (she also does reflexology and physio) – whether you have sleep problems, stress or a sports injury, Sinead comes highly recommended. For sugaring, rather than waxing, we rate Michele at Sugar Bare on Leopardstown Road; www.sugarbare.ie. My tip for hair is the newest salon in town: the lovely Stephanie Maher, who’s been working alongside Gareth Bromell at his salon in Harvey Nichols, is just about to open her very own salon, The Sober Colourist, in Crumlin, on Tuesday May 2. She is a brilliant colourist, especially for blondes, and offers a friendly, bespoke service; watch this space for more info …
See our guide to the best hair salons in Dublin HERE
