Each year thousands of beauty products are released which are designed to help you improve your skin and get it looking like thStrae celebrities you see in magazines and newspapers. While celebrities might have the power of photoshop behind them to help them improve their skin the average person must sadly rely on beauty products and looking after their skin in more natural ways.

The problem with relying on beauty products is that it can get very expensive especially as the better products can cost up to three figures. You can also occasionally experience adverse effects to some products if they include ingredients which react badly with your skin. What some people might not know is that maintaining a healthy diet and keeping fit is a very important part of having great looking skin without even needing to reach for any beauty product.

Good nutrition is a basic building block towards great looking skin. The natural ingredients in food can help skin in a number of different ways, everything from speeding up the pace of exfoliation to protecting skin from UV damage from the sun that can cause brown spots and wrinkles. As an extra bonus, the same food that can help improve your skin can also have more great effects ranging from improving brainpower to lowering cholesterol. Here we look at five great examples of simple foods doing amazing things for your skin and your health in general.

The Foods You’ll Want to be Eating

Vitamin A helps to revitalise your skin by increasing cell turnover so any foods that are high in vitamin A will be great for your skin. One of these foods is romaine lettuce, including this in a salad will have great effects on your skin, six leaves of romaine lettuce is all you need to eat to get 100% of your daily recommended intake of vitamin A. Find out more about which vitamins are good for your skin here.

One of the weird food rules is that eating products that are red will actually help prevent your skin from turning the same colour. This means eating things like tomatoes will help improve your skins ability to avoid getting sun burnt and even build your skins amount of collagen which having more of will help fight sagging. In one piece of research volunteers who ate five tablespoons of tomato paste daily over the course of three months had nearly 25% more protection against sunburn.

Another of the vital vitamins to help you to great skin is vitamin C. More of this vitamin will boost the production of collagen which will help your skin become firmer and smoother and could even mean less lines appearing. Strawberries are a great source of vitamin C and strawberries are quite the super fruit as they can also help lower your risk of contracting cancer as they inhibit the development of malignant cancer cells. More strawberries in your diet would be a great step towards smoother, younger looking skin as well as a healthier body in general.

The slogan an apple a day keeps the doctor away has great truth to it as apples are an amazingly simple way to be healthier both on the outside and on the inside. In a large study, eating two apples a week for a year was found to reduce the risk of dying from heart disease by an impressive 15%. If you’re eating an apple make sure you eat the peel as this is the source of much of the goodness. Quercetin, an antioxidant in the peel of many varieties of apple is proven to provide strong protection from the burning UVB rays that can cause skin cancer.

The final super food you should try to get more of in your diet are raspberries.  We’ve already mentioned the likes of tomatoes and strawberries, but raspberries top both when it comes to antioxidants, these can help towards strengthening your immune system and helping to fight off illnesses and diseases. Raspberries contain about 50% more antioxidants than strawberries and about 10 times the antioxidant power of tomatoes. Raspberries are also perfect for younger looking skin, they contain nutrients which can give you colour and they also help with the production of collagen.

Your Other Options for Looking Great

There are a million and one natural ways to look and feel better including improving your skin and they don’t involve having to pay top dollar for beauty products. There were so many more great fruits and vegetables that could have been included in this list for their numerous health benefits and their ability to help skin look and feel younger. Finding out about all these natural health benefits really shows that parents were right to tell you to eat your fruits and vegetables. You can plan your 5 a day with this NHS planner.

Getting your five a day is a great, easy and natural way to looking great, inside and out, however there are even more ways to get yourself into shape, one such way would be with a diet pill. Obviously the name diet pill suggests that they’ll hopefully help you to lose some weight, which is important for better looking, firmer skin, but some have some other health benefits too. For example take raspberry ketones, it’s already been said how great raspberries are for skin and other health benefits, raspberry ketones take concentrated raspberry and include it in the pill.

While they may not be quite as good as eating the real thing, it is an easy way to quickly get the benefits of raspberries in a single pill. There are reviews of this supplement available at http://dietpill-reviews.co.uk/raspberry-ketone/.

Whatever route you choose to take to firmer, younger looking skin it is clear that you don’t have to rely on the expensive beauty products to keep yourself looking great, there are many natural ways to improve your health on the inside and out at a fraction of the price.

