So there we were, sitting on a beach in Catalonia, Sangria in one hand and sun cream in the other as all the others were at home in the freezing cold UK, beavering away. Sorry. Thanks to all writers this month – columns are truly hilarious – and to Louise our production and design editor, who has handled most of the pages for the issue on her own, while I did some travel research abroad…

So back to the beach.  It was hot, hot, hot and I swear to God I had forgotten what it felt like to be somewhere warm and sunny. We’re not blessed with good weather in the UK, are we?

So on went the Factor 50. Who cares about colour when there are wrinkles to be considered? So I plastered it on me and my four little babes. The boys, of course omitted shrieks of ‘no mum,’ and ‘stop it’ while being rugby tackled to the ground on the roof garden of the Spanish villa. While my daughter, who is only two, sat nicely and helped me apply. So we had a great holiday – but we are all home a lighter shade of pale.

I would recommend Solait clear and protect transparent sun spray, £9.99; this refreshing clear spray is specially formulated with a unique combination of sunscreens to help protect against UVA (ageing) and UVB (burning) rays, without leaving white marks. From Superdrug.

And for kids,  Solait moisturising sun lotion trigger spray for kids, £9.99, is a fun trigger spray features Radicare, a pioneering antioxidant ingredient proven to increase the skin’s tolerance to the sun which helps to protect long-term damage. Also available in a fruity berry scent to make sun application a little more fun for the little ones. Solait baby moisturising sun lotion – this hypoallergenic and fragrance free sun lotion offers a SPF50+ protection for delicate young skin.

We have a bumper mag for you this month… and now we are linked with the Daily Record on-line; we have lots of new yummies. Welcome to our wonderful world of kids, make-up and a massive sprinkling of humour and fun.

I have been asked to be one of Bio-Oil’s Skin Stories Ambassadors – so I’ll be publishing it once it’s all finished. Here’s a little about their campaign.

A spokesman said: “Skin Stories is a campaign to celebrate how every scar and stretch mark tells a story, whether it’s the birth of a child or falling off our bike when we were young. We initially launched the campaign in 2011, raising money for the British Skin Foundation and this year we are widening the number of beneficiaries to include the Iolanthe Midwifery Trust and cancer charity Look Good, Feel Better.

“The campaign will be centred around Facebook, and they will be asking people to share a few words or an image that represents their skin story via the Skin Stories tab on our Facebook page or on twitter using the hash tag #myskinstory in order to try and encourage women who are self-conscious about their scars or stretch marks to celebrate them instead.

“We all have them, so we hope that by discussing them and looking at the stories behind them rather than focusing on their physical appearance, it will make everyone realise just how common they actually are. You can take a look at last year’s campaign and see some of the inspirational stories that were shared: https://www.facebook.com/biooiluk/app_198262283579230”

Here’s some of what’s in the mag…

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Diary of a sleep-deprived yummy

Current contents of my pockets: one hanky (snot-filled, obv), two shopping lists, one small plastic sweetcorn (from daughter No1′s shopping set), two small girls’ hair clasps (Hello Kitty design), one Smartie, one battery (AA size), three assorted pieces of fluff, one Peppa Pig mobile phone.

Laid out in front of me, it makes for a bizarre little collection to say the least. How the hell do I end up with all this crap about my person on a daily basis? And don’t even get me started on the contents of my Mary Poppins-style holdall. Read more.

Dishy Daddy…

Our 11-year-old screamed. Our two-year-old howled and our six-year-old emitted a noise akin to a WW1 amputation, without anesthetic! It was FREEZING and despite my Scottish heritage, and my memories of swimming in the North Sea as a kid, I had to admit it was a non starter. So we got the ‘free cover’ supplied with the Olympic-sized reject and covered it up. The kids quickly dressed and huddled together in fear of hyperthermia and I decided a spot of gardening was in order. Read more.

Tara’s Fav Finds

Ever used one of those Sonic toothbrushes? Remember how super clean they make your teeth feel? Well, Clarisonic works on the same technology. I’ve been waiting such a long time to get my hands on one of these babies; friends who have one, cannot live without it and I’ve been dying to give one a go.

The Mia 2 has two speed settings and a pulsing ‘T-Timer’ so you know how long to cleanse each zone of your face. It comes with a two-year warranty, a handy ‘Protective Travel Case’ and a Universal Voltage charger – loving this; it magnetically clips onto the handle of your Clarisonic to charge it! Read more.

Inge’s Beauty Box

Most of us will experience sensitive skin at some point in our lives. Skin irritation is often brought on by stress, changes in hormones levels, fragrance and allergies, which can leave skin feeling parched, patchy and often a bit red. Those of us with 24/7 sensitive skin, who are also prone to rosacea, can often find it an uphill struggle to find skincare products which don’t irritate the very life out of us!

