Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare blog

During the winter months, we often find ourselves feeling a little short on energy. Very often this is our lymphatic system slowing down due to lack of exercise, over-eating and stress, caused by the busy lead up to Christmas, shopping for presents or preparing for the annual influx of visitors to our homes. This can leave you feeling lethargic, bloated and suffering with dry skin or breakouts.

As beauty therapists, we often like to focus on the lymphatic system, as it plays such as important role in the human body, and in keeping skin healthy and radiant. Our lymphatic system is part of the immune system and interacts with every organ in the body. Similar to the blood system, it circulates fluid (called lymph) around the body. Its main functions are to filter and clean the blood and lymph, fight infection and to drain nutrient rich fluid that leaks into the tissues back into the bloodstream.

Because the lymphatic system relies on the body for movement, it can become sluggish and ‘toxins’ can accumulate during the winter when we tend to slow down. This can result in puffiness, water retention, cellulite and skin conditions such as acne and skin ageing. By keeping your lymphatic system healthy, your skin will look and feel better, and you will also feel great too! So any New Year resolutions to be more active will definitely help on this front – exercise is vital to keeping our lymph system in good shape as the flow of lymph is reliant on our muscles contracting. Any form of movement is great, such as swimming, running, yoga, Pilates or even a good brisk walk in the crisp winter air.

If you aren’t as active as you would like, why not try gentle stretching in the comfort of your own home? Either stand (preferable) or sit and lift your arms above your head until you feel a stretch in your stomach and sides, then gently bring your head and arms to the right (keep your back straight) so you can feel your left side stretch, and repeat on the other side. Doing this daily keeps the lymphatic channels flowing and open. Also, deep breathing into your diaphragm for five minutes a day helps maintain balance in the body, and can even reduce post-festive stress!

Any detox resolutions you may have planned can also assist the lymphatic system, particularly when used with our fabulous Energising range. Try any or all of these tips to help keep your energy levels high and make you look and feel your fabulous best in the months ahead.

Scrub
Exfoliating your body with our Energising Body Scrub will lift off dead skin cells and excess sweat (toxins). I love the heady hit of rose-scented geranium as you massage the beautiful amber-coloured gel over your skin. The ground olive stones give a perfect exfoliation, intensive but gentle. Massage with the scrub once or twice a week can help boost your circulation and your skin will be left looking radiant.

Massage
Light rhythmic flowing strokes upwards can boost the body’s systems and encourage elimination of toxins. Energising Body Lotion is the perfect partner for your massage, as the naturally active ingredients of ivy, butcher’s broom, gingko, caffeine and horse chestnut help tone and wake the body up. Within this fabulous blend is a gorgeous array of essential oils, traditionally known for their stimulating and detoxing properties such as uplifting grapefruit, eucalyptus, pine and rosemary. I love this lotion as it absorbs within seconds and not only tones, but keeps skin super soft.

Bathe
The heat from the warm water will allow the body to get rid of waste via the sweat pores. Enjoy a warm bath scented with a 10p-sized squeeze of Energising Body Wash added. With naturally derived foaming agents from corn and coconut, it’s very gentle on the skin either as a bath or shower gel, but also has a wonderful blend of essential oils including sweet orange, grapefruit, rosemary, eucalyptus, pine and peppermint to lift your spirits and scent your skin. You’ll feel refreshed and revitalised in minutes.

Tea detox
Start your morning with a cup of hot water infused with a slice of lemon and grated fresh ginger. It’s a great drink to pep up your circulation.

Wishing you a happy and healthy 2012!

I am finding this year’s festive season a particularly exciting one, perhaps due to the ‘celebratory bubble’ that is Christmas family time – the perfect respite from a year that has been consumed by economic doom and gloom.  I adore Christmas and the exciting build-up to the New Year, as it’s a great time to catch up with friends and family and think about my resolutions for the impending year.   It’s also the perfect time to find an excuse to wear my glitzy LBD that’s hidden away at the back of my wardrobe.  However, I find that seeing my ‘winter mask’ (my grey reflection in the mirror) staring back at me prompts a search in my Liz Earle beauty toolbox for the perfect party skin saviours.  These gorgeous pampering treats are my best friends during the busy party season (and its numerous photo opportunities), so I hope they will be yours too.