Dear Readers…

I don’t know if it’s just because I am so busy juggling work, motherhood, and attempting to have some kind of social life, but the weeks seem to be flying past at the moment. It seems like I only wrote the last Top Five letter yesterday, but here we are again for another week of beauty picks! If you are feeling like life is speeding away from you, why don’t you use one of the products below as an excuse to stop and pamper? Here is my latest selection… Louise x

this weeks top 5

1. Clarins

Want the pigment of a lipstick, with the hydrating power of a lip balm? Let me introduce you to Clarins Instant Smooth Crystal Lip Balms (£18) in four limited edition shades for Summer 2012. The lipstick-shaped balm has a clear, jelly-like outer, which gives lips a burst of moisture, and a rich pigmented centre for colour and longevity. I’ve always loved the idea of applying lipstick, but find them very drying on my lips, so this product feels like it’s made for me. I’m addicted to applying them…  www.clarins.co.uk

2. Stop Hair

I’m currently testing innovative product Stop Hair (£39.95); the world’s first patented hair inhibiting spray. I’m going to post a full review when I’ve finished the bottle, but I wanted to draw your attention to it now, as the early results are really impressive. After applying to skin after hair removal, the unique patented formula of purified plant extracts, specialty enzymes and natural moisturisers saturate the hair follicle and naturally inhibit hair growth. You really do see results from the first few weeks of use. More on this soon, but if you can’t wait, you can buy it at www.stophairuk.com

3. Miller Harris

Lighting a fragranced candle and waiting for the scent to fill the room is one of life’s great pleasures for me – and few brands do it better than British perfumery Miller Harris. The brand has just added new scent collection le petit grain to shelves, with a 185g candle in the collection (£40). The scent has been created by Lyn Harris to celebrate her love of the orange tree. Imagine uplifting, summery notes of Italian Bergamot, Sicilian Lemon, French Tarragon and Lavender, and Tunisian Neroli scenting your home. Heavenly. www.millerharris.com

4. Elemis

I met up with the lovely people at Elemis a few weeks ago when I was in London and was given a tube of the brand’s new Pro-Radiance Illuminating Flash Balm (£32) to test. Believe me, this stuff is amazing! If you have had a late night, early morning, run of bad health, or just need a skin boost, I can highly recommend it. Not only does the cooling formula leave skin feeling supple and hydrated, but the product magically appears to smooth skin and boost radiance. Skin appears brighter, more luminous, and more even-toned. A little goes a long way too. www.timetospa.co.uk

5. Rush

After a disastrous hair appointment in Dubai a few months go where my dark hair turned orange at the roots (even the memory makes me wince), I was relying on a hair appointment at my favourite UK salon to fix the damage – and I wasn’t disappointed. After just a few hours at Rush Tunbridge Wells, my hair had returned to a dark, rich shade of brunette with no orange hue in sight. Not only was I relieved (to put it mildly), but I enjoyed the experience from start to finish at this bright, trendy, but very relaxing salon. To find your nearest Rush salon, visit www.rush.co.uk

In what year did Bourjois introduce their original baked powder blusher?

The first baked powder blusher was introduced by Bourjois in 1868 – and nearly 150 years later, the brand has launched a new type of blusher with innovative technology: Bourjois Cream Blush.

The-Beauty-Pages.com has tried Cream Blush and loves it, so we’ve teamed up with Bourjois to give away 20 x sets of Cream Blusher in shades 01 and 03 to lucky readers, worth £15.98 per set!

Bourjois Cream Blush promises a seamless flush of colour to cheeks with its cream-powder technology that transforms in contact with the skin. Use fingertips to apply the cream to cheeks and it will immediately transform into an incredibly fine and silky powder. The texture is soft, light and velvety – and we find it incredibly easy to blend into skin, giving a perfectly natural result.

We’d be disappointed if Cream Blush didn’t have the same legendary rose fragrance as the original Little Round Pot Blush – and thankfully it does, making the experience of applying it a real pleasure!

There are four shades in the range, each enclosed in a slimline round pot with handy mirror when you pop it open: 01 Nude Velvet (Delicate Peach); 02 Healthy Glow (Apricot Pink); 03 Rose Tender (Soft Pink with pearly finish); and 04 Sweet Cherry (Matte Brown-Pink).

Bourjois Cream Blush is available now at Selfridges, Selfridges.com. Boots, and Superdrug at £7.99 per pot. For stockists, call 0800 269836.

To enter, answer the question below:

In what year did Bourjois introduce their original baked powder blusher?

