Last updated 10:00, Thursday, 15 May 2008

Beauty news and advice from Julie Morgan

• View more pictures...

Carefully does it: At the cut-throat shaving workshop that took place at Lakes College West Cumbria

ABSOLUTE Beauty is expanding its business – into their clients’ homes.

Owner Susan Neilsen has developed a new service called Absolute @ home which offers customers the spa experience in the comfort of their living rooms.

Susan had been looking to expand the business, but realised taking the treatments to her clients was the best step forward.

Absolute now has a Mitsubishi Warrior vehicle, with room for five treatment beds, which can be taken to customers’ homes for pamper parties.

The aim is for a group of friends to pay a fixed price and they are each treated to a combination of treatments such as massage, facials, manicure, pedicures, spray tan, make-overs and body scrubs. Absolute will also throw pamper birthday parties for youngsters.

Staff at the pamper parties will also offer the group demonstrations on skin care and the correct way to apply make-up.

Andrea Clarke, an assistant accountant at Sellafield, sampled the £50 per person pamper party package with prices differing to the amount of treatments clients chose. She chose to have a facial, manicure, pedicure and 25-minute back massage.

She said: “It was fantastic! I’ve never had a pedicure before and wasn’t sure if I would like it, but it was my favourite treatment.

“The staff were very friendly and it was a lovely, relaxing two hours. I can certainly imagine it being popular for hen and birthday parties.’’

For more information contact the salon on 01946 692999.

IT was a close shave for Lakes College students at a recent workshop. Cut-shaving expert, Simon Shaw, of the Wahl Clipper Corporation, showed students the traditional methods involved in attaining a close shave including hot and cold towels and facial massage.

Jenny Gate, of Lakes College, said: “With the development of the ‘metrosexual’ man and the celebrities, such as David Beckham, at the forefront of that, male grooming has become more popular.

“The workshop is the perfect opportunity for students to learn a niche skill that they can hopefully take back to local salons, in order attract male clients.’’

Martyn Kennedy is also running Catalyst Sports Massage and Therapy two nights a week at Savvy Beauty, Scotch Street, Whitehaven.

He is also willing to travel to local sports clubs or to clients’ homes offering a holistic approach which combines sports massage, manipulation techniques, ultrasound, advice on rehabilitation and injury prevention. Contact Martyn on 07759559279.

Newly-opened Savvy Beauty can be contacted on 592322.

BOTANICS Quenching Body Lotion, Boots, £3.99. This month’s tester is Eleanor Moore, 15, of Whitehaven School:

I tested the Botanics Quenching Body Lotion for five consecutive days. The product claims it “keeps moisture levels topped up for 12 hours, helping skin stay smooth and replenished.”

Before using the lotion, my skin was fairly dull and dry, especially on my calves and elbows. When I first applied the lotion, I noticed the texture was creamy, however a tad too greasy. Nevertheless, it smoothes on very easily and took little effort to rub into my skin, before creating a matte effect.

Within minutes of the first application, I detected a noticeable difference. My skin tone appeared more even and of a brighter colour. It also felt much softer and stronger. Flaking was non-existent. Over the course of the remaining four days, my skin continued to improve.

Overall, I would recommend this product to anyone wanting a rapid, high-quality appearance and feel to their skin.

LAST month I featured winning hair shots, from Savvy salon, who gained the Goldwell Photographic Trophy at the International Hairdressing Competition.

I forgot to mention the stunning hair on the ‘pretty in pink’ picture was styled by Faye Vickers. My apologies.