My botanical party companions
For shiny hair: Lustrous locks are one of the many ways to ensure you look and feel your best.  Cleanse hair gently with Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo for beautiful shine.  Squeeze a 10 pence piece size into your hands and massage over wet hair, paying attention to your scalp.  Rather than adding more product, apply more water for more lather. As it’s formulated with botanicals such as aloe vera, West African shea, apple, orange and naturally derived cleansers (no sodium lauryl or laureth sulphates in here!), colour is protected and the cuticles of the hair are smoothed resulting in shiny hair.  It’s also great for the scalp. My husband has seen a dramatic difference with his dry scalp since using the range, and now he’s hooked!  After thoroughly rinsing, don’t forget to finish with Liz Earle Botanical Shine Conditioner. There are three types to choose from: normal, dry/damaged and fine/oily.  For fabulous tips on how to select your conditioner and style your hair, check out our Stylist and Hair Expert Ian Denson’s blog.

For rehydrated skin: If your skin is feeling parched and suffering from the effects of central heating and harsh winds, look no further than our Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask.  This is a real favourite in our treatment rooms, as it is formulated with an amazing blend of botanicals designed to moisturise and hydrate.  Packed with moisturising borage oil, this wonder ingredient helps to lock moisture into the upper layers of the skin, whilst comfrey and St. John’s wort help to soothe and calm. Apply a generous layer after cleansing and exfoliation (avoid exfoliation if suffering from rosacea) and leave on for 5-10 minutes. Alternatively leave overnight. You will see which area is particularly dry depending on where the mask absorbs into your skin. For extra dry or mature skin, why not try adding two drops of Superskin Concentrate to your skin before your mask application? This aromatic blend of 100% plant oils, including argan and rosehip oil, will help to maintain the suppleness of your skin and enhance the benefits of the mask. Don’t forget to finish with Superskin Moisturiser, a great day and night cream. My dry skin can’t live without this in the winter, and it’s great for sensitive skin due to being fragrance-free.

To brighten grey/winter skin: If you see a grey reflection in the mirror, apply Brightening Treatment Mask pre-party.  This wonder mask is like ‘gym for the skin’, as you only need one to two minutes for instant radiance due to the clever blend of botanicals, such as stimulating Chinese camphor, toning witch hazel and purifying white clay.  Avoid on any areas of rosacea.

The finishing touches
To complete your party preparation, apply an even layer of our new Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint.  I love this formulation, it gives skin a fabulous, dewy finish, whilst enhancing your natural skin tone.  It is the perfect way to create your canvas, ready for your festive make up! To test your colour, apply a small amount onto your jawline and if it blends in seamlessly you have the correct shade.  We have three colours: Bare, which is the one I use, Beige which Liz uses and Beach, which is lovely for suntanned, olive and most Asian skins.  Always apply your Sheer Skin Tint after cleansing, toning and moisturising, as this will give the best finish.  It’s also enriched with SPF15 and borage, avocado and natural source vitamin E, to work in harmony with your Liz Earle skincare. Check out our video to see our Make Up Artist, Jane Bradley, in action with the range for application tips.  Finally, don’t forget our Sheer Gold Shimmer to use as a highlighter on cheeks, in the centre of your bottom lip (for a fuller looking pout) and on your collarbone for instant sparkle.

Wishing you wonderful skin at Christmas time!

The magic of Christmas is upon us once again and there’s no better time of year to start thinking about ways to care for yourself, and ways to take care of your poor, tired feet.

After hours of trawling the high street in search of the perfect gift for your loved ones, feet can become sore and swollen. Due to being wrapped up all winter, with constant friction and pressure from shoes, skin can become thick, coarse and often painful.  This is why I am obsessed with my comfy socks, much to my husband’s dismay. I have at least five pairs of ‘ski socks’ that I live in during the winter months, as I have an aversion to my feet being cold and I love kicking off my shoes as soon as I can.

Also, once a week, I take off my comfort blanket during my ‘Skin Sunday’ (my weekly pampering session) and I do a pampering foot treatment to restore my feet to their former glory.

I wanted to share with you a few foot facts, and my tips to give you happy feet…

Foot fact
On average, you take 8,000 to 10,000 steps a day. That’s a lot of work for the feet, especially when nearly a quarter of the bones in the body are located here – with 26 bones in each foot!