This competition closes at 7am on Friday 31^st May 2013. The winners will be selected at random from all the correct entries. The prize is non-transferable and non-refundable. To enter, you must be over 18 and have a UK or BFPO address. One entry per postal address – any extras will be automatically disqualified. By entering this competition, you are consenting to The-Beauty-Pages.com sharing your details with our competition partner: Bourjois. We will not share your details with anyone else. You are also consenting to The-Beauty-Pages.com sending you our weekly newsletter and occasional promotions – these emails will advise you of future competitions and you will be able to unsubscribe at any time.

How much do women spend on average per year on anti-ageing creams and beauty treatments?

As the warmer weather approaches, women across the UK are preparing for a season of floral prints, bare legs, and glowing skin. The fresh-faced, no fuss look may be on trend for spring – but it’s not great news for those of us that want to hide our skin or cover up problems…

Seven Seas ilumina Hair, Skin and Nails could be the answer, which is why we’ve teamed up with the health boost brand to give away 12 x boxes, worth £15.99 each!

On average, women spend £483 a year on anti-ageing creams and beauty treatments. However a good beauty regime does more than touch the surface. Achieving truly smooth, radiant, plump skin must start from within. One-a-day supplements Seven Seas ilumina Hair, Skin and Nails provides vitamins and minerals that nourish from the inside out for shiny hair, healthy nails and radiant skin!

Seven Seas ilumina Hair, Skin and Nails contain nourishing Avocado Oil and the moisturising properties of Aloe Vera. It also contains skin-protecting antioxidants Grapeseed Extract, Copper and Zinc, along with
free-radical fighting Vitamins C and E for healthy hair, smooth skin and strong nails.

Seven Seas ilumina Hair, Skin and Nails are available exclusively at Boots nationwide for 28 at £14.95.

To enter, answer the question below:

How much do women spend on average per year on anti-ageing creams and beauty treatments?

This competition closes at 7am on Friday 31^st May 2013. The winners will be selected at random from all the correct entries. The prize is non-transferable and non-refundable. To enter, you must be over 18 and have a UK or BFPO address. One entry per postal address – any extras will be automatically disqualified. By entering this competition, you are consenting to The-Beauty-Pages.com sending you our weekly newsletter and occasional promotions – these emails will advise you of future competitions and you will be able to unsubscribe at any time. We will not share your details with anyone else.

Location: The Chelsea Day Spa, 53 Hollywood Road, Fulham London SW10 9HX. 020 7351 4555. www.thechelseadayspa.co.uk

Nestled between the swanky shops and cafes on London’s leafy Fulham Road, The Chelsea Day Spa Boutique is the sister spa to the hugely popular venue on King’s Road whose clientele include Made In Chelsea stars Cheska, Binky and Gabriella.

Stepping through the door was like entering a boutique hotel with stunning design elements including vintage mirrors and sumptuous sofas, but with a relaxed atmosphere that made me feel welcome rather than intimidated! After a cool glass of floral water I was shown round the spa, which opened up like a tardis as I wandered through with three cosy treatment rooms, all tastefully decorated with a lovely air of calm, and a small garden outside.

The Chelsea Day Spa Boutique offers a carefully chosen range of face and body treatments, performed by the spa’s hand-picked team of highly qualified therapists including its signature treatment Hollywood ream: five hours of top to toe beauty pampering heaven and the Deluxe Manicure and Pedicure treatments that includes a healthy lunch and a delicious glass of champagne. It’s also one of the few urban spas in London to offer personal grooming services for men too.

Treatment tested: Detox Diva, £150 for two hours.

My therapist Noemi explained that this two-hour beauty overhaul is designed to set you up for summer – and once we’d discussed my skincare needs, she began the top-to-toe treatment with a skin quenching Hydro Peptide Facial. The treatment buffs away dead cells that make your complexion look dull and soothes away puffiness. Once my skin had been thoroughly cleansed and gently scrubbed, she applied the collagen-boosting mask that helps stimulate the production of baby skin cells and leaves it glowing and refined. Once the mask had been removed I could already feel a skin tingling difference. Noemi then treated me to a through face massage which helps drain away excess water and toxins that make skin look puffy and tired. My facial was concluded with an application of moisture-rich serum and sun protection to help shield my skin from the sunny day outside.

The second element of the Detox Diva package was the Lymphatic Drainage Body Massage – no ordinary massage but a muscle easing, energy-boosting session that is designed to deep-cleanse and tone the body as well as melt away tension. Working quickly, but firmly over my arms, legs and back, Noemi explained that I’d need the loo more often during the day, but the effects on my cellulite would be noticeable in just a few days. A cup of delicious herbal tea completed my treatment and I left the spa feeling lighter, brighter, and with more than a spring in my step!

