Hands up if your skin, hair or body (or all three in my case!) need an overhaul, especially as we move from one season into the next? As the weather changes and you switch on the heating, skin begins to feel drier, hair goes out-of-control and hands, feet and other extremities are all a bit out-of-sorts. I’m a great believer in weekly DIY top-to-toe treats; if you commit one day a week to this routine, for a minimum of 3 weeks in a row, you’ll really notice the benefits. All you need is a handful of skincare essentials, and a bit of time to yourself. It’s also a great way to use up any products that have been hanging around your bathroom. Think eco-beauty!
Here are my tried-and-tested expert tips for the perfect seasonal hair and beauty M.O.T.
Get Organised
Gather all your products, tools and a pile of fluffy towels in readiness for your hair and beauty MOT. That way, you won’t waste time rummaging for things at the last moment. Make sure you have hot water and that your bathroom is warm and cosy.
Step One
Hair: Brush your hair through with a de-tangling hairbrush. I love the Tangle Teeze, £10.20, which is effective but gentle. Rinse your hair with warm water and apply a deep conditioning pre-shampoo treatment, section-by-section, such as Phillip Kingsley Elasticizer, £15.00.
Body: Use a sisal brush to dry brush your body, working from your feet upwards and using firm, upward strokes. This is great for stimulating the lymphatic system, blood circulation and gently exfoliating the skin. Always work in the direction of the heart. One of the best brushes is Elemis Body Brush, £20.00.
Face: Working from the décolleté upwards, I like to double-cleanse, a ritual that’s widely used in the East. Massage Shu Uemura Cleansing Oil, £29.50 into your skin with dry hands, using circular massage movements or try Aurelia Miracle Cleanser £34.00 if you don’t want to use oil. This will help to cleanse away any make-up, buff away dead skin cells and leave skin fresh and clean. Use warm water to emulsify the oil and a warm, clean flannel to gently wash away traces of make-up.
Step Two
Face: Exfoliate skin with a gentle scrub or facial exfoliate. I love Clarin’s Gentle Peeling Gommage, £25.00 Apply a skin-specific mask – hydrating for skin that needs moisture or deep cleansing for blemish-prone skin. Leave the mask to work.
Body: Massage an exfoliating scrub into damp skin, using circular massage movements and working from the feet upwards. Rinse off in the shower, removing the face mask. If you prefer, soak in a warm bath infused with a few drops of oil. Try This Works Energy Bank Bath and Shower Oil, £37.00, with Rosemary to invigorate; or Aromatherapy Associates Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil, £39.00, which contains calming Camomile and Sandalwood.
Hair: Finish by using a shampoo and conditioner for your hair type and wrap hair in a warm towel.
Step Three
Face: Now that you’ve completed your pampering treat, take a few moments to analyse your skin and assess whether you need to book in to your facialist for extraction, deep cleansing or intensive hydration.
Hair: Let hair air-dry so that you have a heat and styling product-free day. This is a good time to assess whether you need to book in for a cut, colour or conditioning treatment with your hairdresser.
Body: While skin is damp, massage in a suitable body cream. Apply a body balm, such as Egyptian Magic, £25.50 or a rich body butter to feet, elbows and knees and treat feet and toes to Solar Oil £28.89, which will deeply nourish dry skin and cuticles. Wrap feet in cling film and pop ona pair of cotton socks to encourage the oil and moisturiser to soak in. You can also mix body oil with a luxurious cream. I love Neutrogena Sesame Oil, £17.94. Make some herbal tea or sip hot water to which you’ve addeda teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice – and relax!