All hail

BeneFit's 'Realness of Concealness' kit. It's a small box containing five of the brand's best 'fix it' potions to create the effect of a flawless, blemish-free, even complexion. There's cream to neutralize discoloured eyelids, an industrial-strength under-eye concealer, an illuminating balm, limp-plumping primer and a glowing lotion to highlight facial features. At 32.50 it's the best box of tricks we've seen this season. From stockists nationwide.

Pail comparison

If the thought of spring-cleaning brings equal portions fear and dread, it's time to focus less on the Kim and Aggie side of it and more on the celebration of the process.

Harvey Nichols

scratches every itch with its customised cleaning bucket, devised in collaboration with the Daily Telegraph's Clare Coulson, author of the ultra chic domestic bible, House Rules. The book, which includes tips from Jimmy Choo on shoe care and Giorgio Armani on entertaining, comes in the smart aluminum pail, along with some Harvey Nichols dishwashing liquid, hand lotion and half a bottle of champagne. The perfect companion to some absolutely fabulous home improvement.

Comfort zone

PJs and Prose is one of those websites you want to keep secret and use to score major gift brownie points with friends and family. Log on and select some cute, stylish pajamas, add a book, perhaps a candle, bath products or a teddy bear and comfort blanket. All items are gasp-inducing and come beautifully packaged to complete the experience. There are fluffy full length options, shorts and vest top combos or camis and boxers.

Books include thrillers, cookery bestsellers and Maeve Binchy page-turners. Great for hen nights, girlie slumber parties, Mother's Day or as an antidote to broken hearts. And every delivery comes with a sachet of hot chocolate (www. pjsandprose. ie).

Bargain babes

Billion Dollar Babes is a sample sale with a difference. Initiated in the US in 2001, the BDB brand promises clothes and accessories by the world's leading designers, all offered at discount rates and adored by fashionistas and celebrities who can't resist a bargain.

The first BDB event here happens in Custom House Quay on Saturday 25 March from 8am-6pm (with VIP previews the previous evening). Designers will include, apparently, Diane Von Furstenberg, Tocca, Clements Ribeiro and Sara Berman, with makeovers from Armani Cosmetics. Admission by invitation only (ww. billiondollarbabes. co. uk).

Picture perfect

A chance to flex your inner muse and bask simultaneously in sunshine and rural splendourf Watercolour Painting Holidays coordinates trips around Europe . . . from Connemara to Croatia . . . bringing small groups of painters with varying abilities to unique venues where painting, relaxing and living la dolce vida are equally on the agenda.

For the year's schedules, and to find out more, check out www. arc-design. ie. Perhaps this might be the activity holiday that stimulates mind, body and soul.

Cooke up a storm

Foodies, socialites and trendspotters have long been fans of Johnny Cooke's great culinary creativity. For more than a decade his cuttingedge cuisine has delighted diners at his South William Street restaurant and at the grand events he caters. Next up are a series of special gourmet evenings planned at Cooke's Cafe.

A chance to sample a variety of different dishes in a number of courses from countries around the world.

Thursday 9 March sees Johnny preparing food of Moroccan origin while on 6 and 27 April he will focus on Italy. A night's dining includes specially chosen wines with each course. Tickets are available in advance, priced 75 from Cooke's Cafe (01 6790536).

Happy out

What can be said about former Happy Monday's frontman Shaun Ryder that hasn't been said before?

With Madchester melodies, playboy bunnies, a home in Cork and a penchant for life in excess, this man is too colourful to simply fade into oblivion. Cue a thumping recent collaboration with Gorillaz and now, a live DJ slot at 515 in the Pod on Friday 3 March. Whether or not Ryder is capable of removing vinyl from its wrapper remains to be seen, but thankfully Happy Monday's guitarist Kav will also be in the booth to form a duo who mix sounds with Shaun's freestyle vocals. Truly a unique experience.

Flippin' fantastic

Mark the diaries now, Pancake Tuesday is just 48 hours away, and there's fun to be had.

Whether for purely selfish reasons, or due to the real reason of lent, this might be the last time you'll see chocolate, sugar and lard for 40 days and nights, so it's time to get the frying pan out and make some crepes. This year, Superquinn is selling pre-made batter by the bottle . . . a great invention for the lazy or the hungry. Simply pour it out and focus on what's going on top.

Thankfully, Superquinn has also thought of that with a host of jams, syrups and a long-standing favourite of the gluttenous Hotshots team, jars of Merchant Gourmant's Banoffee pie filling.

Well worth a Tuesday trolly dash.