forever young naturally beauty

Look for organic cold-pressed oils (nutrients can be lost in heat treatment) sold in dark glass bottles. Ethically sourced oils from small projects that protect environment and workers are best. Supermarkets and whole food stores are as good a source as beauty emporia.

Blend 3 drops each essential oils of lavender, geranium, and camomile into 4 tbsp sweet almond oil to create this soothing body oil.

Blend 4 drops essential oil of grapefruit, 3 drops essential oil of geranium, and 2 drops essential oil of juniper into 4 tbsp sweet almond oil. (Omit juniper oil if you have kidney problems; grapefruit oil if exposing skin to sun.)

Look out for argan oil extracted from the seeds of a Moroccan tree. Highly prized for its antiwrinkle and skin-softening benefits, it helps counter the ravages of sun and wind. This oil is rich in antioxidants—it contains double the amount of tocophenols and almost twice as much sun-saving vitamin E as olive oil. Massage into dry and scarred skin or dab onto pimples and acne.

To soften scars and promote elasticity, mix 4 drops each essential oils of jasmine and lavender plus 2 drops essential oil of mandarin into 4 tbsp extra-virgin olive or argan oil. (Omit mandarin oil if exposing skin to the sun.)

Feet frequently bear the brunt of everyday stressors, as we rely on them to carry us through the day, and often expect them to look good in heels as they do so. The tension this creates can show on our faces, in frown lines and stress headaches. So, reviving the feet can act like a mini face-lift, bringing about an impression of rest and softer features.

Massage this serum into flaking or hard skin or nails.

2 tbsp sesame seed oil

1 tsp wheatgerm oil

2 drops each essential oils of sandalwood and myrrh
Pour the oils into a clean, dark glass bottle. Drop in the essential oils. Lid and store in a dark, cool place. Shake before use. To apply, massage into especially dry areas on the feet.

What could be more luxurious than enveloping tired feet in fruit?

½ pineapple, peeled

½ papaya, peeled

juice of 1 lime
Blitz the fruit in a blender, then mix in the lime juice. Spread the paste over both feet. Place each foot in a plastic bag and envelope in warm towels for 10 minutes. Step into a warm foot bath to wash off.

Use this to revive the feet and soften hardened skin.

4 drops essential oil of tea tree

3 drops essential oil of cypress

2 tsp jojoba oil
Mix the essential oils into the jojoba. Stir into a bucket of warm water. Plunge in the feet and legs and relax for 5–10 minutes. To finish, step into a bucket of cold water containing a cup of green tea.

Combat cracking dry skin with a peppy polish.

1 tbsp sea salt

1 tsp finely ground black pepper

1 in (2.5 cm) fresh ginger root, grated

1 tbsp runny honey

1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
Mix together the salt and pepper in a bowl. Add the grated ginger and mix to a paste with the honey. Stir in the olive oil. Massage into hard skin on the heels and balls of the foot. Plunge feet into a warm foot bath to wash off.