News
Proper cleansing clears pores and prevents build up

By Jill O'Donoghue from Killarney Toning and Beauty Studio
It might sound simple but double cleansing is a step that is often skipped, or rushed over. When done correctly it is the start of the anti-ageing process. Think of it, you wouldn't build a house if you rushed the foundations. So why would you put the best moisturiser on unprepared skin.
It is so important to remove the build-up on your skin, such as dirt, oil, pollution etc. During the day the skin on your face is covered with bacteria, pollutants, viruses and old dead skin cells. Daily cleansing these impurities helps give the face a fresh look. Without correct daily cleansing your skin will be covered with a thick layer of dirt and grime which makes it difficult for other products to penetrate the skin properly.
You are also boosting hydration by cleansing - along with a good moisturiser of course. It's an important factor in maintaining a proper level of hydration. Dehydrated skin looks and feels rough, wrinkled and aged. Cleansing helps to maintain the PH levels of the skin, enabling water and product retention.
We have tiny glands under the skin that produce oil called sebum to protect the skin from the outside world. The oil is necessary to act as a barrier to prevent the penetration of bacteria or other harmful agents. Proper cleansing clears the pores of debris to prevent build up allowing the natural oils reach the surface without any blockages, thus preventing any breakouts. This is why regular facials are important to help maintain healthy hydrated skin.
So, we know why we need to double cleanse but do we know how? Or, even if you know what to do, are you doing it correctly? Double cleansing simply involves using two types of cleansers, one right after the other. Start with the oil base cleanser, followed by the water-based cleanser. The first cleanser draws out the oil-based impurities, such as SPF, make-up and pollutants while the second cleanser gets rid of water-based debris such as sweat and dirt.
To apply correctly it's important to spend time working it into the skin taking extra care around the creases of the nose and chin, allowing the product enough time on the skin to get to work. For more information on the right products call Jill on 064 6632966.
News
Benefit-In-Kind tax rules overturned for company cars
By John Healy of Healy Insurances Minister for Finance Michael McGrath has announced a temporary change for company-owned vehicles following a backlash from drivers whose Benefit-In-Kind (BIK) taxes increased substantially […]

By John Healy of Healy Insurances
Minister for Finance Michael McGrath has announced a temporary change for company-owned vehicles following a backlash from drivers whose Benefit-In-Kind (BIK) taxes increased substantially in January.
While the move to a CO2 based Benefit-In-Kind system, which incentivises the use of Electric Vehicles and lower emission cars, a significant number of employees with vehicles in the typical emissions range experienced large increases in their income tax liabilities since the start of 2023.
To address the issue, the Finance Minister has introduced a relief of €10,000 to be applied to the Original Market Value (OMV) of cars in Category A-D in order to reduce the amount of Benefit-In-Kind payable (this is not applicable to cars in Category E).
In effect, this means that, for the purposes of calculating BIK liability, employers may reduce the OMV by €10,000. This treatment will also apply to all vans and electric vehicles. For electric vehicles, the OMV deduction of €10,000 will be in addition to the existing relief of €35,000 that is currently available for EVs, meaning that the total relief for 2023 will be €45,000.
The upper limit in the highest mileage band is amended by way of a 4,000km reduction, so that the highest mileage band is now entered into at 48,001km.
These temporary measures will be retrospectively applied from 1 January 2023 and will remain in place until 31 December 2023. It is proposed to introduce the measures at Committee Stage of the Finance Bill 2023.
From an insurance perspective, if a vehicle is owned by a company then the motor policy in place must be in the company name and have full business use cover known as Class 2 cover. It is customary that the policy is on an open driving basis, usually aged 25 to 70. The cost for a company owned car policy can be higher than privately owned vehicles.
News
Reduce the stress of downsizing
By Ted Healy of DNG TED HEALY It is widely accepted that moving house is one of THE most stressful life events one will experience, but does it really need […]

By Ted Healy of DNG TED HEALY
It is widely accepted that moving house is one of THE most stressful life events one will experience, but does it really need to be?
Embrace the change and look forward to new beginnings.
One particular cohort of home movers are those downsizing from their larger family homes, perhaps to a more manageable property with little/less maintenance. Here we look at potential ways of reducing the stress involved when downsizing:
Start the process as early as possible. Putting it off will add to the stress and result in a rushed job that is maybe not thorough enough. You only want to bring items you LOVE, NEED, USE and have SPACE for to your new property. Use this time as an opportunity to declutter – be ruthless. This is a fantastic opportunity to put some organisation into your life. Perhaps declutter prior to placing your existing home on the market – it may well add value to your home.
Don’t underestimate how much of a reduction is required pre-move. If the new property you are moving to is 50% smaller, then a quick estimate is that 50% of items in your current home need to be rehoused elsewhere.
Have an exit plan for the items leaving your home. Where are your local charity shops, do they offer a collection service? Is a skip required? A carefully planned exit strategy will make the move a lot more seemless. Have detailed measurements of your new home so you know which larger furniture items will/will not fit in your new property.
Take your time and do not try to do multiple areas simultaneously. Perhaps take it room by room and set yourself realistic targets.
Most importantly don’t panic. Allow yourself sufficient time, have a well-planned system in place and do not be reluctant to ask for help. Involving family members and relatives in the move will make the whole process a lot easier.