But sensitive – schmensitive – we say! Take control of irritating skin conditions by giving these foaming cleansers and soothing lotions a whirl – your skin will love you for it! Read more.

Forty-something skin…

Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate … I can’t stress enough how important this is. It is one of the key steps to radiant skin all-year round and my bathroom shelf is never without some form of face scrub.

I have fairly sensitive skin so once a week is enough for me to dig deep to unplug those pores and slough off debris to leave skin that’s positively glowing. I can’t tell you how much your face will thank you for it. Just remember to always us moisturiser with an SPF to protect the skin after exfoliating.

At the moment I’m using Clinique’s Turnaround Instant Facial. Slightly different from other products I’ve used, it’s applied like a mask, left on for five minutes and then the granules are massaged off with water. It delivers all the smoothness of microdermabrasion but very delicately. Read more

Let us introduce a very yummy mummy who knows everything there is to know about how to feed our children good food – and on a budget too. We have asked her some key questions on nutrition – let us know if you have any others and we’ll put these to her.

“I am a Nutritional Therapist with a specialist interest in women and children’s nutrition and a practice at Grace Medical in Belgravia and a clinic in my home turf in East Sussex.

“I am also author of  ’Take Control of Your Endometriosis’ published in March 2012 by Kyle Books and founder of work www.wildnutrition.com bespoke Food-State supplements for the whole family.

I am also mum to two young boys, Alfie and Ned, and also the surrogate mum to three chickens!”

 Henrietta Norton

We all like to feed our children good food, but what about the cost?

Ok, so you may not go to bed looking like this – God most of us never have time to look like this when we’re going out – but ‘staying in is the new going out’ when we’re waiting on pay day.

So why not gather the girls – and kids if you can’t get a babysitter together, pop open a few bottles of the bubbly stuff and hold a pyjama party in the frugal comfort of your own home?

Or why not host a ‘onesy party’ and invite all your friends to wear theirs and get painting nails, mixing cocktails and dancing to ABBA.

And the night need not be without style; Sleep-In Rollers’ gorgeous hot pink Pyjamas will guarantee a look as glamorous as ever, as will their sassy Sleepover Set.

From heavenly hair brushes to glitzy glitter rollers, there are plenty more stylish ways to have a night out, in.

over to http://www.sleepinrollers.com/

Eating out at home…

And sticking with the staying at home theme – here’s some yummy ideas for the best barbecue…

National BBQ week runs from the 28 May – 03 June 2013 and marks the start of a long, hot – hopefully! – summer filled with alfresco cooking and, more importantly, eating. To celebrate we have put together a selection of recipes that should really get things sizzling!

Sweet Eve Strawberry, Prosecco, Campari, Elderflower and Mint Cocktail – Start your BBQ off in style with this summery strawberry cocktail.

Greek Style Radish & Mint Dip – This refreshing radish dip can be served with bread sticks, toasted pittas and crudités and is perfect to snack on whilst the BBQ heats up.

The main event…

Lamb & Sweetfire® Beetroot Burgers with Feta – Try these lamb burgers with a twist. The Sweetfire beetroot goes perfectly with the crumbly sharp feta and gives the burger a nice spicy kick.

Pink Lady Apple and BBQ Pork Kebabs – These succulent skewers are ideal for the barbie. Coated in a tangy mango and tomato glaze, all that’s needed is a few flatbreads and shredded leaves to finish the meal.

BBQ Fillet of Hake with Caramelised Shallots, Roast Beets and a Garden Pea Dressing – Want a change from the usual BBQ fare? This can be prepared beforehand and just popped on the BBQ when you’re ready.

On the side…

Marcus Bean’s BBQ Beef and asparagus salad with honey dressing, radishes and cherry tomatoes – Beef with the sweet honey dressing, fresh radishes and lovely red cherry tomatoes. Seasonal, fresh colourful, healthy and very tasty!

Herby BBQ Shallots with Shallot, Tomato and Herb Dressing – These two dishes make a great accompaniment to any BBQ – The BBQ Shallots beat your average fried onions hands down and the dressing is delicious slathered on sausages and burgers.

BBQ British Asparagus with Gremolata – A simple and tasty side, the citrus Italian condiment lifts the British asparagus to new levels and with almost no cooking required it couldn’t get much easier to knock up this fantastic dish.

Quinoa Salad with Feta, Tenderstem and Pomegranate – Quinoa is a super healthy substitute to couscous or bulgur wheat. This simple salad is bursting with freshness and flavour, the perfect BBQ side dish.

Russian beetroot, radish and potato salad – This delicious salad combines radishes, potato and beetroot as well as slices of boiled egg and chopped gherkin in a mayonnaise sauce. Great on its own or as an accompaniment to your barbequed food.

