Beauty SPOT

Rehydrate your skin with 7 easy steps. Plus we suggest 4 hot products perfect for face, body and lips.

At the end of a long, cold winter, the effects of chilling winds, exposure to heaters and long hot showers have taken their toll. Flaking, dehydration and tightness are common consequences of braving the winter cold.


To prepare your skin for summer exposure - check out our 7 tips for getting skin back into shape. Plus, we review 4 or the latest products for hydrating face, body and lips - all guaranteed to put the moisture back.

How to give your skin what it needs:

1. DRINK WATER: The best thing you can do is to work from the inside, and indulge in copious quantities of H2O

2. FIND YOUR PERFECT MATCH: Make sure you spend the time to really find a moisturiser which is perfect for you with just the right level of hydration. If it's quick and easy to apply, and has an attractive scent, you will really enjoy using the product and be motivated to use it everyday.

3. BE A REGULAR: Once you have found the moisturiser for you, use it regularly - the only way you are going to get the full benefit is if you are a dedicated user.

4. COOL IT: Try to keep your showers short and not too hot - hot water dries your skin out completely and is a big factor in reoccurring blemishes and uneven skin tone.

5. OIL FREE: If you are prone to blemishes, choose a face moisturiser that is non comedo genic (won't clog your pores) and oil free.

6. CHOOSE LIGHT: Don't use your body moisturiser on your face - it's too heavy for the delicate skin on your face - it is also the easiest way to cause blemishes.

7. SMILE: When you're skin is looking gorgeous, remember to smile rather than gloat as your soft and supple skin is admired.

4 GREAT PRODUCTS TO HYDRATE YOUR FACE

Neutrogena Intensified Day Moisturiser
$13.95 for 15ml

Great for sensitive skin and intense hydration.

If you are ever looking for the perfect winter face hydrator, Moisture Defence will ensure you are completely protected from those blustery winter winds and are totally hydrated around the clock. The rich formula is very light and is so easy to smooth on (requiring such a minimal amount) but the level of hydration is unrivalled. You can be sure it won't upset your skin and create any blemishes; Neutrogena is renowned for producing moisturising products that focus on the condition and appearance of the complexion as well as the hydration level. Use twice daily after cleansing, and take on those chilly winds with no fear of horrible flaking or dryness.

Result after one application - Relief! My uncomfortably tight skin was tight no more
Result after several applications - The irritation on my face calmed down - redness, flaking and uneven skin tone all reduced noticeably.
Scent - Subtle and pleasant.
Texture - Light but rich, easy to apply, minimal amount needed
Amount needed - Two pumps of the bottle.
Overall rating 9.5/10

Neutrogena is stocked at Priceline, supermarkets and pharmacies.

Estee Lauder Hydra Complete
$82 for 50 ml
Great for oily skin in need of deep therapy.

Specifically designed to help your skin replenish lost water while regulating the way your skin attracts, holds onto and rebalances the water it needs. This oil-free and deeply hydrating face moisturiser really works. I found only the smallest amount was needed. Applying every day night for two weeks there was really a noticeable change around my eyes, which tend to be dry. The texture is smooth, but creamy. But the oil-free formula means it feels light and is absorbed quickly, and I avoided breaking out in blemishes.

Result after one application Skin feels moist and soothed.
Result after several applications Excellent. Regular use has effectively soften the dryness around my eyes.
Scent Posh, it smells quite like French perfume
Texture Smooth and creamy.
Amount needed Just a few drops.
Overall rating 9/10

For stockist go to www.esteelauder.com.au

L'Oréal Paris : Visible Results
$26.95 for 50ml pump
Great for every day wear with SPF 15 protection.

Like an good moisturiser, you really need to give the product a few weeks to really notice the effects. L'Oréal Visible Results promises by day 8 visible lines will be noticeably reduced. After regular use, my skin is certainly softer, and around the eyes, the fine lines really do seem less noticeable. What I particularly love though, is that the greasy and sticky feel often found in other SPF15 face moisturers in just not there - the texture is light and fluid. And the pump jar is a pleasure to use.

Result after one application Excellent, on application lasted well all day.
Result after several applications Great, tell-tale lines are really softened.
Scent Pretty and mild scent.
Texture Light, non-greasy.
Amount needed Just a drops
Overall rating 9/10

Available from selected pharmacies, department and variety stores and supermarkets. Or call 1300 659 359.

