Along with the sadness of watching your tan fade (and it's so hard won with all that SPF 30 and staying under cover) is the fact that the legacy of two weeks spent in the sun and sea is parched, flaky skin and hair that is rather more frazzled than sexily tousled. So it makes sense to boost flagging spirits and confidence with beauty products that will help to keep that holiday glow going for just a few weeks longer – and at the same time prepare the ground for winter.
  AHAVA
Botanic Micro-peeling Cream Wash with Water Lily & Guarana (£15 - 500ml)
www.ahava.co.uk
I'm always on the hunt for a shower body wash that feels nourishing as well as cleansing – and here it is. Not only that, but this new wash from Ahava has a gentle exfoliating effect (so not an everyday product) using olive and apricot seeds, which is perfect for sloughing off post-sun dead skin (without scrubbing away the remains of a tan). The intense creaminess of the wash (which contains no chemical nasties) makes it feel especially hydrating and pampering – that'll be the sunflower oil, Dead sea minerals and organic plant extracts going to work.
CRYSTAL CLEAR
Crystal Polish (£32 - 100ml)
www.crystalclear.co.uk
I probably don't use a facial exfoliator half as often as I should do. Some are too scratchy and the word micro-dermabrasion just sounds scary. But in the interest of research I am trying Crystal Polish because, despite SPF 30 everyday, my holiday face has definitely taken on a muddy look. But I needn't have worried – with 'precious stone garnet', essential oils and anti-ageing ingredients, this is quite a gentle exfoliator and with a linen cloth as back-up polisher, leaves my skin feeling ultra smooth and looking much brighter.
 MEDIK8
Hydr8 B5 Serum (£34 - 30ml)
www.skinbrands.co.uk
Unlike most other serums I've used, this one is clear and watery – applied with a dropper. The skincare research company Medik8 specialises in providing skincare biochemistry – effective products for those with sensitive skins – which could be any of us at some time or another. Based on the premise that young-looking skin needs to be well hydrated, the Hydr8 range does just that and this serum does it in spades – so great for parched, sun-drenched faces. Hyaluronic acid and pantothenic acid (B5) hydrate and soothe the skin and this quickly-absorbed serum gives an instantly smoothing effect. The Hydr8 Body (£29 - 250ml) is perfect for relieving sunburn, but also works well on chapped and flaky skin. The silky texture absorbs quickly into the skin and although it looks functional, the lotion has a soft, fresh fragrance.
 A'KIN
Rosehip & Shea Intensive Moisture AntiOxidant Complex (£21.49 - 50ml)
www.purist.com
I love this Australian range of botanic aromatherapy beauty products (all paraben, sulfate, petrochemical-fee) and this new moisturiser that aims to hydrate very dry skin while soothing it, sounds perfect for post-holiday complexions. It contains organic shea butter, vitamin-rich avocado, rosehip seed extract, aloe and jojoba – so should be good! It has a reassuringly thick texture, but quickly melts into the skin leaving it feeling nourished but not sticky.
AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES
Enrich Hair Oil (£22.50 - 50ml)
www.aromatherapyassociates.com
While I'm on holiday my hair behaves, but once home it takes on a straw-like quality. Naturally curly, and coloured to boot, it now needs extra help. So, pre-washing, I've been treating it to Enrich Hair Oil. Completely pure, it smells gorgeous, but more than just a sensory experience, the cocktail of plant extracts (rosemary, geranium, ylang-ylang and patchouli) do their toning, balancing and cell regeneration thing on your scalp, while Brazilian murumuru butter and coconut oil nourish and condition the hair. You can leave it on for 20 minutes or all night. I am going for the latter and it's working a treat.
MOROCCAN OIL
Moisture Repair Shampoo (£15.85) & conditioner (£16.55)
www.hair1direct.co.uk
After the hair oil, I want a shampoo and conditioner that are going to carry on the good nourishing work and these too are a real treat. They contain the cult-like argon oil which is renowned for its intensely moisturising properties. Also, as the two are sulfate, paraben and phosphate-free, they're great for anyone with sensitive scalps and coloured hair – so that'll be me then! Besides the fact that my hair does feel incredibly soft and healthy after just one use, they smell great and feel luxuriously rich.
FUNCTIONALAB
Bd Hair, Skin & Nail (£25 - 60 caps)
www.functionlab.co.uk
Tackling post-holiday skin from the outside is fine, but there's the inner you to take care of too. The recently launched Functionlab range of beauty supplements addresses everything from weight gain and cellulite to anti-ageing. Since my hair, skin and nails have all suffered over the past three months – and are unlikely to be improved much by the cold, wind and rain that's coming – this is the treatment I've plumped for. Soya, biotin, vitamins A and C and zinc are all in the hefty horse tablet. I'm sorely tempted to add the Body Toning ones next....
HE-SHI
Facial Tanning Gel (12.50 - 100ml)
www.hair1direct.co.uk
After all the exfoliation I feel that my face looks a little pale compared to the rest of me. So, without wishing for a wag-like burnished look, I'm using Hi-Shi's facial Tanning Gel – a self-tan that's subtly doing its thing, while also moisturising and refreshing my complexion. It's very easy to apply (a mitt makes it even more fool proof) and, providing you don't go for a swim, wash your hair or get all sweaty for a few hours after, it lasts for days.
FANTASY TAN
Salon-applied spray-on tan (1 session - £25)
0845 129431 for nearest salon)
I've never been tempted by a spray-on tan before - but I'm not wild about the idea of a sun bed so this seems like a sensible way to keep a healthy glow going for a little longer. I like the fact that Fantasy Tan has a wide choice of colours to suit all skin tones, and formulas to suit all skin types. It's a quick business while you're in the salon (just remember to exfoliate and de-fuzz before you go to ensure the most even coverage) but you have to wait around 8 hours before showering afterwards. And lots of moisturiser after that will also help to keep it going – about a week. A good result – I can see why it can be addictive. |