My tip: spritz!
To alleviate pressure after a busy day, elevate your legs on a chair or large pillow for 10 minutes, to help to minimise the achy feeling.  Then soothe your calves and feet with a fine mist of Liz Earle Foot Spritzer. This is like air conditioning for your feet, as the menthol tricks the brain into thinking your skin is cool, which is great when feet are hot and puffy. I like to keep mine in my handbag, so I can spritz on the go.

Foot fact
Feet have thousands of sweat glands and can excrete up to half a pint of moisture a day.

My tip: scrub!
To keep feet looking and smelling fresh in the winter, wash them daily and use a scrub such as Liz Earle Foot Scrub. This glorious blend containing West African shea, avocado and wheatgerm will maintain moisture levels in the skin, while the hardworking pumice will eliminate sweat and dead skin cells. To get the best results, use a foot file on dry skin first, to slough away the thick layer of dead skin.  This will reduce discomfort on the heel and balls of your feet.

Foot fact
Going barefoot is the best position for your feet, joints and overall posture.  In 2007, a professor in South Africa compared the skeletons of modern humans from different population groups with skeletons from 2,000 years ago and discovered that people had healthier feet and posture before the invention of shoes.

My tip: lavish!
Kick off your shoes as soon as you get home and, after exfoliation, lavish your feet with Liz Earle Foot Repair Moisturiser. This really is TLC in a bottle for your feet, as it is blended with moisturising shea butter, calming lavandin and uplifting rosemary and peppermint. If your skin is particularly dry, apply a layer of Liz Earle Superbalm to your heels, balls of your feet and toes, before applying your Foot Repair Moisturiser for extra suppleness.  Finally, give your feet a little well-deserved massage. Sandwich your toes between your palms and roll your hands in opposite circles for a few minutes on each foot, so your foot is almost squeezed. This will help to stimulate circulation. Before putting on your slippers or socks, walk around on a carpet for at least five minutes to allow the joints, bones and muscles to realign.

Do share your footcare tips with us and remember, spritz, scrub and lavish for happy feet!

Wishing you a wonderful Christmas!

Last week, I stayed at a gorgeous destination spa in Wexford, Ireland, for some rest and rejuvenation. It was my perfect tonic to the sudden change in seasons and a real boost for my lacklustre skin.  After a few sessions of Tai Chi, meditation and water therapy (such as a sauna), I now feel ready to face the coming winter months with renewed zest and vitality.  I wanted to share some of these ancient techniques with you, as I truly believe that health and beauty not only comes from what we use on our skin, but also from within.

As the nights draw in, energy levels drop and our skin can suffer due to harsh winds and central heating. This is the optimum time to look at your skincare routine and make a few changes, to give your skin the best possible care and protection.

Finding inner balance
We all know that if we feel run down or don’t take care of ourselves properly it will be reflected in our skin. Our skin is basically a mirror of what’s happening inside the body. So if you are looking or feeling a little sluggish, I would recommend doing a mini-detox over a weekend.

I love Liz’s detox tips in Skin Secrets (page 158), as this will give your body an efficient cleanse without being too intense. To help support your liver, eat foods like garlic, onions, beans, pulses and members of the brassica family, which includes broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage. Onions, garlic, beans and pulses contain methionine, which assists ‘methyation’ – the chemical process by which the liver breaks down oestrogen. This process has a positive effect on the skin.

A great way to enhance your skin’s function is by taking a bath filled with Epsom salts. These purifying salts encourage the body to excrete fluid via the skin, which reduces puffiness. Also, reducing your intake of salt and salty food can help to reduce fluid in the tissues. Alternatively, go for a sauna like I did, as this is a great way to ‘sweat out’ toxins, to leave skin feeling soft and looking clearer.

Breathe
Meditation or breathing techniques are a great way to reduce tension. Each day, try to find 15 minutes to yourself in a quiet space. Sit on a chair with your back supported and feet firmly on the ground and rest your hands on your lap with your palms facing upwards. With your mouth closed, place your tongue on the roof of your mouth (this helps to relax the mind) and take deep breaths through your nose, feeling the air move through your nostrils. If thoughts come and go that’s fine – just sit until your body feels truly relaxed. At the end, sweep your hands up and down your arms and legs to wake up your system. Using this meditation regularly will also help to keep you de-stressed.

