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Oils rehydrate skin and hair and act as a barrier against the elements. Opt for oils that are derived from natural ingredients such as seeds or nuts, including cottonseed, avocado and almonds. Oils are best applied to damp skin just after you get out of the shower, which allows them to penetrate. Oils are among the more expensive skincare items, but they are very concentrated, meaning a little goes a long way.
If you're hitting the tiles over the festive season, Guinot has launched a nourishing dry oil, Huile Mirific Gold (€38.25). This combines the soothing and restructuring properties of passion flower oil with light-reflecting golden particles, which give a gorgeous, subtle glow. Rub a little in to the ends of your hair to provide nourishment, and on the front of your legs to make them shimmer.
If your skin is feeling tired after all the Christmas festivities, the Body Shop's latest collection, Oils of Life, includes a beautiful, intensely revitalising Facial Oil (€48), which combines three precious seed oils and is suitable for everyday use to replenish moisture.
Oils are not just the reserve of grownups; Naif is a Dutch brand created by two dads. They have produced a lovely selection of completely natural products developed with the whole family in mind. Their Milky Bath Oil (€14.95) is mild and gentle on delicate skin, and can relieve inflamed or irritated skin, without leaving the bath – or the baby – slippery.
