WINTER WARMERS

LIGHTING UP

Winter light isn't great for the skin. Too often, it makes us look grey and dull. Which is why a new skincare range from those clever guys at Gatineau will help make 'winter' skin look toned and bright. Filled with a cocktail of vitamins C, A E and F, plus a trace of calcium, magnesium, zinc and spelt wheat, Activ Eclat will bring radiance to the skin.

Try the Concentrate serum directly on to face and neck for a golden glow. It's a great pick-me-up when you're feeling and looking tired, and don't be frightened by its bright orange colour - it doesn't look like that on the skin. Otherwise, try the energising cream or emulsion, both of which can be used day and night. Prices from £19.

For stockists and mail order, call 0800 731 5805.

BODY SMOOTH

Our bodies tend to get a little neglected when we are all covered up with winter woollies, so it's time for a little pampering. Try cosseting it with a rich and silky balm-like Body Butter from Africology, a South African company new to this country, which uses many indigenous plants and oils in their potions and lotions. Body Butter not only has aloe ferox and neroli but cocoa butter as well as shea and marula oils, both typical African skin softeners. A tub costs just £21.50.

Call 0208 671 6655 for stockists.

BRILLIANT BRUNETTE

John Frieda is doing for brunettes what he first did for blondes - producing a super-moisturising range for dark hair. Texture is one of the most important needs for brunettes as it impacts the way the hair looks, making it glossy rather than dull. And this is what the new Brilliant Brunette Lustrous Touch Shampoo and Conditioner aims to do. Laden with moisturisers and satin finishers such as jojoba and coconut oils, it helps make hair look satiny, smooth and glossy. Each product costs £5.49 from all major chemists.

A TASTE of THAI

Fragrance queen JO MALONE has based her newest scent on the diverse flavours of Thai cuisine. There is the nutty flavour of pandanus leaves; the slightly sour one of tamarind with the warmth of cardamom; and all blended with hints of sweet lime, cedar, coconut, ylang ylang and jasmine for harmony and balance to a delicate-yet-lasting fragrance

Sweet Lime and Cedar cologne costs from £30, from all major Jo Malone stockists.

Look up www.jomalone.co.uk of call 0870 034 2411 for more info.

MINERAL MAGIC

It's the latest must-have cosmetic, but with the oldest provenance; light-as-afeather foundation, which covers everything, stays on all day and yet is made from totally natural ingredients such as zinc oxide and mica. Along the way it absorbs any excess oil and gives the impression skin is flawless.

It comes in three shades - Light, Medium and Dark - and Natural Perfection Mineral costs £12.50 from VIRGIN VIE AT HOME. You need a generous-size brush to apply it and Virgin also has a lovely fat Deluxe Kabuki Brush for £14.

Buy online at www.virginvieathome.com.