The store cupboard beauty essentials you'll need.

Olive oil PACKED with Vitamin E, antioxidants and anti-inflammatories. Use olive oil as a body moisturiser, on the face as an anti-ageing serum or as an eye make-up remover.

Lemon ASCORBIC acid (vitamin C) is a common ingredient in skin-renewing 'peels', but fresh lemon juice can achieve the same effect. It minimises age spots, removes dead skin cells and brightens the complexion. Wipe over skin and leave on for half an hour.

Milk/yoghurt CLEOPATRA bathed in milk and was famous for her skin. The lactic acid in dairy products makes them a natural exfoliator. They are also full of healthy fats that nourish the skin.

Sugar DEMERARA sugar can lift dirt from your pores and be used as an exfoliant. Mix it with olive or aromatherapy oils to make a scrub.

Castor oil THIS is fantastic for softening skin and encouraging nail growth. Its thick, rich composition means it is also great for plumping tired skin --try it on laughter lines.

Sea salt (not table salt) THERE is nothing like swimming in the sea, and there is no reason why you can't recreate the cleansing benefits of it. A good sea salt draws out impurities and can alleviate the conditions associated with tired winter skin.

Manuka honey USE it for its anti-viral, anti-bacterial and moisturising properties. Put it on lips, cold sores and cuts and grazes, or mix it up as a face mask.

Nettle tea THIS makes a lovely hair rinse -- it promotes shine and leaves hair cleansed. It can also soften the texture and appearance of grey hairs.

Apple cider vinegar FOR radiant skin, use vinegar. Popular since Roman times and hailed as the source of the true English rose complexion, ACV has a tonic action that promotes circulation in the capillaries that irrigate the skin. It is also antiseptic and will help to slough off the dead cells that leave skin looking dull.

Essential oils A WONDERFUL addition to a bathroom cabinet. Lavender oil has anti-bacterial properties that make it great for problem skin -- mix with water for a toner. Rose oil is great for mature skin or as a cleanser when mixed with water.

Coconut water THIS is the ultimate hydration drink. Dehydrated skin loses elasticity very quickly. Coconut water contains more potassium than a banana, a host of essential B vitamins, and the perfect balance of electrolytes. Try the 100 per cent natural Vita Coco.