To finish…

Sweet Eve Strawberry Trifle – The perfect end to any BBQ is this stunning trifle – packed full of summer flavours, everyone will be coming back for a second helping.

Pink Lady Carpaccio with Chilli, Lime Syrup & Fresh Mint - A super healthy and light pudding, great on a hot summer’s day.

For more recipes like these check out our websites -

www.lovebeetroot.co.uk

www.loveradish.co.uk

www.ukshallot.com

www.pinkladyapples.co.uk

www.tenderstem.co.uk

www.british-asparagus.co.uk

www.sweetevestrawberry.co.uk

By Julie McDowall

Julie, who has a desk job by day and has been daydreaming about being a columnist for years, decided to roll up her sleeves and actually get on with it when she turned 30. She now writes a weekly blog for The Herald about dating and does a book column for Yuppee Magazine. On top of this, she’s writing a novel, and it’s all being achieved with the help of hot hazelnut coffee.

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My next date was with a comedian. This is too good to be true, I bubbled! We all know women look for that elusive GSOH when dating, so who better to enjoy a drink with than a real comedian?

I’d seen his photos, obviously, on his dating profile and he’d looked quite grim and serious. Well that’s OK, I thought, because surely he doesn’t want to be pigeon-holed as a joker, as someone who’s always giggling and guffawing. He wants to show women he has a deeper side.  This is a positive sign, I told myself, determined not to be put off by his surly profile pictures.

And, of course, I googled him. He’s a comedian, so it’s OK! He’s in the public eye! This is so not cyber-stalking!

There was a video of one of his gigs on YouTube. I watched it and didn’t crack a smile till 8:14 minutes had passed. I logged off, quite disappointed but then I shook myself out of it. You’re meeting the man not the comedian. You’re going on a date, not to a gig. Give the poor guy a break.

I was meeting him in a pub in which was very dark inside. I looked around but couldn’t find him. Then I spotted a sad, lonely figure at the back, hunched over a table, scribbling furiously in a tiny notebook. The Comedian? Well, what was I expecting? For him to be wearing a bow-tie and saying ‘Take my mother-in-law…’

He didn’t look up when I approached, and I had to actually slap the umbrella down on the table to announce myself. I thought this was a classier way of doing it than prodding him on the arm and saying ‘You that comedian guy?’

He raised his head and slowly, reluctantly, miserably, put the cap on his pen and closed his notebook. ‘Sorry,’ he said, ‘but I like to write in my jokebook when I’m out. I can sit for hours composing, totally uninterrupted.’

Well, this is a fine way to make me feel welcome, I thought. No kiss on the cheek, no smile, no offer of a drink…

I got myself a gin and cranberry  – as he wasn’t going to do it – and I returned to the table with my bright pink drink.

He started patting his jokebook, which lay on the table between us, and told me how he had a gig coming up at a local club and was working on new material. I asked him about it and, for the first time, some light appeared in his vacant eyes. ‘Guess how many tickets I’ve sold?’ he asked.

‘I don’t know.’

’73.’

Now, is that good or bad? Do I make a sympathetic noise and pat his head, or do I say ‘great!’? I opted for something in the middle and said ‘Mmmmmmm.’

He reached across the table and started stroking the jokebook, telling me how difficult it is being a comedian. So much bitching back-stage and then the public all act like they’re your best friend when they see you in the bar. I was genuinely interested in hearing these stories, but was distracted by him constantly caressing the notebook. Why is it left out on the table, under my nose? To impress me? Oh, I do love a man with a Moleskine.

I turned the chat around to the old favourite of ‘so where do you get your ideas from?’ Anything to distract him from patting that jokebook.

‘Well,’ he said, ‘I’ve been drawing a lot of inspiration from a biography of Timmy Mallet.’

At last! A joke! Deep thoughts and inspiration from Timmy Mallet? So I went off on a spiel about the mad, zany, crackers Timmy Mallet and was only halted when The Comedian raised a hand to silence me.

‘Tammy Wynette,’ he said. ‘Not Timmy Mallet. I said Tammy Wynette.’

Oh.

The Comedian gave me a suspicious stare and excused himself to go to the bathroom. He snatched up his jokebook and said ‘I need to take this with me.’

‘Toilet humour, eh?’

He didn’t even laugh. Bloody comedians.

That night, on the train home, I blamed myself for how badly it had gone. I had expected laughter and wit, brilliant showbiz scandals and backstage gossip. It didn’t occur to me that he’s just an ordinary guy. He might do something wacky to earn a crust but, in that pub tonight, he was just a nervous guy on an awkward date. Maybe I should go back to dating accountants?

New mums who are breast-feeding don’t feel they are getting enough support, according to a new report.

