Beauty

Compiled by PHYL CLARKE

Hydra therapy

Skin feeling a little tight and uncomfortable? Dehydrated skin is often associated with harsher weather, but the causes also include a bad diet, air conditioning, smoking and the inevitable loss of moisture as we age. You can do your bit by drinking plenty of water and keeping away from soap and harsh cleansers. Choosing a dedicated moisturiser will also improve matters.

BOTANICAL BOOST: Boots Botanics hydrating day cream SPF 15 (€7.69) protects and hydrates for 24 hours with brightening hibiscus. At Boots pharmacies.

CITY SLICKER:Decleor Hydrafloral Anti-pollution Flower Nectar moisturising cream (€59.90) provides continuous drip-feed hydration while protecting against environmental elements. Tel: 01-822 2711 for stockists.

MORE MOISTURE:Clinque Moisture Surge Intense (€43.50). A rich cream-gel which plumps the driest skin.

TRAVEL PAL:Ren Max Moisture Concentrate (€45). Revitalise jet-lagged skin with this replenishing concentrate. Tel: 01-461 0645 for your nearest stockist.

SHINE FREE: Vichy Normaderm Total Matte Fresh Hydrating Gel (€16). Oily types will love this mattifying long-wearing moisturiser that hydrates while keeping shine at bay.

BERRY GOOD: Yon-Ka Hydralia Concentrate (€47). Lovely oil formula enriched with blackcurrant soothes and relieves taut skin. Tel: 01-832 1412 for your nearest stockist.

FRENCH FANCY: Avène Hydrance Optimale (€24.90). France's favourite skincare brand offers both a light and rich formula for different skin types. Bonus points for the SPF20.

SUPER SERUM:Clarins HydraQuench Intensive Serum Bi-Phase (€53.90). High-powered serum that replenishes thirsty skin.

I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT Emma Jane Dempsey, novelist

Dermalogica Sheer Tint Moisturiser: Sometimes I find foundation a bit heavy and I feel like my skin can’t breath. My Mam got me to try Dermalogica sheer tint moisturiser and I am delighted with it. It lasts all day and my face doesn’t feel caked. It even has SPF 15 and antioxidants.

Johnson’s Baby Lotion: I have had dry skin, especially on my arms. I started using Johnson’s baby lotion a few years ago, now I can’t live without it. I use it all over as a body lotion – it leaves my skin feeling healthy and cared for.

Classic Carmex: I get dry lips when the weather changes and sometimes even cold sores. I started using Carmex in school and I will never, ever stop. It is the only thing that works and when it comes to cold sores prevention is definitely better than cure.

L’Oréal Ultimate Hair Elixir: I have very long, thick hair; so thick the underneath turns into dreads if I don’t use hair oil. The best one I have found is L’Oréal Ultimate Hair Elixir. I just run it through my hair after washing it and I don’t have to worry about looking like a fuzz ball.

My laptop: Her name is Dell and we have a beautiful relationship. Being a writer means my laptop is my job and my stress relief. Everything I have ever written is on it, as well as my research.

Emma-Jane Dempsey has just published her first novel, In a Holding House