Liz Earle Naturally Active Skincare blog

This February 14^th, my husband and I will be staying in to enjoy a relaxing evening with our favourite DVD – and he’s promised to do the ‘bedtime hour’ with our young girls so that I can have the bathroom to myself for once! We all like looking and feeling special on Valentine’s Day, so here are my top tips for glowing, radiant, healthy-looking skin – and a sneak peek into what I’ll be doing during that precious 30 minutes of me-time (bliss!)…

First things first, I plan to lock the door, so there’ll be no interruptions from two small people (and one husband!) Next, I’ll light my latest indulgence, our delicious Eucalyptus & Rosemary Candle, to help me relax and unwind. I love burning this at the corner of my bathtub and turning off the lights…

I’ll run a warm bath with Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash – not too hot, to be kinder to the skin. Next, I’ll perform a double cleanse with my Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser – firstly to remove daily grime and make up, and the second time using a gentle massage technique, smoothing the cream upwards and outwards to encourage a glowing complexion. I’ll then soak the pure muslin cloth in hand-hot water and place it over my face for a few minutes until it has cooled. It’s the perfect way to begin my mini-facial.

After cleansing, I’ll apply a few pumps of Gentle Face Exfoliator to my skin to slough away dead skin cells. This is easy to do in dimmed lighting as you can feel the fine beads in the exfoliator. Then I’ll apply my favourite treatment mask – right now I love our Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask. Remember, as part of your February skincare essentials offer, you can select your choice of full-size treatment mask as a complimentary gift!

After a glorious soak (I might take the FT Weekend Magazine in with me!), I’ll indulge in some Superskin TLC – applying Superskin Moisturiser to my face, Superskin Body Cream all over my arms and legs, and Superskin Neck & Bust Treatment over the décolleté. The perfect trio for glorious skin! These cold weather must-haves are great for helping very dry and mature skin look and feel rejuvenated.

Now my skin is glowing and ready for make up – all I need is a stroke of Lash Definition Smudgeproof Mascara and a touch of our Healthy Glow Cream Blush in Nude for my lips and cheeks, and I’m ready for my evening!

To top it all off, I know that my wish list has not gone unnoticed because I accidentally opened a bottle of my beloved Botanical Essence No. 15 which my husband had ordered for me! So I will be finishing my evening ritual with a spritz of this heavenly fine fragrance. My husband loves this sophisticated, sexy scent on me – so here’s to snuggling on the sofa and looking, feeling and smelling fab!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

Over the festive period, did you find that your water intake and exercise routine fell by the wayside, like mine did, as the Christmas shopping, entertaining and general over-indulgence took over? If that sounds familiar, your lymphatic system may have become sluggish. Customers visiting our treatment rooms in January often complain of lethargy and dull skin, but improving the circulation through drinking lots of water, exercise and massage (either at home or with a full body massage – aka body MOT – at our treatment rooms), can lead to a real improvement in skin tone, general health and energy levels.

I’ve kick-started the year with an energising regime, combining lifestyle techniques with our uplifting Energise range, and I’m already feeling the benefits. Here’s my recipe for my beauty boost regime – I hope it inspires you and boosts your beauty ambitions for January too…

What you need to get started:

Ingredients
Natural Bristle Body Brush
Energising Body Wash
Energising Body Lotion

Step one
Before my morning shower, I use my Natural Bristle Body Brush to sweep lightly over every surface of my body (avoiding the face and sensitive areas), starting at the soles of my feet and working upwards, brushing towards my heart. This only takes a couple of minutes, but is so invigorating. Dry body brushing can help stimulate your circulation and help improve the appearance of a dull skin tone. It’s also great for sloughing off dry, flaky patches which are more prevalent at this time of the year, particularly on the shins. (You might also like to try our Energising Body Scrub, which is amazing for giving your skin a thorough exfoliation. Use once or twice a week in addition to dry body brushing to keep your skin feeling beautifully smooth).

Step two
Once in the shower, I apply one to two squirts of Energising Body Wash onto a shower puff (you can use a sponge if you prefer) and then, starting at the soles of my feet perform speedy, spiral-like movements working upwards towards my heart, ensuring that every surface of my skin is covered.

The beauty of Energising Body Wash is that it’s free from sodium lauryl sulphate, so it leaves my skin feeling soft and smooth. My favourite essential oils within its revitalising botanical blend are eucalyptus, grapefruit and rosemary – they fill the shower with zing and leave me feeling charged with energy and ready to face the world! Finish your shower with one blast of cold water to really wake you up and invigorate your body and mind.

