Free make-overs just the ticket at The Body Shop

A new season brings new fashion and styles but it also presents an opportunity to try something different in your beauty routine. All of us can be guilty at one time or another, of falling into a makeup rut or just sticking to the tried and trusted items in your routine, be it the trusty beige eyeshadow, the apricot blusher or the ever so slightly out of date pan-stick. Well, did you ever want to break out and shake things up? Answer yes, then get yourself over to The Body Shop in Athlone Towncentre just as our guinea pig, Emma Connerty, from the Westmeath Independent's front desk did recently for a complete revamp of her make-up bag just in time for the weekend. All for free I might add, very recessionista! Staff at The Body Shop tell us that you can come in anytime for a quick make-over or simply to try the make-up range and then decide if you like the products - you'll also get tips and tricks to get the best out of your make-up and the girls will also show you how to achieve the looks and trend you want by yourself at home. Francesca from The Body Shop in Athlone Towncentre suggests that if ladies out there are going out why not book a make-over after the trip to the hairdresser! "We'll give you a full make-over, from head to toe. I started with a cleansing and moisturising suitable for Emma's skin type, then I chose a foundation that matched her colouring and skin type as well. You can also try our fantastic mineral make-up, that is all 100% natural," she enthused. "I then select the best powder to go with your foundation and you can tell us whether you prefer an all over sultry bronzer or a fresh-faced looking blusher! If you don't know what would suit you best, I'll help you decide according to your colours, your outfit and the type of occasion," Francesca continued. Then she moved on to the windows of our soul - the eyes - to choose some of the hottest shadows from their extensive eye palettes, from ochre, plum, emerald shades etc to finish off the look with some funky coloured eye liner, and mascara. And, if your lips are feeling a bit under the weather, Francesca said she can give them a good energizing scrub with The Body Shop Lip Scuff and then gorgeous hydration for up to six hours with the Colourglide lipsticks, which are infused precious Marula Oil, a fantastic moisturiser which is community traded from the Eudafano Women's Co-operative in Namibia. Whether you have fine and seducing or full and sexy lips, Francesca will find the best colour for you among loads of different on-trend lipstick shades like funky orange, sultry red strawberry or subtle plum, as tested on Emma, our volunteer. And not only is this all absolutely free, but then if you decide that you want to buy the makeup used, you'll get a fabulous 10% discount on your products. A bit of a win, win situation for beauty enthusiasts in the Athlone area. Of course, the added bonus with The Body Shop is the fabulous products are ethically produced and not tested on animals, the newly launched special edition Soft Hands Kind Heart Hand Cream being a case in point. In fact, €3.95 from each purchase will go toward The Body Shop Stop Sex Trafficking and Young People campaign in Ireland. Nurturing your skin will in turn, help provide protection to children at risk. So what was the verdict of the make-over experience from our tester Emma? "It's a great opportunity to try out the products to see if they suit before you buy. Fran also gave me plenty of tips and advice for my skin. It'd be absolutely great if you are going out to get your make-up done beforehand. I enjoyed the whole thing, it was very relaxing," she enthused of the experience.