Beauty news from India.....

It may come as no surprise to you that while I've been travelling, I've felt somewhat duty bound to sample the various beauty salons, parlors and spas. It's actually one of my favourite past times and let's face it - who doesn't like to be pampered and preened? I like to look at in as research really. You know, get to know a little bit more about another culture and...actually, not sure who I'm trying to kid here - the opportunity to have weekly facials, massages and pedicures (not manicures as my Lancaster sun cream plays havoc with nail varnish!) for a fraction of the price I would usually pay back in the UK is just too good to miss.

One of the benefits of whiling away my time with beauticians, masseuses and the like is that I get recommendations on the best products to buy. So ladies (and gentlemen), I've discovered two brands (from India and Tibet) which are so good that, with slight hesitation, I feel compelled to share with you.

Some of you beauty obsessives out there may already have heard of Himalaya - personally before my travels I'd never tried the range but let me tell you its a beauty (excuse the pun!). Himalaya uses the tools of modern science to create pharmaceutical grade Ayurvedic products. Given the Ayurveda is steeped in over 500 years of history, in my opinion, it's pretty handy these clever guys have developed a range which incorporates the old with the new so to speak; they marry Ayurvedic knowledge with scientific know how. And this stuff really does work. Admittedly I haven't tried the entire range - simply because it won't all fit into my backpack and my back is already suffering from its current weight - but people I've travelled with have raved about the entire range.

Personally I can recommend: the Gentle Face Wash Cream which doesn't leave your skin feeling stretched and dry but fresh and glowing (must be the cucumber and Aloe Vera ingredients). The Foot Care Cream should be positioned next to the crown jewels - perfect for hard, dry and cracked skin. It works wonders. And the Soothing Body Lotion which has sunflower oil extracts which soften and smooths dry skin, Apricot Kernal Oil to revitalize, while Grape, with its axioxident activity keeps blemishes at bay. It doesn't leave a thick, greasy film on your skin like so many of them do either - you don't have to wait very long for it to dry.

Personally, I'd skip through the range (any excuse) and see what suits your skin - the good news is you can buy the products on line...so no excuses.

http://www.himalayadirect.com/noneu.asp

Right, this little baby is called NYERDAK-GAMOLI or Sorig Anti-Wrinkle cream and its a true gem especially if you want to get rid of wrinkles - form an orderly queue! I swear you see a difference even after one application. Thought I was imagining it but I've given it to a few friends who literally shrieked with glee down the phone at me for sending it to them.

It originates from Tibet and it is based on natural herbs derived from a formulation of a renowned 17th century Tibetan physician. It was originally developed as a protective and nourishing cream to withstand the cold winds of the Tibetan plateau. Perfect for the UK then! It helps to prevent dryness, revitalizing the skin and making it smoother and more youthful. And another bonus is the cream doesn't contain any animal ingredient and are not tested on animals. So you can look beautiful with a guilt free conscience!

http://www.men-tsee-khang.org

Have discovered another little find called Biotique - so blimmin obscure I can't get any info on it - will try for next month.

Go forth, purchase these finds - your skin will thank you for it!