It may not feel like it at the side of the F1 racetrack, but winter is almost here. And with winter comes one of my pet hates: dry skin. I hate that tight, uncomfortable feeling I get; my face feels stretched and yearning for a splash of moisture. I have always had dry skin, and every time I go for a beauty treatment the therapist tells me I need to moisturise more and drink some unimaginable quantity of water every day.
And winter is particularly bad. I am heading to Europe soon for a break and I know I need to brace myself for drying effects of the climate. But you should be prepared here as well.
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If I had the cash, at the beginning of every winter and every three months thereafter, I would pop along to a clinic and have mesotherapy. Basically, it is hyaluronic acid that maintains moist skin, and as we can't ingest it, we need to replenish it from the outside. Of course, when you're young you just produce it in spades, but at my age we need a little hyaluronic assistance. With mesotherapy, the doctor will inject tiny amounts of the acid to the layer just under the skin's surface and you come out of the treatment glowing.
If, like me, this is not a time of year (post-holidays, pre-Christmas) when you have masses of cash lying around, you will need to resort to moisturising face creams instead. A bargain one I love is the Olay Definity Intense Hydrating Cream. I find it gives me a result close to the same dewy effect as the mesotherapy, but at a fraction of the price. At the other end of the price range I like the Chanel Precision Hydramax Active Moisture Cream, which has a gorgeous fresh smell and feels really nourishing. It also comes in that irresistible little black-and-white box, which I find makes me feel better just by looking at it. Another face for the day is the super moisturising Lancôme Hydra Zen NeuroCalm Day Cream, I have mentioned this little pink gem before; it is so light but really effective. Lancôme also has a night option, called the Hydra Zen Nuit, which has the same lightness of touch. But my top tip for those hours when your skin is rejuvenating as you sleep is something a little richer, such as the Clarins Rose Face Treatment Oil. Putting oil on your face might seem a bit radical, but trust me, it is the most soothing, regenerating product I have ever tried, and it smells great, too.
The eyes always need a bit of extra care and I love the Givenchy Hydra Sparkling Eye Reviver Gel, a light but effective gel that wakes up and hydrates the eyes.
3 of the best
Super serums to rejuvenate, tighten and smooth your complexion
ATP PURE HYALURONIC ACID SKIN REJUVENATING SERUM, DH650 (for box of two ampules) Hyaluronic acid is known to nourish and revitalise the collagen in the skin. After just a few drops, this one does with immediate effect.
STRIVECTIN-TL TIGHTENING FACE SERUM, DH440 Tired skin feels instantly refreshed, smoother and more lifted with this tightening serum. Plus the no-fuss pump-action applicator makes it simple to apply.
KIEHL'S POWERFUL-STRENGTHLINE-REDUCING CONCENTRATE, DH280 With a watery consistency but richly hydrating, this white gel is packed with high dosages of vitamin C. Glowing skin in 30 days is guaranteed.
M loves
GUERLAIN'S STARDUST
Parties, parties, parties is where you'll find us this week but not without this new little gem of a spray - Guerlain Vol de Nuit, which illuminates skin (and hair) with a scented, shimmery dust. After just one spritz from the gorgeous traditional bulb puff you'll be hooked on your skin's silky pale pink glow. We are.
Guerlain Vol de Nuit, Dh384 available at all major beauty counters across the UAE