Beautiful Oils for Supple Skin and Help with Stretch Marks…

Read article : Beautiful Oils for Supple Skin and Help with Stretch Marks…

I mentioned this on the “affordable” stretch marks roundup, but I’ll repeat: I know that beauty people are divided in their opinion of stretch mark oils. Or just the use of body oils in general to prevent stretch marks. From my own personal viewpoint, I have no scientific evidence that they work but I kind of think, why would I risk NOT using one? It’s such an enjoyable thing to do anyway, a bit of massage and oiling, and you don’t have to spend the earth to get a suitable oil. (See previous oils post!) I moisturise my skin after a bath or shower anyway, so it’s not like it’s a total mission to add in a bit of a bump-boobs-bum massage to keep skin supple and hopefully reduce the chances of marking.

Anyway, here are some of the more expensive oils that I’ve been testing – not hideously dear, by any means, but a bit more spendy than your typical pharmacy or supermarket buy. Two of them are dedicated “stretch mark” oils, the rest are just perfect for keeping skin supple and soft. The main difference seems to be in ingredients (such as rosehip) that target regeneration and repair, but let’s take a closer look…

Balance Me Super Moisturising Body Oil: £24.50 online here. This doesn’t shout from the rooftops about being a stretch mark prevention oil, but it certainly says all of the right things when you do a bit of research. High in fatty acids to restore elasticity, rosehip to help repair and rejuvenate, and a high percentage of coconut oil which the brand claims “allows this body oil to naturally tackle, prevent and reduce stretch marks.” Bravo. It also feels great to massage in and it smells nice. Win-win.

Clarins Huile Tonic Body Treatment Oil: £35.20 here. Clarins’ best-selling body oil and the product name that popped up the most whenever I mentioned pregnancy oils in tweets or posts. This seems to be a firm favourite! Clarins claim on their website that this is “effective at removing stretch marks” which is a whopper of a claim, so I’d be interested to know how other people with existing marks have fared. My own thoughts are that it must be a million times easier to try and prevent them than remove them, which is why I have been so totally obsessed with my daily (and twice-daily!) oiling but yes. Let me know your success stories. This oil smells good – very herby – and has a great massage-able texture.

Read about the best affordable stretch mark oils…

Mama Mio Tummy Rub Stretch Mark Oil: £27 here. Excellent, this one, with the lovely signature Mama Mio scent (I think they must have a certain blend of oils and ingredients common to many of their body products because they all smell so invigorating and zesty!) and a good, firm texture for proper massaging-in ability. I went through this bottle like the clappers – I think it has new packaging, now, which might make it a bit easier to do restrained pouring!

Kiehl’s Superbly Restorative Argan Dry Oil: £37.50 here. Wah! Seems pricy, this one, but you get 200ml in comparison to the 100-ish from Mama Mio and Clarins. In fact Clarins is fully twice as expensive, so you have to keep things in perspective! I love a bit of Argan (see post on Simple Oils) and this one is a kind of “Argan Lite” dry-oil version that’s quick to apply and rub in. Good for a morning post-shower treatment, rather than a heavier oil that might feel claggy once you get dressed. Downside: loads of ingredients to make it light and dry. If you just want pure Argan, check this out.

Pai’s Pomegranate & Pumpkin Stretch Mark Cream and Stretch Mark Oil: £45 online here. Again, looks expensive, but this is actually the best value stretch mark treatment of the lot. You get 200ml of cream and 100ml of oil, both used the most impeccably sourced and chosen ingredients and are suitable for sensitive, allergy-prone skin. (Full ingredients list here.) A hydrating cream and a replenishing oil, the stretch mark system is essential oil free, so great for those who can’t handle them or who would prefer to avoid during pregnancy. Packed full of essential fatty acids to nourish the skin and formulated to help increase elasticity, this is one of my absolute must-buys. The oil drizzles out at an annoyingly slow rate and the cream dispenser needs some looking at (I have literally never had such bad hand and wrist fatigue trying to extract a body cream from the bottle!) but all is forgiven for the beautiful formulas and soft, supple skin they reveal.

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RSVP'S Beauty Awards 2016 - RSVP Magazine

Read article : RSVP'S Beauty Awards 2016 - RSVP Magazine

Welcome to your essential beauty bible. Alex Hatton, together with Ireland’s leading beauty experts, brings you the definitive collection of the most effective skincare, body and make-up products on the market.

MEET THE JUDGES
Alex Hatton,  Maura Derrane and Sarah Keary

Our columnist Alex Hatton brings you a collection of the most effective buys in skin and body care. These gems are a must for every beauty buff.

BEST VALUE CLEANSER

Simple, Micellar Water, €4.99 A star budget buy. An express, easy and efficient no-rinse cleanser and make-up remover solution.

BEST TONER

Urban Veda, Purifying Hydrating Toner, €18.99 www.urbanveda.co.uk A simple spritz of this light facial toner hydrates, refreshes and soothes skin.