My winter skin essential:
Superbalm: This wonder balm is one of my top five favourite Liz Earle treats, due to it being such a multi-tasker. Lovingly blended with 100% pure plant oils, it will be your skin’s perfect winter companion.  Lavish any dry skin areas (such as heels, cuticles, lips, flaky brows) with Superbalm and massage all over your face, either at night or even just once a week to give skin a gorgeous glow. We use Superbalm for the facial massage in our new Healthy Beautiful Skin Facial. With skin-loving ingredients such as vitamin E and rosehip oil, moisture is locked into the skin to prevent TEWL (transepidermal water loss), which helps skin to maintain a healthy balance.

Superskin Moisturiser: Although I normally use Skin Repair Moisturiser Dry/sensitive, in the winter I ‘step up’ to Superskin Moisturiser. As skin looks and feels drier this time of year, it is crucial you moisturise your face and body and, just like me, the majority of skin types will need to ‘step up’ their moisturiser to the next level. I always bring my Superskin Moisturiser to the office when I am out of the treatment rooms, as this protects my skin from the heating and heat from the computer. It’s also great for skin showing signs of ageing, such as lack of suppleness and tone. I would recommend keeping the small travel size with you so you can top up your skin’s moisture levels on demand. And don’t forget your body! I love Superskin Body Cream. This is my desert island essential, as East African Shea Butter and a heavenly blend of plant oils keep my skin feeling like velvet. Always massage over skin immediately after a warm bath or shower to help lock in moisture.

Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask: If your skin is starting to display signs of winter exposure, use this caring moisture mask two to three times a week. Leave on overnight if you are short of time and simply use Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser in the morning to remove. To give your skin a boost when it is feeling parched, apply two to three drops of Superskin Concentrate underneath a generous layer of this mask.

The sensitive eye area needs extra care in the summer months. Jo Givens our treatments expert explains how to keep your eyes looking and feeling refreshed.

Brilliant sunshine, the scent of fresh flowers and a cooling dip in the sea are just some of the highlights of summer. Unfortunately pollen and salt can cause havoc to delicate eyes, triggering irritation and allergies, causing them to become puffy and watery. The fragile under-eye skin can also suffer in the warmer months, with exposure to sunlight taking its toll if the skin here is not properly protected, leading to sun damage and fine lines.

So to help you make it through the summer months with bright and beautiful eyes I wanted to share our tried and tested tips with you.

Instant relief for eyes

To soothe eyes that have been irritated by hayfever, seawater, chlorine or sunlight try Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion. The gentle, non-oily formula is ideal for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. The blend of naturally active ingredients, including eyebright, witch hazel, organic aloe vera and cornflower will help tone, cool and refresh tired, puffy or sore eyes.

To use, simply soak two pads in the lotion and place on your eyes for a few minutes while you relax. For extra cooling benefits, store the bottle in the fridge, or place the soaked pads in the fridge for 30 minutes before use.

Protection for eyes

The skin under your eyes is as delicate as a rose petal, so it’s important to protect it from the elements. Wearing sunglasses is a good way of shielding your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays, but this isn’t always possible, so for added protection try using Daily Eye Repair every morning after moisturising.

The SPF10 mineral sunscreen helps protect this delicate area from UV light, while the triple-action cream contains light-reflective particles to brighten dark under-eye shadows. With moisturising borage, protective antioxidants beta-carotene and natural source vitamin E and soothing echinacea, to help revitalise your skin with this potent blend of naturally active ingredients.

Apply every morning as part of your daily skincare routine. Use an amount about the size of a grain of rice and apply along the eye contour following the bone with your ring finger, as this will offer the lightest touch.  Use a gentle tapping action from the inner corner outwards to your temples. Repeat three times on each side to stimulate the skin’s circulation and lymphatic system, to reduce dark circles and puffiness.

A little TLC

To give under-eye skin  a moisturising boost use Smoothing Line Serum after cleansing and before moisturising. This light, oil-free serum can be used to help plump and firm skin around the eyes, as well as skin on the lips, forehead and décolletage. Naturally active ingredients include antioxidant grapeseed extract and soothing echinacea for softer, smoother skin.

If you have a little more spare time, try the eye mask we use as part of our Signature Facial in our King’s Road store treatment rooms. To prepare soak two cotton pads in Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion and store in the fridge for around 30 minutes. When these have chilled apply one pump of Smoothing Line Serum around your eye contour and pat on gently with your ring finger. Then apply the two cotton pads soaked with Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion to your eyes for 15 minutes and relax. This will help to decongest and hydrate the eye area, leaving eyes looking rejuvenated.

