Fresh-faced: a simple skincare reminder for the New Year

This is what the Compleat Beau should have remembered all along:
1. cleanse
2. moisturise
3. protect/sunblock
4. exfoliate
5. vitamin C


I'm busy reminding myself that it is this simple for the New Year in an endeavour not to be seduced by the fanciful and the complicated. Amongst my long-term favourites are Origins Clean Energy cleansing oil, Aveda exfoliator (evening only)and Weleda almond oil and creams for when all is dehydrated and complaining. I like moisturisers, tinted moisturisers and foundations with spfs for protection - the sunblock with the vitamin C will do your anti-aging as well as anything, and the real wonder products are those you return to again and again.

Makeup is a whole lot of fun, having given up contact lenses I'm planning on giving smudgy eye-liners a go again, neither can the power of an occasional beauty spot be underestimated.

Eric Ravillious

I covet all things Ravillious and have done for years and it is pleasurable to have small satisfactions by buying gift cards and visiting the Allen Gallery in Alton to gaze on their Wedgewood Collection - they have a lovely tea shop as well. In the meantime I put pennies in my piggy bank and save for a plate, or a mug.