How to moisturise your body like a beauty expert

Each week, Stephanie Darling roadtests a different make-up or skincare trend to find out whether it’s worth your time. Ahead, moisturising and a retreat in the Gold Coast hinterland.

Ask Steph

What is the best way to moisturise your body?

I am terrible at body moisturising and am always casting around for ways to make it work better for me. The first trick is to use a body moisturiser that gives you joy, both with its texture and scent. Then, either standing, sitting or lying down, start from your feet and work up. Try a dry oil like Diptyque Satin Oil for Body and Hair (mecca.com.au, $77).

Road test

In June, just before lockdown, I made a last-minute dash to a retreat in the Gold Coast hinterland.

The lowdown Time stands still at Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat, where all distractions are verboten; the only choices to make are which treatments to have. I’ve opted for the Cryo Facelift, which combines Vanessa Megan spa products with some shots of iciness. My therapist, Jan, starts with a cleanse followed by some vigorous exfoliation and the application of a tingling vitamin C serum to warm my skin. Next comes a jolt of the cooling Cryo Ice Cube Serum (ice blocks infused with vitamin C, quandong extract and moisture-rich hyaluronic acid), which she massages into my face. A soothing mask follows and Jan massages my shoulders, neck and scalp while it works its magic (I’m barely conscious by this stage). I also picked up a diaphragmatic breathing technique to help calm me: inhale for five seconds, exhale for five seconds, then pause for one second at the bottom of the exhale. Repeat for five minutes, twice a day. Sorted.