BEAUTY:How handy are these hardworking curling tongs from Braun?

They are the only cordless tongs I’ve been able to find and are priced around the €25 mark, depending which pharmacy you go to (I bought mine at Superdrug). Oh, the joys of having a cordless tool – shall I count the ways?

No worries about a tangled or too short flex, allowing you to focus on the job in hand in front of your favourite mirror. Perfect for travel with no adapter issues. (I keep a spare in my suitcase.) The complete portability means you can style hair anywhere – the ladies’ loo at work for a quick hair fix, or last minute styling in the car (only if you’re a passenger).

Holiday snap

Whatever the weather is up to, summer time has officially arrived at Brown Thomas. Golden-limbed models will glide through stores today and next Saturday, adding a touch of poolside glamour to proceedings. Beauty counters will have international make-up artists on hand to show you how to get “the look” (such as Chanel’s pink neon, pictured) and there will also be demonstrations on expert packing techniques. Wish You Were Here is at BT stores nationwide, until next Sunday. For information and bookings, tel 01-6056666.

Happy birthday

Elizabeth Arden is certainly having a moment. The company beat off stiff competition to scoop a top award in the Marie ClairePrix d'Excellence beauty awards for its Mineral Powder foundation. It is also celebrating a special birthday.

Brand founder Florence Nightingale Graham (yes, really) was a true pioneer whose face creams were developed in conjunction with chemists – the company was one of the first to take a scientific approach. The make-up shy middle classes bloomed under her touch (in those days, cosmetics had an unfortunate association with the lower classes and ladies of the night). During the second World War, she designed a special lipshade to match the red uniforms of women in the armed forces. Under her professional name of Elizabeth Arden, the brand continued with a series of firsts – skin-matched foundations, make-overs and a certain little wonder product called Eight Hour Cream, which still features regularly on the must-have lists.

To celebrate the brand’s centenary, the company has released three limited edition products – including Eight Hour Cream – all featuring the famous red door symbol. The retro-packaged set (€35) is available at Arnotts, Debenhams and Boots, nationwide.

Freebies

* Crème de la Mer counters are offering a free trial of the cult range with 20 minute treatments available at counters now. To book, telephone your nearest stockist

* Buy two products this month from the Dr Hauschka range at Nourish health shops and receive a free hand and foot care kit worth €26.50. See nourish.ie