Monday, 8 August 2016

MyShowcase - A New Way to Discover and Buy Beauty Products





 

 What is MyShowcase?

MyShowcase is a Personal Beauty Shopping Service which helps women to discover the best beauty products, from 45+ of the best independent brands selected by award-winning beauty editor, Kate Shapland.


The MyShowcase brand's product line-up are available through Independent Stylists at private showcases in homes and offices and via MyShowcase.com. Stylists bring together a direct sales approach with a contemporary, social shopping experience so that customers can discover and buy new beauty brands whilst shopping with friends.

MyShowcase were awarded Winner of the 2016 Excellence ("best company") Award from the UK Direct Sales Association

Why I chose MyShowcase?

I had worked in direct selling before with Pampered Chef and NYR Organics before leaving them to pursue my career in management in the beauty retail industry. I was looking at getting back into it but wanted to go with company that wasn't all over my town. There are too many Avon, Younique, Mary Kay, you name it and you'll find a dozen or more in the town. I also wanted to go with a company that offered a wide range of products for my clients with a price that was right for everyones budget.

MyShowcase ticked all the boxes for me. It was established but still young meaning there are very few in our county ( yes I said county not town!). The product range carried over 45 brands not just one, which meant I could give my customers a variety of options and find the perfect product for their   requirements and budget. There was also a choice of 3 kits, again aimed at a cost you could afford.
All 3 Kits and Prices can be viewed though the picture.
I also think that the host rewards are one of the best I have seen in direct selling, as the host is not required to get orders to get a generous 20% off the products. If the host does gets orders that is a bonus and will unlock even more.

If you would love to know more about MyShowcase, either to buy products, be a host or even join this fab business opportunity with me. Feel free to visit my website













Sunday, 25 October 2015

Great News for Beauty Alchemy Blog!

I've always enjoyed writing. Since I was little I used to write songs, poetry, stories. I've even had poetry published.

I started blogging just over 5 years ago, after I had my first born. It was a way of having some me time, relaxing and enjoyment. As you know, I love skincare and as well as blogging about it, I've worked with several high end brands.

Since having my 2nd daughter, my posts have been a bit thin on the ground. Mainly due to not only is she very clingy, but also I work full time running a store.

However,  I greatly miss writing and giving you, my lovely readers my reviews, my knowledge on beauty.  With this, I came across a wonderful opportunity to excel myself in learning more about blogging and creative writing, becoming a Contributor to an online magazine.

Shopper Lottie is a collection of bloggers from all types of fields. 

I will be posting my links to pages on the site here, so please take a look.

My first post is the Smashbox Christmas Palette.

 http://shopperlottie.com/colour-with-smashbox-palettes/ 

Happy Reading,  Rachel xx

Friday, 17 July 2015

The Gourmand Diamond.

A dazzling gourmand diamond has been added to the Emporio Armani Diamonds collection.

I was a huge fan of the original fruity floral diamond back in 2007 incasing fruits and flowers I adore. The Rose addition was a fresh cut in 2013, and I was very surprised I couldn't smell vetiver in this ( a scent I can not withstand).

When I heard they were bringing out the violet addition, let's say I was just a little bit excited.  Although I kind of had a different scent in my head, I am definitely not disappointed.

As you may know gourmand Fragrances are the 21st century fragrance. I would like to think this is because 'we' of course are meant to be made out of " all things, sugar and spice". A fragrance which is made of scents good enough to eat.

The Violet addition at first smells very similar to her original sister, with a sweeter top note. This is because with the exception of the addition of passionfruit in the top note, The top and heart note are the same.

Give it a few minutes for the Base note to settle in and a nutty chocolate praline twist amerges. Giving this diamond a more seductive, mysterious edge to scent.

Notes for the fruity floral gourmand include lychee, raspberry, passion fruit, rose, lily of the valley, violet, patchouli, vanilla and praline.


This is one for my collection, personally I adore the Diamond's range, as each one suits a different mood for me.

The price is very competitive as well with a 50ml coming in at just £37 from all good retailers.