New consumer and HCP statistics from Lansinoh, breastfeeding experts revealed that…

-  21% mothers didn’t feel supported at all while breastfeeding – up from 19.5% in 2012 and doubling from 10.4% in 2011

-  37% of mothers wish they breastfed for longer.

- 24% of mothers think more could be done to provide more literature, visual guides and online support to breastfeeding mothers.

- 25% of mothers think that between 2am-3am is the hardest hour of the day/night when breastfeeding.

- 63% of mothers believe ‘breast is best’.

Following on from the announcement from The Royal College of Midwifes which recently noted that the UK is short of 5,000 midwives in the UK (February 2013).

Lansinoh supported this call from mums and HCP with the 2am mums campaign, a new multi-platform initative to help mums at the hardest part of their day.

Lansinoh launched the 2 am mums campaign via social media in April, with access to midwife Jo Gould, between 2am and 3am- highlighted as the hardest hour for breastfeeding mums.

And they had the experts featured below on hand to help. Did you know about this? Would you like to be part of this the next time it happens?

Let us know and tell us what you think; email us on elaine.hunter@yummymummybeauty.com

· Jo Gould is an experienced practicing midwife, qualified for 12 years.

· Jo is a member of the Royal College of Midwives and registered with the Nursing & Midwifery Council.

· Jo has worked as a clinical midwife in both hospital and community settings. She has held senior positions as a labour ward co-ordinator and practice development midwife.

· Jo has extensive experience of teaching midwives (including student midwives), medical students, junior doctors and leading parent education.

· Jo has also worked and taught in Hospitals throughout Sussex as well as at the University of Brighton . This depth of experience and commitment has enabled her to complete a Masters degree in Midwifery.

Dawn Kelly, Expert Health Visitor

· Dawn Kelly has 20 years of experience in healthcare, having devoted her time and expertise to working as a Registered Sick Children’s Nurse – caring for babies and children around the world – and to community health.

· Dawn has a Health Visitor degree from South Bank University , Dawn has worked as a Health Visitor, a Specialist Community Practice Teacher and also as a Senior Lecturer at Thames Valley University .

· Dawn is established and highly respected expert in her field, Dawn has often appeared on TV and radio and in print.

· Dawn also puts her considerable skills to the test on a daily basis with her own family; having three young daughters under the age of 7.

Jane Griffin, dietician

Jane has a Postgraduate Diploma in Dietetics, London University

· Jane is a self-employed freelance Registered Nutritionist and State Registered Dietitian (September 1980 – present)

· Jane is a member of the Nutrition Society, British Dietetic Association, Sports Dietitians UK, Fellow of the Royal Society of Medicine

· Jane is media trained, have featured on numerous radio, (including live link-ups and phone-ins) and TV interviews on sport and general nutrition, including This Morning, Sky News, London Today, Super Slim Me, Ever Wondered About Food, What’s Really in Your Food

· Jane has previously worked in the baby food industry (Glaxo, Cow and Gate and Heinz) and has vast experience in the area.

There are not a lot of beauty products she hasn’t tried over the last 20 years. Tara Adamson is a self-confessed beauty addict and has spent two decades on a beauty quest – to find the best the industry giants have to offer. She is fast becoming our beauty boffin as she seeks out the latest and greatest products out there.

Caudalie Beauty Elixir – £32 for 100ml

yummymummybeauty rating 4.8

What they say; “Inspired by the ‘elixir of youth’ used by Queen Isabelle of Hungary, this skincare visibly smoothes feature, tightens the appearance of pores and provides a burst of radiance to the complexion.”

What we think; Caudalie’s Beauty Elixir has a huge following from make up artists to beauty editors & celebs; I was intrigued to find out why! It comes in a slightly opaque glass bottle and when sprayed has the most super fine mist imaginable; not too heavy so you end up soaking but a perfectly even spray. It has a delicious smell; very minty, fresh & zingy – some people may the scent overpowering, but I loved it. Its beautifully refreshing to use & it certainly made me feel brighter & more awake; do make sure you keep your eyes closed when you spritz otherwise they may sting a little! This product contains essential oils, active plant ingredients and extracts of grape, orange blossom, rose, organic balm mint, rosemary; no parabens or other nasties here. Beauty Elixir can be used to tone skin, tighten pores or as a pick me up at any time of the day to refresh & hydrate; it will set makeup without any smudging. I’m feeling ever so slightly addicted to this Elixir; it was gorgeous to use & left my skin looking more dewey & radiant. However, I didn’t find it lasted an awful long time & therefore it made it a bit of an expensive splurge. From www.uk.caudalie.com

Jurlique Purely Age-Defying Mist – £26 for 100ml

yummymummybeauty rating 3.5

What they say; “This innovative, refreshing facial mist features powerful Rock Samphire and Beech Tree Bud extracts to help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while Ascorbyl Glucoside helps even skin tone. Precious botanicals and antioxidants deliver an intense hydration boost to the skin to help reduce the appearance of dehydration and dullness and restore skin balance, while helping to protect against environmental aggressors. This effective mist leaves skin feeling smooth, refreshed, protected, hydrated and looking radiant.”

