Elsa McAlonan's Beauty Upgrades: Why Asda's new £3 Sacred Spa range means DIY indulgence has never been better value
Asda's new Sacred Spa range is a DIY treat that won't break the banking costing just £3
There’s nothing better than a pamper day at home to get you ready for the week ahead.
Thanks to Asda’s new Sacred Spa range (from £3, Asda stores), DIY indulgence has never been better value.
The collection includes Epsom salts, body lotion, salt scrubs, body polish and body butters, all in a choice of two scents - Invigorating Sea Minerals or Jojoba and White Jasmine.
They are beautifully presented in colourful packaging, which looks far more expensive than it actually is.
WHAT'S NOW AND HOW TO DO IT: VIOLET NAILS
Nail the trend: Patone has declared Ultra Violet the shade of 2018 so why not try this YSL La Laque Couture Nail Polish in Violet Baroque (£19.50)
It’s a new year — which means there’s a new colour to wear. Pantone has declared Ultra Violet the shade of 2018, so expect to see it on make-up counters in everything from eyeliner to lipstick.
If that feels a step too far, try a violet nail polish. Nailberry’s L’Oxygene Polish in Extravagant (£14.50, nailberry.co.uk) ensures nails won’t dry out, or for a deeper shade, try YSL La Laque Couture Nail Polish in Violet Baroque (£19.50, yslbeauty.co.uk).
I love L’Oreal Color Riche Oil Nail Polish in Violet Vendome (£4.95, nailpolishdirect.co.uk), a rich, vibrant hue.
MEGHAN'S MULTI-TASKER
Meghan Markle keeps up her flawless complexion with a multi-tasking bargain. Her must-have travel product is a bottle of Tea Tree Oil, a natural antiseptic, it can be used to heal blemishes
All eyes have been on Meghan Markle and her glowing skin since her engagement.
So it’s nice to hear she loves a multi-tasking bargain just as much as the rest of us. Her must-have travel product is a bottle of Tea Tree Oil.
A natural antiseptic, it can be used to heal blemishes, inhaled with steam to treat a cold and even as a hand sanitiser. Try Thursday Plantation Tea Tree Oil (£9.99, Boots).
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Bramley Bubble Bath (£12, bramley products.co.uk) contains geranium and lavender, with sweet orange essential oils
IS YOUR BATH GIVING YOU WRINKLES?
The Palette Essentielle (£52, chanel.com) contains a blush, a concealer and a highlighter in natural, complementary colours
It’s always tempting to relax in a long, hot bath — especially on a day like today. But it is not such good news for your complexion. Hot water strips the natural oils and moisture from your skin, leaving it parched, dry and even scaly. This can also lead to more wrinkles, as drier skin tends to crease more readily.
Try to resist using water that is too hot, and limit baths or showers to 15 minutes tops. Most importantly, make sure you add a moisturising product to the water.
Bramley Bubble Bath (£12, bramley products.co.uk) contains geranium and lavender, with sweet orange essential oils. It’s gentle and gets to work hydrating the skin while you relax.
THIS WORKS
If you feel like your complexion needs extra help to counteract overindulgence and revive dull skin (who doesn't at this time of year) Chanel's new palette is your secret weapon.
The Palette Essentielle (£52, chanel.com) contains a blush, a concealer and a highlighter in natural, complementary colours to hide blemishes and give cheeks a glow.
3 OF THE BEST BUDGET CONCEALERS
In your 50s: Perfect for brightening under the eyes, Rimmel Wake Me Up Concealer (£6.49, Boots) can also be used on pigmentation. Pat over your foundation with the applicator and blend with your finger.
In your 60s: MUA Cover and Conceal Wand (£1.50, Superdrug) should be used before applying foundation for long-lasting coverage. It works particularly well on thread veins or dark under-eye shadows.
In your 70s: Available in 12 shades, NYX Studio Photogenic Wand Concealer (£6, Debenhams) works for most skin tones. It brightens and camouflages and even comes in a green shade to neutralise redness.
Whatever your age there's a concealer for you, these are three of the best concealers out their to brighten your face and mask those dark spots
SHAMELESS INDULGENCE
The Fresh Creme Ancienne Ultimate Nourishing Honey Mask (£116 John Lewis)
January is when our immune systems most need a boost to ward off coughs and colds.
Echinacea has been shown to aid the body's defence against germs and now - thanks to Fresh cosmetics - the immune boosting plant extract can benefit our skin, too.
The Fresh Creme Ancienne Ultimate Nourishing Honey Mask (£116 John Lewis) uses echinacea to detoxify, and pure honey to help seal in moisture, soften skin and improve elasticity.
Apply to dampened face, leave on for 10 minutes, then rinse as normal. It feels very rich, but not sticky. A pricey, but worth it, New Year treat.
