Golden Treasure

In the last couple of weeks, I have noticed my skin becoming a bit drier. I usually do a few hydrating masks, switch to a slightly richer cream and layer on the serum, but it hasn't helped.

It was time to bring out the big boys. I needed an oil. Oil is a fantastic hydrator for skin and actually can even help to balance out an already oily complexion. Dr Hauschka's Normalising Day Oil is great for that.

In this case though, I needed something super nourishing and rich. I turned to Nuxe.

This is a brand that I have often smelt and sampled in a store, but never really tried. Huile Prodigieuse is one of Nuxe's bestsellers. It can be used on body, face and hair (multi-tasking you say?!) and the beauty of it is that it sinks in to your skin immediately. And it smells heavenly. It reminds me of Russian springtime.

The potent mix of 6 Precious Plant Oils (Borage, St Johnswort, Sweet Almond, Camellia, Hazelnut, Macadamia) within the formula is what makes it so special. Plus, at 100ml, you can take it on a flight for up-to-the-minute hydration. Plus, most unusually but most welcome, the oil has a spray nozzle, so you'll never waste any.

A big non-greasy thumbs up from me.

One Little Miracle

Maybe it's the running. Maybe it's just the over-excitement about the weather. Maybe it's something else. But my skin is as dry as the Sahara desert at the moment. I am feeding it with everything I have, but what's working its magic is Balm Balm Little Miracle Rosehip Serum. It is a lovely blend of some of my favourite essential oils including Rosehip (duh!), Borage (which is en vogue at the moment), Juniper Berry and Mandarin. Plus lemon of course. It smells fresh and satisfying. And my skin is thankful for every drop.

Balm Balm Little Miracle Rosehip Serum, £13.25

My Year of Beauty

The year 2010 is almost out. It started with a raaawr (it was after all the year of the Tiger) and ended in a purrrrr. This year has been a stomping 12 months for beauty. It continues to be one of the few industries to actually experience growth during the recession. And that is certainly true for me because my beauty cupboard has outgrown the bathroom. Here are my beauty highlights of the year; some new, some classic and a few surprises too.

When A Hero Comes Along: Liz Earle
Although a firm cult favourite already, as one of my good friends has been telling me for months and months already, I have only really discovered Liz Earle this year. The Cleansing Mask is actually incredible at calming my skin and drawing out impurities. The Hot Cloth and Polish Cleanser is a force to be reckoned with. 

Liz Earle Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, from £7.50

Liz Earle, Deep Cleansing Mask, £12.50

Love at First Sight: Omorovicza
I simply adore everything about Omorovicza. The Thermal Cleansing Balm is my go-to product for a deep clean. The Gentle Buffing Cleanser with white pepper extract promotes a healthy glow. While the watercress leaf extract in the Radiance Renewal Serum leaves the skin gleaming and luminous.

Omorovicza Thermal Cleansing Balm, £45.00

Omorovicza Gentle Buffing Cleanser, £42.00

Omorovicza Radiance Renewal Serum, £66.00

Desert Island Essentials: 8 Hour Cream and Aromatherapy Associates Facial Oil
My dry skin and eczema is totally under control with these wonders. I couldn't live without Elizabeth Arden's 8 Hour Cream; I use it in every way possible, on my lips, on my hands, feet, even on my eyelashes at night. Aromatherapy Associates Nourishing Face Oil is the fastest-absorbing oil I have tried. On a cold winter's day, instead of primer in the morning, it gives the most flawless complexion imaginable.

Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream, £23.00

Aromatherapy Associates Nourishing Face Oil, £35

Unashamed Luxury: Le Metier de Beaute
My makeup lesson with Mikey Castillo was my single most eye-opening sessions with a makeup artist. Walking away with a more tips than I could remember and such gorgeous makeup I didn't want to wash my face. I am addicted to the Eye Pencil in Champagne and black liquid liner: an eye look in a flash. Team that with one of the creamiest concealers and a bronzing powder with minuscule flecks of gold and you're good to glow.

Le Métier de Beauté is available at Liberty and Selfridges.

Hair-Raiser of the Year: Philip Kingsley Body Building Shampoo
Quite simply the best and most luscious-smelling shampoo I have ever tried. Leaves my hair soft, fluffy (in a good way) and full of healthy volume and shine.

Philip Kingsley Body Building Shampoo, £14.00

Claws and Paws: OPI Nail Polish
Not only have OPI manicured the nails of every X-Factor finalist for the live shows, but continue to bring out a secession of covetable colours and collections. For Christmas and New Year embrace Glitzerland, Not Like the Movies and Bring on the Bling.

OPI Nail Polish, £9.95

Lip My Stocking: Lanolips
My lips are sometimes dangerously dry, but Lanolips kicks them back in to shape. Made with lanolin, which comes from sheep's wool, it works wonders.

Lanolips, £10.99

Cheap Thrill: John Frieda Thickening Blow Dry Lotion
This spray is my steal of the year. It clings to each hair and creates a super-thick halo of hair. Hair doesn't get any thicker than this (can you tell I love Masterchef?).

John Frieda Thickening Blow Dry Spray, £5.59

If I only had these treats in my beauty cupboard, I would be one happy cat.

Not So Crude Oil...

Having gone for a beautiful walk in Hampstead Heath recently, it suddenly struck me; autumn is very fast approaching. The colours are changing. The leaves are falling. And very soon we will be wrapping up warm. (Although, I am doing this already because I am always cold and put my Russian blood to shame).

As I have a tendency to get drier skin, having suffered from eczema when I was little, I really have to moisturise my skin very well in the winter months. I have started slipping a Facial Oil in to my skincare routine more frequently now. My favourite at the moment is Aromatherapy Associates’ Renew Facial Oil. And I have sung its praises before. But I will again. It reveals a beautifully plumper skin and really does create a mini-barrier against environmental damage. Irresistible.

Aromatherapy Associates Renew Facial Oil, £35

Where The Wild Things Are...

I have been trifling my way across England over the past few weeks and my skin is now in need of some serious nourishment. Some TLC if you will.  I am embarking on a pre-winter nurture-fest. I am going to pet and coddle my skin inn to submission before going to Russia for Christmas and I need all the nourishment I can get. Much like a faun, the mythical forest god, I have taken a plant and woodland theme on for my skincare routine.

I am partial to Aromatherapy Associates Renew Rose & Sandalwood Facial Oil for extra moisture. It smells absolutely divine, plus the Evening Primrose and Peach Kernel Oils plump the skin. For an all-over-body alternative that is perfect for knees and elbows I use Dr Organic Vitamin E Oil mixed with my regular moisturiser.

I have fallen in love with Antonia Burrell’s Forest Dew Skin Tonic. I love the word ‘dew’ in the title. As if collected by forest fairies and beautiful dragonflies at dawn. And this doesn’t disappoint. Smelling somewhere between fresh cucumber juice and luscious pine needles, its consistency is almost serum-like and it feels wonderfully hydrating.

Finally, Occo’s Deep Forest Body Treatment Mask is taking care of my body. This whole range, hailing from Croatia, is one of my exciting new discoveries…

Aromatherapy Associates Renew Rose & Sandalwood Facial Oil, £35

Antonia Burrell Forest Dew Skin Tonic, £34.80
Occo Deep Forest Body Treatment Mask, £30