What we think; This is a “replenishing anti-aging facial mist” which comes in a chunky white glass bottle; great packaging for your bathroom, but a little too heavy & cumbersome to lug around in my handbag. The spray itself isn’t very fine; its uneven, patchy and left my face feeling like I’d had a bit of a soaking. I found it was better to use Purely Age-Defying Mist spritzed onto your fingers and then pressed onto the face and neck; if used this way, you won’t smudge your makeup. However, saying all that, it felt hydrating, cooling and firming to use. This Mist has a refreshingly light, citrussy smell and contains fennel seed, willow bark, rose, chamomile flower and licorice root extracts, plus a plethora of natural essential oils. I enjoyed using Jurlique’s Mist, however, I felt that the atomiser itself lets the product down. From www.jurlique.co.uk

Kerstin Florian Rehydrating Neroli Water – £31.50 for 100ml

yummymummybeauty rating 4.0

What they say; “This unique floral water from the Bitter Orange Blossom soothes, hydrates and freshens the skin. Excellent for the face and body.”

What we think; Kerstin Florian’s Rehydrating Neroli Water is presented in an elegant, sturdy Bristol blue plastic bottle with spray pump; it was the most easily portable of the facial sprays I tried as it was lightweight & the lid stayed on well. The product itself even smells luxurious; it has a lovely uplifting, mood enhancing smell of Neroli (or bitter orange blossom to you & me.) It can be spritzed onto the face any time you feel in need of a pick me up, and can be used in place of a toner, or as a refreshing face or body spray, particularly in hot weather or on a skin parching flight. Unfortunately, the spray wasn’t as fine as I’d have liked & it left my face feeling a little too wet. Again, you can get round this by spritzing onto your palms and pressing the product onto your face & neck; it dries quickly & won’t dislodge mascara or other makeup. This is a lovely facial mist which is non irritating and therefore perfect for all skin types, but particularly for stressed or sensitive skin; it is super hydrating & beautifully refreshing and leaves the skin feeling revitalised, soft & smoothed. From www.kerstinflorian.co.uk

Rodial Dragon’s Blood Hyaluronic Tonic – Re-hydrating and soothing Toner, £29 for 100 ml

yummymummybeauty rating 3.5

What they say; “The instant skin reviver! This innovative Hyaluronic formula locks in moisture for 24 hours. Rose Water and Dragon’s Blood soothe sensitive skin whilst protecting against external aggressions. Vitamin B3 instantly brightens for a refreshed and even complexion. Skin is deeply hydrated, firmer and pores appear more refined. A skincare essential, ideal for an instant energy boost, soothing in-flight refreshment and to set make-up’.

What we think; Not made from Dragon’s Blood (as in the fire breathing type) but made from Dragon’s Blood complex; a ‘unique & potent Tree Sap extract’ which is said to be the latest miracle worker in achieving a smooth, flawless complexion & used in ancient times for medicinal purposes. Rodial’s Dragon’s Blood Hyaluronic Tonic comes in heavy frosted glass bottle with spray applicator; yet again, the atomizer isn’t nearly as fine as I’d have liked it to be & left my face feeling like I’d just had a shower. The Tonic smells beautiful; it contains soothing rose flower water along with antioxidant Dragon’s Blood extract, vitamin B3, zinc and hyaluronic acid to hydrate. It is a non irritating mist which can be spritzed onto the skin anytime to give a hydrating boost, it sets makeup and feels refreshingly cooling to use; skin is left smoothed, dewey & comforted all day. From www.rodial.co.uk

A recent survey, ‘The Paradox of Declining Female Happiness’*, reports that women of all ages and income are less happy than their female counterparts 40 years ago and are less happy than today’s men. Women today wish that they could live more like their mothers and grandmothers, not having to work as much and having more time to spend with their children.

Is this unhappiness due to the increasing pressure for women today to have it all – the high-powered job, 2.4 children, the big house, the busy social life and the perfect partner? With today’s social and political equality for women, it seems only fair that this equality should extend to the home.

However it seems women still perform a traditional gender role in the home. Research by the Institute for Public Policy Research (IPPR) shows that eight out of 10 married women do more household chores than their husband, while just one in 10 married men do an equal amount of cleaning and washing as their wives.

