AUGUST FAVOURITES

Ikarov Anti-Ageing Face Oil (available on http://www.amazon.co.uk)
This product underwent a baptism of fire as I decided to start using it during a mini-heatwave, and boy, did it deliver. My skin loved this face oil; it refreshed and soothed my skin, reducing the appearance of pores in my t-zone (which is no mean feat).
Containing jojoba and grape-seed oils, this oil calmed my skin which tends to get out of sorts during hot weather – there was a slight mattifying effect but my skin never felt taut or uncomfortable.
A few drops gently patted onto the skin before moisturiser, this face oil was a great alternative when I felt I needed something more substantial than a serum. I would also use this as a night-time treatment if my skin felt out of balance or a few pesky blemishes started to appear.
http://www.ikarov.eu/en/smesen-tip-koja.html

Superdrug Naturally Radiant Glycolic Overnight Peel – £5.99
You may have thought of Superdrug as just a place to stock up on basics; a great port of call for when you need one of everything.
However, look a little closer, and Superdrug has a wealth of own-brand skincare that is just waiting to be explored. Superdrug’s philosophy of offering excellent value for money has spilled over into the creation of its own-brand ranges, and their Naturally Radiant selection is a particularly good example of how Superdrug gets it right.
Featuring a great budget radiance balm, this range takes ingredients from Nature and combines them with the latest innovations in skincare science to create products that use the best of both worlds to get results.
My favourite of this range has to be the Glycolic Overnight Peel. It combines Kiwi and Mulberry extracts to revive the skin, with a glycolic acid (a powerful AHA) to refine the skin’s surface, leaving it brighter and more radiant.
I bought this on a whim – it was on offer at the time, even cheaper than its £5.99 price tag. Glycolic acid is terrific at tackling skin problems – bumps, patches of pigment – and my skin is pretty much the ideal candidate for this type of product. In addition to regular exfoliation, I use peels and treatments to smooth my skin as, left to its own devices; it will take on an extremely bumpy, uneven appearance which can’t be disguised by make-up or wishful thinking.
It’s one of my major skin concerns, so anything new that claims to deal with this issue comes up on my radar sooner or later.
The peel is designed (rather obviously) to be used at night. Applied in a thin layer to clean skin before bed, it then does its work overnight and you cleanse as normal in the morning. The only thing to note with this type of product is that you will need to be extra vigilant about using SPF as the peel will make your skin temporarily more vulnerable to sun damage.
The texture of this product is a clear, lightweight gel. Comfortable to apply even in the height of summer, a small amount spread over the face (and décolleté area – my personal tip) is all you need to know about application.
Despite being under £10, this product really does deliver. I’ve used this several times now and each morning, I’ve woken up to find my skin visibly improved. My pores are reduced in appearance; my skin looks brighter and more refined. The rough, uneven patches are much reduced, leaving smoother skin in its place.
It’s genuinely a bit of a wonder product, and one I’m very glad I found.
http://www.superdrug.com/Skincare-Offers/Superdrug-Naturally-Radiant-Glycolic-Overnight-Peel-30ml/p/953857#.VexEIJfWaIk

Sukin Protein Conditioner (available on http://www.amazon.co.uk)
Thanks to my regular snuffling around in TK Maxx, I do come across some fantastic brands that otherwise I wouldn’t know about.
Sukin is an Australian brand, specialising in organic products. I have bought (and loved) their cream cleanser, so when I spotted a big bottle of conditioner with Sukin’s name on it loitering on the TK shelves – I grabbed it.
This conditioner concentrates on putting back protein into hair, strengthening it from within. Containing rice and wheat proteins, plus avocado, jojoba, rosehip and Vitamin E to seal in moisture, this is a great workhouse product.
What I particularly love about this conditioner is that it strikes a balance between strengthening damaged hair, and being light enough to use daily. I’ve even used it as a treatment, applying a thicker layer and leaving it on for 10 minutes before rinsing. It leaves your hair thoroughly conditioned without weighing it down, and at 500ml, it’s a great price for a substantial amount of product.
http://www.sukinorganics.com/Product/Hair-Care/Moisturise/21/Protein-Conditioner-250ml