L'Oréal Paris: HappyDerm Skin Exhilarating Moisturisers
$15.55 for $50ml.
Great for all day performance.

Try the power of suggestion by smoothing some of this creamy moisturiser on your skin. This peachy lotion has a medium weight and a non-greasy feel, and your skin will love the enriched formula, which is absorbed quickly and easily. Happy Derm pledges to leave your skin luminous and glowing, while keeping your skin quenched and supple all through the day, and it definitely lives up to it's promise.

Result after one application The lotion went on smoothly and easily, and I paid attention to the directions on how to apply this moisturiser with the correct hand movements that were on the side of the box, which made me feel like I was having a mini facial.
Result after several applications - Happy Derm sits in the skin keeping it moisturised all day long, which eliminated the need to reapply, and my skin felt extra soft and smooth, especially just after application.
Scent Really pleasant, not at all overpowering.
Texture Might feel a little heavy for those who normally use a light lotion, but it is worth the benefit of having moisturised skin all day long.
Amount needed one pump of the bottle
Overall rating 7/10

Available from selected pharmacies, department and variety stores and supermarkets. Or call 1300 659 359.

4 GREAT PRODUCTS FOR DEEP HYDRATION FOR THE BODY

MOR Pomegranate Body Butter
$25.95 per 250 gm
So delicious, you'll certainly be applying regularly.

This luxuriously thick and rich body butter is perfect for skin in need of a little pampering and TLC. Hydrate your extra-thirsty limbs with all the nourishing goodies that MOR could possibly pack into a hydrator (Amazonian nut oil, cocoa and Shea Butter), and smell as pretty as a flower (or a pomegranate!?) with it's divinely fragrant scent. This body butter is not for the faint of heart - or the oily of skin, only use on body parts that are crying for love and attention - and are completely dry and flaking.

Result after one application Totally indulgent, this heavy butter soaked straight into my dry and tired feet, giving them instant moisture.
Result after several applications Even better, my feet always looked as good as if they had just had a full pedicure.
Scent Divine!
Texture Very thick and rich, the butter is packed in tight.
Amount needed Not very much at all.
Overall rating 8/10

MOR is stocked at David Jones and MYER. Stockists no. 03 9600 4599

Model Co Aerosol Moisturiser
$28.00 per 200gm can
Great for the girl on the go.

Honestly, it took me a little while to figure out why I need a moisturiser in a can. After a week of regular use, the bottom line is it's so so so quick to apply. Right after a showers, it take literally seconds to spray it on. It's light, and absorbed by the skin quickly. And of course, you can apply in hard to reach places without having to be rubbed in.

Result after one application Excellent. The scaly skin was softened and smooth.
Result after several applications Good. The visible drys sign begin to fade.
Scent Summery and light
Texture Light, just a little sticky at first.
Amount needed The aerosol allows an even light coverage.
Overall rating - 8/10

Available at David Jones, or online at www.modelcoshop.com.au

SHE Hydrating Firming Body Lotion
$14.95 for 210ml
Perfect for a sugar sweet body treat.

This light textured body firming lotion is great as an everyday, all-purpose moisturiser perfect for popping on after a morning shower and heading out the door. Full of ingredients promising I would be 'softened' and 'smoothed', this moisturiser had a very pleasant texture and feel on the skin - not at all heavy or greasy. The cream absorbs quickly and straight away your skin feels softer and more touchable. The scent is a very sweet though - think lolly shop on a summer day.

Result after one application Great, I saw improvement in the softness of my skin immediately.
Result after several applications Not much more improvement than the first application, skin continued to feel soft as the first time I used it.
Scent Scent is strong, sweet and sugary.
Texture Really light, but felt hydrated at the same time.
Amount needed About a 50c size piece for one limb.
Overall rating 7/10

Available at Priceline, Chemmart and Amcal stores.

SHE Frangipani Body Soufflé
$14.95 for 250gm
Perfect for a real aussie summer scent.

Open the jar of SHE Frangipani Body Soufflé and be immediately transported to sunny days hurrying down narrow lanes, spilling over with Frangipani. It really does smell exactly like fresh Frangipani! Made from all natural ingredients including essential oils, this body soufflé is a delight to use. The texture is thick and creamy. When applying, it goes on kind of thick, which means rubbing into dry spot like elbows and knees feels lovely and soothing. The delightful aroma lasts too.