The fact of the matter is, if women do succeed in having a career and a family, the effort and the burden can at times be too much to handle. If you are one of the many women struggling with the juggling act of keeping all the balls in the air, then you are not alone, Rescue Remedy® can give you a helping hand to stay calm when your day threatens to get on top of you.

Rescue Remedy can help when your day seems a little too much to handle. Rescue Remedy is a combination of five Bach™ Original Flower Remedies specially blended to comfort and provide relief from everyday stressful situations. The flower remedies are Star of Bethlehem, Clematis, Impatiens, Rock Rose and Cherry Plum and it can be used anytime, anywhere and is suitable for all the family.

Rescue Remedy comes in a spray (£9.20) and a dropper (£6.90 for 10ml and £9.20 for 20ml) and is available from Boots, Lloyds pharmacy, independent pharmacies and health food stores as well as grocery stores nationwide.

For more information, go to www.rescueremedy.co.uk. Always read the label.

Rosie, who has worked all over the world, likes to be behind the lens sometimes too and enjoys keeping an air of mystery about her. Read her tips for all of you in your forties. We also have a new columnist Louise Scott, who will be writing for 30-something skin next month too.

Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser, £15

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Skin looking tired and needing a bit of oomph? These are my picks of the beauty counters to get you ready to face summer … First, let’s get back to basics. Great-looking skin starts with clean skin and I like to start the day with a refreshing face wash. Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cleanser is specially formulated to clean, and even remove make-up, without leaving the face feeling tight or stripping skin of its natural oils.

The gel, packed with apricot kernel oil, avocado oil and vitamins, foams up and leaves skin positively squeaky clean. Good news is that you only need to use a tiny amount so the 150ml tube lasts for months and months. Perfect, it’s a no brainer. Visit www.kiehls.co.uk

Clinique Turnaround Concentrate Radiance Renewer, £33, and Turnaround Instant Facial, £33

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Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate … I can’t stress enough how important this is. It is one of the key steps to radiant skin all-year round and my bathroom shelf is never without some form of face scrub.

I have fairly sensitive skin so once a week is enough for me to dig deep to unplug those pores and slough off debris to leave skin that’s positively glowing. I can’t tell you how much your face will thank you for it. Just remember to always us moisturiser with an SPF to protect the skin after exfoliating.

At the moment I’m using Clinique’s Turnaround Instant Facial. Slightly different from other products I’ve used, it’s applied like a mask, left on for five minutes and then the granules are massaged off with water. It delivers all the smoothness of microdermabrasion but very delicately. Skin tone gets a boost, flaky patches clear and spots disappear in no time.

In the same range and new to me is Clinique’s Turnaround Concentrate Radiance Renewer. Used daily, it’s a serum that goes on before moisturiser and gently works away with the skin’s natural renewal cycle.

The silky formula sinks in and evens out skin tone. Slow-release ingredients continue the work of clearing away dead surface skin cells and helps promote natural cell turnover, eliminating dead skin cells on a regular basis. Visit www.clinique.co,uk

Estee Lauder Resilience Lift Extreme Ultra Firming Mask, priced £33

Even if you religiously cleanse, tone and moisturise morning and night, skin can still get a little tired looking. Battling pollution, stress and sitting in front of a computer screen at work all take their toll. Factor in skin losing its brightness and bounce as well get older and it’s no wonder it needs some regular TLC.

At least once a week give your face a treat with a mask – go the whole hog and do it while you have a long soak in the bath with a glass of wine in hand. Don’t worry if time is short, Estee Lauder’s Resilience Lift Extreme Ultra Firming Mask works in 15 minutes with impressive results.

A blend of super-energised nutrients include the bark of the tepescohuite tree, which is 20 times more powerful than vitamin C, to help skin increase natural collagen production. So over time you will really notice a difference. Skin that’s dry or sagging gets an immediate boost, leaving it firmer, lifted and beautifully hydrated with a luminous glow. Lines are plumped up and my face was radiant after just one use. Visit www.esteelauder.co.uk

Jo Loves… fragrances, from £45.

Now you’re looking lovely, treat yourself to the ultimate pick-me-up – a beautiful new fragrance. I have been a fan of Jo Malone for too many years to mention.

I was absolutely delighted to discover that after leaving the Jo Malone brand in 2006 (she sold it to Estee Lauder in 1999 and remained as creative director), the woman with the best nose in the business is back with the fabulous Jo Loves… range. A hand-picked wardrobe of scents, all with a very distinctive Jo touch, you will be spoiled for choice. Seductively luxurious, the fragrances will take you on a trip around the world.

Jo’s inspiration is as extensive as always, from food and flavours to freshly washed linen and New York in the rain.  Inspired by the whole process of cocktail making, the mango collection offers a fabulous selection of summer scents. A Shot of Oud Over Mango has top notes of mango and black pepper developing to freesia and oud wood. Mango Nectar has mango leaf, bitter orange and pink grapefruit with deeper notes of jasmine and musk.