Saturday, 13 June 2015

I've finally met my ALIEN!

I love fragrances, the different ingredients and chemistry behind it. It's like science and magic combined with art.

With this I appreciate the Thierry Muglar unique scents of Angel, not only is it their 1st fragrance but one that creates a totally new fragrance family, the gourmand. A fragrance that combines ingredients good enough to eat.

Then there's the extraordinate and unique universe of Alien, 4 to be exact ranging from delicate and light to the most intense.


Both these fragrance collections are captured within the most beautiful bottles making it stand out on ones dressing table like a fine piece of art or jewel.

As unique as The Thierry Muglar fragrances are, I often think they remind me of marmite. You either love it or hate it.

For me, they are not a scent I would wear. That was before the NEW Alien Essence A Solus, an Eau de Perfum Intense arrived.

The most intense of the family infused with double of the signature ingredients from her Queen with the added notes of the Heliotrope flower a rich floral and the powdery notes of Iris. Add a dose of the warm notes of myrh and the sweetness of vanilla, gives birth to a bewitching and hypnotic scent, that has most definitely but a spell on me.

The bottle doesn't disappoint with the classic Alien head it's body is inspired by drops of gold with sculptured facets and gorgeous curves. It's fits in the hand like a glove.


The Thierry Muglar range are available from all good perfume stockist.

Thursday, 5 February 2015

Diamonds are a girls best friend - Gucci Guilty Diamonds


We all like diamonds don't we girls? I mean who can't resist the beautifully cut, shimmering stone, radiating it's glow of reflection and elegance?
 Team it up with Gucci and what do you have, of course the most desirable bottle of perfume one girl could have on her dressing table. Well, I think so anyways :-)!

That's right Gucci's iconic fragrance now comes in a limited edition flacon adorned with 60 glittering diamond cut glass gems to which each stone has been place by hand. OOOHHH I can hear you say, and yes OMG the bottle is stunning as you can see here.

This is definitely going into my perfume bottle collection.
 They haven't forgotten about the guy's either. With just two glittering glass diamonds on either side.




If you haven't tried Gucci's, Gucci Guilty before. Now is the time to go and try it and indulge in moments of guilty pleasure.  Get captured in the alluring concoction of lilac and patchouli, laced with the voluptuousness of amber. Its like Mr Grey in a bottle!

This limited edition is exclusively available from The Perfume Shop.

Please note:  The opinions on this blog post is of my own. I have updated my blog disclosure inline with this blog post. 


Wednesday, 19 March 2014

Katherine Daniels - Skincare Review*



I love skincare, and who doesn't? and this latest brand I have come across is going to be added to my list of favourites.

Katherine Daniels Cosmetics is a brand that is new to 2014. Developed by two skincare experts, who have worked for many years with salons and therapist. They realised there was a gap in the British salon market with treating the most common skin types and conditions, whilst taking into consideration client lifestyle, environment and our climate.

With active ingredients are from plant, marine, Collagen and biotechnology sources ( I love active ingredients from marine as you know ), they provide result driven treatments for the salon and a retail line for the face and body for clients to use at home.

Their mission is simple - Giving salons the tools to truly treat skin in the UK effectively and to de-mystify skincare for everyone ( you can expect outstanding results without complicated products and confusing regimes).

I was kindly given a trial size pack for sensitive skin ( I was given the option either for dry or sensitive ), I chose the sensitive as my skin isn't particularly dry . I would say normal with a slight ( and very slight ) oily t-zone and sometimes it can be a little sensitive to products.

I thought the packaging of the products is very chic and stylish, yet beautifully simple, fitting well in a spa, or even in premium department stores beauty halls. 
http://www.katherinedanielscosmetics.com/media/home/k/d/hero/kdc2.jpg
The trial pack contained:
Essential Cleansing Milk
Essential Toning Lotion
Sensitive Skin Cream

Now I am not one for using a cleansing milk, as prefer to wash whilst in the shower every morning. I was pleasantly surprised how luxurious this milk felt but yet it wasn't as thick as most cleansing milks are. It was very gentle and light, making the skin feel incredibly soft , smooth and hydrated. It didn't make my skin feel tight or dry as i have found a lot of milks do. I still however, preferred to use this as a night cleanser due to my preference of my morning cleansing of my face. I would love for that reason to try the gel cleanser which would probably suit me more for in the shower.