To make sure you look your radiant best this summer, I would encourage you to get back to basics and really focus on a good Cleanse & Polish, tone and moisturise routine twice a day every day.

Why Cleanse & Polish, tone and moisturise?

During the warmer months, skin can become congested due to excess perspiration. As our pores are the opening to our sudoriferous (commonly known as sweat) glands in the skin, it’s important to keep them clean, particularly if you have been in hot weather. The sweat glands perform three main functions: they regulate and cool the body’s temperature; they excrete water and electrolytes and they protect, by preserving the acid mantle in the skin. By maintaining a good Cleanse & Polish, tone and moisturise routine, it will help your skin remain clean, balanced and looking radiant. If you skip your routine however, your skin may become clogged with blackheads, pimples or generally look dull. You may also find that your tan does not last very long due to a build up of debris on the skin.  A little work is worth the effort − I promise!

Cleanse & Polish: As any good therapist will tell you, cleansing is the most important part of your skincare routine. This is because caring for your skin at this crucial stage will maintain your skin’s natural barrier function, cleaning away any excess grime or sweat to ‘create your own skincare canvas’. What I love about Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser is how fabulous this individual cleanser is on all skin types. And it’s not just me that loves it – Cleanse & Polish has now won 64 awards and accolades! Rather than wait until you go to bed, try Clenase & Polish as soon as you return from a day in a hot office or a glorious day on the beach as you don’t want the sweat to sit on your skin and clog pores. Always massage for at least 30 seconds (or two minutes if you want a deeper cleanse) using soothing circles over face and neck. Work down your neck and outwards from the centre of your face. Using Cleanse & Polish morning and evening will offer the very best results.

Tone: I always get asked if toning is a step that can be missed out.  Whilst this second step may be omitted with certain skincare ranges, I would always recommend using our toner. Instant Boost Skin Tonic is alcohol-free and packed with gorgeous botanicals, such as aloe vera. This amazing ingredient attracts moisture from the atmosphere and locks it onto the skin, thus helping the skin’s natural barrier perform at its optimum level. Our tonic is also great to soothe and hydrate your skin during the summer, containing calming ingredients such as cucumber and calendula. Tone after cleansing, morning and evening, or even throughout the day when your skin is feeling parched.

Moisturise: Once your skin is thoroughly cleansed and toned, it’s time to moisturise, another crucial part of your skincare routine. A moisturiser formulated with plant oils actually helps the skin to lock in moisture which is often lost after exposure to air conditioning or central heating or when humidity levels change. Even if your skin is oily, you should still moisturise as you need to maintain the natural balance of the skin. Always ‘dot on’ your moisturiser to forehead, cheeks, chin and neck, then blend outwards with your fingertips.

Ideally, moisturise morning and evening so that your skin is protected against any potential moisture loss throughout the day. At night, during the summer when windows are open and humidity is high, we perspire more, so it is vital that you choose a plant-based moisturiser like Skin Repair. Skin Repair Moisturiser Light is for oily or shiny skin, Skin Repair Moisturiser Normal/Combination is for normal skin with a slight imbalance in the T-zone and Skin Repair Moisturiser Dry/Sensitive is for delicate or dry skin. You may wish to step up to Superskin Mosituriser if your skin feels very parched after sun exposure, or you are noticing signs of aging such as lines and lost bounce in the skin.

If you have a friend that hasn’t tried Liz Earle before, why not treat them to our divine Summer skincare essentials offer? Or you could just treat yourself…

When you buy your three daily essentials, you will receive a complimentary Skin-Savers Kit containing travel sizes of Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer, Skin Repair Moisturiser Dry/Sensitive, Hand Repair and Superbalm all in a neat little travel bag. The perfect little friends to take with you on holiday!

Please do let us know how you get on with your routine. I wish you a warm, safe and lovely summer.

Throughout the summer your skin is on show much more than usual, and for me, when it’s time to get out of my winter woollies and into flowing summer dresses and toe-baring sandals, radiant skin is the ultimate confidence booster.

So whether you’ll be lounging on a Caribbean beach or taking a stroll down Brighton Pier this summer, I’ve handpicked five of my skin saviours, each packed with nature’s finest botanicals, to help leave your skin deliciously scented, feeling soft and looking smooth – perfect for summer body confidence!

Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash
I love using this body wash in the summer, as the uplifting scent of the orange flower water instantly puts me in a good mood. Formulated with naturally derived cleansing and foaming agents, it can be used on all skin types even if you have been exposed to sea water, chlorine, UV and heat. It’s so gentle you can even use it on children, so it’s a great body wash to pack in your suitcase for the
whole family.

Energising Body Lotion
After showering I like to use this lightweight lotion to ‘wake up’ my whole body, it’s great when I’m feeling a little lethargic. To get the best results, massage all over the body, paying attention to knees, elbows, ankles, thighs and bottom, to quench thirsty skin and help improve its appearance and elasticity.

Instant Boost Skin Tonic
This is one of my all time favourites and during the summer.  I especially love the spritz version, which I keep in my handbag to instantly calm my skin. It contains organic aloe vera, traditionally known for its soothing properties, and will provide a refreshing boost for your skin whenever you feel hot and bothered. It’s also a perfect skin ‘wake-me-up’ for long haul flights.

Mineral Sun Cream SPF20
A cream that’s not to be missed, this contains mineral sun filters, which reflect rather than absorb the harsh UV rays and tend to be better for sensitive skin, reducing the risk of prickly heat.  Always apply this cream before you go out into the sun. To help create the ultimate barrier from UVA and UVB rays without the whiteness, try layering the cream before you head outside in the sun.  Squeeze a small amount of the cream into the palms of your hands, then ‘pat and roll’ palms together to ‘warm’ it before applying a layer to your skin. Allow it to sink in and 10 minutes later, add a second layer to build up the barrier. Don’t forget to reapply throughout the day.

Sunshade Botanical Aftersun Gel
To complete your sun skincare, don’t forget this aloe vera-packed treat which will instantly cool and calm. I like to keep mine in the fridge for extra soothing benefits.

Finally, I just wanted to add: remember to stay hydrated with plenty of water in the warmer weather, as dehydration is not good for your skin or your body.  I always love to hear from you all, so please let me know your favourite Liz Earle summer skin saviours and any summer beauty tips you’ve discovered.

Wishing you a safe and happy summer.

One of the most common skincare questions I am asked by customers is “can you tell me which moisturiser I should be using?” Knowing what cream to use (and when) can be a daunting prospect, especially when factors such as understanding your skin type, and how to adapt your routine seasonally can add to the confusion.

As we say ‘goodbye’ to the spring and welcome the glorious summer, now is the perfect time to review your moisturiser. Just a few simple changes may help to ensure that your regime is working effectively to keep your skin protected and looking healthy.

Humidity and our skin
In the summer the humidity can be higher in the atmosphere.  While this can be good news for dry skin due to the increased amount of water droplets pressing onto the skin’s top layer, for acne it can be a different matter.  Acne can become worse in the summer, as extreme heat and humidity can also facilitate bacterial and fungal infections in the skin.  Also if you work in air conditioning the humidity is much lower, resulting in the skin drying out due to less water droplets in the air.

So, with all these factors to take into consideration, which moisturiser should you choose? Here is my summer guide for different skin types:

Oily skin
Skin is: prone to shine, thicker in texture with larger pores and make-up slides off.

If you currently use Skin Repair Light you will be familiar with the fabulous matte finish it provides. During the summer as the humidity is higher, your skin can feel oilier as the sweat glands start to go into overdrive. To balance this Smoothing Line Serum is a great alternative for face and neck hydration during lazy days at the beach. The grapeseed extract will offer skin moisture, while the oil-free formulation will keep skin feeling light and supple under your sun cream. I’d also recommend using an oil-free foundation to avoid clogging pores.

Normal or Combination skin
Skin is: normal in texture, with open pores on the T-zone and is neither tight nor greasy. Combination skin is oily on the T-zone where breakouts tend to occur with normal skin
on the cheeks.

If you are using Skin Repair Normal/combination as your moisturiser, you might try stepping down to Skin Repair Light in the summer. This will ensure your T-zone remains balanced in a hot climate and will prevent your skin feeling too heavy under your sun cream. If your skin is feeling particularly dry in the evening after a day spent by the beach, dip into Skin Repair Dry/sensitive for a boost to re-balance the skin.

Dry or Sensitive skin
Skin is: flaky and rough to touch, with small pores. Feels tight and sometimes irritated after washing. Sensitive skin is thin and has fine pores, flushes easily, tends to be easily irritated and prone to broken capillaries.

