If December is all about being devilish, it’s time to repay your body for the fun times with some angelic beauty behaviour in January.
Cast your mind back and if you committed at least seven deadly sins over the festive period, counteract them with our seven ways to achieve beauty nirvana. After all, some dedicated pampering is a resolution that’s far easier to keep than diets and deprivation.
Call it a ‘beautox’ and try out the industry’s most delightful detox tricks.
DETOX YOUR - FACE
January blues reflected in your skin tone? At this time of year, skin can look dull and grey.
For a more radiant complexion, Catherine de Groot, co-founder of Trilogy recommends removing dead skin cells with a gentle exfoliant.
“The key to detoxifying the skin is to gently rehydrate, removing the toxins without stripping the skin of its natural oils,” she advises.
TRY: Trilogy Purifying Masque (right), £18.50, from Boots
DETOX YOUR - BODY
If your body is screaming for a mini-cleanse or you’ve already fallen off the wagon, a bath can be a surprisingly effective purifier, according to Josephine Collins, mind, body and spirit author.
“Taking a bath with sea salt encourages the elimination of toxins through the skin.
“Add a handful of sea salt, and three drops each of lemon, grapefruit and lavender essential oils, to a warm bath. Take time to relax your muscles and soak for at least 20 minutes.”
TRY: Clinique Turnaround Body Smoothing Cream, £25
DETOX YOUR... CELLULITE
If those orange peel dimples look even more pronounced on your thighs than the ones in your fruit bowl, sweep away the telltale signs before bikini season looms.
“I swear by daily dry body brushing before bathing,” reveals skincare expert Liz Earle.
“Sweep a body brush across your limbs and torso, directing strokes towards your heart to improve circulation and leave skin soft and smooth.”
A daily boost of body brushing can help skin shed waste and toxins more easily, while our bodies benefit from a boost to the circulation and lymphatic system, improving skin tone and smoothness.
TRY: Mama Mio Shrink to Fit Hip & Thigh Cream, £35, from Debenhams
DETOX YOUR... HAIR
All that party blow-drying, back-combing and hairspray, topped off with a side order of central heating, can result in lacklustre tresses. Leave your hair to dry naturally whenever you can.
“Hair is left dry, damaged and limp as it’s over indulged in the styling department. To soothe your scalp and restore your hair back to its healthy looking best, use a gentle, cleansing detox shampoo and conditioner,” Peter Lux, creative beauty director at head&shoulders.
TRY: Ojon Full Detox Detoxifying Shampoo, £20
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