Brighten up

Perk up your complexion with brightening products.

Lacklustre, dull skin is a regrettably common beauty woe.

But actually there are plenty of ways to perk up a tired looking complexion - starting with a good buffing.

"If you want to tackle dull skin, start by exfoliating," says skin guru and facialist Louise Tear.

"Dead skin cells build up, diffusing the light and making your complexion look dull.

"A light exfoliation every day is fine if you're prone to lacklustre skin.

"And once a week, use an exfoliator containing salicylic acid, which will really clean out clogged pores.

"It's actually best to exfoliate in the evening as skin cells turn over and repair while you sleep, so getting some rest makes a big difference," she adds.

There are plenty of clever radiance-boosting products lining the beauty shelves too.

From light reflecting foundation to vitamin-packed primers, there is plenty of help at hand.

"I really like Christian Dior Sublissime Base SPF 50, which protects against UV rays, which can damage and dull your complexion. Plus, it brightens by reducing tyrosinase, the enzyme responsible for melanin production," recommends Louise.

"Another favourite is Clinique Even Better Skin Tone Corrector, which uses salicylic acid to exfoliate the skin's top layers, and is packed with vitamins C and E as well as ferulic acid, all of which fight pigment-encouraging free radicals, plus a mushroom extract to minimise dark spots.

"I also love Clarins Brightening Body Veil which has combination of chamomile, parsley, and birch to help even out skin tone by soothing irritation and inhibiting melanin, while glycerin moisturises and light-reflective particles give a slight sheen," adds Louise.