Step three
Once out of the shower, I love to use our Energising Body Lotion – the texture is really lightweight so sinks into the skin quickly, ideal for rushed mornings!  Again, I apply the lotion onto my skin starting at my feet and working upwards until my whole body is covered. I use a massage technique known in beauty therapy as ‘tapotement’. Keeping your fingers together, you create a ‘cupping shape’ with your hands and then alternately beat them lightly across your thighs, hips and buttocks – this really helps get the circulation moving. Make sure you pay particular attention to key areas of sluggish circulation and poor skin tone.

The topping
If you’re partial to a regular caffeine fix, try to reduce your intake by one or two cups a day, otherwise your wonderful energising regime will be fighting with the falsely uplifting effects caffeine provides. So, to top off this delicious beauty-boosting skin recipe, why not start your day with an energising herbal tea? I love three tulsi tea – a blend of three delicious varieties of tulsi leaf – it really makes you feel restored and uplifted. Go for foods with a low GI to help keep up your energy levels and try to drink 1.5-2 litres of water a day. If you find water dull, why not try coconut water? It’s packed full of vitamins, minerals and other nutrients including potassium, calcium, and chloride, making it a wonderful energy drink, (with less sugar and sodium content than your average sports drink), great for rehydrating the body and replenishing energy levels.

Finally, look for an exercise regime that suits you. I’ve started a class called Body Balance, which incorporates yoga, tai chi and meditation – wonderful for restoring inner balance – but even power walking and gentle stretches are excellent ways to recharge.

I hope this has helped give your new year an invigorating kick-start, and don’t miss January’s amazing New Year, New You offer, featuring the ingredients you need for your very own beauty-boosting recipe for the special price of £20.00 – saving you £13.75.

Happy Energising!

It was lovely to meet and treat so many of you at our stores and treatment rooms in 2012. Over the last few months, our Signature Facial was a real favourite with customers. Opting to lie under a warm duvet in our heavenly oases of calm while our therapists worked their magic proved to be a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the party season and Christmas shopping!

I really hope you had a wonderful festive break with family, friends and loved ones. I certainly enjoyed some treasured time off – it gave me the chance to reflect on the last twelve months and set goals for the year ahead, and I’ve started 2013 with a reassessment of my skin and overall health. November and December were such busy months involving over-indulgence in rich food and drink, not enough time for relaxation and plenty of festive socialising, all of which have left me with a general feeling of overload and fatigue.

Our skin is often the first area to show the signs post-Christmas. I firmly believe that the health and performance of our skin not only relies on an effective skincare regime but also lifestyle factors such as stress, sleep and diet. Although I’m very good at looking after my skin through our regime of cleanse, tone and moisturise and enjoying my weekly treats with our problem solvers, my festive, fatigued skin has been suffering from congestion and breakouts, sensitivity, dehydration and dark circles. So here are my beauty resolutions to help me look and feel my radiant best again:

1. One of our customers’ most common skin concerns over November and December was dehydration. Its effects include fine lines becoming more visible particularly around the eye area, dullness in skin tone and a loss of resilience and elasticity in the skin. I know I certainly haven’t been drinking as much water as I should over Christmas, so my first resolution is to up my water intake to at least 1.5 litres a day with absolutely no excuses. I look forward to noticing the difference this has on my skin in its clarity, smoothness and plumpness.

2. My post-Christmas skin needs a thorough ‘spring clean’ so I’ve booked myself a Signature Facial straight after the Christmas break to help clear congestion and help relieve puffiness around my eyes and nose. I’m so looking forward to the gentle steam to soften my pores and help eliminate impurities, the manual extractions to decongest, the antibacterial high-frequency, deep-cleansing vacuum suction to leave my skin looking visibly healthier, and of course the relaxing, pampering facial massage! (Tune into QVC at the end of January to learn how to achieve similar results at home using our skincare range with an ‘at-home facial’ routine.)

3. Another promise I’ve made to myself is increasing the number of hours’ sleep I have each night and make more time for relaxation! Beauty sleep really isn’t a myth – having adequate levels of sleep not only improves your daily performance but helps bring balance to the body. Early January can be a challenging time to feel energised, but achieving adequate sleep and relaxation levels is a great place to start. So being organised and getting to bed at a time that gives me 7-8 hours per night is going to be my goal.

