By Louise Emma Clarke
Founding Editor of The-Beauty-Pages.com

Today, Monday 16^th January, is known as “Blue Monday” – the day of the year that we are most likely to feel depressed or unhappy. If you are struggling with the cold mornings, dark evenings, and lack of money after Christmas, you certainly aren’t alone – I’m finding it harder and harder to peel back the covers in the morning and stagger to the shower, guided only by the light of my mobile phone.

So this January, I will be keeping spirits high by indulging each of my senses with uplifting colours, scents and textures. Want to join me? My top tips and product recommendations are below…

MORNING – SCENTS

The zingier and punchier the scent, the quicker you will wake up in the morning – and top of my wish list for January is the aromatherapy brand Tisserand. Their Awakening Shower Gel, £6.25, is packed with uplifting essential oils, including Bergamot, Geranium, and Grapefruit, making it the ideal choice for dark, chilly mornings. Whilst their Roll-On Remedy Energise Roller Ball, £5.25, will perk you up on the commute – simply apply to pulse points and inhale when you need a boost of energy.

When it comes to fragrance, steer clear of spicy, warming scents (which will make you want to curl up on the sofa with a cup of cocoa) and pick a bottle that will add a spring to your step. I adore Miller Harris’ Tangerine Vert Eau de Parfum Spray, £60, which contains lively notes of Grapefruit, Lemon, and Sweet Musk. A little tip – in the colder months, I love spritzing perfume over my scarf and coat so I can pick up the scent whenever I head out the door.  It lingers there for days and makes me feel instantly happier.

DURING THE DAY – COLOUR

It’s amazing how a splash of colour can perk up your mood throughout the day – and my top tip for January is to paint your nails in the brightest hue you can get your mitts on. Every time your nails flash into view (more often that you imagine), you’ll feel brighter and sunnier – and it’s a great way to brighten up an otherwise dark and sombre outfit. I love Nail Girls Colour Nail Varnish, £5.25 in Pink 8, Blue 6, or Purple 5 (all very on trend for the season ahead).

EVENING – TEXTURE

With low energy levels and dwindling funds, January is usually a time when most of us become better acquainted with the sofa. It’s the perfect excuse, however, to head upstairs to the bathroom – so light candles, run a bath, and treat yourself to a selection of bath and body products with indulgent, luxurious textures.

Start by generously pouring silky bath oil under a running tap and sinking into the water. One of my favourites is Acqua Di Parma Italian Resort Revitalizing Bath & Shower Gel, £42, which transports me instantly to the Mediterranean with its warm, sunny fragrance. However, it’s the incredibly silky, soft texture that really tempts me – and you can look forward to incredibly smooth skin when you step out of the tub.

Whilst in the bath, smother your hair in a rich hair mask. There are few more luxurious than Fekkai Essential Shea Ultra Rich Mask, £21.25, which nourishes and hydrates hair. Smoothing a handful of the thick, silly mask through hair feels very indulgent and you’ll be thanked with manageable, shiny, smooth locks for days afterwards.

Finally, apply a luxury body lotion to pamper, soften, and smooth skin. I recommend L’Occitane Shea Butter Ultra Rich Body Cream, £26, which is packed with mallow, sweet almond, honey, and apricot oil. The texture is so moreish that you’ll look forward to applying it every evening – and it’s a great way to boost spirits when you are feeling less than enthusiastic about the day ahead.