BEST DAILY EXFOLIATOR

Dermalogica, Daily Microfoliant, €53 An RSVP favourite. This hard working rice-based powder exfoliates dead cells, leaving skin smoother and clearer.

BEST FACE MASK

SkinCeuticals, Hydrating B5 Masque, €58 Beauty editors stock up on this gem because it’s packed with deeply hydrating vitamin B5 to help restore the skin’s natural moisturising factor. Skin genuinely becomes softer and more radiant.

BEST DAYTIME MOISTURISER REFORM

Everyday Moisturiser, €39.99 Everything you need in one jar: it reduces moisture loss, restores the skin barrier function and protects the epidermis against free radicals.

BEST SPF FACE

Eucerin, Sun Protection Sun Fluid Mattifying Face SPF 30, €18.50 A matte melting formula that delivers UVA-UVB protection. Specially formulated for the visage and ideal under foundation.

BEST NECK CREAM

NeoStrata, Skin Active Triple Firming Neck Cream, €63.95 This cream is your only answer to directly targeting the appearance of wrinkles and creases on the neck and décolletage.

BEST FOR RADIANCE

Murad, Intensive-C Radiance Peel, €65 This at-home peel treatment is packed with a powerful cocktail of glycolic acid, vitamin C and indian fig to brighten, smooth and hydrate.

BEST SERUM

Emma Hardie, The Midas Touch Face Serum, €80 This treatment serum is packed with powerful antioxidants – it’s also super hydrating – and skin feels more subtle, toned and radiant after application.

BEST EYE CREAM

Kinvara, Eye Wow Eye Serum, €29.95 Perk up your peepers with this newbie juice that contains a powerful blend of 11 plant extracts targeting dark circles, fine lines and puffiness.

kinvaraskincare.com

BEST ANTI-AGEING PRODUCT

Eau Thermale Avène, PhysioLift Precision Wrinkle Filler, €39 Completely fuss-free, just one simple click helps to visibly correct deep wrinkles and furrows around the mouth and nose, the eye area and forehead in just three weeks.

BEST LIP BALM

Nuxe, Rêve De Miel Lip Balm, €12 It soothes, softens and helps rejuvenate your pucker with intensive moisture and a kiss of honey.

BEST VALUE LIP BALM LIDL

Cien Bodycare Lip Balm, €1.59 (for a pack of three) A purse-friendly buy that instantly hydrates parched pouts.

BEST BEAUTY SUPPLEMENT

Viviscal, Maximum Strength tablets, 30 capsules, €49.95 The daily cosmetic supplement that nourishes hair from within to give you the luscious locks you’ve always wanted.

BEST DETOX TEA

Miss Fit Skinny Tea, 14-Day Teatox, €24.99 The #1 natural, laxative free teatox programme that allows you to lose up to five pounds in five days. You just sip your way to a slimmer you.

BEST FACE OIL

Kiehl’s, Midnight Recovery Concentrate, €44 A Hall of Fame beauty buy! Just a few drop of this elixir and you’ll wake up to a fresher more radiant face: fact!

Kiehl’s.com

BEST NIGHT CREAM

Lancôme, Visionnaire Nuit, Beauty Sleep Perfector, €74 The skincare launch of the year: this nightly number transforms the quality of the skin while you slumber. it is smoother, more elasticated and radiant upon waking.

lancome.com

BEST PRODUCT INNOVATION

Elizabeth Arden, Superstart, Skin Renewal Booster, €59 Meet the next gen in skincare: the beauty booster! Used just before serum or moisturiser this booster works on the surface layer of the skin to increases its natural defenses and ability to renew.

elizabetharden.com

BEST CLEANSER

Liz Earle, Cleanse & Polish, €21.87 A beauty icon. This hot cloth cleanser leaves skin clean, soft and radiant. Ideal for your morning or evening cleanse.

lizearle.com

BEST MOISTURISER

Crème de la Mer, The Moisturizing Cream, €138 Experience the comforting richness of the famed “miracle broth” in a rich, lux cream. Expect an immediate improvement in moisture levels and radiance. It’s worth every single cent!

cremedelamer.co.uk

BEST BUDGET BODY MOISTURISER

Vaseline, Spray Moisturiser, €7.49 This is the business: a snazzy spray system, that dispenses a moisture rich lotion quickly and evenly for an all over coverage in seconds. Just spray and go!

vaseline.us

BEST BODY MOISTURISER

L’Occitane, Almond Milk Concentrate, €44 A cult classic. Enriched with powerful almond extracts, this milk melts into the skin to help it look firmer and smoother while delivering a 48-hour hydration hit!

uk.loccitane.com

BEST VALUE BATH WASH

Radox, Muscle Soak with Sage & Sea Minerals, €4.44 This bubble bath leaves skin refreshed, soft and squeaky clean. It’s the beauty equivalent of a hug.

BEST BATH OIL

Neom, Tranquility Bath & Shower Oil, €48 This elixir is packed with 19 essential oils including lavender, sweet basil and jasmine. A real beauty treat.

