THERE’S NOTHING we can do about the weather, so batten down the hatches and make yourself feel better. The gap between that early paycheck before Christmas and the yawning abyss until the end of January can leave you with more time on your hands than money.
Couple that with the freezing conditions and you have a recipe for some home pampering. Baths are very nurturing at this time of year, and you might consider spoiling yourself a little and switching your regular creams for oils, which nourish and pamper skin. It’s cheaper than a night out, after all.
BATH
REN Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil(€36) There's more than a hint of the exotic in this gorgeous aromatic soak. Rose Otto is known as the queen of flower oils and is made from rose petals harvested at dawn, when the scent is strongest. Uplifting and soothing at the same time. Available from Arnotts, Dublin 1.
L'Occitane Verbena Body Salt Scrub(€34.95) The Mediterranean salts combine with grapeseed, apricot and sweet almond essential oils to nourish and moisturise. Add pure extracts of verbena, orange, geranium and lemon tree and what you've got is a luxurious exfoliating body scrub that leaves skin silky smooth as dead skin cells are massaged away.
Chanel No 5 Essential Bath Oil(€48) I was lucky enough to receive this heavenly oil as a gift and fell in love as soon as I saw the beautiful bottle and the rose-gold elixir. Three layers of liquid combine when shaken, transforming into a blend which softens, hydrates and soothes skin, leaving it beautifully moisturised. The lingering scent of No 5 in your bathroom is an added bonus.
BODY
Dr Hauschka Body Oils(from €18.20) A range of oils with specific properties. The six include Moor Lavender, which is deeply relaxing, Lemon Lemongrass, which invigorates and treats cellulite and Birch, which stimulates circulation after exercise. Available from health shops.
Clarins relax body oil(€44) Just the ticket after an evening bath before bedtime. This super-rich blend melts away tension, relaxes with camomile and nourishes with hazelnut oil. The geranium and basil aromas are the icing on the cake.
Green People Sheer Pamper Body Oil(€29.33) "Just fabulous" was my tester's reaction to this beautifully scented oil – a tropical blend of ylang ylang, pomegranate and jasmine. She was even more impressed by the fact the red and flaky patches on her skin had disappeared. Available from health shops nationwide.
FACE AND MORE
Nadur Organics Pure Cleanse Oil(€24.95) Really concentrated, non-greasy skin cleanser gently melts away even difficult to remove make-up and balances the skin's natural oils, leaving it soft and moisturised – and it's Irish-made. See nadurorganics.ie.
Naturelle d'Argan oil(€19.95) Also known as liquid gold, argan oil has long been hailed for its healing and conditioning properties. It's a terrific all-rounder as it can be used on face, hair and body. From pharmacies, or telephone 01-8455632 for stockists.
Rosa Fina face décolletage oil(€33) The key ingredient in this extensive range is the highly therapeutic oil pressed from the seeds of a wild Chilean rose. This blend is best used as an intense overnight treatment which sinks in quickly and promises a radiant result. From branches of Nourish health stores.
Alfaparf Semi di Lino Liquid Crystals(€15.95) An oil-based serum packed with good things for your hair. Linseed brightens, vitamin E protects and Omega 3 and 6 reconstruct. Use to add smoothness and shine to dull and dry hair, along with a gorgeous scent. From selected hair salons.
