Back to beauty school: Facial exfoliation

Exfoliation is a good thing. It increases cell turnover, removes dead skin and improves absorption of product. Although there is no hard-and-fast rule on how often you should exfoliate, less is better, as over-exfoliation can scratch and tear the skin, triggering redness, spots and inflammation.

Buffing with a facial cloth is ideal for daily use. For twice-weekly (or weekly use if you've got sensitive skin) use a fine scrub, gentle peel or soft bristle facial brush, applying a light pressure.

1. Sukin Revitalising Face Scrub, $13.99
2. Clarisonic Mia Sonic Cleansing Facial Brush, $182
3. Body Shop Luxury Facial Flannel $10.25

Canvas loves

Estee Lauder Micro Essence Mist, $102

Soothe and hydrate your complexion during the cold winter months with this nourishing, ultra-fine mist, which helps your skin adapt to harsh and drying environments throughout the day.

Made for sharing

Lush Mask of Magnaminty, 125g $19.50

The perfect unisex face pack, this fresh little number contains china clay, ground aduki beans and peppermint oil to perk up your complexion.

You beauty

Kerre McIvor, Newstalk ZB presenter

"The best beauty tip I can offer is to take a break from alcohol for a while. The improvement in my skin tone and the brightness of my eyes, as well as the weight loss, is absolutely remarkable. Embarrassingly so, in fact."