Back in September, I wrote of my love for the Smashbox eyeshadow palettes- specifically the Photo Op Eye Enhancing Palettes customised for blue, brown and hazel eyes. Retailing at £30, I think this palette is so worth the money, as it lasts for ages and you get a daytime and night-time look plus a mirror all-in-one.

NYC make-up has now launched their version of the 'customised' palette and at just £3.29, it was definitely worth a try.

On Monday night, 28th November, the HJ British Hairdressing Awards were held at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

By Claire Toner

Zuni Hair has moved! They have relocated to a fabulous new ground floor spot right in the heart of the University quarter just four doors down from their old premises. It's a cute and quirky venue with a separate backwash zone- perfect for enjoying relaxing treatments.

By Katrina Doran.

For anyone who suffers regularly from painful periods, fertility problems and digestion disorders, a natural solution which cuts out the need for strong painkillers, hormone treatments and complicated exclusion diets sounds like a dream come true.

The Arvigo Techniques of Maya Abdominal Therapy™ have been handed down over the centuries from mid wives, healers and shamans and are taught to a stringently selected few who are trusted with the techniques and knowledge. One of these highly trained individuals is Maria Rafferty who left her career in accountancy to train in acupuncture, acupressure, fertility yoga and Maya therapy.

The Schwarzkopf Irish Hairdressing Business Awards took place on Monday (24th October) in the Mansion House, Dublin and Northern Irish salons and hairdressers triumphed in two categories.

If all the activity throughout Breast Cancer Awareness month hasn't been enough of a reminder to you gals to keep checking yourself for anything out of the ordinary- local breast cancer charity Pretty n Pink are hoping to keep it at the forefront of your mind.

The Schwarzkopf Irish Hairdressing Business Awards are taking place this Monday, 24 October in the Mansion House, Dublin and three Northern Ireland Salons are representing Northern Ireland at the prestigious ceremony.

By Claire Toner

Sugah Gals- we have the perfect stocking filler for Christmas! It's an absolute essential for all you and all your girly pals if you're going to beat the recession and stay gorgeous without breaking the bank.

It's always tempting to be led by our purse strings when buying eye makeup as it isn't an 'essential' like moisturisers and foundation- it's more of an luxury added extra. Sometimes this can pay off- as you can bag a beauty bargain that looks and feels fabulous on your skin- but inevitably you can also end up with mascara flakes covering your cheeks and a pathetic excuse for 'dramatic' eyes when the eyeshadow fades away during a night out.

We decided to put brands from either end of the expense spectrum to the test- and work out whether you do always get what you pay for.

By Claire Toner

US Skincare brand NeoStrata has finally arrived in Northern Ireland following success down South in the Republic.  The range was designed by American dermatologists in the 1970s and has gained notability as a result of clinical studies hailing its anti-ageing benefits and effective treatment of dermatological skin conditions. Its celebrity fans are said to include Elle McPherson and Jennifer Aniston- so if it’s good enough for them...