Beauty

WHAT A LOVELY time of year this is, with warmer days and brighter evenings. Boy do we deserve a long and lovely summer – it’s not too early to prepare to bare, and the very act of exfoliation, smoothing and prepping will lift your mood.

Unless your diet is 100 per cent on the button, you will benefit from a supplement. Besides boosting skin and hair, a daily multivitamin/mineral will strengthen immunity and keep your energy levels up. I believe in the “men are from Mars, women are from Venus” theory when it comes to supplements, so I favour the ones specifically targeted to female needs. Solgar Female Multiple (€16.95, from health shops) or Boots Feel the Difference for Women (€11.79) both offer a specific mix. Don’t worry lads, there’s always a male equivalent too.

A glass of lukewarm water first thing in the morning with a slice of lemon and ginger is a fantastic way to start the day. Keep your water intake up during the day. I fill a 1.5 litre bottle and keep on my desk so I can monitor how much I’m getting through.

Get going on skin. Spending a few minutes extra per day will reap great results over the coming weeks. Dry brushing is optional but great for stimulating the circulation – just remember to work in from your outer extremities towards your heart. Exfoliating is a must, no shortcuts. You can pay a lot or a little for an exfoliator or even make up your own (mix coarse sea salt with olive oil). Alternately, change your life by investing in a Japanese Wash Cloth (€22) from spacenk at Harvey Nichols. This little beauty can be used with any body wash, and will polish your skin to baby softness.

Your body moisturiser is an area worth spending on if you have the few bob. The choice is endless, but here are some new ones for your consideration. Voya’s Softly Does It (€26) is a silky blend of wild seaweed extracts and nourishing essential oils, and a “wake me up” fresh smell. Tel: 071-9168956, or see voya.ie. L’Occitane has a lovely new addition to its almond range, Tonic Body Oil (€38.50), which includes omegas 3 and 6 for suppleness. Shiseido Replenishing Body Cream (€65) is a total treat, as it helps minimise the appearance of cellulite and firms skin.

Don’t forget your hands, which are exposed to the elements and will be the first part of you to show signs of ageing. Protect them with the cream of your choice – but make sure it contains at least SPF 15. Neutrogena (€4.29) may be a little ointment-like in texture, but it nourishes hands and nails. No 7 Protect and Perfect, (€14.50) is an offshoot of the cult face cream from Boots and is said to lighten age spots.

Apply a face mask regularly – they can have a transforming effect on skin. The following three score highly on the results scale.

RESCUEThe Rescue Mask by Eve Lom (€39) is unbeatable for serious deep cleansing results. Skin is squeaky clean and bright afterwards.This mask is also excellent for clearing blocked pores and blackheads.

RADIANCEGet an instant boost with Sisley's Radiant Glow Express Mask (€76) a flesh-toned cream that glides on and needs only five minutes to work; great for an instant lift before a night out.

RESTORINGClarins Super Restorative Replenishing Comfort Mask (€55) offers deep replenishment with a super-soft nourishing texture. pclarke@irishtimes.com