Weleda Wild Rose Pampering Body Lotion – £19.95
I’m not normally one for celebrity endorsements, if anything, just the opposite. I can’t tell you how upset I was when I found out that I used the same brand of lip gloss as Paris Hilton (even down to the same shade…honestly…mortifying).
Anyway, when I heard that this Weleda body lotion had got the nod from Victoria Beckham herself, I was intrigued as she’s got a reputation for enjoying a quality body product (she’s previously endorsed Elemis’ excellent Camellia oil for use during pregnancy). I love Weleda’s body oils, so it stood to reason that I’d probably enjoy their lotions too.
Containing organic wild rose and jojoba oils, this body lotion is loaded with essential fatty acids. Not only are they absorbed beautifully by the skin, but they help maintain the skin’s elasticity. I’m a sucker for rose scents, and what I love about this body lotion is how delicate the scent is – there’s nothing worse than a big old fake rose scent and this Weleda lotion smells just how roses should (and do) smell: fresh, natural and unpretentious.
As I would expect from Weleda, the consistency of the product is such that I can use relatively small amounts but still enjoy a good dose of hydration. It’s luxurious stuff, but gives a lot in return. Body care is one of those areas where what you spend is really down to personal preference, as you can find brilliant products on a shoestring. I’ll still enjoy my Garnier Firming lotion, but for moments when I want to feel seriously pampered – it’s got to be Weleda.
http://www.weleda.co.uk/body-lotions/wild-rose-pampering-body-lotion-200ml/invt/106005

Nourish Argan & Kale Anti-Ageing Hand Cream – £12
I do love hand creams, although I tend to stay loyal to a couple of brands – my usual picks are from L’Occitane or Soap & Glory, and it takes a lot for me to stray.
I purchased this hand cream during a sales event, and this was a total leap of faith after being somewhat disappointed with Nourish’s Kale Enzymatic Exfoliating Cleanser.
Luckily, the hand cream has surpassed my expectations – so much so I’ve found myself reaching for it time and again. It will be the perfect evening accompaniment to Simon Cowell’s incredulous eyebrows on X Factor. At 75% certified organic content, this hand cream contains Argan Oil and Kale Oil extract along with Sicilian Neroli. With the Kale Oil containing Vitamins A and C, it’s also noted for its antioxidant properties, all of which are good news for the skin. Good old Kale – not only a superfood, it’s great used topically as well. The hand cream is a brilliant treatment for dry hands – if I’ve been doing housework (rare) and washing my hands frequently, this treatment is simply great at tackling dryness. It really does soothe moisture-starved skin, and thanks to the high oil content, sinks in easily without leaving a residue. I would describe the texture of this hand cream as being quite dense, so therefore whatever amount you would normally use, I’d halve it. This makes the hand cream pretty good value – the tube, though it seems small, lasts for ages as you need very little each time. Superfood for the skin? I’m sold.
http://nourishskinrange.com/collections/argan/products/argan-kale-anti-ageing-hand-cream

Nourish Argan Skin Rescue – £21
Nourish are definitely two for two this month. I picked this up after dithering over whether I really needed another facial oil. (The answer of course being, yes you do. You can never have too many. They’re awesome).
While my skin’s now quite used to the wonders of Rosehip oil, I’ve been a late arrival to the Argan oil phenomenon. Used to tackle dry, damaged hair, the oil is quite the multi-tasker and does similarly great things for your skin.
Argan oil is a natural collagen enhancer – giving your skin that youthful ‘bounce’ while protecting it from further visible signs of ageing. It glides onto the skin beautifully and sinks in easily.
Where this product comes into its own for me is in its ability to inhibit dehydration. This is one of my major skin concerns, and anything that tackles my wayward hydration levels gets my vote. My skin just feels happier when I use this oil – the name ‘Skin Rescue’ – describes this product perfectly.
http://nourishskinrange.com/collections/argan/products/argan-skin-rescue