My own favourite is A Shot of Thai Lime over Mango with mango: kaffir lime and black pepper, deepening to freesia and mint leaves, then white thyme absolute and vetiver. Even on a dreary, rainy day, a sniff of this is guaranteed to lift the soul.

Also in the fragrance collection are florals and exotic spicy and fruity scents. Jo opens her first store in London in September but the full range, including wonderfully scented candles, is also available online, from www.joloves.com.

But sensitive – schmensitive – we say! Take control of irritating skin conditions by giving these foaming cleansers and soothing lotions a whirl – your skin will love you for it!

Inge x

Dr Andrew Weil for Origins, Mega-Mushroom Skin Relief, 150ml, £25

yummymummybeauty rating 4.5

Writer and Holistic Health expert Dr Andrew Weil has created a range of skin solutions for Origins especially to soothe and comfort sensitive skin. This light, softening anti-ageing cleanser is a simply brilliant lotion for skin, which is prone to redness.

Containing Dr Weil’s signature blend of unusual ingredients – Hypsizygus Ulmarius, Cordyceps and Reishi Mushrooms, which are designed to calm what he rather descriptively calls, “the fire within”, (this is clearly a man who has experienced how annoying sensitive skin can be!).

So what if the packaging is perhaps a little bit ‘boyish’ – I loved this soothing gem of a cleanser and used it night and morning, you can quite forget sensitive skin has ever been an issue! I know it’s on the expensive side, but skin comfort like this doesn’t come along too often. Snap up a ‘Skin Relief’ and take advantage of the ‘spend over £30 and get a £22 free moisturiser’ on the Origins site. www.origins.co.uk

Liz Earle, Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, 100ml, £14.75

yummymummybeauty rating 4.2

Liz Earle’s much loved (especially by Yummy Mothership writers!) hero product has just scooped this year’s award for Best Beauty Product – Prestige, at the CEW Beauty Awards, and rightly so, as there is just so much to love about this starter set.

The Cleanse & Polish kit comes in its own zipper travel bag, which includes a cleanser pump and 2 pure muslin cloths. Stage One is to massage the rich and moisturizing cocoa butter cream into the skin to cleanse. Stage Two is to use a hand-hot muslin cloth to polish off the creamy lather thus removing dulling dead skin cells and, ‘hey presto’, reveal clearer skin!

Skin feels really clean without having that stripped, tight feeling and essential oils of rosemary, chamomile, hops and eucalyptus tone and soothe, giving the cleanser a fresh, clean, herbal scent. No worries here about getting rid of daily grime and make-up, even particularly stubborn mascara residue is cleaned away with no annoying smarting.

This product is great for sensitive gals too, use cool water and a soft sponge or tissue off instead of using the cloth, or use the muslin on days when skin feels more resilient. A truly fabulous cleanser for all skin types and ages. www.lizearle.co.uk

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NUXE, Micellar Foam Cleanser with Rose Petals, 150ml, £14.50

yummymummybeauty rating 4.2

Who says that sensitive skin types can’t do scented products? This gorgeously smooth and fragrant foam cleanser for normal to combination sensitive skin certainly blows that particular myth right out the bathroom!

NUXE have designed a whole range of products for sensitive skin based on the soothing and softening properties of rose petals. Winner of Best New Skincare range at the RED Beauty awards, this soap-free formulation applied to slightly moistened skin gently cleanses to leave the complexion clear, fresh and purified.

Used morning and evening, I found this cleanser light and easy to use; it left my skin soft and calm with no tightness or irritation. The foam coped well with my make-up but left some mascara behind, so a quick whisk over with an eye make-up cleanser pad finished the job. Some may find the added effort mildly bothersome, but this lovely foaming cleanser is so rosy and fresh, I am quite prepared to forgive it this one tiny flaw. Why not try other products from this rosy range such as the Clarifying Cream-Mask – £18.50 and the Micellar Cleansing water – £14.50. www.marksandspenser.com or www.nuxe.com

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Kanebo, Sensai Silky Purifying, Foaming Facial wash, 150ml, £40

yummymummybeauty rating 3.5

Japanese beauty giant Kanebo’s extra mild formulation gently foams and cleanses without the need for scrubbing sensitive area of the face. Designed for normal to oily and combination skin, the aerosol contains a fragrantly rich moisturizing lather which leaves skin bright and radiant. Rinse off using cool water to feel the refreshing effect of this purifying wash.

I have to be honest, this is not one of my favourites so far. It does the job, but I was hoping for more from this luxury product. The foam is almost too thick and, when applied to my face as recommended, seemed to sit on it without doing a great deal. Lovely scent but didn’t hit the high notes for me, I’m afraid.

