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Be a natural beauty

helen tither
7/ 7/2008

IF you are feeling inspired to get all green-fingered and revamp your garden - make sure you take some time to keep yourself looking blooming beautiful too.

Digging around in the dirt is all very eco-friendly but it can't half play havoc with a girl's beauty routine. Hours spent outdoors could not only lead to ageing sun damage for your skin but plenty of other aches and pains by the end of the day.

So don't just look after your plants, pay yourself a little attention too. We've rounded up our favourite beauty buys for gardening girls to help protect you in the great outdoors - and pamper you after a hard day's planting.

IN THE GARDEN

1 John Frieda's Weather Works Style Sealant Crème, £6.49

Rain or shine, a full day out and about can frazzle even the most well-coiffed hair. This ingenious silicone and polymer filled product goes on damp hair to keep frizz at bay whatever the weather. It even worked against the winds and waves of a Cornish beach holiday when Style tried it out.

2 Liz Earle Sun Shade SPF25 Face Protector, £15.50

Protect your face against the sun's ageing rays with a good quality sunscreen designed specifically for the face - as thicker body lotions can lead to blocked pores and blackheads. Natural beauties will love Liz Earle's range, including this face cream packed with antioxidant green tea, pomegranate and vitamin E.

3 Solait sun protection range

Getting maximum protection from your sunscreen means slapping plenty of cream on - which can be an expensive business! Take a look at Superdrug's fab Solait range for a bargain option - two-for-one all summer meaning these two bottles are just £7.97.

4 Korres Citronella and Tea Tree Anti-mosquito Rescue Patches, £6.50 for 24

Protect against all those nasty little insects with these self-adhesive strips packed with essential oils for natural protection against bites.

POST-GARDENING PAMPER

5 REN Moroccan Rose Otto Body Wash £16

What better way to soothe those aches and pains than with a relaxing soak in something floral scented? We adore the whole range from REN - the funky cult beauty brand using only natural ingredients - which launches a great new concession in Harvey Nichols Manchester today. We love the Moroccan Rose Otto bath oil for a deeply scented luxurious soak. Or try their new body wash for a quick clean up.

6 Crabtree & Evelyn Botanical Body Polish, £14

Slough off rough skin with this gardening inspired scrub, packed with mint, fennel and ivy to cleanse and tone.

7 Paul Mitchell Lavender Mint Moisturising Shampoo, £10.95

Destress your tresses with this beautifully-scented new salon range, packed with powerful lavender to calm and hydrate. With an eco-friendly element too, as purchases support the American Forests organisation.

8 Neal's Yard Melissa Hand Cream, £10

Look after hard-working hands with this naturally nourishing cream, packed with cocoa butter and essential oils - a winner at the Natural Health Beauty Awards 2008.

FLORAL FINISHING TOUCHES

9 Per Una make-up range

Take a tropical flower theme into your make-up box with the fab new spring range from Per Una's make-up counter in Marks and Spencer. We love these sizzling tropical shades, with lip glosses starting at £7.50.

10 L'Occitane Eau des 4 Reines perfume, £26

Finally, spritz on this powerful petal-inspired perfume for a gorgeously vintage scent. With more lovely flower themed ranges on offer in the brand's cool King Street store.