Real Techniques Retractable Bronzer Brush (£13.99)
My last favourite of this month makes the list because it’s a product of genius. In the summer, I do like a bit of colour – and after much searching, I have found that Chanel Les Beiges powder gives the perfect payoff of shade and glow for pale skin.
The next issue was how to apply this on the go. The Chanel compact is a thing of beauty, and I wouldn’t want to cart it around in my bag lest it got damaged as I do have a well-deserved reputation for a clumsy little monkey. I then found the Real Techniques retractable brush.
Perfect for travel, you load the product onto the brush, close it, and off you go. Apply when needed – everyone’s a winner.
The design of this brush is outstanding – it’s simple but effective – the product stays on the brush until required and then can be whisked away, stored safely until needed again. If you’re already familiar with the quality of Real Techniques’ brushes, the retractable brush is of the same standard. It applies colour evenly and the width of the brush head gives you ultimate control over what amount of product goes where.
Although it’s listed as a bronzer brush, I’ve found that with a light stippling motion this can easily apply powder blusher too. I’m already a devotee of Real Techniques’ foundation brushes (so quick, SO easy) but the ingenuity of this retractable brush has meant it’s now become a make-up bag regular.
https://realtechniques.com/shop-collection/retractable-bronzer-brush

BUDGET BUYS (£10 AND UNDER) – PART 1

This was originally due to be a blog post of 10 budget buys, but I’ve woken up with an acute case of the sniffles. Therefore, as needs must, I’m posting Part 1 of my Budget Buys under £10 this week, and Part 2 (more buys under £10) will be following at a stage where I’m less congested.
In compiling this list, I wanted to source not just ‘cheap products’, but products that offered great value for money, and performed a great deal better than their price tag would have you believe. I firmly believe that it is possible to get good quality on a beauty budget, from make-up to body care, whether you shop on the High Street or online, there really is something out there for everyone.

(Selection of my current favourites (l-r): Take it Outside, Madison Avenue, Bordeaux, Sole Mate & After School Boy Blazer)

Essie nail polishes £7.99 – this was a very tough category: I knew I would include a budget nail polish, but Essie was run a very close race by Rimmel Nails Pro, Models Own and Barry M’s Gel Nails range, all of whom are frankly awesome. I genuinely believe that we get a great deal in the UK when it comes to budget nail colour: in fact, we’re pretty spoilt for choice.
I went with Essie simply because this range isn’t afraid to go with the unusual picks: colour launches such as peach during the winter, dark teal for the height of summer – Essie have rewritten the rules on what goes, which I find, for a leading cosmetic brand, to be extremely refreshing. The classics of Essie I could almost recite by heart: Chinchilly, Mademoiselle, Mint Candy Apple, Russian Roulette. But I do love the limited editions. When I finish my little bottle of After School Boy Blazer, I shall whimper as it’s consigned to the waste basket.

Nivea Rich Nourishing Body Moisturiser for Dry Skin £3.75 – £5.25 This was an easy pick for my Budget Buys, as I’ve been using this product for years – and I do mean YEARS. Nivea’s a brand with some serious heritage behind it and their products really have stood the test of time, being repurchased by consumers over and over again.
I adore the Rich Nourishing Body Moisturiser (the ‘blue bottle’) because it tackles dry skin without any nonsense. Its reassuring ability to hydrate each and every time, with that gentle Nivea scent that doesn’t intrude on perfume or body spray, is what makes this product such great value. You don’t need a lot – a little really does go a long way. It doesn’t sit on the skin for ages after application either – despite being called a ‘rich’ moisturiser, I would call this a perfect mid-weight lotion for those who want something substantial, but don’t want a body butter or cream. It’s right up there with salted caramel hot chocolate and comedy mittens as one of my favourite winter staples.

Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Blusher £9 – Soap and Glory is a brand that does particularly well in offering great value at budget level: there are many more products I could’ve added to this list, including their body washes and face masks, but I decided to focus on the products that don’t get as much praise as they should. The Sexy Mother Blusher is a cream-stick blusher that dispenses a beautiful, translucent wash of colour. Easy to blend and control, this can be built from the sheerest tint to a more defined look. Word of warning; the shades look very deep in the tube, but they will apply onto the skin very delicately. Test ‘em out before you buy, but to be honest you can’t go wrong with Pinker Belle as the perfect hit of pink, or Berry Jamm for a classic winter shade. In short, the quality of this blusher is well in excess of its £9 price tag – and worth checking out.