4. For an effective overall body cleanse, I am trying to increase my intake of fruit and vegetables and avoid sugary treats. This, I know, will have a positive effect on my skin and energy levels. Detox smoothies are the way forward in my home this year with the arrival of a new food processor – we’ll be enjoying plenty of homemade juices, smoothies and soups! For my first smoothie, I’ll be combining kiwi, mango, papaya, pears, red apples, pink grapefruit, grapes, strawberries, tangerine and watermelon to create the most delicious concoction of goodness!

5. Our lymphatic system acts like a waste disposal system, breaking down toxins and bacteria and eliminating excess fluid in our tissues. Unlike the blood circulatory system that has the heart to pump, the lymphatic system does not have its own pump and therefore relies on our own muscle contraction (through exercise and breathing). I am definitely going to get back into a good routine of exercise twice a week, with a combination of classes including pilates, yoga and body balance along with swimming and power-walking!

I’d love to hear your new year beauty resolutions, so do get in touch and let me know what you have planned.

With very best wishes for 2013!
Karen x

New Year is a wonderful new start – a fresh start, a new focus, and that lovely feeling that anything is possible this year. As my husband’s birthday is New Year’s Day, the year always starts in a very special way in our household – with even more champagne! It’s a fantastic way to celebrate the coming year and all the hope it brings.

Some of my top resolutions this year include:

1. Heed my mum’s advice more – As I head towards 40, I’m appreciating my mother’s tips more than ever! This is one of hers: whether you wear flats or high heels, just changing your shoes halfway through the day can really re-energise you. So whether you’re shopping for bargains in the sales and want to keep going all day, or moving straight from the office to an evening out, just change shoes! It really does work, even if it’s from one pair of heels to another.

2. Take time to relax – When I was studying for my English Literature MA at King’s, we also took classes for three terms at RADA. I had a fabulous Alexander Technique teacher there and I still use his techniques today. One great energising tip is to lie down supine with a few books under your head – this helps rebalance and realign the spine, takes the weight off your feet and makes you feel amazing. Just do this for a few minutes at the end of the day, perhaps after you walk in from work, to recentre yourself.

3. Take time to regularly clear out – I believe little things that regularly annoy you slow you down! By changing these little things, you’re fresher for the big things, so have a regular clear out of the cupboards, file your household paperwork every week or even just re-sort your socks drawer…  It’s little things like this that make a big difference in the daily hub-bub of a busy life.

4. Find more ways to kick-start my day – Brushing your teeth in very cold water (unless you have sensitive teeth) really works for me! I also find that a good, brisk short walk helps clear my head. On the days I’m not working, I walk my elder daughter to school. The walk home, with my [now 20 month-old] daughter in the buggy, is really invigorating and helps focus me for the day. Maybe try this by leaving home a bit late for the train or bus to make you walk that wee bit faster! Or simply fit in a ten-minute walk to buy the morning newspaper or a takeaway coffee, enjoying the time for some head-clearing walking first thing to set you up for the day. Keep it clear of phone calls or checking emails on your phone – only ‘head space’ time allowed!

5. Not worry about my skin – So many of you can tick this box as ‘DONE’! How wonderful that we have the Liz Earle range in our lives so the one thing we no longer need to worry about is our skin!

Wishing you all a very happy new year and look forward to ‘seeing’ you on Sunday 28th January for our next QVC shows!

From today until Saturday, step into any of our Liz Earle stores and enjoy our special ‘Five Days of Beauty’ event. If you can’t join us in person, don’t worry – our experts will be posting a blog each day so you can enjoy their advice and tips from the comfort of your own home.

Today, our in-store beauty focus is how to create healthy-looking, beautiful skin – and I’m delighted to share my top tips in this very first blog post. Here at Liz Earle, we passionately believe that the secret to simply great skin is cleansing, toning and moisturising, twice a day every day. By choosing the ultimate in cleansing power such as our Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, which is enriched with botanicals, you can remove all traces of daily grime and make up without drying your skin. Simply apply the formula to dry skin, massage over your face and neck using small circular motions with your fingertips, then remove using a pure muslin cloth rinsed in hand-hot water. By gently ‘polishing’ away the cleanser, you’ll help to dislodge dead skin cells and reveal skin that looks healthier and more radiant. Our cleanser is so lovely and rich; it’s a pampering ritual that delivers exceptional results on all skin types – we even use it in the heavenly bespoke facials available at our treatment rooms.

