Get the sunkissed look for less at Carrie's Beauty Salon

None of which I can claim to be by the way at this point, being more akin to a carton of milk than golden brown. And, with funds a bit on the low side, no chances of a sneaky few days in the sun either to change that, or time to fake it in a bid to keep the glamometer on the upwards trajectory. With a couple of occasions on the very near horizon for the weekend, a book launch and a First Holy Communion and a party to go to, I was certainly on the lookout for a deal which could transform my pale skin into a holiday look, befitting the summer dress being recycled for all three occasions. Saving on the sartorial budget, I could afford a bit of a splash elsewhere so a small treat a big family occasion or milestone is definitely in order, of course, for the times that are in it, one that doesn't break the bank. With that in mind, Carrie's Beauty Salon in Church Street swooped to the rescue with their fantastic offer of half body tan, make and lashes, all for just €50. The salon also offer Grad Specials and a fantastic special occasion deal with Medussa Hair Salon downstairs of GHD curls or an upstyle with make-up for just €45. After several tan disasters, ranging from a lovely tangerine face to streaky legs, owner Carrie Cunnane immediately took me under her wing assuring me that Super Sunic tan is perfectly suited to pale Irish skin. "It's a very light, subtle sun-kissed natural tan. It's really popular with brides," she enthuses, adding that it rubs on in a couple of minutes and the flawless finish lasts for up to five days. It's a statement that I certainly can't argue with because, for my money it's certainly the best suited tan for my skin, giving a real, healthy glow without any yellow undertones or obviousness. With the skin taken care of, Carrie moved on to open up my tired eyes with the aid of individual eyelashes, a really affordable and popular way of updating your make-up routine quickly and with no effort. I opted for a really natural, fuller lash look, rather than maybe the more eyecatching oversized lashes more suitable for a big night out. In just a few minutes, the eyes were transformed and my face completely opened up with no irritation or heavy feeling of the strip lashes of old, so much so, I don't know how I'm going to go back to just my own lashes after a week. When Carrie moves to do my make-up the effect of the lashes is really striking because the taupe and gold eyeshadow she chooses for a day look has a much bigger impact with some eyeliner and mascara, without being really obvious. She advises me to blend, blend, blend for best results with eyeshadow. "Use the lighter colour on the inside and darker towards the outside for the best definition and to avoid looking tired," Carrie adds. Using Glominerals make-up, a fully natural range with no nasties, Carrie creates a fantastic flawless look which also boasts great coverage and long lasting wear and a great spectrum of colours, something many of mineral make-up ranges out there don't carry. It's also very light and airy on the skin, allowing it to breathe completely and match in with my complexion. After a velvety primer, Carrie mixes a couple of different shades of foundation to get the right one for my pale tone, applying it expertly with a brush, along with a small bit of concealer for those pesky dark circles. Some powder to set, a dab of blusher for definition and few further brush strokes and I'm transformed. A more polished, sun-kissed groomed version of moi emerges aptly enough to some welcome sun. It's a subtle change which people comment on, asking what have I done differently which I'm all for!