BEST VALUE BODY SERUM

Dove Derma Spa, Uplifted+ Massaging Body Roll-On, €11.99 A nifty roller-ball serum that moisturises and massages as it rolls to improve firmness and elasticity. It also smells divine!

BEST BODY BUTTER

The Body Shop, Spa Of The World, Hawaiian Kukui Cream, €39 The bodycare product of the year: this deeply nourishing emollient is packed with famed kukui oil to restore the skin’s natural suppleness.

BEST DAYTIME BODY OIL

Waxperts, Beautiful Body Oil, €9.99 This multi-usage dry oil contains a cocktail of star active ingredients to nourish, repair and soften skin.

BEST EVENING BODY OIL

Holos Skincare, Good Night Body Oil, €16.90 This Irish holistic hero is all you need for night-time skin moisturising and is made up of a calming trio of essential oils: lavender, chamomile and rose.

BEST BODY SHAPER

Thalgo, Stomach and Waist Sculptor, €44 We love this: it helps to firm the deeper layers of the skin for a tighter and firmer looking waist. Just in time for summer!

BEST BUST TREATMENT

Palmers, Cocoa Butter Formula Bust Cream, €9 A must-have beauty weapon for a perkier pair; specially formulated with pure cocoa butter cream and vitamin E that smoothes on like gel.

BEST HAND WASH

The Handmade Soap Company, Lemongrass & Cedarwood Hand Wash, €12.95 Nourish and revive your paws with this zingy and refreshing hand wash. Buy Irish!

BEST HAND CREAM

Green Angel, Seaweed & Lavender Hand Cream, €20 We’re dedicated fans of this luscious cream packed with minerals and essential oils to nourish your mitts.

BEST VALUE HAND CREAM

Ziaja, Goat’s Milk Hand & Nail Cream, €3.49 A brilliant budget buy: this intensive hydrating formula keeps your paws soft and supple.

BEST FOOT CREAM

Aveda, Foot Relief, €26 For happy hoofs, slather on this deeply nourishing cream designed to sooth the roughest and toughest feet!

BEST NAIL TREATMENT

Sally Hansen, Complete Care 7-in-1 Nail Treatment, €10.99 Whatever your nail dilemma this is the solution: after just three days, nails look shinier, stronger and brighter.

BEST DEODORANT

Sure, Max Pro, €7.35 A summer essential. Simply use before you hop into bed, wash off in the morning and rock off knowing this number will keep you dry all day.

BEST BODY SCULPTING TREATMENT

CoolSculpting, River Medical Group, from €840 A great non-invasive way to reduce fat by up to 40% after one treatment. Results can be seen within 4-6 weeks but as your body ‘gets rid’ of the fat cells you will continue to see results for up to 3 months.

BEST NAIL VARNISH RANGE

SoSu, Nail Polish Collection, €7.99 A digit game changer: gives the look of a gel finish without the need to visit the salon.

sosueme.ie

BEST HAIR REMOVAL PRODUCT

Waxperts Wonder Pads, €9.99 for 40 discs These little wonder pots are a bathroom must-have. Use daily in between waxing, or after shaving to avoid ingrown hairs.

waxperts.bigcartel.com

BEST BODY EXFOLIATOR

Organic Surge, Tropical Bergamot Skin Perfecting Body Scrub, €16.99 This uplifting wonder pot is packed with natural pumice, sweet orange and bergamot essential oils to gently polish and smooth your skin.

organicsurge.com

BEST SHOWER FOAM

Molton Brown, Dewy Lily of the Valley and Star Anise, Bath & Shower Gel, €22 This scrumptious, sudsy shower gel is blended with delicious Lily of the Valley: it leaves a light floral scent while deeply cleansing the skin.

moltonbrowne.co.uk

Sarah Keary is one of Ireland’s most established make-up artists with a background in fashion, television and bridal. Her celebrity clients include Pippa O’Connor Ormond, Kathryn Thomas and Sharon Corr.

BEST VALUE PRIMER

Flormar, Illuminating Primer Make-Up Base, €9.95 Prep and prime to selfie ready skin with this brilliant illuminating base.

BEST EYE PRIMER

Smashbox, Photo Finish 24-Hour Shadow Primer, €23 An eyelid primer that instantly makes your shadow look more vibrant and locks on color for a full 24 hours – no fading, creasing or smudging!

BEST VALUE FOUNDATION

L’Oréal Paris, True Match Foundation, €14.99 This lightweight and silky texture glides on seamlessly for an all-day, buildable coverage.

BEST POWDER

Giorgio Armani, Luminous Silk Compact, €45 We covet this chic compact; it delivers a flawless finish with a gorgeous touch of the famed Armani illumination.

BEST FACE CONCEALER

NARS, Radiant Creamy Concealer, €28 Partied a bit too late last night? Mum’s the word with this lightweight concealer!

BEST UNDER EYE CONCEALER

Clarins, Instant Concealer, €26 This buy just might be your new best friend. It instantly brightens dark shadows so you look refreshed and revived.

