New Year, New Me, Preeners of mumsnet help me!

[XmasFairyGrrrl]

I've had 2 kids in the last 2.5 years, i work part time and i'm perpetually knackered. I do my best to not let myself go, but i've decided to really make an effort in 2009. I need your recommendations and advice:

Best moisturiser for dry patches on my knees / elbows?

What should i use to shave my legs / moisturise them afterwards, so that they aren't all tingly and uncomfortable? (And i don't wax, ever, but do use my epilator sometimes)

Is there anything i can do for visible pores on my nose and cheeks?

What can i use to sort out my hooves feet?

And finally- the best lip salve in the world ever please?

Thankyou in advance lovely ladies

Best moisturiser for dry patches on my knees / elbows? First you need to exfoliate - I'd recommend the scrubby gloves you can get in Body SHop or Tesco (much cheaper in Tesco), then you can just use them with your normal shower gel. Use every time you shower for a week or so, then just every 2 or 3 times, to keep yourself smooth. Moisturiser - maybe try the Body Shop hemp stuff? The hand cream is awesome, but I haven't tried the body one. The key thing is to use something after every shower. Will make all the difference.

What should i use to shave my legs / moisturise them afterwards, so that they aren't all tingly and uncomfortable? (And i don't wax, ever, but do use my epilator sometimes) Not really sure about this one - don't have this problem as I use a rather wimpy electric razor.

Is there anything i can do for visible pores on my nose and cheeks? Clinique Pore Perfect Instant Perfector to cover them up, or also the Estee Lauder Perfectionist stuff.

What can i use to sort out my hooves feet? Go to a chiropodist and have a proper pedicure (not just a fluffy one where they put polish on). They'll use a scalpel (eek! but it doesn't hurt at all) to get rid of the dry skin, then an industrial sander. Then use Flexitol on a regular basis to keep them soft and smooth.

And finally- the best lip salve in the world ever please. Again - not sure. I use a variety.

Sorry - meant to add a bit before your questions and my answers, but forgot. I'll do some links to things, if that's helpful?

The Clinique stuff
Estee Lauder - it's the Idealist, not the Perfectionist, sorry.
Scrubby gloves (About £1.50 in Tesco)
Body shop hemp range (includes a lip salve that I quite like).

Exfoliation definitely a winner, esp for elbows, knees and feet.

I like Lush products - they have a nice range of body moisturisers for all different skin needs - Dream Cream and Sympathy for the Skin are both great. I use Pied de Pepper on my feet, it's a tingly peppery cream that helps keep the gruft at bay.

Also love their lip balm - Whipstick tastes and smells like chocolate orange and a pot lasts me all year.

Shaving: I find the best technique is to shave legs and armpits in the bath or shower, then rub in lots of moisturiser once you've dried off - stops itchiness and soreness.

HTH

Thankyou. I do have those scrubby gloves but have never got round to using them, i will start tonight!

I have thought about the chiropodist before but not been brave enough- if i call to book, what do i ask for? And roughly how much might it cost?

Jackienocrib- How long will that Estee Lauder stuff last? It's a bit pricier than i'm used to, don't know if i buy some without feeling guilty! But if it lasts ages i might!

Not sure what you ask for - maybe tell them you've got lots of hard skin, and need it removing, and they'll probably give you a general look-over anyway. I go to Scholl (oh, the glamour ) and it costs about £32, I think.

Best moisturiser for dry patches on my knees / elbows? TRIXERA

What should i use to shave my legs / moisturise them afterwards, so that they aren't all tingly and uncomfortable? (And i don't wax, ever, but do use my epilator sometimes) USE EPILATOR AND VASELINE INTENSIVE CARE

Is there anything i can do for visible pores on my nose and cheeks? WASH YOUR FACE WITH A FLANNEL AND DOVE SOAP SCRUBBING GENTLY

What can i use to sort out my hooves feet? A GRATER, A SYNTHETIC PUMICE STONE AND LOTS OF CREAM EVERY NIGHT (Flexitol, Compeed or Mavala are best)

And finally- the best lip salve in the world ever please?

Not sure about the idealist stuff - I used some years ago, but haven't recently. I saw someone mention it on this thread and said it lasts for ages. iirc, it comes in what looks like a tiny bottle, but because it's a serum type stuff, a tiny bit goes a long way.

Actually, thinking about it, you could probably get good results from using Flexitol on hard skin on knees and elbows - save buying 2 separate products...

nivea lipcare repair is good

don't shave, epilate. the secret is to do it little and often, then you never get too hairy and let yourself go again. i do every couple of days, different bit each time. (sound like a mammoth but am not )

aveeno is good for dry legs.

feet: also do them often. in summer i do them once a week, in winter once a month.

best lip salve is e arden 8 hour cream lip protector, it is tinted too. very expensive but lasts ages. from dept stores and big posh chemists.

Best moisturiser for rough areas - Aveeno hand cream.. second the idea of scrubby gloves....

leg shaving - any triple bladed razor (make sure its always razor sharp)

open pores - sorry no idea

feet - again... aveeno hand cream.. used daily.. also use a rough skin remover

lips - good old fashioned vasaline....

wishing you a soft and smooth christmas

so 2 votes for Aveena then. I shall hunt some out!

I second Vaseline as the best lipsalve!

You can get it in a small round tin specially packaged as a lipbalm. Always have one on hand.

well have got vaseline lip tin with aloe vera, and vaseline intensive care body lotion.

Does anyone know if i can exfoliate with salt / sugar / something else i might have in my cupboard?!?

Men's razors are better than women's IMO. The gillette fusion one is good. Use with a moisturising shower gel or shave gel. Then slap on lots of body cream or oil after. Body Shop body butters are good for v dry skin.

Carmex is good as a cheapy lip balm. I prefer more natural ones like the Balm Balm one (you can get it in superdrug).

Good luck with the new you in 2009
PS. I used that Idealist and I'm not sure it helped. I don't think there's much you can really do for open pores tbh other than keep skin clean so you don't get blackheads. Idealist is based on salicylic acid I think. In fact, all of those type things are basically just gentle acids which take off the top layer of skin and tighten it up. Witch hazel temporarily tightens pores.

I think you can mix sugar or salt with olive oil, not sure of thye exact method or quantities required though.

wanted to add, after you brush your teeth puker up and brush your lips (exfoliate) before you do your lip salving

oh ok i am a big beauty addict so here goes:

Best moisturiser for dry patches on my knees / elbows? Weleda Skin Food is fab and very rich, although smell takes a bit of getting used to.

What should i use to shave my legs / moisturise them afterwards, so that they aren't all tingly and uncomfortable? (And i don't wax, ever, but do use my epilator sometimes) It sounds weird but I always shave my legs using conditioner instead of shavel foam etc as its cheaper, feels nicer as the razor doesnt drag over my skin and it doesnt feel as dry after.

Is there anything i can do for visible pores on my nose and cheeks? Not sure about this one sorry

What can i use to sort out my hooves feet? sugar scrub then good moisturiser like the weleda one, also one of those foot file things, mine is from the body shop

And finally- the best lip salve in the world ever please? burts bees lip balm!! it smells yummy and is v soothing, only thing is that if u put it on in freezing weather your lips get really cold

Just bought REN honey lip balm- costs a £10 but is great.

Feet- it's a long haul job- file them with a foot file and moisturise all the time.

www.renskincare.com