Smooth Operator

I have really neglected my body moisturising routine lately and my goodness, have I paid for it?!

In the past few weeks I have hopped on and off more planes and covered more miles than I care to remember - all in the name of work, of course.

The problem is that my skin has been through the mill - I have stopped body brushing, and have not been using my usual products. Couple that with the dehydration brought on by flying and the change in climate, and it really is a recipe for disaster.

But you know, there are some great products out there to remedy all skin dramas.

So, I have invested in a couple of key products and my skin is back to its gleaming tip-top state.

Gone is the 'any old hotel soap' and in is the Queen Cosmetics Gentle Glycerin Soap.

Now, Queen Cosmetics advise this to be used on the face, but my face has been in quite good nick lately. But blimey, my body has suffered.

Using this soap just for a couple of days made a massive difference. What was once dry, and a little scaly, is now feeling soothed and calmed. The soap comes up in a really good lather and can be used for shaving under your arms or even your legs. I really found this brilliant and at a fiver not half bad! Get yourself on the website and order one now! (www.queen-cosmetics.com)

But soap alone won't be enough to hydrate thirsty skin.

I have been using a combination of products on my body. Something more intense and nourishing for the evenings after a bath, and something fresher but very hydrating for the mornings after my quick shower and mad dash to work.

After a hot shower in the morning I need something that will slather on quickly, absorb even more speedily and keep me smooth and smoothed all day long. My secret weapon is Dermalogica's Body Hydrating Cream. This cream gently exfoliates the skin, all the while the essential oils nourish and repair the skin. The fragrance is subtle but gently lingering and so you catch a bit of the uplifting scent throughout the day.

But in the evenings my skin really wants something a bit more intense.

So, after having a long, hot and relaxing bath and using my Queen soap, I dive for my Living Nature Beautiful Belly Oil. Now strictly speaking, this is for mums-to-be, but it is so super-nourishing and calming that it really is fabulous for the most-tired and needy skin. The combination of oils really soothes and relaxes too. My skin is super smooth but actually is nourished. Now, some of my mum-friends love this Living Nature product, and used it when pregnant and even after their little ones were born. They all say they had barely-there, if any, stretch marks and that their bellies really benefitted. Actually, I have to say that I have found it to be awesome. My skin is really great and any of those nasty, silvery little lines that I may have had are certainly much reduced. And the aroma. Wow, really gets you ready for a good night's sleep.

Now, that's my tip for the three golden products that will restore your skin to its natural and perfect state.

Sexy scent

Kylie Minogue has been creating some wonderful perfumes in partnership with Coty for a number of years.

They have all been as uber-successful as she is and have looked really fabulous too.

Scent snobs query whether they actually smell any good.

Well, while I have to say, they haven't all been my cup of tea, a great many of my friends do love to wear them very much. Plus she has shifted a lot of bottles of perfumes, not everyone can be wrong can they?

Well, you may want to drop a hint to your other half for Valentine's Day, because let's face it, he probably hasn't got you anything yet, and be brazen - tell him how much you'd love a bottle of Kylie's Dazzling Darling.

It is such a light but beautiful scent. It is floral, but not claggy: soft rose, violets and passion flower come through quickly, but underpinning that is a hint of musk and sandalwood.

It really is pretty but lightly sexy.

I am totally sold on it and have just been blatant about what him indoors should buy me…maybe you should do the same! you'd love a bottle of Kylie's Dazzling Darling.

London Calling!

If any of you are near Harvey Nichols in London anytime on January 19th, head to the Stila counter with an old lip gloss.

Basically, to celebrate the new Stila counter at Harvey Nichols London, Stila are introducing ‘Stila Steal’ makeup amnesty for one day only.

On 19th January 2012 from 10am, Stila are offering all beauty connoisseurs a chance to trade in their old worn out lip gloss for a complimentary award winning Stila Lip Glaze in Stilas hero Kitten shade, a gorgeous nude, suits all shade.

So get yourself down there! In fact, I'll race you to the counter!

Absolutely flawless!

Getting ready for work in the morning is always a bit harder in the Winter, I find.

Skin is drier, less moisturised, less hydrated or even more tired after the party season.

Putting on foundation in these conditions means that it just doesn't smooth on as well or look as velvety.

However, Rimmel have found a great solution.

It's called Wake me up Foundation and I've got to say, it is a cracker.

It goes on a treat, really easily and with no need to work it in hard. I find using a foundation brush is best, but my friend is using her fingers and has also been raving about it.

Skin looks more refreshed, more 'alive' than it does with some other foundations, so all good.

I think the finish is down to a silky textured and creamy liquid. It looks natural and allows movement in the face rather than feel 'bogged down' and heavy. I also like that there are some vitamins and minerals in the mixture, which feel as though they are doing some good.

Another plus is the fact that it sets quickly, so you don't end up with make-up on every towel and shirts and jumper in the house. Or on your other half's suit when he's on the way to work.

So grab yourself one and try it out. I promise you will love it. It's available in Boots, Superdrug, good chemists and most supermarkets to and is a bargain at only £8.99.

Modern classic for men

I know we have just said good bye to the Christmas tree and saluted the start of 2012, but you know, Valentine's day is just around the corner.

So with that in mind, I've had a little thought about what us girls might like to buy him indoors.

I'll bring you knew ideas until V-Day!

Joop for men is a classic. It's not the most expensive, nor is it in the high-end, but the truth is, it smells wonderful.

It is of course, bright pink, so is greeted with a touch of scepticism. But don't be shy: the fragrance is full of fresh citrus notes like bergamot and orange blossom, but it is countered by some rich vanilla, cinnamon and jasmine vibes too.

Utterly delicious, but be careful, This is a great but strong fragrance and a little goes a long way. Great gift for blokes of all ages!