BEST EYESHADOW

M∙A∙C, Eyeshadow, €16.50 A highly pigmented powder that applies evenly and blends seamlessly. Available in a host of hues.

maccosmetics.com

BEST GEL LINER

Inglot, AMC Gel Liner No.77, €15 This black glam gel eyeliner glides on like a dream, making it ideal for creating the perfect feline flick.

BEST VALUE LIQUID LINER

Essence, Easy 2 Use Jumbo Eyeliner, €2.89 One of the thickest eye marker pen on the market; accurate lines are super easy to achieve, even if you’re an eyeliner newbie!

BEST VALUE MASCARA

Catrice, Glam & Doll False Lashes Mascara, €4.50 This number scores extra points with its curved brush, which reaches each individual lash in one swift swipe.

BEST BROW FILL

Benefit, Brow Zings, €34 Put your best brows forward with this mini brow salon, it’s complete with all the tools you need for perfect brows!

BEST VALUE BROW FILL

WetnWild, Colour Icon Pencil, €2.49 Give the brows in your life the special attention they deserve with this versatile dual-ended pencil.

BEST VALUE POWDER BLUSH

Sleek, Blush in Rose Gold, €5.49 A brilliant beauty dupe! This longlasting and highly pigmented blush glides on smoothly and packs a great colour punch.

BEST LIPLINER

Maybelline, Colour Sensational Lip Liner, €5.99 Mirror like colour with reflective shine formula. This literally does not budge!

BEST RED LIPSTICK

Max Factor, Marilyn Monroe Lipstick Collection, €10.99 each This is so special: a beautiful edit of four lux lippies inspired by Marilyn Monroe’s signature rouge pout.

BEST LIP GLOSS

Rimmel, Oh My Gloss, €6.99 Perfect glam on the go! Your lips are instantly drenched with a seriously sexy shine.

BEST FALSE LASHES

Fuschia Make-Up, Faux Mink Lashes, €15 The most glam false lashes a girl can get – and they’re so lightweight, you’ll forget you’re wearing them too!

BEST CELEBRITY COLLABORATION

UD | Gwen Stefani Blush Palette, €42 Such a chic cheek collection developed and designed by the iconic Gwen Stefani for Urban Decay. You need this in your beauty wardrobe!

BEST POWDER BLUSH

Charlotte Tilbury, Cheek to Chic Swish & Pop Blusher, €39 This delivers a flattering flush of colour in two easy steps. Blend it on the apples of your cheeks for a just-pinched look. We love it!

charlottetilbury.com

BEST HIGHLIGHTER

Rosie for Autograph, Marks & Spencer, Highlighter Powder, €20 This gorgeous creamy highlighter boosts skin radiance in seconds. A highlight for the highlife!

marksandspencer.com

BEST FACE SCULPTOR

IsaDora, Face Sculptor, €25.95 This wheel of wonder contains a richly pigmented bronzing powder and highlighter, and blush. A musthave for your bag of tricks.

isadora.com

BEST PRIMER

Yves Saint Laurent, Touche Éclat Blur Primer, €38.00 This glitzy gel-based formula creates the perfect canvas for flawless, longer lasting make-up – simply apply and glow!

yslbeautyus.com

BEST MASCARA

Lancôme, Hypnôse Volume à Porter, €27.50 Let your eyelashes take centre stage with this wonder wand that gives lashes length, lift and va-va voom.

lancome.co.uk

BEST LIPSTICK

Shiseido, Veiled Rouge Lipstick, €25 Pucker up with this creamy, satin lippy that locks on to lips in one swipe, delivering an intense colour payoff.

shiseido.com

BEST FOUNDATION

Clinique, Beyond Perfecting Foundation + Concealer, €32 This new formula provides a medium coverage, yet it’s so light in texture it almost feels like you’re not wearing foundation.

clinique.com

BEST PALETTE

Pippa for Blank Canvas, €34.99 This is the business: it’s packed with five matte nude toned shadows, a highlighter, peachy toned blusher and contouring powder.

blankcosmetics.com

BEST TAN TREATMENT

Guinot, Huile Mirific, Gold Nourishing Dry Oil, €39.25 A luxurious dry oil that delivers a stunningly sexy shimmer to the skin. A real tanning treat and officially our favourite find of the awards!

Guinot.com

BEST GRADUAL TAN

Karora, Gradual Tan Face & Body, €14.99 Get glowing with a daily dose of natural colour and a burst of hydration. Layer it up for a richer honey-dipped tan.

karoracosmetics.com

BEST BRONZER

Bobbi Brown, Face & Body Bronzer in Medium, €46 A beach bag essential, we adore this light-weight bronzing powder that highlights, colour and contours.