Result after one application Moist, you can feel it soaking into your skin.
Result after several applications Good. And because it's smells so good, I used it regularly.
Scent 100% frangipani.
Texture Creamy and thick, like a meringue. Not greasy.
Amount needed Not much, but the scent is so addictive I couldn't resist smothering myself in it.
Overall rating 10/10

Available at Priceline, Chemmart and Amcal stores.

4 GREAT PRODUCTS FOR MORE LUSCIOUS LIPS

Clarins Colour Quench Lip Balm
$40.00 for 125ml
Great for a neutral gloss with a sweet scent

The first thing you notice about this delicious little balm is the scent - like your favourite sweet, this will have you licking your lips all day long - just so you can reapply and enjoy the gorgeous scent all over again! I loved the shade as well - enough colour to be worn on its own but neutral enough to apply over lipstick This balm wasn't the most long lasting (due to the fact that I kept eating it off) but a good excuse to reapply and have juicy lips all over again.

Result after one application Yummy and juicy, this gloss smooths on easily.
Result after several applications The gloss smoothes off easily, so reapplication is necessary.
Scent This is the highlight of this gloss, sweet in a good way and quite tasty, if you are prone to tasting lip-gloss.
Texture Very light and this does not lend anything to the gloss, there is no staying power and this is important to me.
Overall Rating 6/10

Available at leading department stores, Clarins Gold Salons, select salons, pharmacies nationally. For stockists call (02) 9663 4277.

Model Co Lip Revitaliser Buds
$40.00 for 50ml
Great for clean and efficient moisture

Model Co is the company to beat when it comes to innovative new products that really do have a different take on the way we usually do things. These liquid buds are very handy for moisture on the go - just snap off one end of the bud and apply cleanly (plus you've eliminated the sticky fingers resulting after the application of traditional gloss). This treatment is completely devoted to moisturising your lips rather than providing colour and gloss, and it does a good job. Perfect for cold days when your lips are completely dry and chapped and nothing seems to be hydrating them.

Result after one application Lips were very slick and slippery - but immediately felt an improvement in dryness.
Result after several applications Not much improvement in lip condition after several treatments, these buds are great for a hit of moisture then and there rather than providing lasting relief.
Scent Odourless
Texture Very light and thin, reminiscent of drinking a glass of water then rubbing your lips together.
Overall Rating 6/10

Available at David Jones, or purchase online at www.modelcoshop.com.au.

MOR Lip Nectar
$16.95 for 15ml
Great for a deep gloss with staying power

This is the ultimate in high gloss lip moisturisers. So shiny and rich, this gloss is definitely an attention grabber as well as a great way to moisturise chapped and dry smackers. This colourless gloss can be worn by its self, or will add punch to your fave lippie. The Jojoba Oil soothes and protects dry lips. There is much to adore when it comes to the taste and smell (sweet lime, really fresh and summery). You can be sure you won't have to apply and reapply - this gloss has fantastic staying power. It's available in a variety of flavours, and (like all MOR products), the packaging is totally irresistible.

Result after one application High impact gloss, so shiny and reflective people could almost see their reflection in my lips.
Result after several applications Lips feel totally hydrated and protected under this gloss.
Taste I loved it, really fruity and fresh, think of your favourite Lifesaver lolly.
Texture Very heavy and sticky, but the gloss will stay put for longer on your lips.
Overall Rating 8/10

MOR is stocked at David Jones and MYER. Stockists no. 03 9600 4599

SHE Herbal Lip Balm
$5.95 for 10ml
Great for a natural, deep moisturise

The simple packaging really doesn't shout it, but we're happy to vouch for how REALLY good stuff this is. Keep one little tube of soothing balm in your pocket, and another on your desk. A touch on the waxy side, the balm really does hang on to your lips, and then keeps on giving. The herbal taste is quite delicious, not overpowering or too sweet, we thought it was just right.

Result after one application Excellent, soothing and healing.
Result after several applications Using it regularly kept our lips really soft.
Taste A touch on the herbal side, but not too sweet which we liked.
Texture A touch waxy, but really smooth.
Overall Rating 9/10

Available at Priceline, Chemmart and Amcal stores.