Five ways to get ahead of your January detox - right now
With January just days away it's time to start thinking about the inaugural panic detox that we feel obliged to start in the new year. After weeks of overindulging, our bodies and complexions are probably a little worse for wear.
January is always a time of good intentions with many of us setting healthier resolutions, pledging to be kinder to our skin and to start working out but it's not always that easy to stick to. We say get ahead of your new year's new-year-new-you mantra and start a mini-detox now to help banish the Christmas-build-up and prepare you for your best and most dedicated January yet. Here are the best beauty detoxes to try now that will leave you feeling top-to-toe revitalised and glowing.
For your skin
As much as we love a bit of festive glitter, removing those stubborn pops of sparkle can make you tug and pull at your skin in a way that no-one should, especially around the eye area. Use Rapid Lash Eye Enhancing Serum, ￡41, boots.com to restore any fallout you may have had and use a nourishing eye cream such as Shiseido Anti-Dark Circle Eye Cream, ￡56, John Lewis to hide any dark circles from late nights.
Masks are also a great pre-party tool to slough away dead skin cells and leave your skin dewy, plump and ready for New Year's eve. If tissue masks are your thing try Garnier's affordable Moisture Bomb Pomegranate Hydrating Face, ￡1.99, Boots or for an added boost of luxury, try 111 Skin Rose Gold Brightening Facial Treatment Mask, ￡20, Net-a-porter - a mask coveted by A-list celebrity Margot Robbie. The skin-quenching mask is infused with 24-karat rose gold particles to brighten, firm and moisturise your skin.
For your body
That feeling of having eaten too many mince pies and turkey sandwiches is hard to budge in just a few days. For immediate de-bloating , why not try a colonic treatment. "Colonic hydrotherapy is a great way to give your body some much needed attention during the season of excess," says nutritionist and naturopath Kara-Mia Vernon of Grace Belgravia."Our bodies are not designed to eat as much as we do, so with all the over-eating that we do over Christmas, a gut cleanse can instantly soothe that bloated feeling and also will result in clearer skin," says Vernon. Colonic Hydrotherapy, ￡110 at Grace Belgravia.
Treat your body and yourself to some added TLC with a detoxifying bath using Bashail Bath Detox, ￡20.99, Who Loves You. This enriching salt soak has over 84 nourishing minerals and high levels of both vitamin c and e which help stimulate your body's lymph drainage and reduce inflammation meaning you will definitely feel lighter and less bloated post-bath.
For your mind
"Taking time for yourself over the holidays is really important and shouldn't be underestimated," says success and leadership coach Jody Shield. Transitioning into a positive head space for the new year ahead can determine how well you will approach the new year and there's no better way to enhance your mood than some beauty pampering. Relax and unwind with a candle and a bubble bath.
Noble Isle Fireside Candle, ￡39
For your nails
Nails are one of the most neglected areas that often need a good rest after lots of colour and glitter over the festive period. Coat your nails with a strengthening treatment such as Nails Inc. Nailkale Superfood Base Coat, ￡11, John Lewis, this will regenerate your nail bed and boost keratin growth that will leave your nails healthier, stronger and ready for a new colour.
One of the Telegraph beauty team's favourite handbag must-haves is Dior's Abricot Nail Cream, ￡22, Boots - an iconic creamy cuticle moisturiser that will nourish your nail beds and smooth the cuticles.
For your hair
2018 was definitely the year that we learnt about scalp health and its similarities to skincare. Product launches and hair experts suggest that adopting a hair regime similar to your skincare regime will result in healthier, glossier locks and also stall the ageing process. Give your hair a break from over-teasing and too much hairspray with a hybrid hair mask such as Olaplex No.3 Hair Perfector, ￡32, Look Fantastic.
Your hair will also benefit from a scalp cleanse. Try Aveda's Pramāsana? Purifying Scalp Cleanser, ￡24 that will gently exfoliate and remove build up of environmental aggressors such as pollution and also control sebum levels to stop unwanted greasy hair.