Tried and Tested: The best lotions to soothe your hands

Our testers get their hands on these skin-softening lotions...

Liz Earle Rosemary & Rock Rose Hand Repair, €27.75 (www.lizearle.com, free p&p)

“Packed with essential oils and natural ingredients, including echinacea, rose and rosemary, you don’t need to use a lot of this thick, but fast-absorbing — and crucially, non-greasy — hand cream to feel the benefits. That said, though the scent is subtle, it’s a little too herby for me.”

3/5

L’Occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream, €23.

“This thick cream gets to work immediately, leaving my dry hands butter soft. It’s list of ingredients includes 20% shea butter, honey and almond extract and coconut oil. There is also a heavenly scent of jasmine and ylang-ylang. A keeper.”

4/5

Filorga Hand Absolute Ultimate Rejuvenating Hand & Nail Cream, €20 (marksandspencer.ie)

“I have very sensitive skin on my hands and usually can only use specialist creams, but I found this formula to be very kind. It didn’t irritate and wasn’t greasy in the slightest. My only complaint would be that the smell is slightly medicinal.”

3/5

BUY IT NOW

Never mind her killer vocals, Adele’s nails are always top of our beauty charts, and her recent appearance on Saturday Night Live in New York was particularly on point.

The British singer had her talons topped with Red Carpet Manicure Nail Gel in Expresso Yourself, €15, and a smattering of glitter. Plus, she had the underside coated with shimmery Expresso Yourself Lacquer, €10 (debenhams.ie). Christmas party nail-spiration or what?

STEAL OF THE WEEK

Father Christmas is meant to be doing all the hard work this time of year, but sadly, he can’t help out with your Secret Santa shopping.

If you’re struggling with a tight budget, check out Weleda’s Mini Body Wash Gift Set, containing five sublime mini washes including pomegranate, citrus, rose and lavender scents, at €14.70 per box.

But be quick before shops runout of stock.