One of the very best things about the Christmas period is taking the time to find the perfect presents for family and friends - but it’s also important to remember to look after yourself at this time of year… so make sure you get yourself a gift or two, as well!

Given how hectic the festive season can be, prioritising some downtime and self-care each day can make a huge difference to how well you cope with everything you have to do… and what better way to do that than with some gorgeous eco-friendly beauty products?

A really great way to give your skin a treat is to buff it gently with a loofah, which is actually a plant from the cucumber family although it can be used very effectively as a sponge!

All you need to do is lather yourself up with your favourite body wash and then go over your skin very gently with the loofah to exfoliate your skin to give a beautiful head-to-toe glow!

Other ways you can prioritise self-care while helping the planet at the same time is swapping out your bottled shampoos and conditioners for bars or solid soaps - getting rid of all that single-use plastic in one fell swoop. 

Also consider ditching your face wipes (which end up in landfill) and give yourself a hot cloth cleanse instead. This method of cleaning your face buffs your skin very gently, while helping your skincare products penetrate your pores more easily.

To start, make sure your skin is only just damp, rather than wet, and then use some cleanser all over your face. Massage with firm fingertips, but don’t stretch your skin or be too rough with yourself, particularly around the eye area. 

Fill the sink with hot water and soak your cloth, then wring out the excess and lay the cloth over your face so the steam can work its magic on your pores and help your cleanser penetrate the skin more effectively. Follow this up with some serum or night cream for a perfect end to the process.