Second class citizens

I ARRIVE at the main door of the Senior College in Dun Laoghaire, a career woman, and mother-of-four. I am fresh-faced, wearing no make-up, apart from my lip-gloss, but slightly flushed, as I had trouble finding parking.

Thanks to the amazing work of Sarah Sheil, 32, and Paula Heraty, 25, who are both studying theatrical make-up, I leave a very different woman. Now 40 years older, I am grey, wrinkled and drawn. I look and feel very old.

As they begin the transformation, the girls study my skin — and guess I must be about 35 years old, which is a great boost for my ego — and then compliment my skin care routine.