W e may have brought our winter woollies out of storage but despite best intentions skin can still fall victim to the bitterness of the cold. Hands turn dry and flaky and a reindeer nose is not uncommon. And just because our bodies dont see the light of day at the moment theres no reason to neglect them. As temperatures keep dropping, what better way to way to warm yourself up than with some scrumptious pampering products. Treat your body to some winter warming by slathering on Ole Henriksens African Red Tea Self Heating Body Souffl (67, www. beautybay.com). Its warming power stimulates circulation to deeply penetrate muscle tissue and relax the body, leaving your skin super soft. A warming body scrub can be a great way to ward off the winter chill and Rituals Hammam Hot Scrub (14, www.uk. ritualsstore.com) uses an invigorating blend of eucalyptus and ginger to scrub away dead skin cells and boost sluggish circulation. Simply massage into damp skin and rinse off. Soothe tired feet with the help of the Body Shops Cranberry Heatable Feet Hugs (12, www.thebodyshop.com). Simply pop the removable inserts into the microwave for 30 seconds then let the comforting fragrance of cranberry do the rest. For those who like their skincare spicy, the Body Shops Warming Mineral Mask (8.50, www.thebodyshop.com) uses mood-boosting ginger and cinnamon to stimulate the senses and revitalise dull skin use twice a week for a healthy, glowing complexion. If the absence of sunlight is getting you down, try burning an uplifting candle. The This Works Black Spice And Myrrh candle. (28, www.thisworks.com) has a powerful combination of essential oils. These act as a great way to ward off those winter sniffles while the comforting fragrance is perfect for cosying up. A long soak in the tub is a great way to warm up and wind down and Molton Browns Warming Eucalyptus Bath and Shower Therapy (18, www.moltonbrown.co.uk) is definitely a winter revival essential. Eucalyptus oil warms tired muscles and helps clear stuffy heads while also helping to tone skin. Cold weather can be tough on hands and feet, so treat them to their very own caffeine fix with Elizabeth Ardens Green Tea Revitalize Warming Hand and Foot Scrub (17, www.debenhams.com). This antioxidant-rich scrub uses the protective powers of green tea, ginko biloba and sophora japonica to ward off damage by free radicals, while walnut extract helps smooth away rough skin. D Thursday, January 7, 2010 metrolife 23 Picture:Getty Are you often plagued by feelings of bloating? Activia wanted a real woman to be honest about the things that go with being a woman that can knock your confidence like feeling bloated. They sent me loads and it tastes nice. What else have you been sent free? I said I liked Evian water once and they sent me bucketloads. I do a beauty column so I get sent loads of beauty products. I love Yves St Laurent, so if they want to send me anything, feel free. How did you become an author? It started as a script idea. Someone at ITV wanted to create a project for me so I came up with a synopsis for a script. Somehow the publishing world found out about it and asked me to write the first chapter. I didnt think it would become a book. I was really honoured. They didnt suggest a find roles you want to do is it still a challenge? The acting business is tough for everyone at the moment, even in Hollywood. Theres a huge amount of reality TV which consumes a massive part of the market. Where three girls used to go for the same job, now its 20. Anybody who says otherwise isnt necessarily telling the truth. I just want to do good work. Youve got to do it because you love it, because it takes up so much of your life, otherwise its soul-destroying. Would you do a reality show yourself? Not yet. If it got to the stage where I wanted to learn how to Latin dance for the hell of it, I would. There are lots of writers and directors I want to work with and, like it or not, there are certain labels that go along with appearing on a reality show. Its worked ghostwriter, as they had complete faith in me as a writer myself. These days if youre a celebrity, its unusual for people to give you that respect. Have the negative reviews been hurtful? I dont mind it when its constructive or if people have bothered to read the book. The reviewers who upset me most were the ones who hadnt read it and had jumped on the bandwagon to be negative about me as an artist, rather than looking at my work as a writer. I cant be bothered to feel anything other than annoyed when people havent done their research because I just end up having to comment on the criticism in interviews later. Im proud of the book. Has it put you off doing any more? No way. I havent always been the critics darling, and thats across the board with everything Ive done. If I had listened every time someone told me I couldnt do something, Id never have achieved anything. Youve said its been difficult to wonders for some people, if they havent done anything for a long time, but Im still busy and being offered work. There are times its tempting when youre offered loads of money to do something but if I feel Im selling myself short theres no point doing it, thats not why I got into this industry. What are you proudest of achieving in your career? Ive loved having UK No.1s and winning awards but Im proudest of my endurance. Its been a real roller coaster and Ive always brushed myself down and tried to see the funny side. Whats been your most extravagant purchase? A pair of Gucci shoes covered in jet stones and crystals. They were absolutely beautiful and I felt like Cinderella every time I put them on. It was an obscene amount of money and Id never pay that amount today. If you were a kangaroo what would you keep in your pouch? A pad and a pen to write down my ideas and make to-do lists. If I had listened every time someone told me I couldnt do something, Id never have achieved anything Martine McCutcheon Martine McCutcheon, 33, got her big break as Tiffany in EastEnders. She had a short-lived pop career and won an Olivier Award for her performance in musical My Fair Lady. She has recently published her debut novel The Mistress and is the new face of Activia yoghurt Interview by Andrew Williams Martine McCutcheon :60second interview features@metroherald.ie Style Counsel Melt away those effects of winterCold comfort: Is your skin struggling with the effects of the frosty weather? tAMARA hiNSON has found some fabulous beauty products to leave you glowing and revitalised index.html2.html3.html4.html5.html6.html7.html8.html9.html10.html11.html12.html13.html14.html15.html16.html17.html18.html19.html20.html21.html22.html23.html24.html25.html26.html27.html28.html29.html30.html31.html