*Available at
hollandandbarrett.com. Always read the label. Words Hattie Parish. Photograph Getty
Don’t let your tree have all the fun – thanks to its skin-loving properties, there’s no reason you can’t smother your face with gold, too. The ultimate winter brightener, gold is fast becoming a beauty superstar for its antibacterial and age-defying benefits. It firms skin by maintaining collagen and inhibiting the breakdown of elastin, while antimicrobial powers found in the precious metal help reduce inflammation. It might seem like another new-age skincare extravagance, but its powers have been harnessed for centuries and date back to the Ancient Egyptians – Cleopatra was a fan of sleeping in a gold face mask every night to boost her radiant complexion. Make like an Egyptian with Manuka Doctor 24K & Manuka Honey Gold Face Peel (£29.99 for 75ml) old combines with natural humectant Manuka honey to lock in moisture for a gilded glow.