New Year New You
Wednesday 2nd January 2008 by Elizabeth Richards
Whether the post-Christmas blues have hit you hard or the festive season has left you looking and feeling exhausted, January is the perfect time to indulge in a bit of down-time. Late nights, cold weather and over-indulgence can leave skin dehydrated and blotchy, hair frizzy, and muscles tense so use this month to repair, restore and revive mind and body.
Set straight a congested complexion with gentle exfoliation – either a peel or a scrub. For skin that feels uncomfortably tight or irritated, a moisture-boosting mask will instantly rehydrate stressed zones and smooth dry patches. Hands left chapped and sore by cold weather, central heating and piles of washing up will appreciate a regular dose of moisture cream while party-ravaged feet feel and look better after a home pedicure.
And if hair is more scary than sleek, use a hot oil or deep conditioner to repair damage and put away the heated appliances for a couple of days: simply sweep back into a high ponytail or pin back the sides to keep the look chic. As for lips, remove ragged flakes with a soft toothbrush and apply a lanolin-free balm for kissable softness in as little as an hour or two.
Jurlique Soothing Herbal Recovery Gel, £45
With a blend of botanical extracts including aloe vera, chamomile, groomwell and lavender – plus kaolin to address shine and shea butter oil to moisturise – this gel is perfect for soothing stressed skin and is ideal for sensitive complexions. Even the packaging seems to calm the senses!
Available at www.Jurlique.co.uk 
L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream, £15
This best-selling formula combines shea butter with honey and sweet almond extract to give an ultra-moisturising treatment for seriously dry hands. Just a tiny dab smoothes sore rough patches and restores comfort immediately while also nourishing to protect against future damage.
Available at www.LOccitane.com
Elemis Papaya Enzyme Peel, £26
One of the easiest quick-fixes for tired, dull or congested skin, this rinse-off exfoliator goes on easily (as a cream) and works its magic while you relax for ten minutes. Natural fruit enzymes purify and smooth while Vitamin E and marine algae repair, protect and boost moisture levels for dewy skin that glows with health.
Available at www.TimeToSpa.co.uk
Philip Kingsley Elasticizer, £22
This cult treatment for extremely dry or damaged hair is a worthy investment at this time of year, delivering moisture to the hair cuticle for extra strength, shine, silky softness and bounce. It’s as fuss-free as any other deep conditioner yet good results are visible after only one application. There’s even UV protection to help keep colour treated hair fresh and bright.
Available at www.HQHair.com
Lush Honey Bee Bath Ballistic, £2.40
Deep cleanse and soften your skin in one easy step with this friendly little ball of fizz: simply chuck it in your bath and climb straight in! Made with soothing honey, Moroccan Rhassoul mud and sweet orange oil, it’s perfect for perking up a drab morning and leaves skin soft and deliciously scented. As for the colour – it doesn’t fail to lift the spirits!
Available at www.Lush.co.uk
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