Soap and Glory Sugar Crush Body Scrub £8 – this scrub really is a feast for the senses. Loaded with sweet lime oil and smashed brown sugar (really), this is a tropically-scented treat that is a total pleasure to use. However, as with all S&G body products, the scent is only half the story. This scrub, which also contains sea salt, is a perfect exfoliator if you’ve found some other scrubs too harsh on the skin. Sugar Crush tackles rough patches without ever feeling scratchy, thanks to that oil-based formula. It has great ‘slip’, rinsing off when you want it to – the density of the scrub is perfectly balanced and sits on the skin without melting off until you’re done with it. If you’ve found body scrubs a frustrating experience until now – give Sugar Crush a go. I think you’ll be well and truly smitten.

Cowshed Lippy Cow Natural Lip Balm £5 – a lip balm that proves cult beauty doesn’t always cost a small fortune.
Containing Linden Blossom and Rose Geranium essential oils, this is a simply-constructed, but extremely effective product. In a world where you sometimes need a PhD to understand what goes into a tube of moisturiser, this soothing, protecting balm doesn’t hide behind a complicated list of chemical ingredients. The texture of the balm is lovely and malleable, and only a tiny amount is needed each time. It’s does a great job of protecting you against the elements without feeling like a layer of lard on your lips. Ideal for this time of year, this is that rare thing: a lip balm that actually does what it says it will. Guard it with your life.

Next time for Part 2 Budget Buys (under £10), I will be including brands such as Max Factor, Boots Botanics, Burts’ Bees and Neutrogena….ooh the anticipation…I’m now off to drown my sniffly sorrows in a very large Lemsip.

HELEN TOPE

WINTER ESSENTIALS #2: BODY MOISTURISER

Few products have the potential to comfort and soothe us better than a body moisturiser. Banishing dry, winter-parched skin is a big ask, but the product that delivers doesn’t need a fancy ad campaign or a supermodel spokesperson. Many of the products I’m about to recommend are brand bestsellers – iconic beauty products that don’t need a megabucks campaign for moral support. Quality, value for money and attention to detail has meant that these brands have cultivated loyal bands of followers – no advertising budget necessary.

(left to right: Neom Organics Refresh Sicilian Lemon and Fresh Basil body lotion; Neom Organics English Lavender, Sweet Basil and Jasmine body oil)

In the beauty industry, the word ‘iconic’ is usually preceded by a pretty hefty price tag. But the good news about body moisturisers is that you don’t have to spend serious money to see results: great products are readily available around the £10 mark.
The body moisturiser itself has had an overhaul in recent years too, with formulas branching out from lightweight lotions to intensively hydrating body butters. If you’ve found applying body moisturiser a bit of a chore, chances are you’ll find a formulation you’ll love among this latest crop.

Body Lotions
The most traditional formula has to be the humble body lotion. We don’t ask much of the lotion. We’ve become conditioned to expect lotions to be not that great – it’s the one beauty product that retailers think they can reproduce without much effort, with generic tubes of gloop appearing each Xmas without fail. But a good lotion – a really good one – is an art form, and two brands in particular understand this principle extremely well.
Nivea is synonymous with products that stand the test of time. A product that has been repurchased over generations is a pretty good indication of its quality – and a repeat purchase is a sure sign of a good thing.
While the crème, in its little blue tub, is perfect for patches of super-dry skin, for an everyday treat I cannot recommend enough their Rich Moisturising Body Moisturiser (£5.25).Designed for dry skin (but also available in lighter formulations), this lotion glides onto the skin and – importantly – doesn’t sink in right away. This might seem an odd point of praise, but you’re looking for a lotion that doesn’t vanish into the skin immediately. If it does, it almost certainly means that the brand has used chemicals to ‘push’ the product into the skin, meaning you won’t see (or feel) any benefit at all.
On applying the Nivea lotion, within a few minutes, you will feel it getting to work. Your skin will feel comfortable, soothed and protected. Nivea really impresses long-term: that comfortable feeling will last and last, giving you softer, smoother skin for longer. It’s a real winter staple – and the quality of hydration is so good, you simply won’t believe it’s possible from a product costing under £6.