After cleansing, revitalise, soothe and brighten skin by soaking two cotton wool pads in Instant Boost Skin Tonic and sweeping gently over your face and neck from the centre of the face outwards. The heavenly-scented formula is a real treat for the senses too –  it’s alcohol-free, so won’t dry your skin, and contains organic aloe vera. The final step in your skincare regime is massaging your choice of moisturiser over your skin to encourage a smoother, softer complexion. We have three Skin Repair Moisturisers to suit skin types from dry and sensitive to oily. However, very dry or more mature skin types may benefit from our Superskin Moisturiser, which is enriched with a blend of pure plant oils.

I know from experience how beneficial our daily mantra of ‘cleanse, tone and moisturise’ can be – why not discover it for yourself with this month’s special offer? Or for an extra-special treat, visit us in our treatment rooms to enjoy our exquisite Healthy Beautiful Skin Facial – a truly pampering way to boost radiance and restore energy levels!

Somehow, this has proved to be my most organised Christmas ever. I’ve already enjoyed composing my special list for each recipient in my gift book (along with emergency ideas, in case I forget anyone!). I’ve even dug out my favourite Christmas cards, which I’ll start writing later this month. Whoever you’re choosing gifts for this year, our 2012 gift collection really is our best yet, with truly pampering treats for all ages and all skin types.

We have three brand-new and wonderful seasonal additions to our Christmas 2012 range, which promise to transform your home this Christmas and offer a fun twist on seasonal celebrations.

Eucalyptus & Rosemary Candle
Our Cleanse & Polish-inspired candle is truly sensational for those cold wintry eves, when you want to snuggle up under a warm blanket near the fire and luxuriate in the uplifting scent of eucalyptus and rosemary burning in the background. It’s the perfect gift for anyone at this time of the year and has been top on our ‘customer Christmas request list’ for the past year! The crisp green top notes of this candle keep it fresh – it’s not overwhelming or heady, just uplifting.

Who’s this for?

• The host of Christmas Day dinner – light it for them and pop it in the kitchen to help them unwind and help take the stress out of the final food prep. (Also a great way to disguise any unwanted cooking odours!)
• A loved one who is a real Liz Earle devotee and has everything in the range.
• The one gift to buy for yourself, as a treat – to lift your spirits and help calm you down too (I’ll burn mine as I sip a glass of port, and settle down to write my Christmas cards).
• Where to burn it? Try in the kitchen as you cook; on the mantelpiece in the evenings (what I call ‘grown-up time’ in our household!); in your bathroom (turn out the lights) as you soak luxuriantly in the tub with your Liz Earle body wash, face mask and Eyebright; on the Christmas Day lunch table; after everyone has gone home after Christmas – the me-time part!

24 Days of Christmas with Liz Earle
Our new Advent calendar was one of the very first ideas at our Christmas brainstorm meeting at Biskra Beach House, many moons ago. It’s so wonderful to now see this idea come to life. This clever Advent calendar celebrates the 24 days leading up to Christmas, with a surprise Liz Earle mini-gift behind each door. It lets you (or your lucky recipient) enjoy a botanical boost, every day – visit our website to view what’s included inside this magical gift.

Who’s this for?

• As Liz herself says in her online video, the final run-up to Christmas can sometimes be stressful, and this gift offers a little treat to soothe the senses, every day.
• Our Advent calendar also makes a wonderful gift for someone new to Liz Earle, as the recipient is able to try products from across our ranges of skincare, haircare, bodycare and fine fragrance.
• Ideally suited to beauty addicts of any age (from teen god-daughter to glamorous grannie)

Christmas Celebration Crackers
Our Christmas crackers are an inspired seasonal treat, to surprise everyone around the dinner table – men included. Six stunningly presented crackers, individually beribboned with our signature blue – and each cracker delights with a surprise mini botanical treat inside. (We’ve worked carefully to make these gifts suitable for all skin types and ages, and added two men’s treats too.) This gift is presented in our signature blue box with a festive red sleeve – there’s no need to wrap if you’re gifting this.

Who’s this for?

• The host of Christmas Day lunch – maybe a treat to offer in advance, to ease their shopping list (and budget).
• A New Year’s Eve celebration with friends over supper. Informal or formal, delight each guest with something different.
• A fabulous ‘emergency gift’ for those last-minute drinks party invites.
• A brilliant gift for someone that you don’t know well – school teachers, new in-laws or neighbours.
• Or perhaps when you need a ‘group gift’ – our crackers are ideal for sharing out with your colleagues in your team, or at your Christmas party.