Reviewed by Abby Knight

By Louise Emma Clarke

Rewind 20 years and Jean Paul Gaultier Classique had just launched onto shelves in the iconic body shape bottle. It became an instant success and has been a classic ever since, known for its sweet, floral, and very romantic notes. Instantly recognisable and memorable, it’s a fragrance that brings back memories of our youth whist staying relevant to our present and future.

To celebrate the 20^th anniversary of Jean Paul Galtier Classique, the perfume house has created 1000 bottles of the Eau de Toilette with limited edition iridescent body bottles. The bottles are stunning – and we think they are set to become future collector’s items, so are getting are hands on one quick before they are swept from virtual shelves.

Contrasting the soft, feminine features of the bottle and scent, the fragrance is encased in a pearl pink metal can. Embossed with the same corset pattern as found on the glass bottle, everything about this perfume is sensual, feminine and confident. We love it!

Jean Paul Gaultier Classique Anniversary Edition retails at £69.00 for 100ml at www.theperfumeshop.com

Dear Readers…

I have been jet-setting this week, flying back to Dubai with my family (where my husband now works). As I spend so much time in the air these days, I am often asked about my essentials for flying… Beautywise, it’s quite simple. Firstly, I apply a night serum to skin before take-off for an intensive hydration boost for skin – I like Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair. Secondly, I apply a rich lip balm, such as Nuxe Reve de Miel Honey Lip Balm, every hour to keep my lips supple and moisturised. And finally, I pack a travel-size face spritz to perk up my complexion on arrival – I don’t think you can beat Evian Mineral Water Spray, which wakes my skin (and me) up in two seconds flat. If you are heading away, have an amazing time! And if you are staying on home soil, how about some retail therapy from my selection below? See you again next week! Louise x

this weeks top 5

1. Hershesons

I’ve always wished I had the skill and length to create the perfect fishtail plait. I have a friend who creates the style in her hair regularly and it always looks amazing, so I was excited to hear that salon brand Hershesons is adding a Fishtail Plait (£60) to their Invisible Ponytail Range, which can be clipped into hair in a matter of minutes. The brand promise that it is ‘utterly undetectable when colour matched to your hair tone’ – and at 22 inches in length, it’s longer than my own plait could ever be. I can’t wait to try it! The plait will be available from 16th May at www.hershesons.com

2. Benefit

I’ve always had a weakness for Benefit kits – and the coming launch of their All Star Kits (£26.50 each) look more exciting than ever… The three kits are: Do the Bright Thing (to add radiance to the complexion), Primping with the Stars (packed with Benefits’ greatest ‘fake-its’ products), and The Bronze of Champions (a total bronze kit for eyes, lips, and cheeks).  With five or six products per box, they are amazing value – and the packaging is just as tempting. Available from 18^th May at www.benefitcosmetics.co.uk

3. Bourjois

I have very pale skin and I’ve always struggled to find a blusher that looks natural – so the discovery of Bourjois’ amazing new Cream Blush range (£7.99 each) has been a revelation. The collection launched this week, after 150 years of their little round powder blush pots being on shelves, and I am probably its biggest fan! The cream formula (I like 01, which is ideal for fair complexions) quite literally melts into skin to give the perfect, natural-looking flush to cheeks. It also has impressive staying power, which makes it the all round perfect blusher. www.boots.com

4. Jo Malone

Another limited edition Jo Malone fragrance arrived on my desk last week (not that I am complaining, the faster the better as far as I’m concerned…) and it really is a beauty. Osmanthus Blossom (from £38) captures notes of apricot with subtle leather, pettigrain, peach, orange flower and cashmere wood. It’s a very soft and smooth fragrance, with refreshing and uplifting notes that make it perfect for the warmer days ahead. The bottle is so pretty and collectable with its floral design and white bow. www.jomalone.co.uk

5. Institut Esthederm

If you are heading away on holiday soon, consider prepping your skin for the sun with Institut Esthederm’s Bronzant Spray (£42.50), which protects against UV rays, whilst also preparing your skin for sun exposure to help you develop a deep and long-lasting tan.  Spray it onto skin for 7 days before you head to the sunshine and continue throughout your holiday. I love this luxe suncare brand and will definitely be trying this product before my July holiday. www.spacenk.co.uk

The beautiful Balearic Islands are home to which of the following islands?
a) Ibiza?
b) Croatia?
c) Portugal?