Give someone a memorable experience – a voucher for a class, facial or body treatment means they’ll have something to look forward to next year …
LESSONS AND WORKSHOPS
Perfume workshop: A perfume workshop or consultation is a great gift for a beauty-lover. We love The Burren Perfumery’s masterclasses.
Make-up lesson: We recommend Dearbhla Keenan at Brown Sugar for expert advice and guidance. A Charlotte Tilbury make-up lesson is always friendly and fun, for every age group. We love the idea of Sculpted by Aimee’s Ageless Workshops in her Grafton Street store in Dublin 2. Make-up artist Laura Devides offers one-to-one lessons in your home or at Dylan Bradshaw on South William Street, also Dublin 2, while bridal expert Stephanie Burgess offers group or individual lessons.
TREATMENTS
A voucher for a facial or body treatment is generally well-received. The best bet is to find your own local hero – a neighbourhood salon that offers experience, loyalty and community spirit. Two of our favourites are Rachael Foley’s Ómra Beauty in Merrion Shopping Centre, Dublin 4, and Tara of In Vogue, Blackrock, Co Dublin, who is celebrating 30 years in business this year.
THE PEOPLE
Here’s our little black book of our favourite facialists, massage therapists and destinations that we recommend for naturally skin-enhancing treatments to delight everyone on your gift list:
1. Try Neelu Salon’s natural, glow-enhancing facials in Dublin 1.
2. Virginie Vuillaume at V Claire in Harold’s Cross, Dublin 6 is the gentle, organic choice; Virginie is the oracle when it comes to natural beauty.
3. Andreas Body Restoration in Wicklow; Andreas is one of the best in the business, thanks to his renowned Full Body Restoration Treatment and Reiki.
4. Maeve O’Sullivan’s Escapada Health Clinic in Dun Laoghaire offers Chinese medicine, acupuncture and gua sha, plus yoga classes, LED and microneedling; a voucher covers a multitude.
5. Skin expert Dawn Hill has a beautiful Floraison skin clinic in Tullamore, Co Offaly. Or book with Kakie in Dublin city centre.
6. Tara Casserly at Base Skin, Co Galway, offers excellent clinical and Biologique Recherche facials, plus much more.
7. The new Voza Skin & Laser Clinic in Co Limerick is an elegant new home for Melissa Ferguson, who has 20 years’ experience and expertise.
8. Barbara McAteer of natural range Josie’s Botanicals offers facials, massages, reflexology, lymphatic drainage, aromatherapy and is also a holistic trainer. She’s based in Dunboyne, Co Meath.
THE PLACE
For an intense session of face sculpting for a supernatural glow, we recommend the Codage Magistrale treatment in Dublin’s Velvaere spa. Make time for a trip to the thermal suite before your treatment.
The award-winning Castle Spa at Dromoland in Co Clare is one of the best in Ireland – where else are the robes specially created by an Irish designer (and flattering), or a bespoke meditation inspired by the hotel’s rose garden? Choose treatments featuring Dr Barbara Sturm, Oskia and our own Seabody.
On our wishlist is the Augustinus Bader facial, exclusively available at The Spa at Ashford Castle in Co Mayo.
Ground Wellbeing treatments, at the best hotels around Ireland (and worldwide), are always excellent. I especially love The Spa at The Shelbourne in Dublin with its relaxation room overlooking Stephen’s Green: book the Ground Biome Facial. The newest treatment here is the Swissline Swiss Smart Facial.
Book the Ground Wellbeing Tenalach Spa Treatment at the luxurious Spa at Castlemartyr Resort in Co Cork. Featuring a specially designed signature body oil, this is one of the most relaxing and indulgent treatments money can buy, and the ultimate gift for anyone feeling tired or stressed.
Seabody face and body treatments at the lovely Easanna Wellness & Spa at Sheen Falls Lodge in Co Kerry start from €145. Ground Wellbeing and Elemis treatments are also available here.
SEE MORE: The 11 Best Irish Gift Box Sets This Year
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