I hope that this has inspired you to get cracking with your gifting. (Need to give my beloved a quick reminder to buy me more Botanical Essence No.15, as I’m running low and am seriously addicted!) We’re decamping to France this year, so will be taking our Liz Earle crackers for Christmas Day lunch and burning the beautiful candle by our roasting fire, as we unwind after the madness of the children’s gift-opening flurry! I must get ordering.

What an exciting skincare essentials offer this month containing one of my all-time favourite products – Superskin Concentrate! A beautiful, aromatic blend of pure plant oils, this golden oil is perfect for all skin types at this time of the year when the cold snaps arrive and the central heating goes on.

Outdoor as well as indoor conditions like heating can play havoc with our skin, making it drier and dulling its appearance. Just a few drops of this precious oil, used on its own or mixed with your favourite Liz Earle moisturiser, can give your skin the extra rebalancing boost it needs. As recommended by our wonderful therapists, I tend to use Superskin Concentrate at night-time as an additional pampering treat, which works hard as I sleep to leave skin looking plump and smooth. The perfect blend of botanical oils smells divine (the neroli is my favourite) helping you to relax and sleep well.

Living on the Isle of Wight, I am an avid all-weather sailor, so I’m extremely protective of my skin all year round. If my skin is feeling particularly weather-beaten, a good cleanse with Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser and a day-time treat with Superskin Concentrate and my beloved Superskin Moisturiser soon gets it back on track. The complimentary roller-ball pack in our essentials offer is the perfect size to keep at hand, whether it’s in my bag, at the side of the bed or on a boat!

One of my girlfriends who is, as they say, ‘of a certain age’, is a complete convert to the benefits of Superskin Concentrate, having enjoyed a number of facials in our London and Ryde stores (a good excuse to visit the island!). Never having really taken much care of her skin over the years, she looks fabulous again now that she is regularly using a few of the massage tips given to her by our therapists, which are also on the leaflet inside the Superskin Concentrate box.

If you haven’t tried Superskin Concentrate before, or perhaps have been a little sceptical about using an oil alongside your moisturiser, this is the perfect time to indulge! We look forward to hearing how you like it…

In summertime our sebaceous glands become more active, which can lead to oilier skin that’s more prone to spots and blemishes and can often appear shiny on the nose, chin and forehead.

Karen Bevan-Brown, our Treatments Expert, shares her professional advice to keep your skin looking fresh and radiant all season long.

• Cleanse with Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser morning and evening to remove daily impurities, excess oil and make up. If your skin feels particularly oily at the end of the day, perform a double-cleanse to help keep it looking radiant and clear.
• Refresh your skin on the go with our Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer – the mini-size is perfect for your handbag!
• Make sure you’re applying the correct amount of moisturiser. An amount the size of a blueberry should cover your face, neck and décolletage.
• Two minutes after you’ve applied your moisturiser, evaluate your skin. If your skin appears greasy, try ‘stepping down’ to a lighter formulation of Skin Repair Moisturiser. So, if you’re currently using our Dry/sensitive formulation, step down to Normal/combination, and if Normal/combination is your usual formulation, step down to Skin Repair Light. If you’re currently using Superskin Moisturiser, try switching to Skin Repair Moisturiser Normal/combination during the summer months.
• Use our Deep Cleansing Mask once or twice a week to draw out impurities, help promote clear skin and prevent breakouts.
• Keep your hands, mobile phone and sunglasses clean, and avoid touching your face frequently during the day. This will help to minimise the spread of bacteria and prevent spots.
• Eating a healthy, balanced diet can help to improve the condition of your skin.
• Minimising stress may also help to improve problem skin – so try to set aside some time to relax during the week.

For tailored skincare advice, visit us in store, email naturallyactive@lizearle.com or call 01983 813913.

Whether you’re heading to Cornwall or the Caribbean, don’t leave home without our experts’ essential advice…

Caroline Archer, our Brand Ambassador

What’s your favourite thing about summer and why?
I love the welcome of a fresh, new day when I see blue skies as I draw back the curtains, early in the morning, in my daughters’ nursery. It doesn’t have to be bright sunshine, just that clear British blue that heralds a fun day ahead!

What’s your top travelling tip?
Always pack fiddly or smaller items in our useful Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser bags with zips. Phone chargers, travel gadgets, loose euros, spare car keys, iPod earphones – all those little bits that lose their homes over the years can be safely stowed and located easily when you arrive on holiday!

