Aisling McDermott On Beauty: skin brightening

This week we offer inspiration to put a spring in your step in time for that extra hour of daylight on Sunday 29th

The grand stretch in the evenings is firmly established, warmer weather is on its way and we can begin to shed layers of clothing and expose more flesh to the world. But before you peel off your polo neck and ditch the 100-denier tights, there may be a couple of quick and easy things you would like to do to get your skin glowing again.

While you may have continued to apply hand cream during the winter, chances are that you have not been applying any body moisturiser whatsoever. I spend the colder months bundled up in jumpers, jeans and fleece-lined boots and pay no attention to the parts hidden from the rest of the world. Quite a lot of people behave in the same way. This explains why leg shaving and moisturising become a distant memory, until Spring reveals lizard limbs: dry scaly upper arms with a touch of keratosis pilaris (those annoying bumps on the backs of arms) and dandruff legs which, as soon as you take off your tights, reveal a disturbing amount of dead skin.

Lovely stuff. But not to worry, as all of this is all easily sorted out. Body skin is much more resilient than wimpy facial skin and does not need to be treated with kid gloves; one of the best body exfoliators around is sea salt mixed with either coconut or olive oil. It will moisturise at the same time as working its skin sloughing magic. If you do want to splash out, Clinique Sparkle Skin is a much-loved thick paste that will get your skin glowing faster than a politician can renege on his election promises.

The backs of arms can get especially scaly but rough skin should respond quickly to exfoliation. If those bumps will not shift, turn to products containing urea such as Eucerin Body Wash 5% Urea.

Body and back acne (bacne) often get worse during the winter when skin is neglected so get someone to scrub your back with targeted products. Origins Skin Diver Active Charcoal contains ingredients that will tackle bacteria and works deep down to clear blocked pores and clear up spots. Body washes containing Salicylic Acid will also really help: try ProActiv Deep Cleansing Body Wash for Acne Prone Skin which will dislodge blackheads and pimples.

Chances are you are among the 95 per cent of the population who have bottles and tubs of half-used body moisturiser gathering dust at the back of the bathroom cabinet. If you are, take this opportunity to use them up and slather them on generously. Body butters make superb moisturisers and The Body Shop stock some of the best.

Thick creams such as my beloved Clarins Extra Firming Body Cream and Palmers Cocoa Butter are also sure-fire winners.

Ask Aisling: your beauty issues sorted

Q: I love matte lipsticks and wear them a lot but I’ve found that even though my lips look nice and smooth when I first put on the colour, half way through the day they are dry, chapped and flaky. Is there any way to stop this from happening?

A: This happens to me too and it drives me mad. Firstly, try exfoliating your lips to get rid of dead skin. You can buy special lip exfoliators or use your facecloth, a clean toothbrush or mix a little bit of sugar and coconut oil to gently rub away dead skin. Then put lip balm on to moisturise (Chapstick and Carmex will both work well), let the balm sink in and put your lipstick over the top. Then press some more lip balm over the lipstick using a “stamping” motion to seal in moisture.

Send your beauty queries to amcdermott@irishtimes.com, Twitter @aismcdermott

Aisling's Picks of the Week

Charlotte Tilbury Multi Miracle Glow (€59)

I love a multitasking product and this tub of wondrous goo, with its gel-like consistency, instantly softens and hydrates when used as a balm; can be used as an overnight moisture mask; and also triples up as a cleanser.

Bobbi Brown Brightening Brick in Pastel Pink (€55)

Half way between a Shimmer Brick and a flat blusher, this Brightening Brick creates a subtle sheen and the pretty hues blend beautifully to wake up fish-white winter skin. You will use this one until you hit pan.

Urban Decay Mascara Resurrection (€13)

This is the best thing I have used lately. If you have made a mess of your mascara just comb this clear gel through your lashes to separate them and clean up the disaster. As an added bonus, it refreshes existing mascara and this means you can apply another coat later in the day/night.

L’Oreal Brow Artist Genius Kit (€14.99)

If there is anyone still out there who has not invested in a little wax/ shadow dual eyebrow kit with teeny tweezers and brush, here is your chance to pick up this makeup bag staple at a decent price.

Mac Cinderella Studio Eye Gloss in Lightly Tauped (€24.50)

I’m including this because it is different to anything I have seen lately. It has the faintly sticky consistency of Vaseline but applied to eyelids it provides a high shine finish – it will look good on teenagers but if you have even a hint of lines around your eyes, this is not for you.

No7 Youthful Eye Serum (€25.25)

I much prefer eye serums to heavier creams and this is a really nice one. Hyaluronic acid instantly rehydrates the undereye area and provides a good base for makeup.