BobbiBrown.com

BEST INSTANT TAN

Cocoa Brown, Instant Tan Bronzing Gel in Shimmer & Matte, €6.99 each This delivers an instant, faux flawless tan and comes in a matte and shimmer finish. Every girl should try this!

cocoabrown.ie

TAN FOR FACE

Garnier, Ambre Solaire, No Streaks Bronzer, Dry Face Mist, €12.20 An ultra fine mist which dries instantly to give a streak free, gorgous golden hue to the face and neck area.

BEST TANNING SUPPLEMENT

Pharma Nord, TanCare, €18.95 (for a twomonth supply) Packed with beta-carotene, these clever capsules enhance the appearance of your skin and will give you a gorgeous golden tan with less sun exposure.

Maura Derrane believes that a spritz of perfume can lift your mood, make you feel confident and indeed evoke happy memories of times past. Maura is also mum to Cal who is nearly two years old. Maura places a lot of emphasis on what skincare products she use on Cal and herself: here are some of her all time favourites.

Perfume –

BEST DAYTIME

Shiseido, Ever Bloom, EDP, 50ml, €76 Modern and feminine, this musky white floral scent is a timeless addition to any perfume collection. It’s a very intimate and smooth scent – and is guaranteed to turn heads wherever you go.

BEST FRESH

Tom Ford, Neroli, Portofino Acqua, 50ml, €120 This is Tom Ford’s original Neroli scent with additions of citrus notes like orange and lime. It is the Italian coastline in a bottle and conjures images of orange groves and warm sea breezes.

BEST CELEBRITY

Britney Spears, Fantasy, EDP, 30ml, €27.50 If you like really sweet and chocolaty fragrances this one is for you. With notes of sweet fruits – lychee and kiwi –and gourmande notes of white chocolate, this is a really girly perfume.

BEST SCENTED BODY WASH

Viktor & Rolf, Flowerbomb Perfumed Shower Gel, €45 If you love to start your day with your favorite scent, then a shower gel is the way to go, especially this one with its uplifting notes of bergamot and rose.

BEST SCENTED BODY LOTION

Jo Malone London, Pomegranate Noir Body & Hand Lotion, €50 No need for any perfume when you wear this body lotion. It has a brilliant silky consistency that totally envelopes your body with powerful notes which include clove, raspberry and pomegranate.

BEST SCENTED BODY CREAM

Roger & Gallet, Fleur d’Osmanthus Precious Revitalising Balm, €23 This is one the most revitalising scents, with the beautiful fleur d’Osmanthus at its heart, which has a peachy and orangey smell. The balm itself is enriched with precious oils like almond and shea butter, and literally melts into the skin.

BEST REED DIFFUSER

Max Benjamin, Tea Diffuser, €24.95 We adore this reed diffuser; it’s warm, comforting and the on-trend tea notes coupled with the fresh zest of lemon provide a delicious scent for your home.

BEST LUXURY CANDLE

L’Occitane, Lavender Candle, €25 Enriched with relaxing lavender essential oil, this scented candle fills your home with a soothing, aromatic atmosphere for up to 23 hours.

myloccitane.com

BEST NEW FRAGRANCE

Brooke & Shoals, Lemon Leaves, Grapefruit and Green Tea, EDT, 50ml, €60 A totally uplifting and invigorating scent. The lemon and grapefruit are to the fore when this is first sprayed, but it settles on the skin as a soft cologne.

brookeandshoals.ie

BEST ROSE

Juicy Couture, Viva La Juicy Rosé, EDP, 100ml, €85 This is a zesty mix of fruit and jasmine with powdery rose and woody notes at its base. It is a modern and youthful take on a rose scent.

juicycouture.com

BEST FLORAL

Lancôme, La Vie Est Belle Florale, EDT, 50ml, €63 A totally different compilation to the original fragrance. It has more of a zingy scent thanks to the additions of osmanthus and bergamot. A stunning scent.

lancome.co.uk

BEST EVENING

Marc Jacobs, Decadence, EDP, 30ml, €62 A sweet deep perfume with top notes of plum and iris with a woody and amber base. The sweetness still comes through when it settles on the skin. This is a good night time choice and the bottle is a perfume collector’s dream.

marcjacobs.com

Mother and Baby –

BEST BABY WIPES

Water Wipes, Baby Wipes, €2.99 These Irish wipes are perfect for newborn babies as they contain 99.9% water and the only other ingredient is grapefruit seed extract. They don’t have any scent and are very moist, which is exactly what you need for the little ones.

BEST BABY BODY WASH

Mothercare, Little Softie, Top to Toe Wash, €2.50 A paraben-free, no-tears wash that is gentle on both baby and mum’s skin. Suitable to use from birth.

BEST BABY MOISTURISER

La Roche-Posay, Cicaplast Baume B5, 40ml, €7.50 This is a multi-tasking hero product. Mum can use it as a body cream and as a nappy cream for their little one. It can also be used on dry or irritated skin. It contains vitamin B5, shea butter and thermal water to soothe the skin. We love it!

laroche-posay.com

BEST SUPPLEMENT FOR MUM

Cleanmarine, Krill Oil for Women, €47 (one month supply) Each capsule is packed with essential Omega 3 Phospholipids combined with vitamin D3, B1, B2 and B6. They help regulate hormonal activity and reduce tiredness. Ideal for women of all ages.