Where is your favourite UK summer destination and why?
I have a soft spot for Yorkshire. My mother is a Halifax lass, and we’ve enjoyed many fun and varied holidays in Yorkshire – sometimes bright sunshiny days, but more often freezing days. Each have their own northern sparkle!

Which products do customers say they can’t live without at this time of year?
Interestingly, Cleanse & Polish remains a favourite, as many of us perspire more in the summer and relish the thought of effortlessly removing grime at the end of the day, and after a sticky summer night. Our mini-sizes are also a huge hit at this time of the year – both for travel and for their portability day-to-day in handbags. Designing everything in mini was one of our original aims at Liz Earle – so you didn’t have to decant and fuss around, but had everything to hand in miniature when needed. Botanical Aftersun Gel is a big hit for instantly reviving tired feet and achy legs, as well as cooling sticky bodies – one customer described it to me as ‘air conditioning for the body’! Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer also remains a firm bedside favourite for a quick burst of cooling refreshment on those close summer evenings when you feel you can barely breathe, let alone stir!

Jane Bradley, our International Make up Artist

What’s your favourite thing about summer and why?
I love the ease of throwing on a simple dress and some thong sandals and driving around London with the roof down; it’s exhilarating. I also look much better with a tan so my make up regime is far quicker; a slick of Sheer Skin Tint, a pop of Healthy Glow Cream Blush, a sweep of Lash Definition Smudgeproof Mascara and a slick of Sheer Lip Gloss and I’m good to go.

Where is your favourite UK summer destination and why?
I grew up in a Yorkshire farming village, so I absolutely love the countryside in the summertime; I really feel at home there. Anywhere with trees, fields and a classic country pub with great food and I’m happy.

What’s your favourite Liz Earle product to beat the hot weather?
I keep a travel-size bottle of Instant Boost Skin Tonic in the fridge, which I pop in my bag before I leave the house. A spritz of this every now and then is not only hydrating but really refreshing.

How can I keep my make up fresh in hot weather?
Keep your make up light and always wear smudgeproof mascara. Our Healthy Glow Cream Blush can be topped up at any time just using your fingers, so it’s really quick and easy. Low maintenance is the key, and long-wear formulations help too.

Jennifer Hirsch, our In-house Botanist

What’s your favourite thing about summer and why?
The long summer days that mean I can steal time in my garden at either end of the working day. I’d never be able to keep on top of the weeding and vegetable harvesting without those extra hours! I love the lushness of extended British summer evenings when anything seems possible.

What’s your top travelling tip?
Meet the locals. I’m forever embarrassing my travelling companions by peering over garden walls and asking questions in the local markets, but it’s a great way to make new friends and see parts of a country or town that you wouldn’t otherwise. Most keen gardeners and growers are only too happy to share their growing spaces and top tips.

Which plants love hot, dry conditions and will survive a hosepipe ban?
Mediterranean plants, which tend to do really well in our British gardens, as well as plants from South Africa and California, so there’s plenty of choice. Beth Chatto’s The Dry Garden (Orion, £9.99) is my bible for drought-tolerant plants. I’ve planted my containers with agaves, yuccas and sedums that will tolerate being ignored in the summer and winter in my unheated greenhouse: they are thriving on my zero-attention regime.

Any tips for keeping your garden looking good in this hot weather?
I avoid planting in the peak of summer, but when I do I plant late in the day: it keeps me and the plants out of the sun’s peak and gives them as much time as possible to settle in before the stress of the midday sun hits them. Soak your plants before planting, water them in well, and mulch them afterwards with a generous layer of leaf mulch, well-rotted compost or pea shingle to trap the water.

Mulching everything copiously is a habit that will not only help keep your plants looking great in a drought, but will also improve the health and texture of your soil. These longer-term benefits will make your garden the envy of the less conscientious for seasons to come.

Karen Bevan-Brown, our Treatments Expert

What’s your top travelling tip?
If you’re going on a sightseeing holiday, take time to relax too – as you don’t want to come back feeling like you need another holiday! I love to experience spas across the globe and learn new techniques that could be up and coming in the UK soon. I love to see the diverse, native therapies used in different countries.

Where is your favourite UK summer destination and why?
Mine has to be the New Forest.  I love the amazing walks you can do and our puppy loves it too! We spent some time there earlier on this year, and what I love most about it is that you can easily get to the seaside from there but you are also surrounded by lovely quaint villages to window shop or enjoy an afternoon tea or two; so you really have the best of all worlds!

