Body MOT... and this season's top fragrances
Words by Armand 29/11/2006
At this time of the year it’s always good to reassess your skincare routine for face and body. As the seasons change so does the need for various creams to be used for specific areas of the body, but before I tell you about this month’s must-have products let me give you easy tips to keep your skin in tip-top condition. First of all you must drink two litres of water a day to replenish lost moisture from your body. If you’re partial to the odd glass of sherry then you must drink another litre of water to compensate for dehydration. Exfoliate twice a week. Try Origins Never a Dull Moment. If you’re 35-plus and are prone to lines, then Origins has a product called Modern Friction, which acts in a similar way to micro-dermabrasion by gently refining the skin.Make sure you thoroughly cleanse and take your make-up off every night; if your skin isn’t thoroughly cleansed then your moisturiser won’t be able to penetrate. For eye make-up try Bliss Lid and Lash Remover and for the face try Clinique’s Take the Day Off. If you are a fan of waterproof mascara… then Lancôme Bi Facil eye make-up remover. This unusual combination of oil and cleansing solution removes stubborn eye make-up thoroughly and efficiently.For your body it’s important that you use deep and efficient exfoliators to get rid of dead skin cells that cause the skin to look drab and dirty. Pay special attention to elbows, shins, heels and shoulders. Origins’ Ginger Body range is a big favourite of Myleene Klass. Alternatively Body Shop and Elizabeth Arden do some great sea salt scrubs. Use a body scrub once or twice a week; it will fade your tan slightly but give you a beautiful glow and leave skin feeling incredibly clean and smooth, ready for a nourishing body cream. There are some great creams available at every price point. Here are my three favourites: Best budget buy: Johnson’s Baby Soothing Naturals Intense Moisture Cream − lightweight yet soothing, it contains vitamin E and olive extract. Mid-price point: Clinique’s Incredibly Soothing Body Cream − rich cream that’s great for dry or mature skins. Absorbs easily and leaves a silky veil. Money no object: Sisley Hydra Flash Intensive Formula − pump dispenser bottle gives measured amounts so there’s no waste and it’s not messy. Contains a powerful combination of Beta Hydroxy Acids, essential oils and plant extracts, encapsulated in a light cream which quickly absorbs. Fragrant on the Coast Luxurious, luscious, vibrant and rich – these are just a few words used to describe some of the leading scents this season. Ange Ou Demon by Givenchy Celebrates the duality of women using noble lily, oakwood, vanilla and saffron. Insolence by Guerlain From one of the oldest fragrance houses comes a perfume for woman who hate to conform. Even the structure of this perfume is unusual, with all of the ingredients coming through in a spiral effect… so no more top, heart or base notes − instead you smell the violet, iris and luscious red berries in gentle waves. The face for this unusual fragrance is a Hollywood star who epitomises this unique scent: Oscar-winning Hilary Swank. Missoni by Missoni The Italian fashion house has created a medley of indulgences from the vibrant bergamot into sweet peonies to the sparkling mandarin and finishing off with the unexpected aroma of Giandulia chocolate. Each bottle has a unique swatch of the famous Missoni zig zag design signature fabric. Unforgivable by Sean John “Sean who?” you may well say. You and I know him as Puff Daddy. This fragrance has proved the versatility of the rapper/fashion designer/entrepreneur. Initially you can smell the clean and cool fruity notes of Sicilian lemon, green mandarin and Moroccan tangerine, then it’s off to the Med with Tuscan basil and the expensive Florentine iris before reaching the deeper notes of Australian sandalwood, amber and tonker bean. Luxurious, rich, cool and sexy – this is how Sean John’s surprising fragrance could be described.
