There’s a whole raft of reasons why The Beauty Experts feel kind of smug about natural and organic skin care. Not only do we love the environmental aspect (let’s all hug a recyclable jar of cream!), and the exceptionally good-for-you ingredients, but we are more than impressed at the outstanding results that they can give. Oh, and did we mention the fragrances? Zesty, floral, spicy or sweet; yet another natural bonus.

Organic hair care is a tidy act indeed, and has taken years in the making. Ridding hair products of unnecessary chemicals and synthetics, while maintaining worthwhile results, has been a tricky process. However this alchemy lies at the core of the John Masters Organics. The range we carry is testimony to his diligence and commitment to organics. One of our favourites for winter hair – you know, fuzzed, blown and endlessly rained on – is Honey & Hibiscus Reconstructor, £28. A super-boost containing essential fatty acids, extracts of Hibiscus, mango butter and avocado oil, it leaves hair so bouncy that woolly hats are out – even if it is snowing!

 

But, if it’s your gloss that’s gone, really, don’t panic. MOP (Modern Organic Products) have introduced Glisten Shine Drops, £9.45, that add a dazzle to the dull, sheen to the shabby and lustre to the lost. Just check out the reader feed back to see how good it is. Extracts of organic raw oatstraw, horsetail (it’s a plant!) and aloe are three shining examples of how good nature can be.

 

We all know that dandruff isn’t glamorous, but we also realise it’s a

fact of life and can be exacerbated in winter, thanks to central heating and overuse of heavy conditioners. So, Aesop’s Sage Scalp Cleansing Shampoo, £12.50, is something of a blessing for suffers who want to snuggle up in black cashmere safely. Rosemary, cedar atlas and sage work together to beat itchiness and banish flakes.

If you suffer from sensitive skin during the winter as a result of environmental factors, such as cold weather, switching to an ultra gentle cleanser can help. John Masters’ Rose Foaming Face Wash, £21, contains the mildest possible natural cleansing agents so your skin will feel clean but not stripped. Rose oil actually rejuvenates and gives suppleness and moisturise, while Linden Blossom calms away any irritation.

 

Greek company, Korres, whose roots lie in homeopathy, use naturally derived ingredients to give your skin effective, safe and beneficial products. Hamamelis Hydrating Face Water, £12.50, is one of those handy handbag essentials that is perfect for refreshing and hydrating the skin in a stuffy, over heated office. Cleverly, it creates a mini micro environment on the complexion using amino acids and plant extracts so your complexion hangs on to moisture for at least six hours. Meaning, of course, that you stay radiant, naturally!

 

But sometimes your skin needs a really big moisture boost, just to help it feel more comfortable, look more radiant and act more healthily. For those SOS skin times, a virtual trip to The Organic Pharmacy right here at Beauty Expert is

all you need. Committed to products that contain no artificial preservatives, artificial colours, fragrances or detergents, Skin Rescue Oil, £30, is a pure boost of nourishment.  Specially created for extra dry skin, or flaky conditions, a combination of chickweed, evening primrose oil and Tamanu, instantly protects, restores elasticity and calms the complexion. It’s quite simply TLC in a bottle.

Of course, it’s essential not to forget the body beautiful! But while you are pampering and luxuriating, why not soothe your mood as well. There’s the joy of aromatherapy – it can bring you up, calm you down, invigorate, stimulate or simply relax. Aromatherapy Associates is a leading light in producing high quality aromatherapy essential oils – and yes, the better the quality, the more potent the product. Winning the accolade from Harpers & Queen as one of the top 100 Best Beauty Products, Aromatherapy Associates has a huge fan base. After a decadently long steep in Deep Relax Bath & Shower Oil, £30, with the essential oils of chamomile, vetivert and sandalwood, all known to soothe and de-stress the mind, massage in REN’s Nourishing Monoi Oil, £17.50 while your skin is still warm to maximise the absorption. Free from unfriendly chemicals, it provides a light layer of nourishing macadamia and sesame oils to leave skin supple.

 

If up and happy is where you want to be, try Sen Sleep Aid Relaxing Body Butter, £16.95, the beautiful sharp aroma of Golden Frankincense delicately move the senses upbeat,

and embracing the art of Chinese Herbal Medicine. Another gong  –  In Style Best Beauty Buys –  went to This Works Skin Deep Dry Leg Oil, £32, which has become an instant Beauty Expert hit. Mysteriously, women tend to get dry legs during summer and winter, and usually it’s the lower legs that are affected most. Maybe it’s a combination of regular hair removal and the fact the skin is thinner over the shins, but whatever the reason, that area can become almost painfully dehydrated. Nine essential oils make up this ultra-nourishing treatment, along with seven pure plant oils all rich in GLA to keep skin smooth, supple and banish forever those dustings of dry skin all too apparent on black tights or trousers. The fragrance is deliciously exotic; coconut oils, patchouli, rose and sandalwood combine to make a feminine, gentle scent.