Look, and Feel, Better Fast

It’s mid-January and, although we don’t like to admit it, our motivation towards our new beauty and health resolutions are waning. We want to get back on track, so we’ve rounded up the best energy-boosters, skin-saviours and expert tips to keep us feeling, and looking, our best.

Now to introduce the experts...

James Duigan, creator of Bodyism and trainer to Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Elle Macpherson 

James recommends: ‘start your day the right way with a short series of deep breathing exercises, or 10 minutes of Yoga to get the body energised. Also, make sure you give your body the right amount of fibre, protein, vitamins and minerals it needs to keep you going throughout the day!’

James pick:  Bodyism Body Brilliance Shake, £50, ‘it’s basically like having a nutritious green salad first thing in the morning!’

Maria Hatzistefanis, Founder and CEO of Rodial & Nip + Fab

To combat dry, winter-skin, Maria recommends using skincare with ‘hyaluronic acid in it as this has super hydrating benefits which will leave skin feeling silky smooth and nourished’. Also, keep a look out for ‘essential oils like rosehip or avocado oil that are fabulous for treating dry skin’.

Best way to soothe irritated winter skin? ‘Use a face mask up to three times a week in the colder winter months when it’s really important to keep your skin hydrated’.

Maria’s pick: Rodial dragon’s blood hyaluronic mask, £35

Rebecca Butterworth, M.A.C Cosmetics Senior Artist

Keep your make-up looking fresh despite the Arctic conditions. Rebecca’s winter make-up tips:
 
 ‘First you need to prep the skin. Retexturise the dehydrated surface with a light exfoliator. I suggest mixing your usual exfoliator with an oil-based cleanser to soothe and nourish the skin’.

Rebecca’s pick:M.A.C Cleanse Off Oil, £7.50, contains 8 essential oils to replenish the skin. 

‘Secondly, make sure your skin is looking dewy and fresh by adding a drop of M.A.C Careblends Oil, £15, into your liquid foundation. Your skin will look bouncy, plumped and with a radiant sheen’.

Lily Simpson, founder and chef at The Detox Kitchenwww.thedetoxkitchen.co.uk

Lily shares her favourite super-healthy, skin-loving foods, with us and tells us why they should be on our plate:

Salmon - rich in Omega 3 fatty acids

‘Dry, itchy skin could be a sign that you're not getting enough of these essential fatty acids in your diet.’ If you don’t eat fish then make sure you’re getting yours by taking Nordic Naturals Complete Omega-3.6.9-D, £16.59

Tomatoes - rich in Lycopene

‘This antioxidant may help to protect the skin against UV damage and improve its condition.’ 

Avocados - rich in vitamin E

‘Vitamin E is one of the most powerful antioxidants but unfortunately our body can’t produce it, so make sure you have enough in your diet.’

Nuts and seeds - rich in vitamin E, selenium, zinc

‘They provide a powerful skin friendly cocktail of nutrients and release energy slowly to keep you feeling and looking your best.’

Steve Mellor, founder of Freedom2Tain & James Osborn, Head of Personal Training.

Wrap up warm and brace the cold weather. Steve and James explain the advantages of exercising outdoors:

‘The most natural source of Vitamin D comes from the sun’s rays, and it’s vital you get enough to fight off stress and illness in the bleak winter months.'

‘Exercising outside increases the release of endorphins (neurotransmitter in the brain) eliciting a euphoric feeling commonly known as the “exercise high”. On those long gloomy days in the office, head outside for a quick exercise blast; even 15mins of exercise leads to increased blood flow to the brain meaning you’re a lot more productive and your decision making is improved.’

Steve and James’ pick: Try Vitamin D3 High Potency by Life Extension 5000 i.u 60-Capsules, £17.75www.victoriahealth.com