Yes, unfortunately its true, January is officially THE MOST depressing month of the year. The frosty mornings and dark evenings often affect our general state of health and well being, making us feel sluggish, stressed and well, just fed up. But we can fight back!!!
Here are my top beauty tips for beating those horrible winter blues:
1. Take a soothing aromatherapy bath.
Try Perfect Partners by Aromatherapy Associates. Two bath oils to complement each other, one to revive in the morning and the other to relax in the evening (RRP £15.99) or Moroccan Rose Bath Oil by Ren (RRP £40 for 250ml).
2. Light some lovely scented candles or burn some aromatic oils.
Natural aromatherapy oils can really lift your spirits. Try Jo Malone’s Lime Basil and Mandarin Candle (RRP £38) or Aromatherapy Associates Relax Room Fragrance (RRP £19).
3. Exfoliate!
Get rid of dry and flaky skin by using an exfoliation treatment. I like Clarins Orange One Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser (RRP £18.38) or Elemis Gentle Rose Exfoliator (RRP £25.60).
4. Give your nails a treat!
Lack of natural light and vitamin d can cause our nails to become dry and brittle. Try Nails Inc Complete Nourishing System which includes a caviar base and top coat! (RRP £25) Or Natural Nail Strengthener by OPI (RRP £10.50).
5. Brighten up those dark circles.
Body Shop Vitamin E eye cream (RRP £8) or Elemis Eye and Lip Contour Cream (RRP £58.30) are both fab. Cover up using my favourite, Dior Skinflash (RRP £24.50). Its available in 3 shades. Apply to dark lines and dab in circular motions under the eyes to blend.
6. Get rid of chapped lips.
Use a gentle exfoliant then a lip treatment such or Clarins Moisture Replenish Lip Balm (RRP £16.34) or Vitamin E Lip Care SPF 15 from The Body Shop (RRP £4).
7. Brighton up your tootsies with a mini pedicure.
Feet by OPI (RRP £8-£22) offer an array of home pedicure products. Start with exfoliating the hard skin around the heels of your feet and toes, then massage with an intensive moisturiser, clip, file and shape your toenails. Finish by using a base coat then paint with your favourite colour!
8. Keep your skin soft and glowing using a luxurious body oil.
Give special attention to elbows, knees and hard skin areas. Neom Organics Bergamot, French Lavender and Patchouli (RRP £30) or Aromatherapy Associates Renew, Rose Massage and Body Oil (RRP £36) will both leave you feeling glorious and smelling dreamy!
9.Bring the sun back to your skin with a self tanning lotion.
I like Clarins Self Tanning Milk (RRP £16.34) or Johnson and Johnson Holiday Skin (RRP £5.10) both give a fab glow!
10. Revive your hair!
By using an intensive hair mask you can bring the shine back to your locks. Aussie 3 Minute Miracle Reconstructor is great (RRP £4.69) available from Boots. Or Keratin Hair Shine Treatment (RRP £17.45) available from Salonlines.
Stock Lists:
http://www.salonlines.co.uk
http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk
http://www.timetospa.co.uk (Elemis)
http://www.lenawhite.co.uk (OPI)
http://www.aromatherapyassociates.com
http://www.jomalone.co.uk
http://neomorganics.com
http://uk.clarins.com
http://www.renskincare.com