About face

Wearing layers of cloggy foundation is not a good summer look. And up until recently, tinted moisturisers were oddly-shaded formulations that gave poor coverage. Well, it's all changed.

Clinique's new Moisture Sheer Tint gel is the perfect consistency to add a subtle sheen and colour to the face . . . evening skintone but not masking summer's natural effects. An SPF 15 provides a protective barrier and, obviously, there's moisturising properties too. A new wonder-product that's on counters now priced 26.

Sent hopping

Been a while since you pumped up the jam? Keen to get down on it? Wanna fill in while Brittany's on maternity leave?

Hot on the heels of last week's success, choreographer Jane Shorthall brings her dance blitz back to The Factory studios Ringsend, Dublin 4 on 16-18 December. Here's another chance to bust some moves with the biggest international names who, between them have worked with everyone from Kylie (Tristran Coulter) to Aaliyah (Patrick Chen) and Destiny's Child (Napoleon & Tabitha D'umo).

From hip hop dancing to strechy yoga, all you need is a bit of enthusiasm and lots of Deep Heat. Last week's blitz was booked well in advance so log on now to enroll for the next blitz.

Full class timetables and booking details are available on www. janeshortall. com.

Sweet treats

One of the highlights of Christmases gone by was always to bag the best biscuits in those festive tins. Thankfully, families can now call a ceasefire with the launch of the Jacob's Elite range of favourites. Most worthy of mention comes the pack of Jelly Stars . . . that famous ring chocolate biscuit, topped with a pink sugary jelly. There is a Godf and he's stocking supermarket shelves now.

The place to be scene

Those who love their London hotels will know The Soho Hotel as the hottest hangout of 2005.

Built on the site of a former multi-storey carpark, media and movie types swarm to be seen in the hotel's bar while out-of-towners make the most of the hot, W1 location. Perfectly 'boutique', the hotel does away with over extended restaurants and function rooms to make room for spacious drawing rooms, two screening rooms, a funky gym (with personal trainer) and small spa. Rates from £235 per night, The Soho Hotel is at 4 Richmond Mews, London W1.

www. sohohotel. com.

Dance massive

Polish up your glowsticks for 12 hours of non-stop dancing this Bank Holiday Sunday. Global Gathering at the Green Glens Arena, Millstreet, Co Cork sees a slew of superstar DJs gather under one roof (leave those egos in your flight cases, boys). Paul Oakenfold, Carl Cox, David Morales, Tiesto, Sacha & John Digweed and Dave Clarke will perform on five different stages, while the bill is completed by Irish names including Fergie and Mark Kavanagh. As necessary for any music event worth it's salt, there's also camping, a funfair, foodstalls f and a special Millstreet Express train to whip clubbers there and back. Best of all comes news that performance times will be issued . . . for free . . . well ahead of kick off . . . a festival oddity in recent times. (Tickets priced 61.50/ 81 incl camping from 0810 719300 and agents nationwide) Tee time In a summer of overprinted, deconstructed Tee-shirt hell, it's good to see there's a more entertaining option through Kerry-based www. hairybaby. com. Click through kids options ("I'll talk when I'm good and ready" "Resident DJ, Ibiza 2024" and "I see ugly people" being favourites) while adults can choose from cult heroes, witty slogans, cool graphics and cut 'em dead. A particular favourite for the girls must be the 'Padraig Swayzee' emblazoned tee, complete with "nobody puts baby in the corner" tag-line. Prices are competitive, delivery is superspeedy, so get it on/off your chest!

Simply delecia

Who needs real life when you can live vicariously through others? And even better when those turn out to be of the twodimensional, cartoon strip variety. Delecia, the creation of graphic designer Neil O'Keeffe (responsible for Nude and Nue Blue Eriu's imagery) is a sassy, snotty girl . . . the one we all are on Monday mornings. Check out her strip, get to know her pals and take The Power Test on www. delecia. com. Delecia?

She's the new Dariaf!

Fancy footwork

At summertime, it's all about the pedicures f what good is a new pair of sparkly Gina sandals if they're encasing hobbit hoofs?

ReVive Day Spa in Milltown are now offering their new 'Rosy Toes' pedicure to girls and their friends that include plenty of pampering.

In addition to a rose-petal strewn session, there's herbal tea and flatscreen TVs playing the client's choice of 'Sex and the City' episodes. Best of all, there are two, side-by-side pedi-stations . . . perfect for maximum girlie bonding opportunities. For appointments, call 01-2604781 Melanie Morris hotshots@tribune. ie