Other lotions include: Kiehl’s Crème de Corps (from £16), Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula (£5.89)

Body oils
If you’re a fan of beauty blogs, you’ll know that oils are definitely having a ‘moment’. Facial oils are doing great business, with brands such as Sunday Riley, REN and Clarins persuading us to lose the fear and indulge in a pre-moisturiser treat. The idea of oils being greasy and difficult to work with is slowly being challenged – beauty brands have got wise to the benefits of using oils, coming up with light, non-greasy formulations that are beautifully skin-friendly.
Body oils are a handy product to have around, especially for those who feel they need something more than a lotion. Their lightweight texture with long-lasting moisturising benefits offers the best of both worlds, and scented body oils are officially the best thing in the world.
If you’re in the mood for indulgence, Neom Organics should be your first port of call. Especially famous for their candles, their exquisitely-scented body products are definitely worth your time.
The Great Day (Wild Mint and Mandarin) body oil (£32) is an example of how Neom excel by getting the basics right. A 100% natural product containing a blend of 8 essential oils, the invigorating scent is only half the story. The oil itself is not too runny, nor too thick. It moves around the skin easily, but you are always in control. It leaves your skin feeling silky but thoroughly moisturised. Its quick application is ideal for someone who doesn’t want to sacrifice valuable Masterchef time by faffing around. The formulation of this oil is perfectly judged, and will convert any sceptic – easy to use, and gloriously hydrating.
Other oils include Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Body Oil (£7.65), Dr Hauschka Blackthorn Toning Body Oil (£20)

(left to right: Bliss Body Butter Maximum Moisture Cream in Raspberry & Champagne; Soap and Glory Daily Smooth Body Butter; Korres Coconut Milk Body Milk)

Body butters
But if you’re looking for a big, walloping dose of hydration – body butters are definitely the quick-route to winter-proofed skin.
The name ‘body butter’ can sound a bit off-putting if you’re more used to lotion-based hydrators. But this is one body product that, almost across the board, it’s impossible to find a bad example of. The thick, nourishing formula has become a consumer favourite because it tackles super-dry skin head-on.
Although body butters are available at all price points, a nice, crisp tenner can buy you a very decent product. Body butters are something the beauty high-street names do very well, with Soap & Glory, Sanctuary Spa and The Body Shop leading the way.
Soap & Glory’s The Righteous Butter, in its generously-sized bright pink tub, is a beauty brand’s dream. Iconic and well-loved by consumers, bloggers and beauty editors – this body butter is a best-seller of irresistible force.
Loaded with shea butter and coconut oil, this aromatic moisturiser wins you over with its floral, musky scent – but its serious skincare credentials mean that this body butter thoroughly hydrates without leaving your skin feeling overloaded.
While it’s perfect for dry, parched skin, The Righteous Butter’s mid-weight texture means that it has universal appeal – ideal for a pampering, head-to-toe treat.
An honourable mention also has to go to The Body Shop, whose range of scented body butters cater for every beauty whim. Densely packed into an easy-scoop tub, this body butter can take on the driest of skin with ease. Don’t be fooled by the lovely aromas: deep down, these body butters are hard grafters.
Other body butters include Bliss Body Butter in Blood Orange and White Pepper (£22); Nip + Fab Body Butter Mango Smoothie (£9.95)

(left to right: Nip + Fab Mango Smoothie Dry Skin Fix Body Butter; The Body Shop Body Butter in Coconut)

You might think that during the winter, body skincare is pretty much a case of out of sight, out of mind. After all, that’s what layering is for. But having a good body care routine pays off in the long run: a well-hydrated skin needs far less day-to-day maintenance, meaning you spend less time trouble-shooting and more time getting on with the important things. If important things include digging out your novelty Xmas sweater to see if it still plays ‘Winter Wonderland’, I’m not one to judge.
So in essence – be kind to your body, and moisturise. If nothing else, it’ll spare you the nightmare of recrimination and regret once the opaques come off in April. Whatever formulation you end up going for, make it a regular habit and you’ll see (and feel) the benefits all year long.

HELEN TOPE