It's cold, it's warm, it's a bit warmer now - oops, no, it's cold and rubbish, again. Let's just accept it: it's Britain, it's British weather and, frankly, it's times that like this that you understand why everyone else in the world thinks, 'You Breeteesh, you crazeee!' Who else would want to live in a climate that has the power to ruin your personal happiness so easily?

spa But thank goodness for our British pluckiness - where geography fails, beauty triumphs. The only way to get round the ickiness of the clime is to sink into a big tub of hot, sudsy water, scrub yourself down, and buff up to perfection. Yes, that's right, we're talking spas here, folks - not the posh ones where you sit about in fluffy towels with strangers. Heavens, no! That would involve going outside which, frankly, ruins the point of this kind of self-indulgence.

But a spa at home must be the definition of heaven (well, that along with a tub of Haagen Daazs Cookie Dough ice cream, Footballer's Wives and the mobile switched off, but enough of my daydreaming). You could buy a ready made home spa kit, like those available from Philosophy, but in my opinion, that takes away from the fun of mixing 'n' matching your own stuff.

Float away on the fantasy that you are somewhere exotic (as opposed to your bathroom) and bedeck your tub with scented candles. Matthew Williamson does lovely variety packs of mini ones, all of which smell divine. Then slip into a hot bath infused with prettily-scented treats, which will leave your weather-worn skin baby soft and lightly scented. Enjoy a luxurious soak before the serious work begins.

Start by giving your body a good scrub (the Body Shop does a range of delicious smelling body scrubs). Try a good gritty foot scrub, to treat those feet too.

When you dry off, slather an intense moisturiser all over your body, such as E45 or, for something a bit more luxurious, Estee Lauder's Private Spa Moisture Massage. You may want to make sure the curtains are closed during this part!

For your face, Origins Never A Dull Moment really is the best facial scrub on the market. A good rub of that on your pollution-ridden pores, followed by adelicate coat of a natural moisturiser, such as one of Dr Hauschka's moisturisers, will sort you out. Don't forget lips, which suffer cruelly in the winter, and Elizabeth Arden's Eight Hour Cream (50ml, £18), is one of those products that really does live up to its pantingly-positive press. Finally, a light spray all over with a soft rose water spray, is guaranteed to give a sense of well-being.

OK, all this pampering won't stop your train from being cancelled every single day due to the wrong kind of snow/rain/wind, but it might send a little bit of sunshine your way.

printer friendly

send to a friend

ivillage uk

Turn your home into a spa