IF you're abstaining from all things confectionery-related after a glut of festive feasting, you can still surround yourself with chocolate-scented and cocoa-filled goodies.
Keep those hankerings at bay with these choc-inspired beauty products - in one case, you can even get away with nibbling on a piece of the real deal...
MOCHA MAKE-UP
Inspired by two of Bobbi's favourite treats, the Bobbi Brown limited edition Wine and Chocolate collection borrows the warm, flattering shades of the delicious delicacies.
:: Bobbi Brown Chocolate Eye Palette, £42.50; Brightening Blush in Warm Cocoa, £35 (www.bobbibrown.co.uk)
Housed in cute chocolate block packaging, Kiko Cocoa Shock blushes come in four subtle shades, each with a sweet vanilla scent.
:: Kiko Blush Cocoa Shock Silky Rose and Mauve, currently reduced to £5.40 from £10.90 (www.kikocosmetics.com)
What looks like a box of three exotic chocolate bars is actually a trio of palettes from cult brand Zoeva. Called Cocoa Blend, Caramel Melange and Blanc Fusion, each contains a mix of matte, shimmering and sparkling eyeshadows, so you can pick and mix your own shades.
:: Zoeva Plaisir Box, £48 (CultBeauty.co.uk)
SCRUMPTIOUS SCENTS
Lush has a whole heap of products that emulate the irresistible aroma of cocoa. Whipstick gives you a hot chocolate lip balm hit, while Dirty Massage Bar releases its mint-choc fragrance as it melts into your skin.
:: Lush Whipstick Lip Balm, £6.75; Dirty Massage Bar, £5.95 (www.lush.com)
If 80% cocoa solids chocolate is your poison, you'll love the Library of Fragrance's cologne concoction, which perfectly captures its rich, bitter aroma.
:: The Library of Fragrance Dark Chocolate Cologne, £15 (www.thelibraryoffragrance.com)
But if the milk variety is more to your taste, lathering up with Palmolive's Chocolate Passion shower cream is the next best thing.
:: Palmolive Gourmet Chocolate Passion Body Butter Shower Cream, currently reduced to £1.23 from £2.49, Superdrug (www.superdrug.com)
COCOA CARE
Not only is it delicious, cocoa has lots of beneficial properties too, which is why the Sexy Hair's new range is formulated with cocoa, alongside soya and argan oil, to boost shine and protect against UV damage.
:: Sexy Hair Healthy Soya Want It All Treatment, £11.35, and Soy Moisturizing Shampoo, £13.35 (LookFantastic.com)
And if all that's not enough, if you must resort to munching the real thing, then make sure it's a piece of Esthechoc. Combining the natural antioxidant properties of chocolate with a powerful ingredient called Astaxanthin, one 7.5g square a day is clinically proven to improve microcirculation and reduce oxidative damage. It's a pretty sweet deal...
:: Esthechoc Cambridge Beauty Chocolate, £42.50 for a 30-day supply, Harrods (www.harrods.com)
TRIED AND TESTED
:: Is epilation too harsh for sensitive skin? Emily Wright plucks up the courage to try Braun's new multi-purpose device...
"The Braun Silk-Epil 9 can be used wet or dry, so I first tried it out while having a soak in the tub. I was prepared for epilation to smart, because I have quite sensitive skin, and while I did wince as the first few leg hairs were tweezed out at the root by the revolving head, overall, it wasn't too painful, and as I got the hang of it, I got a lot faster. My follicles were a little red after but they soon calmed down, and I was impressed with the long-lasting effects compared to shaving. The device also comes with a range of interchangeable attachments - I used the sensitive exfoliation brush on my legs, which helps prevent ingrown hairs (I haven't seen any yet), and the deep exfoliation brush is great for a weekly thorough face cleanse."
:: Braun Silk-Epil 9 SkinSpa 4 in 1 Wet and Dry Epilator, £179.99, Argos (www.argos.co.uk)
BUY IT NOW
Suffering a seasonal skincare slump? BareMinerals comes to the rescue with the new Brilliant Future Age Defense & Renew Serum, £42. Containing a blend of five potent ingredients, including manganese and Chai Hu extract, smooth on a few drops twice daily before your moisturiser to revive a tired complexion (www.bareminerals.co.uk).
BEAUTY BULLETIN
:: APP-Y DAYS
If you're a regular at one of the UK's 162 Benefit Brow Bars, make sure you download the new Wow Brows app, which lets you book brow waxing appointments and collect digital loyalty stamps, which you can then trade in for rewards like a free brow tint or lip wax. Find it in the App Store and Google Play store now.
:: RED RULES
No prizes for guessing what's been voted the most iconic beauty look of all time... Beloved of everyone, from Marilyn Monroe to Taylor Swift, red lippy took the top spot in the survey by Superdrug. Here's the full top 10:
1. Red lipstick
2. Smoky eyes
3. Winged eyeliner
4. French manicures
5. Natural looking make-up
6. Long wavy curls
7. Beehive hairdo
8. The Bob
9. Smudged kohl liner
10. Glossy lips
STEAL OF THE WEEK
It may come in a tiny tube, but Dr Lipp is worth its weight in gold in the season of frost, flu and flaky skin. When other moisturisers fail to soothe a raw, red nose or badly chapped lips, this unctuous balm won't let you down. Don't leave the house without it.
:: Dr Lipp Original Nipple Balm for Lips, £12 (LookFantastic.com)