I would recommend Skin Repair Moisturiser Dry/sensitive for all but the driest and most mature skin types. It’s packed with hard-working plant oils such as borage and avocado, which will offer skin protection all year. For those of you who work in an air conditioned environment, why not step up to Superskin Moisturiser when in the office? I always like to keep a pot of this rich cream by my desk, as it gives my skin that extra moisture boost to counteract the harsh effects of artificial air. If you have a holiday coming up in a hot climate, then I’d recommend you step down to Skin Repair Normal/combination during the daytime, as this will prevent your skin from feeling too heavy in the heat.

Acne-prone skin
Skin is: sore with visible whiteheads and large blackheads

Acne has the potential to get worse as the weather gets hotter. There are several explanations as to why this happens. For one, excess heat and humidity increase sweat production, which means more oil is produced to clog the pores. Also, summer activities – such as a dip in a swimming pool – can have negative effects on our skin due to the high levels of chlorine in the water.  The key thing is to keep your skin clean, so always wash off your sun cream before you go to bed. I would recommend using Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser as it will keep your skin clean and balanced without stripping it or being harsh.  Take plenty of muslin cloths with you, so you are using a clean one each time you wash your skin and not transferring any bacteria.

To moisturise, Smoothing Line Serum is oil-free and can be applied to your face and neck under your sun cream. For the night, switch to Skin Repair Light so the fabulous plant oils will address the balance of your skin as you sleep.

As always, if any of you have any questions, comments or suggestions on summer skincare, please share them with us by adding your comments below.

I think feet are wonderful and rarely get the credit and pampering they deserve…

Did you know that there are 26 bones in each foot?  If these precious bones become imbalanced, the rest of your skeleton will too. I find it amazing that each foot  is made up of 33 joints, 10 tendons, 107 ligaments and 19 muscles. With all these important components and having to support our every move, feet can sometimes feel neglected and develop wear and tear. But with a little care and attention, and these three easy steps using our luxurious Liz Earle footcare range, your feet will be happier and feel healthier not only this summer but all year round.

Step 1- Scrub

The soles of our feet do not have any sebaceous (oil) glands which keep the epidermal (the top skin) layers lubricated and waterproof. As feet are missing these glands, they sometimes become dry, thick and flaky with dead skin cells. You may think exfoliation on your feet is a step you can miss, but all those dead skin cells need to be buffed away.

I would recommend massaging hard-working Liz Earle Foot Scrub over your feet and lower legs, paying attention to heels, toes, the ball of your feet and ankles. Do this twice a week, rinsing off whilst in the shower to save valuable time.  InStyle magazine Best Beauty Buys 2011 recently awarded our Liz Earle Foot Scrub as Best Foot Scrub, this fabulous foot treat, packed with uplifting essential oils of peppermint and rosemary and softening wheatgerm and avocado oils, will leave your feet feeling soft and truly enhance our step 2 – Repair.

Step 2 – Repair

When you massage any cream into your feet it instantly provides that ‘ooh factor’ and gives you a sense of joy and wellbeing. This is due to our feet being covered in over 7,000 nerve endings, and as they are touched, the brain releases ‘happy’ hormones to make you feel great, so this is also a perfect and simple way to help reduce stress levels.

Use your thumb to gently circle over the soles of your feet to help release tension. Once feet are exfoliated and buffed, they are ready for some nurturing with Liz Earle Foot Repair Moisturiser. Formulated with deeply moisturising shea butter and softening plant oils of wheatgerm and avocado, this heavenly cream will help promote suppleness and even out skin texture.

As an added extra, apply a generous application of Superbalm around cuticles, nails and cracked heels under a thick layer of Liz Earle Foot Repair Moisturiser and sleep with a pair of cotton socks overnight. This will leave feet feeling as soft as velvet and allow them to be prepared for the day ahead, as your natural ‘shock absorbers’.

Step 3 – Spritz

I was so delighted to hear that Liz Earle Foot Spritzer was back as part of the Liz Earle family. There are more than 25,000 sweat glands in each foot and when very active they can produce a shocking six ounces of perspiration a day! I would urge you to try this cooling spritzer if you haven’t already, as the powerful blend of nine essential oils help freshen and revitalise tired feet and can also help with any foot odours.