I fall in love with the toning lotion. The smell is divine and even better it felt great on the skin. This is one of the toners that doesn't contain alcohol ( which dries the skin out ). It contains red seaweed extract, which helps soothes the skin and this toner certainly does. I felt I could bathe my skin in this as it felt so lovely on the skin. It also a toner that you may need to pat off slightly, but I normally just wipe over with the back of the cotton pad and let the skin drink the rest before applying a serum. You don't need a lot of the toner either on the pad for it to be soaked, so goes a long way.

The sensitive skin cream is much like the cleansing milk in the sense that it even though it is so simple, it feels so luxurious. You need a small amount to do both your face and neck as a little definitely goes a long way. The cream feels more like a gel, soothing your face like water, it instantly hydrates and makes your face feel so soft. I keep this one in my gym bag now too.

I managed to get a good 3 weeks out of the toner and still have some of the milk and cream left ( now 4 weeks ) and my skin looks and feels great. Its smooth, plump and glowing.

Prices for the products are competitively priced, sitting in the range of premium high street/ luxury department store with their essentials starting at £19, their creams at £34.50.

For more information on Katherine Daniels or to find a salon near you please visit :
www.katherinedanielscosmetics.com

Friday, 7 March 2014

Phd Women Nutrition Supplement Range Review Part 1


Sports nutrition is big in the male market with pills, shakes and bars to supplement your workout, build muscles, get lean, the list goes on.

As we know male and female bodies are different and require different needs regards to calories, vitamins and minerals.

PhD has been specifically designed to meet these needs for active women.  In this post, I will give you an introduction to PhD Women and there product range. I was kindly given to test and review some of their products. The post will have a  follow up post, part 2 with how I got on with the products, a review in a few weeks time.


The PhD Women Range

The products are spilt into 3 ranges:
Each shake and bar contains protein and designed to work with your workout to support you, help you recover and to help achieve a more tones/leaned and sculptured body.

Toning
Designed to help you get the best from your workout. All products contain proven ingredients to aid muscle tone and help your body repair and recover, as well as a tailored combination of female friendly vitamins and minerals, chosen to help you make the most of your busy lifestyle.

Products in this range include:
Support and Recovery Shake - Chocolate Cookie, Vanilla Crème or Strawberry Delight
Support and Recovery Bars - Chocolate Orange or Summer Berries

Weight Control
 Nutritional products designed to support the needs of the active woman. PhD Women weight loss products are intelligent formulations that have been created to help you lose weight, safely and effectively, whilst also achieving your exercise goals.

Products in this range include:
Meal Replacement Shake - Chocolate Cookie, Vanilla Crème or Strawberry Delight
CLA - Conjugated Linoleic Acid Tablets
Body Sculpt Tablets -Food supplement capsules with Caffeine, Green Tea and L-Tyrosine.

Energy
Designed to keep you going, when you just need that little bit of extra help. With only 98 calories, they are perfect for when you need a boost.

Products in this range are:
Energy Bars - Chocolate Orange or Apple and Blackcurrant

Their website has some great tips as well like some exercises and healthy food.

If you go to their Academy page - you can download their weekly food plan, for either weight loss, toning or energy.

In the pack I received to review, I was given:
Chocolate Cookie Recovery and Support
2 sachet of Vanilla Crème Meal Replacement
2 sachet of Chocolate Cookie Meal Replacement
2 packs of Energy bars - one of each flavour
2 packs of Recovery and Support bars - one of each flavour
CLA Tablets
A Shaker.

Part 2 of this blog will up in a few weeks time, with progress of my start and finishing measurements and how I got with the products.


