efforts to maintain their appearance.

According to Lynn Hamilton of the Face & Body Shop, such efforts are recognised through the many services her company is called on to supply, whether it be nails, facials, massage or merely skin consultations.

"There's a lot more pollution and the sun is a lot hotter,'' she explained.

"Women especially, are finding that their skin is aging faster. Youth and beauty, in America are such a big thing and with Bermuda being so close, it kind of rubs off here as well. We all want to look our best for as long as we can. And I feel that's maybe why (beauty services) are in such great demand here.'' Although traditionally seen as a nail salon, Mrs. Hamilton said her company actually specialises in all-round beauty care.

"Our specialty is beauty care in a small, intimate surrounding,'' she said.

"Yes we're small, but a lot of people like us because of that. We specialise in the person and definitely cater to the individual. We've always been known as a nail salon but really we've increased the beauty side in the last six months tremendously.'' Among the services they offer, she said, are aromatherapy, slimming treatments, nail and skin care and body waxing.

"Nails in Bermuda, are very big, and products are becoming much better than ever before. Creative nail products, which we use, is the leading company in the United States. They have developed new acrylics which breathe and no longer do nails get as damaged as before. Of course, anything on your nails is damaging but this is much better. It gives them strength and helps them grow.

It's especially helpful to people working in banks and in places where they are dealing with the public. They want their hands to look nice even if it's with just a simple manicure.'' Mrs. Hamilton added that her company has always been a forerunner in Bermuda's booming nail industry, her staff being the first on the Island to receive their Master Technician certificates.

"They had to go through various problems with nails. They had to be able to identify problems and know how to treat them and they also had to be able to recognise when a doctor was needed.'' A new trend she said, is Forever French, an art through which clients can now attain everlasting French nails. However Face & Body Shop still offers nail art and air brushing and can do seasonal motifs; nail art to suit special events such as black tie occasions, Halloween and Christmas to name but a few.

"The big thing in Bermuda has always been that women will take care of their hands before they take care of other parts of their bodies. We don't recommend it for young girls, but we have had some with their nails in bad shape. As a rule, however, we don't do anyone under the age of 14 without parental permission. But it's a nice treat for women to give themselves and if they can't afford anything else, I recommend that they save up and at least once a Even a pedicure can help! Pedicures are also very important, especially for someone on their feet all day. Feet take a lot of stress and strain.'' With manicures and pedicures, she explained, the hands and feet are dipped several times in paraffin wax, wrapped and left for the wax to soak through to the skin. The properties are then taken out of the water before a massage is given to help alleviate the stress and tiredness which can build.

"We are also finding that slimming treatments are starting to grow in popularity,'' the owner added. "Such treatments exfoliate the skin as then entire body is covered with a seaweed paste and placed under heat for a period of time. The paste detoxifies and eliminates water by soaking into the skin, getting into the bloodstream, and draining all the toxins. What it does, is help to break down the many fatty deposits that the body accumulates. It's not a miracle thing. You have to have a proper diet and must exercise to keep it up, but there is definitely a loss in size.'' Skin consultations, facials and waxing are also offered through the Bermudiana building facility, explained aromatherapist, Kirsty Thompson.

"We're a full-service beauty salon. Like many of the other salons on the Island, we do waxing, which is quite popular. Also, if people want advice on skin care or nails, we offer it free. The girls will sit down and spend time with clients. If they have a lot of questions, we suggest they call first, but if it's just a quick question, they can pop in at any time. What we do recommend, is that you look after your skin and yourself. Skin changes with cycles and hormones, so we highly recommend monthly facials. It's a nice time to come and clean your skin.'' A client getting nails done at the Face & Body Shop HEALTH HTH