What can I do to keep my skin moisturised in hot weather?
Our skin is a barometer of our internal health and wellbeing. Dehydration can lead to poor skin texture and tone. Fine lines can also appear, particularly around the eye area. Make sure you moisturise morning and evening with a product that’s rich in botanicals to seal in the moisture. UV exposure can lead to dryness, as well as premature ageing and skin damage. Warmer climates, however, can also lead to an excess of oil in the skin. Therefore, during the summer months I recommend Superskin Concentrate as your overnight treatment, to help control excess oil secretions and balance the skin.

Which products should I use while travelling?
Our body experiences several changes while away due to climate change, lifestyle, diet and exposure to UV. Our skin can respond in different ways, so maintaining your skincare regime is crucial; always follow the fundamental three steps of cleanse, tone and moisturise.  This will ensure that your skin is kept perfectly balanced. Also, applying sun protection regularly is essential, as the sun’s rays are damaging and protecting the skin will help prevent premature ageing and oxidative stress. Use our Mineral Sun Cream SPF20 to instantly protect your skin and reapply it as often as possible throughout the day.

Lorna McKay, our Fragrance Expert

Where is your favourite UK summer destination and why?
New Cumnock in Scotland . As I live in France, I do not see enough of my family and the best part of the summer is going ‘home’ . I revert to my youth and the fabulous childhood I had growing up there. I am sure it used to be sunny all summer when I was young?

What’s your favourite Liz Earle product to beat the hot weather?
As the hot weather means my skin loses moisture, I could never be without Superskin Moisturiser – it was a face-saver for me on a recent trip to Asia.

Can I wear my favourite fragrance in hot weather?
I recommend wearing fragrance in hot weather. For me it is uplifting and energising. You may find you have to use a little more as the scent evaporates more quickly. I love Botanical Essence No.1 in particular as it refreshes me with the lemon, mandarin and bergamot top notes, whilst leaving me feeling very feminine as the floral heart notes come through. Plus, the sensuality of patchouli and tonka bean lasts well into the balmy nights. A perfect fragrance cocktail!

How should I store my perfume when travelling?
Usual rules – fragrance does not like heat and light. I am a bit weird, but in foreign lands I sometimes leave a cold flannel over my bottle which is always hidden from direct sunlight. The box for Botanical Essence No.1 is a great protector of the fragrance. If you pack fragrance in your suitcase, store it in the box if possible and wrap clothes around it. Do not pack fragrance on the outside of a case to avoid breakages and/or heat damage.

Jenny Sharpe, our Brand Ambassador

What’s your favourite thing about summer and why?
I love the longer days with time in the evening to sit outside with the family.

Where is your favourite UK summer destination and why?
Cornwall – the beaches are exceptional; my favourite is Porthcurno.  Starting at the top of the cliff at the stunning outdoor Minerva theatre, there is a path that takes you down to the most beautiful secluded beach. There is something rather magical about watching your children play so contentedly with the basics of a bucket and spade.

What is your top tip for fuss-free packing?
Less is more. Each family member has one clothes bag and one travel bag. This helps you become very selective about what earns a place.

What’s your favourite Liz Earle product to beat the hot weather?
I think it has to be Foot Spritzer. This handbag-friendly product amazes everyone the first time they try it! It’s perfect for long hot days when your feet start to complain about being tired and puffy –  I am still fascinated by how it instantly cools and relieves summer feet.

Before qualifying as a beauty therapist, I completed a foundation degree in specialist make up at the London College of Fashion. My real interest, however, focussed more on the skin underneath the make up and how to treat it, rather than on covering it up. Make up should really be about enhancing your features and allowing great skin to shine through. Looking after your skin with an effective daily regime is the ideal way to create the perfect canvas for make up, which can then be used to complement your own natural beauty with an array of colour and textures.

Keeping your skincare regime fuss-free and uncomplicated is the secret to great skin. Simply cleanse, tone and moisturise, morning and evening, to keep your skin balanced and clear.

Make up always looks better applied on skin which is…

• Smooth
• Clear
• Has a healthy-looking glow

The potent blend of botanical ingredients in our products work in harmony with our skin, delivering exceptional results in a really gentle way. Here’s my easy guide to creating the perfect base for make up.

