Frosty mornings and chilly nights definitely have their upside. Here at Beauty Expert we are snuggling down in our winter weight pj’s and looking forward to cosy, pampering evenings with a spicy selection of skin loving goodies.

While we are applauding the theory of world wide bathing rituals, standing under a running waterfall in Tibet isn’t going to shake off the winter blues here! A gorgeously warm, sensual, shower however, is another thing entirely and guaranteed to liven up the most sluggish mornings. Molton Brown Hanaleni Moisture Bath & Shower Gel, £16, combines deliciously warming essential oils to lift the spirits and relax the senses; Chinese cinnamon, ylang-ylang and Egyptian neroli give a sweet, but spicy fragrance, while the gel softens and cleanses the skin. Elemis Sharp Shower, £16, however, is a tingling burst of peppermint that mingles with wild Marjoram, Thyme and Chamomile to make the best wake up call this side of heaven. Milk proteins leave skin baby soft and pampered. Warming, spicy nutmeg, contained in Korres Nutmeg Shower Gel, £6.50, nourishes both the skin and the soul, while anti-oxidant aloe juice boosts your skin’s immunity, while wheat proteins keep moisture locked in.

The best way to kick back and relax is with a hot, embracing bath. Both relaxing and soothing, warm water is a sure fire way to let stress slip away. At Beauty Expert we love to go the whole hog when it comes to bath time…flickering, fragranced candles (a favourite here is musky Skeem Filigree Amber Clove Candle, £20), gentle, mood music, and of course, a large glass of wine. Don’t forget to have your towels on the radiator so when you step out of the water, a warm welcome awaits! Calmia Jasmine & Ginger Spa Salts, £26, combines stress relieving essential oils and warming spices for a skin smoothing bath time scrub. Sea salt, almond shell and enzyme packed papaya and pineapple leave skin feeling silky and delicately fragranced. Aesop Ginger Root Soap Slab, £7.50, is something of a cult secret in beauty circles. Exotically fragranced with ginger root, this soap is suitable for even very sensitive skin, and provides a flamboyant, luxurious lather that won’t dry out the skin.

Vanilla is one of nature’s feel good, warming scents that is loved the world over, which is why it makes a regular appearance in skin softening treatments. Organic Pharmacy Vanilla Hand and Body Cream, £34, is a light but super-nourishing skin treat, enriched with shea butter, jojoba and aloe, that envelopes the skin in vanilla fragrance to uplift and comfort the senses and gives a deeply moisturising boost to the body. Apply to damp skin after bathing to seal in the moisture. But if you love your vanilla with a twist, try REN Monoi & Shea Butter Body Balm, £12.50,  to deeply condition the skin, nails, cuticles and even dry hair. No wonder it’s had rave reviews; Tahitian coconut oil, Tiare flowers and Gardenia all add up to a sumptuously versatile balm that no beauty cupboard should be without. L’Occitane Vanilla Parfait Body Crème, £24.50, is a contemporary classic – beautifully packed in a glass jar that gives it a decadent, boudoir quality (and makes an impressive gift, too), perfect for primping up the dressing table. Inside the jar lies a melting cream infused with vanilla orchid fragrance that gives skin an irresistible velvet texture.

As soon as the central heating comes on, you can expect dry skin. It’s also at risk of acting out of whack; constant fluctuations of cold and hot temperatures (going to and from work, for example), play havoc with the skin’s ability to self regulate. Try these tips to stay supple and glowing through the winter:

• Switch to a heavier moisturiser, or balm, for both face and body;
  
• Ensure you moisturise both morning and night, no matter what;
  
• Pay attention to exfoliating face and body – getting rid of dead skin cells allows your creams to function more effectively;
  
• Don’t keep central heating on through the night as this dries out the air – and therefore your skin – completely;
  
• Don’t be tempted to automatically go for warming, milky drinks such as chocolate and coffee – your skin still needs plenty of water;
  
• If cold water leaves you chilly, its fine to drink hot filtered water;
  
• Use a moisturising foundation and even though its cold outside, don’t forget to use an SPF.