BEST CHILD MULTI-VITAMIN SUPPLEMENT

Vivioptal Junior, €9.95 It is hard to get all the right vitamins into your kids if they are fussy eaters. Vivioptal has a good broad section of vitamins and minerals to help growth and bone development.

BEST BALM FOR MUM & BABY

Nía, Just Balm, €12.95 This balm is a real find: it’s a 100% natural healing moisturiser and is suitable for use on all itchy, dry skin conditions and rashes. Suitable for babies, children and adults.

BEST SPF FOR CHILDREN WITH SENSITATIVE SKIN

Bioderma, Photoderm Kid SPF 50+, €20.50 This not only contains a high protection sun screen but also protects sun sensitive and intolerant skin. Visible when applied, it is also water resistant and fragrance free.

BEST BABY OIL

NAIF, Soothing Baby Oil, 100ml, €14.95 Baby oils are great to use after a bath when baby’s skin is still a little damp. This one by NAIF is perfume and preservative free, and is really gentle with ingredients like cottonseed oil, which is easily absorbed into baby’s skin.

naifcare.com

BEST SPF FOR CHILDREN

Vichy, Idéal Soleil for Children, SPF 50, €21.50 This milk gives vulnerable skin high protection from the sun with mineral ingredients. It can be used on face and body and is very easy to apply.

Vichy.ie

BEST SLEEP AID FOR MUM

This Works, Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, €19.50 This is a great product to help you get some valuable shut eye. It contains essentials oils of lavender, vetivert and wild chamomile to relax both body and mind.

thisworks.com

BEST FOR STRETCH MARKS

Clarins, Tonic Body Treatment Oil, €47 This oil is amazing. It is full of pure plant extracts like rosemary and hazel to protect the skin’s barrier. It also smells really therapeutic and is really soft and silky.

clarins.co.uk

Gadgets –

BEST MAKE-UP BRUSH

Cailyn, O! Wow Brush, €29.99 This brush is incredible: it feels like velvet yet it is densely packed with ultra fine fibers that facilitate an airbrushed foundation application.

cailyncosmetics.com

BEST PRO MAKE-UP BRUSH SET

Blank Canvas, 12-piece “My Face and Eye” Professional Set, €89.99 This brush set has every tool you need for painting the perfect face. From blending and contouring to lips and eyes, your make-up application will be a joy.

BEST BRUSH TRAVEL SET

Nima Brush, “Girls on Tour” Travel Set Collection, €55 This is the best travel size pro brush kit on the market. A gorgeous edit of seven must-have brushes for on-the-go application.

BEST SONIC SKINCARE KIT

Clarisonic, The Smart Profile Kit, €249 The original and still the best. The oscillating head cleanses six times better than hands alone and is so effective that skin on the face and body is more receptive to creams, serums and moisturisers.

BEST NEW SKINCARE BEAUTY GADGET

Darphin, L’Institut Facial Sonic Cleansing and Massaging Expert, €149 This sonic cleanser and massaging expert works on two levels. Firstly, the brush cleanses the skin. Now for the magic: the kit contains a smooth steel massaging head that deeply delivers moisturiser to boost microcirculation and relax the facial muscles. Genius.

BEST HOME PEDICURE

Emjoi Micro Pedi Nano, €39.95 It exfoliates and removes dry, rough skin while being gentle on your feet; leaving your heels and soles soft and so summer-ready.

BEST WONDER WAND

M2 Beauté, M2Brows, €130, from The Derma Clinic, Dublin A precisely engineered brush with a rich serum that you apply to those places where you would like to optimize your eyebrow growth. Expect supermodel bushy brows in just four to six weeks!

Time to indulge in a soak

Read article : Time to indulge in a soak

Is there anything more soothing during the bleakest month of the year than a long, hot soak? Tap into Katie Wright’s guide to bathing heaven.

As good for your mood as they are for your body, baths can become addictive in winter, but that’s no bad thing.

The four essential ingredients for a super soak?

You’ll need a candle, soothing music or a podcast, wine (or tea if you’re abstaining this month), and something delightfully fragranced to pour into the steaming tub.

Turn your bathroom into a spa-like sanctuary with these bathing beauties...

ESSENTIAL OILS

The most luxurious way to scent your soak, bath oils dissipate in hot water, releasing the fragrance and creating a moisturising film that clings to your skin.

They may be more expensive, but you only need a splash, and the potent aroma of essential oils can be invigorating (citrus and ginger) or slumber-inducing (lavender works wonders before bed). n TempleSpa Drift Away Bathing and Massage Oil, €28.26 (templespa.com, plus p&p) n Neom Energy Burst Bath & Shower Drops, €47.45 (www.lookfantastic.com, free p&p) n This Works Deep Sleep Bath Oil, €78.50 (www.beauty bay.com, free p&p) n Jo Malone London, Red Rose Bath Oil, €22 (www.brownthomas.com)

SPRINKLING OF SALT

If soothing aching limbs and cold symptoms is your top priority in the tub, bath salts are what you need.

