DIY Facial

There is nothing like a good facial to revitalize tired winter skin and lift the spirits. If your finances are a bit stretched though, it doesn't mean that your skin can't have a treat, try this DIY facial once a week. Ok, it's not the same as an hour in the spa but your skin will thank you for it.

• Saturate a cotton pad in eye make-up remover and hold to the eyes, letting the remover melt away any make-up.

• Massage a cream cleanser into your skin, making sure you get right into the creases of the nose and chin where oil and impurities can build up. Liz Earle's Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser is great for a really deep cleanse. Run a muslin cloth under hand hot water and then hold to the face to open the pores and really let the cleanser get to work, gently remove the cleanser with the cloth. Repeat if necessary.

• A muslin cloth used daily is perfect for regular gentle exfoliation but for an extra boost to slough of those dull cells, try something a little stronger. Choose one with grains but make sure they are not scratchy or abrasive and use a light massage to apply.
  

• In preparation for your mask, add a few drops of rose water or Jurlique's Lavender Hydrating Essence, into a bowl of hand hot water. Saturate your muslin cloth in the mix, wring away excess water then lay it over your face. Breathe in the comforting smell while the warmth from the cloth relaxes your muscles and gets the blood flowing.

• Now comes your mask - I like to use two, a hydrating and soothing one for winter worn areas like cheeks and then a purifying one for the t-zone. Choose according to your skin type, whatever you choose make sure you sit back and relax while they do their job! Try laying your hot cloth over the top to intensify the treatment.

• Remove the mask gently with your cloth, using cotton pads soaked in toner to remove any last traces and to refresh your skin.

• Warm a few drops of facial oil or serum between your palms, take your time and massage it in. Massage is great for relaxing facial muscles, stimulating circulation and helping to eliminate toxins, which are all essential in the quest for radiant skin.

• Using firm upward strokes take your oil right down from your decollete, up your neck and onto your face. Use your fingers in small but firm circular motions to ease away any stress along the jawline, right up to the ears. Then from the corners of your mouth, along your cheek bones, up to your ears and onto your temples. After a long hard day this is great for alleviating any tension. Work your fingers over your forehead, from the middle back out to the temples, and then back again. Gently press your thumbs into the top of your inner eye sockets, under your brows and then work along your brows, squeezing them gently as you go. Now work underneath your eyes, press your fingers along the orbital bone working from the inner socket, up and out (this is great to do in the morning if you wake with puffy eyes, it really helps to get toxins moving). Use firm strokes to massage up the nose, between the eyes and back onto the forehead. Then circle around the nostrils, above the lip and the chin. Repeat as many times as you like!

• Now do the same with your favourite moisturiser.

• Give your eyes another helping with your eye cream, remember that you need just a small amount of product. Apply with your ring finger as this is your weakest finger so is gentle for delicate skin.

• Not forgetting those lips who are very often victims of the cold weather. Slather on your best lip balm, choose one without petroleum which although can feel good, will not actually nourish.

Now you should feel brighter and your skin should be glowing!