Four great moisturisers for very dry skin. Skin that feels tight and uncomfortable and generally as though nothing will ever break through its tough, arid surface ever again. Skin like cardboard. Skin like leather.

The first two suggestions are very affordable, the second two are as pricey as a trip to Center Parcs – though I have to say, all are equally gorgeous and, ultimately, touch the skin in places other creams can’t. (Oooh err!)

Weleda’s Skin Food Light is a delightful version of their original cream, Skin Food. Skin Food is one of the richest moisturisers on the market but comes with its downfalls, mainly the greasy residue that never completely disappears. Skin Food Light is as powerfully moisturising as the original, I think, just without the inconvenience of feeling like a basted chicken. Try it, you won’t regret it – I’d say any skin type from normal to very dry would enjoy it and the tube packaging is very travel-friendly. Find it at Amazon here* – it’s £7.95.

Beauty Pie’s Japanfusion cream is bouncy and fresh, more of a gel-cream than a cream-cream, so has the distinct advantage of feeling lightweight and quenching whilst being all rich and effective in the background. It’s amazing stuff. You just need to get your head around the Beauty Pie membership system, which is explained on their website and discussed by Yours Truly in the video below. The brilliant Supreme Cream is £9.89 here* – they say an equivalent product in the luxury market would cost around £100. (Again, you need to read the info on their website – they sell at cost, plus membership charge and delivery, but the products are – quite frankly, and with only a few exceptions – outstanding.)

Now for a pricey piece; Darphin’s 8 Flower Nectar Oil Cream, which has long been a favourite. It’s the scent that draws me back, which I know will be an instant turn-off for many reading this who have both dryness and sensitivity, but for those who can deal with essential oils it’s an absolute treat. £70 at Space NK here* – my original review, for more detail, is here.

And the priciest of all, but a great investment if you’re inclined to be spendy with your skincare: SkinCeuticals’ excellent Triple Lipid Restore 2:4:2. Tight skin feels instantly soothed and smoothed, skin that feels battered and rough and generally in the wars will see (and feel) a definite improvement in quite a short amount of time. It’s £130 here*, yikes, but if you have dry, compromised skin and usually whack down a load of cash for luxury creams that seem to do nothing for you then this one is possibly one of the best swaps you could make.

Talking of dry, compromised skin – here are two affordable creams that are great all-rounders and good if you have any sort of sensitivity.

The Avene Tolerance Cream (£13.50 here*) and La Roche-Posay Toleriane Sensitive Riche (£13.60 here*). Both do a very fine job of calming, soothing and intensely moisturising without leaving residue, both are in handy tubes. The Avene used to be a makeup artist staple when I was modelling in Paris (along with Embryolisse) and it gives a smooth and wonderful, grease-free base for makeup.

Right, here’s a video repeating pretty much everything I’ve just said, but I do throw in a few of my usual quips and I know how you love the sound of my voice, so click play and enjoy the ride!