Remember to keep this one out of the reach of small hands as the pump container produces a foam so luxuriously thick, the temptation to create a full range of comedy beards could be almost too overwhelming! www.selfridges.com

She is the David Attenborough of the beauty industry because what she doesn’t know about the latest products out there, isn’t worth knowing. Trust her, she knows her beauty…

Rapidlash, £39.99

A couple of months ago, I had thin, stubby, spindly and sparse eyelashes; some were straight and some slightly curled.

Those I did have weren’t bad in length, but they weren’t nearly as thick or numerous as I would have loved them to be. Having been sorely tempted by eyelash extensions for some time (but not really wanting the hassle or the expense) I was advised to try this product first.

Rapidlash is a clinically proven, high performance eyelash enhancing serum which contains something called Hexatin 1 Complex which helps to stimulate eyelash growth. This product comes in a handy mascara style tube and contains a clear liquid which you paint on above your eyelash line, as close to the base of your lashes as possible using the fine applicator brush.

I diligently applied this every evening before bed for a couple of months; it did take a few weeks for me to notice a difference, but I can honestly say my eyelashes definitely seem fuller, thicker and longer, and seem to fall out less frequently.

Since I’ve been using Rapidlash, I’ve had so many compliments from friends about how amazing my eyelashes look; no need for eyelash extensions now huh! From www.boots.com

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Botanical Essence No. 15, £47

Released back in October last year, this is the second fragrance from Liz Earle (actually, I hear on the beauty grapevine that they’ve now released Botanical Essence No. 100 which I’m looking forward to getting my mitts on!)

However, back to Botanical Essence No. 15; it has a very different vibe from the first Liz Earle scent which was fresh and citrussy. No. 15 is a soft, warm, snuggly and comforting smell which has been described as ‘Cashmere in a bottle’.

Perfume is a very individual thing and this rich and alluring scent will appeal to young and yummy alike; its not an over-powering fragrance and so is good for day wear, or sophisticated enough to take you through to the evening. This is an elegant Eau de Parfum which has a long lasting, classic and timeless scent; it can be spritzed alongside Liz’s other fragrances to create your own signature scent or worn alone; “Fresh, spicy notes of pink pepper, cinnamon and bergamot are complemented by captivating Damask rose, cypriol and Indian sandalwood, while the cocooning qualities of tonka bean and Bourbon vanilla create a feminine sensuality with a clean, fresh undertone.” From www.uk.lizearle.com

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Paul & Jo Beauté Summer 2013 Beach Baby Collection

I’m loving Paul & Jo Beauté’s Summer 2013 Beach Baby collection; it’s energetic and vibrant with a beautiful palette of sunny colours. Inspired by ‘60’s beach film nostalgia, let Paul & Joe Beauté transport you to a time when summer days were always sunny and nights were balmy’. Well; we can dream!

‘Beach Baby will beckon you to the beach and make you queen of the sandy strip.’ This is a fresh, bright, funky (but unfortunately limited edition) collection consisting of gorgeous products in beautiful retro pop colours. I tried one of the Nail Enamels, £12, in Bermuda; a ‘sun-kissed rose that is sweet and romantic’; long lasting, bold and streak free and an Eyeliner and Eye Crayon Duo, £22, in Cypress ‘exotic and earthy notes echo the essence of the island’, a greyish khaki, goldy mix with a soft shimmer; smooth and water resistant.

Among other things, this collection also consists of a Smoothing Base; £27, the latest skin refining foundation primer for that perfect base; Pressed Powders with SPF20, £28, to help diffuse pores, leaving bright, glowy, translucent skin and delicious Eye and Lipgloss Duos,£28, in beautiful silky muted tones. This collection rocks; I want it all! Available from www.beautybay.com from 1st June 2013.

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Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum infusion, £45

Released just last month, this is the latest product to be released by Estée Lauder in the cult Advanced Night Repair collection. This is a white, fragrance free, ultra light serum which feels slightly thin when applied, but sinks in quickly leaving skin lightly hydrated. Only one pump is needed for full coverage for both eyes, so this little bottle would last a good long time.

It feels light and fresh on the skin with no heaviness or irritation and leaves the delicate under eye area looking smoother and less puffy. This serum contains hyaluronic acid and powerful antioxidants along with Estée Lauder’s exclusive ‘Chronolux’ technology to help the skin’s natural renewal process.

Eye Serum Infusion would be perfect on its own for normal or oilier skins; however, if you have dryer or more mature skin, you would perhaps need to use your regular eye cream on top (I slightly struggle with this idea, as it’s yet another product I’d need to buy and yet another layer that I’d need to apply, however, it was nice to use.) From www.esteelauder.co.uk