Winter Skin SOS

It's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas; winter coats are getting dusted off, department store adverts are bringing tears to our eyes and it's getting dark before 5pm. I love this time of year, but my skin doesn't. Even those fortunate souls who don't usually have dry skin need to give their faces a little extra TLC during the winter months, and I think I have found the perfect combination.

Moisturising is absolutely key, and I swear by The Body Shop's Vitamin E Intense Moisture Cream. I have been using this moisturiser for the past few years and I think it trumps even high end products - for a fraction of the price. At £12 for 50ml it really is worth every penny - you only need a very small amount with every application, and so I find that one pot lasts me around 6 months.

If (like me) your dry skin could do with a little extra nourishment, then your answer lies in Vitamin E Facial Oil. This normally retails at £11 but the Body Shop have an offer on right now where you can walk away with both products for only £14 - bargain! Rub the oil into your skin before moisturising to leave it feeling baby soft all day. It does leave a slightly greasy feeling however, so you only need a really small amount.

My third, final and favourite winter survival product is the Rudolph Fresh Face Mask from Lush. It really is one of those stores that I just can't walk past without being drawn in - and this week was no exception. It is designed specifically to get rid of the redness and dryness the cold air inflicts on our skin - the name Rudolph refers to the dreaded red nose that I am all to familiar with sporting during winter.

The pampering ingredients include cucumber, oatmeal and lavender oil (which it really smells of), and it must be kept in the fridge to keep it fresh for a few weeks. The application is a little tricky - the first time I used it I was left with more in the sink and in-between my fingers than on my face. If you mix the mask with a little water in your hands, however, it forms more of a paste and it becomes way easier to apply.

It costs £5.50 and I would guess at there being around 5-6 applications per tub, so at around £1 a go it's great value. Be warned though - it has a use-by date due to the fresh ingredients, so don't let it go to waste!

One thing I am quite disappointed by is that this face mask is supposed to come with a little reusable red nose inside, which you place over your own nose to nourish and reduce redness (and to add a little fun), but mine was missing it! Nevertheless, it's still a great product.

I love Lush face masks as they are completely natural, fresh and a little different every time. Unlike some face masks, this does not burn, itch, or leave you wanting to tear your skin off. In fact, the longer you leave it on the more soothing it feels. So run a nice warm bath, smother your face in Rudolph - and relax!