A capful of the clever crystals in a hot bath will relieve muscle tension, plus the salt draws out moisture to reduce bloating (result!), while the vapours help clear airways. n Aveda ‘Stress-Fix Soaking Salts’ 454g, €42 (brownthomas.com) n Kneipp Eucalyptus Cold & Flu Mineral Bath Salt, €11.46 (Feelunique. com) n Burt’s Bees Theraputic Bath Crystals 454g, €16 (boots.ie)

WHEN IN FOAM

For the ultimate in relaxation, a frothy bubble bath will make you feel like you’re floating on a cloud.

Lavish, oil-infused bath foams offer skin-softening properties too — but if you’re feeling the pinch this month, cheap-as-chips bubble bath will do the trick. n Clarins ‘Relax’ bath and shower concentrate bubble bath 200ml, €22 (www.debenhams.ie) n Baylis & Harding Wild Rose & Raspberry Leaf Sensuous Bath Foam 500ml, €2.99 (boots.ie) n L’Occitane en Provence ‘Verbena’ foaming bubble bat, €23 (www.debenhams.ie)

MAGIC LOTIONS

Prolong that post-bath Zen by lathering up with a body lotion — particularly important if you’re partial to a piping hot soak that can leave your skin dry.

Gourmand scents, like vanilla and tonka bean, are real mood-boosters, while ingredients like shea butter and argan oil will soften and restore moisture. n Origins ‘Comfort Mood’ vanilla body butter, 200ml, €40 (debenhams.ie)

n Laura Mercier, Ambre vanillé body butter, €42 (www.brownthomas.com)

n Liz Earle Superskin Body Cream, €44 (www.boots.ie) n L’Occitane en Provence ‘Shea Butter’ body lotion 250ml, €27, (www.debenhams.ie)

In my beauty bag: Natalie Back

Read article : In my beauty bag: Natalie Back

Last updated 07:40, December 11 2014

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TOP TIPS FOR GREAT SKIN: Don't smoke, get plenty of sleep and cleanse your skin every night, says Natalie Back.

In her job as national beauty sales manager for Farmers, Natalie Back has access to all the cosmetics a girl could ever dream of. Unsurprisingly, her cabinet is bursting with all the latest products – let's take a peek.

SKIN

I'm a bit of a soft touch for anything claiming to help address the signs of ageing, so I tend to use a mix of products and brands.

Good cleansing is key, so I like to use Lancome Bi-Facil Eye Makeup Remover and Galatee Confort Cleanser in the evening and my Clarisonic Cleansing Brush with Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser in the morning. This might sound like overkill but these products work well together, and my skin feels amazing afterwards. I've used a Clarisonic brush for a couple of years now, and am thrilled we finally have these available in New Zealand at Farmers!

I can be a bit hit-and-miss with toners, but alternate between Clinique Clarifying Lotion and Estee Lauder Micro Essence. I love the way Micro Essence applies like a toner but acts like a serum.

I always follow with at least one, sometimes two, serums. At the moment I'm using Clinique's Smart Serum. I'm also a huge fan of Elizabeth Arden's Prevage Intensive Repair Serum, and tend to use this in the evening to target key areas of concern. 

I'm a huge advocate of using as a good eye cream, and can't go past Clarins Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate as this addresses all of my key concerns – puffiness, lines and firmness. 

As I've become more concerned with the signs of ageing, I prefer a moisturiser that helps increase hydration, and improve radiance and firmness, without being too heavy. Currently I use Clarins Super Restorative Day and Super Restorative Night Creams which are great for this.

When I want to give my skin an extra boost, I use Clinique Instant Turnaround Facial.  It's a quick and easy-to-use exfoliating treatment, and my skin always feels incredibly smooth afterwards

I like to wear an SPF every day, and use Clinique CC Cream with SPF30 all year round - either on its own or as a primer. It's great for evening out your skin tone while providing protection. If I plan to be in the sun for extended periods I use Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Sun Defense for Face SPF50.  For my body, I generally use one of the Clarins Sun Protection products, as they provide a range of SPFs to choose from and I like the spray application.

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I love facials but don't have them often – they tend to be more a treat when I'm travelling.  My most memorable one was at the Mandara Spa at the Sofitel in Fiji. I had the works – a Balinese body polish and massage, followed by an Elemis Brilliance facial and scalp massage.  It was pure luxury and I felt like I was floating six inches above the ground when I left.

My secrets to good skin? Don't smoke! Get plenty of sleep. Cleanse your skin every night - no matter how tired you are - and always wear good eye cream and sunscreen.

MAKEUP

I have two older sisters so was introduced to the wonders of makeup about age 10. This was in the era of brands like Helena Rubenstein and Mary Quant when it was all about colour and glitter! I think I was about 13 when I bought my first Maybelline Eye Shadow Quad, and can still remember my delight at being given my own mascara and lip gloss on my 14th birthday. It was all downhill from there!