As mentioned in her latest blog, Jennifer also talks about the menthol we use in Liz Earle Foot Spritzer and how it actually tricks the brain into thinking the skin is being cooled – the genius of plants! I would recommend using it as a final step in your footcare regime, but also keep it with you in your bag for the daytime. I like to spritz my feet after a day of treatments and sometimes I even use it when commuting, to help give comfort and ease the journey when standing. You can even spritz it over denier tights (not opaque) if you are in the office and this will instantly refresh, it feels as soothing on your feet as Instant Boost Skin Tonic feels on your face. I would also recommend using this over your lower legs two minutes after gentle body brushing to help invigorate tired limbs.

So here’s to happy feet!

As the winter can leave skin looking dull and lacklustre, I embrace the build-up to spring with great enthusiasm and positivity. Just the thought of daffodil buds emerging in all their golden glory inspires me to clear out my clutter and spring clean my skin.

Once a week I indulge in ‘Skin Sunday’, when I book a 30 minute session in my bathroom to prepare for the busy week ahead.  My husband knows that when I close the bathroom door and the scent of Orange Flower Body Wash starts to waft throughout our home that I am not to be disturbed!

To start my relaxation, I light a Vital Oils Candle, plug in my iPod and strategically place a stand-up mirror on the edge of the bath. Then I blissfully lower my aching body into a warm bath and I’m ready to say ‘hello’ to some faithful skincare friends.  As I reach for Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, Gentle Face Exfoliator and Deep Cleansing Mask (with Spot-On always on standby for any skin emergencies) the time has come to reward my skin with a mini facial.

So I urge you to start your very own Skin Sunday once a week, or any day of the week for that matter, and if you’re home alone, even better.  It’s time to liberate your skin!

Skin Sunday tool kit
To treat yourself, you will need to prepare the following…

A warm bath:
Light your candle (be sure to position it safely) and place a splash of body wash under the running tap. Using this in the bath, as well as washing with it, provides extra comfort and hydration.  If you have a shower instead, follow steps 2 and 3 and then relax with your mask on for 10 minutes.

Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare:

• Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser and pure muslin cloths
• Gentle Face Exfoliator
• Deep Cleansing Mask (or Intensive Nourishing Mask depending on your skin type)
• Spot-On and a mirror

Close the bathroom door (or turn off your phone if you’re home alone):
serenity is key for a clear and calm mind, which has positive effects on your skin.

Music:
play some gentle, calming music, or relax in silence if you prefer.

Step 1: Cleanse
Due to our body systems slowing down in the winter months, excess dead cells can be more visible, causing a dull, grey appearance.  After using Cleanse & Polish, eliminate unwanted cells by gently massaging one pump of Gentle Face Exfoliator over face and neck for one to two minutes (or until the scrub has started to gather together on your skin).  The divine cocoa butter and beeswax soften skin, as the fine jojoba beads (like gentle pearls) exfoliate and brighten.  This also prepares a clean canvas for your treatment masks.

Beauty therapist tip: If your skin is sensitive, you can add one pump of Cleanse & Polish to Gentle Face Exfoliator to make the formulation more creamy and comforting.  To remove, either rinse off or use a damp muslin cloth.

Step 2: Purify
Immediately after exfoliation, apply Deep Cleansing Mask over face and neck and leave for up to 10 minutes (see my guide to skin types below). If you have any excess oil or breakouts, the purifying green clay will reduce impurities, while soothing manuka honey and protective propolis spring clean and balance.

This clever gentle mask soothes as it deeply cleanses so it is suitable for all skin types.
I would recommend the following applications, based on your skin type: 

Oily Skin: Use two to three times a week for 10 minutes
Normal/Combination: Use twice a week for five minutes
Dry/Mature: Use once a week for five minutes if skin is congested
Sensitive: Use once a week and mix with Intensive Nourishing Mask to provide comfort for two to five minutes

Beauty therapist tip: To remove your mask, massage or spritz a generous amount of Instant Boost Skin Tonic over face and neck. This will soften the mask and allow easier removal, while toning your skin – and will instantly calm and give radiance.

Step 3: Balance
To finally banish any skin nasties apply Spot-On before your moisturiser.  This handy applicator comes as a roller-ball, so you can effortlessly glide over spots without irritating skin. Naturally active ingredients get to work on your skin with antiseptic tea tree, soothing melissa and calming lavender.  Keep this in your handbag, so you can apply it once or twice a day.

Beauty therapist tip: If you have sore or split cuticles, apply Spot-On around your nail bed to prevent infections.

I do hope you enjoy my tips, and please let me know how you get on.  Here’s to wonderful skin with a spring in its step!