Monday, 10 February 2014

Skincare Review - HealGel




I am 32 this year and so aware of ageing, however, whether it is a combination of good skincare and genes, my face is wrinkle free at present so this moisturiser is definitely more of prevention for me. I also haven't had any skin changes in the 4 weeks except depending on what serum I used, I noticed my nose would be a bit more oilier in the day time. My skin felt moisturiser throughout the day and although I don't really use any face makeup these days ( as I work in a gym ), I could see this being a brilliant primer due to the smoothness of the skin.  For a moisturiser and what it does, the price fits the label of £48 and I would recommend this for anyone to try if they are looking for an anti ageing product.

Its been a little while since I have written a skincare review and I am glad to be writing about a fairly new company and two of their products for you.

As you will know, one of my favourites products are eye creams. Having only really used them in the last 5 years, it is something that I can now not live without.

So today's post brings you HealGel Eye and HealGel Face.




Wha is HealGel?

HealGel, an aqueous gel within an advanced skin rescue formula using the best active ingredients to  soothe, repair and protect the skin. Designed by a team of world leading plastic surgeon's and a reknown dermatological biochemist, together they formed a peerless base-layer treatment for all skin types.

Using nano-technological elements (liposomes containing the key ingredients), to deliver to the depths of the skin where they are most needed in a form of a light, non-greasy gel.

HealGel Face

An anti-ageing formula to firm, smooth and replenish the skin. 
Arnica and Madecassoside are suspended in liposomes with powerful peptides and biodynes to initiate a uniquely soothing and collagen boosting process. An exceptional blend of Omega Oils are used to replenish dehydrated skin and restore elasticity. Together with a unique three part hyaluronic acid complex provides an instantly plumping and revitalising effect.


Review

I have used this now for 4 weeks, using a combination of different serums underneath. You only need a small amount for it to go along way ( I used between a pea/1p size on my palm for my entire face and neck ).
I have definitely noticed my skin being more smoother, which is fab because as you know from my previous posts, I use a Clarsonic to wash and one of my serums ( blue therapy ) is also made my skin smoother, but to have even more smoother skin was fab and I really didn't expect that! 

HealGel Eye

An advance corrective formula to lift and condition the delicate eye area.
Using the same peerless anti-ageing formula to HealGel Intensive, this reduces the appearance of dark circles and puffiness by stimulating the sluggish mirco-circulation of the eye area. The duel action hyaluronic acid complex that locks moisture deeper into the skin and firms the eye contours. The effect softens the appearance of fine lines, even skin tone and improve the elasticity of the skin through intense hydration.  Light diffusers in the gel further improves sallow areas for a brightening and smoothing effect.


Review

Just like the HealGel Face, I used this for 4 weeks every day. I was expecting my dark circles to reappear from stopping my previous eye cream which is also great at stimulating the circulation of the eye. However, I was pleasantly surprised that they did not return, and kept them looking bright, if not brighter. The skin is smooth and appears firm too. Just like the face, you only need a very small amount. A size no bigger than a pin head will do both eyes and so for £32, I feel this is great value.

My overall opinion on these products would be that I would consider getting these again. Having nothing but great results from both of these.

This post is my honest opinion on both the products and they were given to be to enable me to review the products.
complimentary

You can purchase the products though HealGel website at http://www.healgel.co.uk
Follow @HealGel






Wednesday, 18 December 2013

bobble water, putting a twist into drinking water




We are told constantly how much water is important in our daily lives. It not only keeps one hydrated but
plays a vital part in our lives in keeping us healthy and alive.




These are just some of the uses water has on our body.

  • Water helps regulate our body temperature through perspiration, which dissipates excess heat & cools our bodies.
  • We even need water to breathe! As we take in oxygen & excrete CO2, our lungs must be moistened by water.
  • The kidneys remove wastes such as uric acid, urea & lactic acid, all of which must be dissolved in water.
  • Water lubricates our joints.
  • The actively growing blood cells in the bone marrow take priority over the cartilage for the available water that goes through the bone structure.
  • Rheumatoid joint pain frequently decreases with increased water intake & flexing exercises to bring more circulation to the joints.
  • Dehydration plays a major role in bringing on migraines. Dehydration causes stress & stress causes further dehydration.