Most of my colour products tend to be from Bobbi Brown. My favourites are the Skin Foundation Stick, as it's quick and easy to apply and great to keep in my bag for touch-ups; Tinted Eye Brightener to help conceal under-eye shadows; Longwear Gel Eyeliner, as it stays in place all day (I love both Graphite and Chocolate Shimmer); and my can't-live-without-product – the Brow Kit! 

My must-have mascara at the moment is Lancome Grandiose. This is amazing for volume, definition and curl, and the angled brush makes it easy to apply without the dreaded clumps.

M.A.C. is my go-to brand for pencils. I like the Powerpoint Pencil for my eyes and Pro Longwear Pencil for my lips. I've just discovered Morning Coffee, and love how it goes with so many lipstick shades. I must confess to also having more than a few M.A.C. lipsticks in my possession, as I'm always on the lookout for that one perfect shade. 

I make sure I always have my Bobbi Brown Foundation Stick, Clarins Instant Light Natural Lip Perfector, at least one lip pencil and lipstick, and a bottle of Optrex Eye Drops in my handbag.

I try to keep makeup to a minimum over the weekends, but will usually wear CC cream, mascara, lipgloss, brow makeup and a touch of blusher.

HAIR

I wash my hair every second day with John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Shampoo and Conditioner. It helps to maintain my colour and keep it in good condition. 

Prior to styling, I give my hair a light spritz with L'Oreal Elvive Extraordinary Oil to help protect it from the heat, and then apply Davines This Is A Volume Boosting Mousse. To create texture I finish with Davines This Is A Medium Hold Finishing Gum.

My favourite salon is Killer Hair in St Benedicts St, Auckland. I've been going to Steven and Mimi for about nine years now, and they're amazing! I always keep my hair short but can get bored with it easily, and they're always happy to help me look at ways to change it up a bit. 

My hair tends to grow quickly, so I get it cut every five weeks or so, and coloured every second visit.  In between colours I re-touch the roots at home with L'Oreal Casting. Being short my hair usually stays in OK condition, but every couple of weeks I use Hask Argan Oil Deep Repairing Conditioner. It comes in a sachet so it is easy to travel with as well.

I have strong hair that needs to be styled every day, unfortunately, with a hairdryer and straighteners and I use GHD for both. I also have mini Cloud Nine Straighteners that are brilliant for travelling and short hair.

FRAGRANCE & BODY

I tend to choose my fragrance based on my mood, the occasion or the season. I do have a few favourites though, with Narciso Rodriguez For Her being a mainstay. I'm also really enjoying wearing Balenciaga Paris at the moment.  

After progressing on from Charlie, some of my earliest fragrances were Miss Worth, White Linen, Rive Gauche and Arpege. In more recent times I've enjoyed wearing Juicy Couture, Flowerbomb, Ellie Saab, Modern Muse, and Miss Dior.

For body, I love the Clarins Tonic Bath and Shower Concentrate, and use it in the shower every morning. When I want to wind down I love to soak in the bath with Clarins Relaxing Bath and Shower Concentrate. I also like to give these as gifts, as I think they're a little bit of luxury few women afford themselves.

I like non-scented body lotions and alternate between Nivea Firming Body Lotion Q10 Plus and Clarins Moisture-Rich Body Lotion. 

LIFESTYLE

My beauty philosophy? From birth to 20 you have the skin you were born with. From 20 onwards you have the skin you deserve. So take good care of it while you can!

My beauty tip for travelling is as soon as the lights are out on a long-haul flight, remove your makeup and apply a moisturising mask and lip balm. I usually apply Clarins Beauty Flash Balm and Hydra Quench Lip Balm.

When it comes to shopping for beauty products, I'm the ultimate consumer. Through my job I get to see products six to nine months before they launch. As a result I usually have a list of products I'm planning to buy and their launch dates in my diary!  Luckily for me, Farmers now stocks all the brands I love to use.

Audrey Hepburn is my beauty icon. She had such a classic style and timeless beauty, and I love her philosophy that true beauty can only come from within. Her favourite poem, Time Tested Beauty Tips by Sam Levenson, is a must-read.

The one product I can't live without is Bobbi Brown Brow Makeup.

My best quick fix is to always keep a cream concealer on hand to instantly brighten the under-eye area, illuminate cheekbones, create a smooth lipline and help correct any little application errors.

A beauty mistake from my past was anything I did in the '80s! I can still see the lovely strips of bright eye colour from lash to brow.

My beauty pet hate is women wearing the wrong shade of foundation (usually too dark), and overly exaggerated eyebrows.

If I could wave a magic wand, the beauty bugbear I'd like to fix is cellulite! I would love a product that really did instantly smooth it.

The beauty product I think needs be invented is a customised foundation system where your perfect shade could be expertly blended to match your skin tone.

- As told to Melissa Williams-King

 - Stuff