A Trio of Recession-Friendly Beauty Options

It seems to be true that a recession fosters creativity. If you want to make money - especially in the area of beauty services - then you've got to get smart in a downturn. That's good news for us as consumers. We took a look at Tallaght's new DIY-tastic Planet Beach Contempo Spa last week, and keeping budgets firmly in mind, I've been looking into some alternatives to the average run-of-the-mill salon or spa experience.

SWAP SERVICES
Recently launched is  Favourbank.ie. Positioning itself as Ireland's only beauty and fashion exchange network, the idea is you can offer your beauty services or clothing and accessory bits and bobs in return for similar. So, if you're a nail technician, then you can barter your expertise for a facial, for example.

While that side of things is pretty much firmly aimed at anyone working in the beauty industry and not yer average punter, anyone can go on and swap unwanted fashion items. Not much on there yet, but it'll be interesting to see how it grows over the next few months.

HOME ALONE
I've been hearing more and more about therapists offering treatments from the comfort of their own home, and while that's not for everyone, the advantage is that it's cheaper. A lot cheaper. Take an Environ Vitamin Facial at Anastasia Vasicheva's Swords-based Icon Day Spa, for example. €55 is the damage for an almost two hour treatment using this top-quality product range. A full body contour wrap is €60 and a one hour deep tissue massage is €55.

DEALS ON WHEELS
Set up just before Christmas was Your Private Salon. The brainchild of ex-actress Aisling Flitton, it's a mobile service that's currently limited to south and south county Dublin, but the plan is to extend nationwide early in 09. Your Private Salon is at your beck and call seven days a week and offers a whole range of services like facials, waxing, massage, nails, hair and tanning.

It's got pretty much everything you'd expect from a fully-featured salon, except they come to you, and prices are good. €44 is the damage for a 30 minute mini deep cleansing facial, and a half leg and bikini wax will set you back €39.

What's your take on this? Would you be keen to check out any of these services? And if you know of any in your own area, please do leave a comment.