exfoliant

Hi Bella, I need to scrub up (hehe) on my knowledge about exfoliants. I had a facial the other day and was told I need to start using one but my therapist then told me there are different types and there are about 1,000 versions in the shops. I don't have bad skin but I do suffer from blackheads. — Anna

Your therapist was right on two counts, Anna. There are different types of facial exfoliants out there and you do need to start using one! Basically the main benefit of using a scrub or exfoliant is that they make your skin look brighter because they slough away dead skin cells. There are two main types of exfoliant, chemical and mechanical or physical. Here's a bit more info about which one is suited to you.

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'Member how we were BESIDE ourselves with excitement when we told you that Bliss products were finally launching in Australia this month? Well we have something even more exciting than that happening this week: FIVE freakin' awesome giveaways from the cult brand! Woot woot!

I know, muchos exciting, right? Up today from the super-cult brand that Britney, Victoria Beckham and I all swear by is Bliss peeling groovy facial serum (valued at $105). The dermatologist-developed serum does it ALL: it gently exfoliates the skin, ridding it of dull, lacklustre cells, lightens dark spots caused by age and pigmentation and minimises the appearance of pores and fine lines. It's known as the multi-tasking "liquid version of a microdermabrasion kit." Want. Need. NOW.

To be in with the chance of winning the Bliss peeling groovy facial serum, all you have to do is tell us in the comments section what your biggest ageing concern is: is it crow's feet, fine lines and wrinkles, sagging skin, age spots . . . Time to 'fess up!

Terms and conditions apply.

THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED.

Olive oil and olive leaf extract are known to be ultra nourishing as they are both rich in glycerides, which soften the skin. They better equip the skin’s ability to absorb moisture so skin takes on a more radiant, less lacklustre appearance.

Olive oil is more widely known for its food uses, but is frequently used in both skin- and haircare, to treat dandruff in the latter. As well as being a great moisturiser, olive oil is also known for its antioxidant qualities.

Olive leaf extract is again a powerful antioxidant, blowing vitamin C and green tea out of the water in terms of its power. Both ingredients work wonders on dry skin to really boost moisture levels and rid you of that dry, flaky appearance.

Try St. Ives Fresh Skin Moisturising Olive Scrub ($9.99), L'OCCITANE Olive Express Eye Treatment ($44.95), St Ives. Fresh Skin Olive Cleanser ($9.99) and Kiehl’s Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Reparative Hair Masque ($58).

Stockists: St. Ives (02 8264 5400)

OK, so many of you probably worship at the temple of Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula. I know I do. So you'll no doubt be super-psyched about the new skincare range that Palmer's just launched. I know I am. So the signature cocoa butter formula has been lightened to create the new, five-piece line; and as well as skin-smoothing cocoa butter, the range also features vitamin E, shea butter and white lily. The Gentle Exfoliating Facial Scrub ($9.99) and Night Renewal Cream ($12.99) are firm favourites of moi. Have you tried any yet? Thoughts?

This combo is an excellent exfoliant for dry skin. For a divinely scented kitchen and naturally glowing skin, check out this easy, three-ingredient mask from Narine Nikogosian's new beauty home remedy book Return to Beauty.

You'll need: five tablespoons dried or fresh cranberries; one apple and one 1 tablespoon flaxseed oil.

Instructions:

• Boil the cranberries in a cup and a half of water for 10 minutes.
• Mash them up and let them cool. (Pop them in the fridge if needed).
• In the meantime, grate the apple and mix with the cooled cranberries.
• Add the flaxseed oil.
• Your mask is done! Put it on for 20 minutes, then rinse with warm water and follow with your nighttime moisturiser.

Source: Flickr User khargrav