Spring Beauty
for the Forever Young

It may just be the beginning of March, but already I can feel that spring is in the air – the days are getting shorter and those snowy days of February seem long ago. I have even ditched the winter coat in favour of my lighter spring trench. Spring is also the time of rebirth and youthfulness, so what better time to give you a round up of the lastest “youth promoting” products on the market. Here’s my top five for Spring 2009:

Clinique's new Youth Surge SPF15 Age Decelerating Moisturiser promises to put the brakes on the ageing process with the brand's groundbreaking new technology and research. A revolutionary way to slow down the tell-tale signs of ageing, the product activates naturally occurring agents that promote a youthful appearance (called Sirtuins), while simultaneously encouraging the skin's natural repair facilities to get into gear. Available in three different textures for oily to dry skins, it is deliciously creamy and pore-plumping. This is £27.40, available at Clinique counters nationwide and www.clinique.co.uk from 1 March 2009

Lancôme’s Génefique Youth Activating Concentrate is the result of a ten year research project. With a huge seven patents to its name, Lancôme's new anti-ageing discovery was always going to be something special. The studies behind the Génefique Youth Activating Concentrate claim to have unlocked the protein profile - like a barcode - in the genes of young skin, and thanks to its active contents derived from the Bifido bacteria, help boost these proteins to give the face a more youthful appearance. A couple of drops a day gives skin a new radiance and complexion perfection. This youth dew is £52.50 and available at Lancôme counters nationwide from 1 March 2009

Eyliplex – 2 Eye Lift Circle Reducer is the brand new anti – ageing eye system from the makers of sellout anti-wrinkle treatment Tri-Aktiline. The day gel and night balm work together to awaken, smooth, lift and repair the skin around the eyes over 24 hours. The product claims to fight free radicals, reduce dark circles and visibly fill in wrinkles on the surface of the skin. Available from Boots stores, it is priced at £28.37

Origins Youthtopia Age-correcting Serum with Rhodiola is the latest addition to the successful Youthtopia Collection. This serum, when applied before a day cream, works on the varied signs of ageing - from loss of elasticity to fine lines - thanks to two unique natural substances; the adaptogenic herb Rhodolia, known for its links to longevity, and the Himalayan Amalaki Complex, which is known locally as the 'Fruit of Immortality'. I recently met the team from Origins and was very impressed with the visible results of the clinical trials they showed me from this new product. The Youthtopia serum is priced at £39.15, available from Origins counters nationwide and www.origins.co.uk.

Finally, a completely innovative product from L' Oreal Paris, already leaders in the field of anti – ageing make up solutions, their Visible Lift Serum Inside Foundation is an anti-wrinkle foundation with a serum of L' Oreal Paris' most advanced anti-ageing ingredients inside. As well as providing flawless foundation coverage, the serum is enriched with a combination of Elastin, Collagen, Hyaluronic Acid and a Retinol/Vitamin A derivative called Retinyl Palmitate. The formula helps to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and leaves the skin looking visibly younger and more radiant. The addition of SPF 17 also helps to further protect skin for tomorrow. This is priced at £13.69 and available from Boots and other L’Oreal stockists.

Article by Jessica Trotter