Frey-ja Barker Masterclass: How to Nourish and Soothe Your Body

With the wintry weather continuing on through the early months of the year, woolly knits and thick socks become our daily necessities. In turn, we often neglect to take care of our bodies and as a result, suffer more from dry and flaky skin. The start of the new year is the perfect time to get ourselves into new routines, and with this in mind, we speak to Fenwick’s in-house make-up artist and beauty personal shopper, [Frey-ja Barker](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/319837da-586c-4b66-866b-9cd5b2af6878.html), about how we can create our own home spa and pamper our bodies with some much-needed nourishment.

###### **What shower gels should we reach for after exfoliation?** FB: “After you’ve exfoliated, follow up with a [shower gel](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/bath-and-body/bath-and-shower/body-washes-and-shower-gels) to remove the excess and wash the skin. One of my favourites is [Dermalogica’s Conditioning Body Wash](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/bath-and-body/bath-and-shower/body-washes-and-shower-gels/conditioning-body-wash/2530012985791.html), which uses eucalyptus to revive and refresh, and has lavender to calm – great to use before bed. Transport yourself back to summer with [Tom Ford’s Neroli Portofino Shower Gel](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/bath-and-body/bath-and-shower/body-washes-and-shower-gels/neroli-portofino-shower-gel-250-ml/2500001141590.html), or with [Laura Mercier’s Almond Coconut Milk Crème Body Wash](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/bath-and-body/bath-and-shower/body-washes-and-shower-gels/almond-coconut-milk-creme-body-wash/2500001064851.html) - this is my personal favourite! With a sweet, coconut-like scent, it will instantly bring to mind holidays on the beach.” ###### **What’s another way we can really soothe the body while bathing?** FB: “Take a good soak in the bathtub with drops of a [bath oil](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/bath-and-body/bath-and-shower/bath-soaks-and-bubble-bath). To create a peaceful environment, use [Kalmar’s Love Sensual Senses Bath Oil](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/bath-and-body/bath-and-shower/bath-soaks-and-bubble-bath/love-sensual-senses-bath-oil/2530012658091.html) as it will put you in a positive state of mind with a beautiful scent of jasmine, ylang ylang and patchouli. For a spa-like soak, [ESPA’s Restorative Bath Oil](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/bath-and-body/bath-and-shower/bath-soaks-and-bubble-bath/restorative-bath-oil/2530008080189.html) is made of orange, rose and sweet almond oil – nourishing the skin and leaving it silky soft. To truly treat yourself, bathe with [Molton Brown’s Mesmerising Oud Accord and Gold Bath Bathing Oil](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/bath-and-body/bath-and-shower/bath-soaks-and-bubble-bath/mesmerising-oudh-accord-and-gold-precious-bathing-oil/2530007152580.html). Infused with flecks of gold, it’s slightly sensualised fragrance of nutmeg, cinnamon leaf and black tea makes for a decadent at-home experience.”

###### **What are your top picks for [body lotion](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/bath-and-body/body-moisturisers/body-lotions)?** FB: “It’s really important to hydrate and moisturise your body once you’ve finished washing yourself, and I would recommend reaching for [Laura Mercier’s Almond Coconut Milk Souffle Body Crème](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/bath-and-body/body-moisturisers/body-lotions/almond-coconut-milk-souffle-body-creme/2500001064844.html). It comes in a big tub and gently emits a fragrant tropical scent throughout the day. For dry and flaky skin, use [Lancôme's Nurtrix Royal Intensive Nourishing and Restoring Body Cream](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/bath-and-body/body-moisturisers/body-lotions/nutrix-royal-intense-nourishing-and-restoring-body-cream/2500000817274.html). It’s similar to a body butter in consistency and flushes the skin with hydration. With royal jelly extract and shea butter, your skin will be left instantly soft. Energise yourself with [Kalmar's Joy Energising Body Lotion](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/bath-and-body/body-moisturisers/body-lotions/joy-energise-body-lotion/2530012658039.html). It's a vegan friendly lotion that uses notes of bergamot, lemon, jasmine and magnolia, leaving you uplifted and refreshed.” ###### **What would you recommend using for really dry skin?** FB: “Use a [body oil](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/bath-and-body/body-moisturisers/body-oils) instead of a lotion. My top tip would be to use it right after you’ve showered or bathed and apply it directly onto wet skin. This way, the oil locks the water and moisture into your skin, maximising the hydration. [Dermalogica’s Phyto Replenish Body Oil](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/bath-and-body/body-moisturisers/body-oils/phyto-replenish-body-oil/2530012985852.html) is incredibly nourishing and will calm any inflammation, stress or irritation. It has avocado oil, French plum seed oil for restoring and vitamin E, which protects the lipid barrier within the skin. For something soothing, use [Clarins’ Body Treatment Oil](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/bath-and-body/body-moisturisers/body-oils/body-treatment-oil---soothing%2Frelaxing/2500000719974.html), which hydrates and prevents dehydration. Made with geranium, basil and chamomile, it’s perfect for a bit of self-pampering and leaves your skin glowing and radiant.” ###### **How do you decide between using a body oil or body cream?** FB: “It depends on your skin type and what your concerns are. I tend to use a [body cream](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/bath-and-body/body-moisturisers/body-lotions) during the day, then at night I apply a [body oil](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/bath-and-body/body-moisturisers/body-oils) after a long bath, as it allows the oil to sink into the skin for longer.”