4 fabulous oils to treat your skin this winter

Brrrrrr! When I was living in Australia I really missed winter in London. That feeling of walking in the crisp air, all wrapped up in chunky layers and dreaming of hot baths.

This year I've noticed more than ever just how much winter can play havoc with my skin. Particularly central heating! I'm getting through my giant 500ml bottle of E45 lotion like noone's business (it's the bees knees on parched, flaky legs by the way. Apply liberally to dry skin after a bath or before bed).

For my face I've been turning to oils. Here are some of my tried and testeds...

1. Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate (£36 for 30ml)

I think this was the first face oil I ever bought and I loved it. Replenishing, nourishing and perfect worn on its own in the summer months or under your regular moisturiser at night (be mindful not to use a moisturiser with SPF at night as this can clog the skin unnecessarily, particularly if it's a topical SPF rather than a chemical one).

2. Medik8 C-Tetra Serum (from £28 for 30ml)

I was recommended this recently by a friend who's a facialist. Not only does it smell divine (like freshly squeezed orange juice!) but my skin looks and feels noticeably softer. Wear a couple of drops twice daily, on its own or under your regular moisturiser for an extra antioxidant boost. 

3. Aēsop Fabulous Face Oil (£40 for 30ml)

Do you get dry and congested skin in the winter? I do. Which is why I decided to give Aesop's Fabulous Face Oil a whirl. Made with 9 botanicals including macadamia seed, sweet almond, hazel and jasmine it leaves my skin with a velvety texture. It also promises to clear up any congested areas and I've definitely noticed a difference around my jaw since I've been using it (I get hormonal spots). The only thing that might put you off is the smell (it's pretty potent - not that it smells bad, just intensely floral!).

4. Orico Superico Vitamin Rich Face Oil (£30 for 30ml)

I was given a sample of this last February when I was house sitting for a friend of mine off the King's Road (there's an Orico shop at 315 Kings Road, see oricolondon.co.uk for details). The sample was a generous size so I was able to wear it consistently over a full week. I loved the effect it had on my skin together with the company's organic ethos. I suspect it's only a matter of time before I invest in a full size bottle.

Other face oils I'd like to test...

• Una Brennan Super Facialist Rose Hydrate Oil (£14.99 for 30ml)

• Sarah Chapman's Overnight Facial (£46) - the name alone has me at hello!

• Decléor Aromessence Oils (various according to skin type, from £44) 

To get the most out of your skincare remember to drink plenty of water (sipping herbal teas is a great solution during the winter months) and be careful not to overload the skin with too much product. Thin layers applied more regularly are better than one thick layer.

Do you have a favourite face oil? I'd love to know!

PRO TIPS: Dry, cracked lips

Image courtesy of www.fitsugar.com

The snow may be disappearing but my poor, dry, weather-beaten cracked lips are ever present.

It seems that no matter how many glasses of water or pots of herbal tea I drink (Rooibos being my herbal of the month) I just can't seem to compete with the constant sea-saw of bone-rattling winds versus 'as-high-as-she-goes' central heating.

For those of you in the same boat, here are my Top 3 Lip Savers:

1. Lucas Papaw (25g tube, £4.95 + P&P from pawpawshop.co.uk)

I remember buying my first Lucas' Papaw tube back in 2006 whilst living in Melbourne (ah, those were the days) but had been aware of its cult following for some time (I have an image in my mind of a model being snapped in the early Noughties with a Papaw tube sticking out of her bag?).

'Pawpaw' (often spelt 'papaw') is simply another word for 'Papaya' and papayas,  as we all know, *ahem*, are a good source of 'vitamins, minerals, [and] amino acids'.

Importantly, Lucas' Papaw ointment - the formula for which has remained unchanged for 100 years(!) - is known for its antibacterial and antimicrobial* properties, making it an ideal product for use on chapped lips, burns, insect bites and chaffing.

A cheaper alternative to Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream (£25), this is a must for Sheilas-on-the-go.

2. Nivea Creme (£1.49 for 50ml from Boots)

When my lips are seriously chapped - i.e. when lip gloss makes things worse, not better - I turn to my trusty blue tub, aka good ol' Nivea Creme. Of course you can't really wear it during the day, unless you want to look like a zombie, but slather it on before you go to bed and you will wake up with NEW lips, I swear.

Also good for brides who want to soften up their lips on the morning of their wedding: Leave on for 15 mins, wipe off with a tissue and lightly buff lips with a damp face cloth or towel. Follow with a light application of lip balm.

3. Chantecaille Lip Potion (£36 for 4.5g from Liberty)

So very decadent and dare I say it, reassuringly expensive, this luxurious lip treatment incorporates macadamia oil, Shea butter, vitamin E, aloe as well as rose and lavender flower. It's the champagne of lip balms, leaving lips with an unbeatable silky smoothness. Thankfully - as one would hope for the price - a little goes a long way. Put it on your Christmas list now for next year.

* Wiki explanation: "Antimicrobial liquids kill or inhibit the growth of microorganisms such as bacteria".