I find drinking water hard, I hate the taste of tap water unless its filtered, and buying bottle of mineral can be quite expensive. I don't even drink squash to hide the taste of tap water as I hate squash too. But when a colleague told me about the bobble water bottle that had a filter in it, I was very keen to try it out, especially as I am now working in a fitness environment. This was one step into taking healthy steps to getting myself fit and healthy after having two kids.

I wrote to bobble and asked if they would be interested in myself reviewing their water bottle. I was kindly given two bottle, one for myself and one to give-away.

Who are bobble water?

bobble water was inspired by two product developers who saw a landfield full of single served water bottles, in 2008. With seeing consumers being willing to swap plastic bags for reusable ones at the checkouts, they saw a potential to re-invent the original water bottle.

Their philisophy is:  "We believe in design with a purpose. Our first product, bobble, effectively pioneered a new category: personal, portable water filtration. bobble is a reusable, filtered water bottle engineered to change people’s drinking habits by slowing the mass consumption of single-serve water bottles."

Since their launch in 2010 in the USA, the brand has  grown rapidly around the world.

bobble water Sport was designed by by Karim Rashid and just like the orginal line up, they are available in all the colours above.bobble sport takes the elements that have made bobble a global eco-phenomenon – the patented filtered water bottle, the sleek shape, the sturdy frame, the brilliant colours – and adds new durability features making it especially relevant for athletes. These include an integrated cap with a loop handle, additional capacity, a semi-translucent sturdy body, a bright colour selection and dishwasher compatibility. bobble water sport is recyclable, free of BPA, Phthalates and PVC. It is dishwasher-safe and holds 750ml of water. It retails for £9.99 at retailers nationwide.

bobble sport incorporates the same patented built-in, replaceable carbon filter found in the original bobble (550ml and 1L). The filter removes chlorine and organic contaminants found in everyday tap water, yielding a cleaner, crisper taste. Each filter equates to 300 single-serve water bottles, making bobble an environmentally- and budget-friendly choice.

My thoughts on bobble water

I love the whole concept of bobble water from its eco friendly concept to the pure filter and fab colours. It took me a few days to get in to the swing of drinking more water, but the taste is so much better even though its come from the tap. The colour engages me too and makes drinking water more fun. I would definitely recommend anyone who wants to add more water to their everyday life. For the amount of usage from the filter to the price you pay for the bottle or replacement filter is so much cheaper than buying a single use bottle. I have even thinking of getting my daugther one for her school lunch box.

If you like to win a Green bobble sport then send me a message in the contact form.

Tuesday, 22 October 2013

Silk - Brow Enhancer*



I am not one for pencilling in brows, not because I don't know how to do it because I can. To me, it makes my brows still look pencilled in and fake. My brows over the years have got thin, and not just in how they are shaped but with gaps where hairs do not seem to grow anymore. Especially where I have piercing scars.

So when I saw an advert in the latest copy of "The Salon" about a brow enhancer that uses fibres to fill in gaps, adding thickness, length etc, I knew I had to try this product out.

So as a blogger would, I contact the company and asked very nicely whether I could review their product for them. As being a perfect model for them, I knew my brows could show off how this product works.

Silk, agreed and have kindly sent me a bottle of their Silk Fibre Brow Enhancer to try. I was given silk chocolate ( dark ), although this is on the dark side for me, ideally I would have gone for the silk coffee ( medium ) It does show how well the product works, and I will be definitely be buying the right colour.

Well before I go into my review, as you know I like to tell you a bit about a company I write about first and information about their product.

Who are Silk?

Silk originally started as a  hair extension training and supply background, trading as Totally Hair Direct operating for the last 15 years in both the UK and now Australia. The company has developed and in June 2010 they launched ranges for Hair Care, Skin Care & Pure Mineral Cosmetics Range we all now known as ‘Silk Oil of Morocco’. More information on Silk Oil of Morocco can be found here.

