Thanks to Groupon, a girl can keep herself in pedicures and plumping facials for a pittance these days. In fact, so vast is the choice of cut-price beauty treatments, we barely mention our little cosmetic indulgences any more… unless, of course, we’ve discovered something truly spectacular.
Plucked from the menus of spas all over the country, these six treatments offer that rare pearl: an instant result. If you need your ‘me’ time to produce cold, hard proof of success in the form of tighter thighs, a taut tummy or an un-furrowed forehead, they won’t disappoint.
The Glacier Crystal Facial @ Brooklodge, Wicklow
Featuring no less than nine individual steps, this Baborganic treatment finishes with the Vitaliser Massage, using glacier crystal sticks to revitalise skin and stimulate the circulation, promoting drainage (and major de-puffing). Refuel afterwards with dinner at The Strawberry Tree, the only certified organic restaurant in Ireland.
Caribbean Therapy @ The Imperial, Cork
The type of foot treatment most gals dream about, this 75 minute extravaganza of exfoliation, Caribbean massage and conditioning is guaranteed to improve the condition of the nails, cuticles and feet. Highlights include the special exfoliating paste and the warm seaweed and ginger masque. Price: €75
The Serenity Sparkle @ Nuala Woulfe, Dublin
If you’ve never had a professional scrub, know this: there’s simply no comparison between the expert skin-sloughing of a pro and your own half-arsed exfoliating effort at home. This is the basis of the Nuala Woulfe Serenity Sparkle experience, which is the perfect way to prep for a beach holiday (or a weekend, or a Tuesday). A relaxing full body Payot scrub (the grainy kind, the one that sweeps away all trace of last week’s tan) and a warm shower creates a peachy surface for a Swedish full body massage in the cosy confines of the Glasthule day spa. Afterwards, you’ll look as good as you feel. Price: €130
The Hip & Thigh Treatment @ The G, Galway
A highly effective, stimulating treatment designed to target cellulite, fluid retention and uneven skin texture, this is a great choice if you’re in need of a reboot. Using potent marine extracts and iced mitts, deep detoxifying massage and specialised stomach massage techniques help cleanse and purify the colon and send cellulite on its way. Price: €105.
The Spirulina Wrap @ The Marker Hotel, Dublin
Using an all-natural, live spirulina algae, this nourishing and revitalising seaweed treatment is perfect treat after a period of determined exercise or dieting. After a full body exfoliation, the spirulina is applied and the body is wrapped while you enjoy a facial. Then the wrap comes off and a marine firming body cream mixed with organic aromatherapy lavender body oil finishes the treatment. Now available as part of The Marker’s new Equilibrium philosophy, which offers more choice for guests seeking to balance decadence with healthy pursuits and relaxation. Price: €125
The ESPA Enzyme Facial @ The Maryborough, Cork
This powerful treat kicks off with a deep cleanse using a Clarisonic brush, swiftly followed by an intense Enzyme Peel containing botanical extracts to deeply exfoliate, ridding you of any and all dulling dead skin. Afterwards a Lifting and Smoothing Mask containing seaweed extracts, argan oil and menthol plumps and firms the spotless new skin, leaving you utterly glowing for days. Price: €150
Have you discovered a body treatment, massage or facial that produces MAJOR results? Let us know: katie.mythen@herfamily.ie.