Skin texture: create a smooth canvas
Using Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser morning and evening will gently lift away any surface debris and unwanted excess oil from your skin, which will have accumulated while you were asleep. The texture of your skin is influenced by cellular activity and the skin’s renewal process. Using a pure muslin cloth soaked in hand-hot water to gently lift away your cleanser also works wonders for sloughing away unwanted dead skin cells that contribute to flakiness. Your skin will be left feeling comfortably smooth and soft in texture – the ideal base for applying make up. I also really like to use our Gentle Face Exfoliator just once or twice a week to get rid of any stubborn dead skin cells and prevent blocked pores that can lead to milia and blackheads. The fine spherical jojoba beads gently roll over your skin without scratching to leave it feeling smooth – perfect for the delicate skin on your face.

The texture of your skin is also influenced by its hydration levels, so always apply Instant Boost Skin Tonic after cleansing. The calming organic aloe vera it contains is like a drink of water for your skin, keeping it smooth and hydrated with clean pores. You can even use Instant Boost Skin Tonic Spritzer over your make up during the day to give your skin a refreshing lift. Insufficient water intake and/or high levels of caffeine will leave your skin dry, dehydrated and flaky in texture, so try to consume two litres of water per day and avoid caffeinated drinks.

Finish by applying your chosen moisturiser. Our Skin Repair Moisturiser is available in three formulations to suit each skin type: Dry/sensitive, Normal/combination and Skin Repair Light for Combination/oily skin. For more mature or very dry skin, try Superskin Moisturiser. The formulation that works for you will leave your skin hydrated and balanced, and allow your make up to sit perfectly. Try to include essential fatty acids and omega oils in your diet too, which will help to keep your skin nourished, even in texture and supple from the inside out.

Skin clarity: create a clearer complexion
To create the perfect canvas for make up, it’s important to keep your skin as clean as possible to prevent breakouts occurring. Using Cleanse & Polish both morning and evening will ensure that make up, dirt and impurities are removed from the skin in a very gentle yet effective way. Cleanse & Polish has a deliciously creamy texture which massages into the skin beautifully, so it’s easy to concentrate on areas of congestion such as around the nose, chin and forehead, not forgetting the area just in front of your ears (which can collect bacteria from mobile phone usage) and between the brows (where glasses/sunglasses sit).

I love to perform a double cleanse at night if I have worn heavier make up during the day. It allows all make up to be dissolved, preventing congestion which can cause blackheads and spots. It’s a good idea to wash your muslin cloth and towel regularly to prevent bacteria spreading, as well as keeping your make up brushes, sunglasses, glasses and mobile phone clean, as they all come into direct contact with your skin. Our skin can be a reflection of our internal health so try consuming a ‘skin friendly’ diet, including plenty of antioxidants, vitamins and minerals through fresh fruit and vegetables; fibre-rich foods such as wholegrains, root vegetables, lentils and beans; and vital oils through fish, nuts and seeds. Make sure you drink plenty of water too – at least 6-8 glasses per day. Stress can also trigger breakouts, so try to incorporate relaxing activities in your weekly routine, such as yoga, pilates and meditation.

Skin tone: create a healthy-looking glow
Our blood and lymphatic circulation influences our skin cells and can affect our skin tone. To encourage a radiant glow, try some simple facial massage techniques at home when applying your skincare products. Massage Cleanse & Polish into your skin with your fingertips, working from the centre of the face outwards, using small circular movements. This will help to encourage a healthy blood flow, bringing nutrition and oxygen to your skin cells and eliminating waste. Even better, visit one of our Liz Earle Treatment Rooms and try our Healthy Beautiful Skin Facial. This facial includes 30 minutes of sequenced facial massage techniques to give your skin a mini ‘work-out’ and leave it looking re-energised and revitalised!

I also love to mix one pump of our gorgeous Brightening Treatment Mask with Cleanse & Polish on the mornings when my skin needs an extra boost. Brightening Treatment Mask instantly gives your skin a wonderful healthy-looking glow thanks to the stimulating botanicals it contains. Make sure you avoid the eye area when you apply Brightening Treatment Mask.

After applying your chosen moisturiser, leave it to sink in for just a couple of minutes before applying your make up. If you feel that your moisturiser has not fully absorbed, it may be worth considering a lighter moisturiser.

Finally, always cleanse your skin before bed. While you sleep, your skin’s metabolism is heightened as it repairs environmental damage it has encountered throughout the day and develops fresh new cells which migrate to the surface of your skin. If you sleep with make up, dirt and impurities on the surface of your skin, it will be more vulnerable to dehydration and can also lead to oxidative stress and ageing.