Silk - Brow Enhancer " Brows in a Bottle"

The brow enhancer acts as in instant brush on brow extension using hundreds of tiny natural fibres combined with an ultra fine formulated powder infused with pure sea minerals, herbs and precious ingredients such as Natural Sea Mineral Clay. For the full list of ingredients click here. It contains 120 uses in just one bottle!  Available in 4 natural colours
  • Silk Latte – (Light)
  • Silk Coffee – (Medium)
  • Silk Chocolate – (Dark)
  • Silk Expresso – Extra Dark

The enhancer is perfect for shaping, sculpting, adding thickness and length,  and filling in gaps. The enhancer is also semi-permanent making it water resistant and only requires just warm water to remove.
The enhancer is suitable for Contact wears and those with sensitive eyes and sets in 60 secs.

The applicator is designed so you can use it on even the thinnest eye brows or the thickest by just a turn of the applicator.

My Review

I can not believe how easy this was to use. It literally took secs to apply, quicker than using a pencil for sure and the results are so much more natural looking.

It made my brows look so much better by filling in the gaps, adding thickness and defining them. Removal was easy too, just washed them off with warm water at the end of the day.

Before Brow Enhancer
After Brow Enhancer

As you can see from my before and after shots it has filled in the gaps I had at the beginning of my brow, given my brow some needed thickness and defined it more. I also think this looks so much more natural than using a pencil as the fibres cling onto the hairs and gaps, with the colour falling on to the skin as well. Where as a pencil is drawn just on the skin.

Below is a better close up of how the Brow Enhancer ( this is on the other brow as found it easier to get a close up on this side )                     
                                             



I was given the Silk Chocolate ( Dark ) which I thought may be too dark, looking at the pictures you can't really tell, but I would definitely prefered to have the Silk Coffee ( Medium ). I loved this product, it did everything it says it does and looks so natural and good. The price is very reasonable too as it says it lasts for 120 applications and once open will keep for up to 4 years.

The Brow Enhancer can be purchased from Silk Oil of Morroco.







Friday, 11 October 2013

Guest Post: 5 Steps to Apply Concealer



FIVE STEPS TO APPLY CONCEALER
Concealer is a beauty essential in any woman’s make up kit that can light up a tired face and efficiently hide blemishes, but on one condition, ‘Proper Application’. Call them makeup tips or beauty tricks but here are five quick steps of how you should ideally apply the concealer to get the best results.

1.    Choose your concealer well- Concealers can come in variety of shapes, sizes and brands. When taking care of your face, always remember that brands do matter. You can’t choose something shabby to apply on your face. Also understand the purpose of buying the concealer. Is it for covering dark circles, acne or sub burn? There is wide selection available in the market as per your face needs. One should ideally pick a concealer two- three shades lighter than their skin shade.

2.    Cleanse your hands and face- Never use dirty hands to apply anything on your face. Make it a point to wash your hands before you start beautifying yourself. Also wash and cleanse your face with a face wash that suits your skin (Quick tip: Everyone has a different skin type. It is essential to understand whether you have dry or oily skin and choose your face wash accordingly). Apply moisturizer on it and wait for 10 minutes before you start using the concealer. The cleaning and moisturizer protects your skin from getting clogged and makes the makeup look more natural.

3.    Focus on the dark circles- Use your fingertips to apply several dots of the concealer under your eyes. Tap the concealer using your middle finger (Or any other finger, no hard and fast rule here) under your eyes to make sure it blends well with the skin tone. If the under eye circles are very dark, use the yellow tone concealer for best results.

4.    Don’t forget the face- Once you are done with the eyes, move onto the nose, chin and cheeks. Apply concealer on the uneven spots, acne, blemishes, burns et al and rub until it blends with the rest of the face colour. Use a fine tip brush for pimples and angled brush for scars. If any part of the face is too red, use green tone concealer to hide that as green cancels red, being opposite on the colour wheel. Make sure you never rub the concealer but just dab it smoothly across the face. Only apply a second layer if you need further coverage otherwise the skin might look unevenly coloured.

5.    The final touch- Once you are sure of the layer of concealer on your face, apply foundation to give it the final touch. Although we strongly recommend, the lesser the better. The only purpose of the foundation is to make the skin glow after all the scars on the face have been concealed. You may also dust your face lightly with compact powder to give it a nice matte finish and keep the concealer in place. The powder also tends to keep the skin dry keeping the skin from sweating too much.
You might not believe it but the way you apply your concealer can make all the difference in the way you look. All you have to do is follow these simple steps and see it for yourself.  

Author’s Bio: Sonam is a beauty blogger and she writes for various makeup and skin care websites. Some of the best available tips on skin care, hair care and makeup can be read on www.beautytipsandideas.com.

Wednesday, 9 October 2013

Let's Go PINK for Breast Cancer Awareness Month




October has been the month for Breast Cancer Awareness now for several years. A lot of retailers bring out limited edition products to help towards the cause.


I have found some gorgeous products available, incoporating the "Pink Ribbon"
GHD Breast Cancer Awareness StylerOrigins Drink Up Hydrating Lip BalmTweezerman BCA tweezer 2013
Bobbi Brown French Pink SetEvelyn Lauder and Elizabeth Hurley Dream Lip CollectionElemis Think Pink Beauty Heroes KitAlmost Lipstick Pink Honey Ribbon

Monday, 7 October 2013

Winter Skin Survival

Skincare in the colder months is just important as in the summer months. Being exposed to extreme weather conditions and central heating can play havoc to your skin's condition.

So as we enter the Autumn and Winter months and the colder weather lets have a look at your skincare products.

A good moisturiser is a must to keep skin in its top condition and protect it from the harsh conditions of the cold and central heating, which can still dehydrate your skin, and dry it out. In turn this can premature the skin making it look older than it is.

As I have mentioned before in a post, drinking plenty of water doesn't actually help your skin, the water you drink always goes to your organs first, than skin last. Having a moisturiser that contains ingredients like shea butter or oils can help replenish and protect the skin. If your unsure on what to go for, either visit a beauty counter who can give you a skincare consultation or look for products that say they hydrate, quench your skin ( obviously check it is right for your skin type i.e dry, oily, sensitive, mature )

It isn't just your face though that will battle with the winter months. Your body and hair can also suffer with the extreme conditions. If your not already giving your hair a good deep conditioning once in a while, it worth doing so in the winter months, and using a oil like argon oil before blowing drying can help with keeping it in top condition.

Your body had to battle with extra layers, wool, central heating, and a lot of people forget about moisturising this part. There are plenty of lovely body moisturisers out there to keep it hydrated and again look for products that contain shea butter or even aloe vera.

Another part of the body often forgotten and suffers a lot in the winter is the hands. Not only is it drying out everytime you wash your hands, but now it has to battle with the weather, central heating and  of course gloves. Treat your hands to a good moisturiser that you can keep in your bag, and depending on how dry your hands are, a deep treatment overnight would be beneficial too ( cover your hand with a good moisturiser and put gloves on and leave overnight ).

Below are some of the products, I recommend - some are off high street, some are premium, just remember to check it for your skin type first i.e some products are for all skin types, others may have two verison - one for very dry/dry and one for normal/oily/combi

Garnier Moisture Match Goodbye Dry 50mlL'Oreal Triple Active Day Multi-Protection MoisturiserSimple Replenishing Rich Moisturiser 125mlAQUASOURCE Day CreamHydraQuench Cream SPF15 50mlMoisture Surge Extended Thirst Relief 50mlSkin Caviar Luxe Cream 50mlHydra Zen Neurocalm Dry Skin 50mlHand and Nail Treatment Cream8 Hour Cream Intensive Moisturizing Hand CreamBIOMAINS Age-Delaying Hand Cream - Hand careLAIT CORPOREL Anti-Drying Body Milk - Body HydrationGarnier Intensive 7 Days Body Lotion Cocoa Butter 250mlPalmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Lotion with SPF15 250ml