The sweet treats that do wonders for your body

SOMETIMES, when the day has been long, people have been unkind, or you're just in need of some comfort, only a sweet treat will do. But what if the indulgence could not only be guilt-free, but work wonders for your bod at the same time? Turn your bathroom into a beauty candy-store, and enjoy the sweeter things in life.

For eyes that dazzle and crease-free colour that won't fade, try Maybelline Expert Wear Eyeshadow (3.99 each, Boots and chemists) in sultry Chocolate Chic or pale pink Iced Fudge. For a touch of luxury, treat yourself to Clinique Colour Surge Eyeshadow Duo in Lilac Truffle, a lilac and brown pairing, or the juicy combination of Strawberry Fudge (18 each, larger Boots and department stores). Or go for MAC eyeshadow in Swiss Chocolate (11, Harvey Nichols), a muted matte reddish-brown.

For kissable lips, keep them smooth with Lush Bubblegum lip scrub (4.50) Clinique Long Last Lipstick (14, as before) is a creamy-matte formula that will stay put, and the blush pink of Sugared Maple is pretty and wearable. For a glossy finish, Ruby & Millie Hot Gloss (11.50, larger Boots) in palest pink Candy is perfect, as are No7 Liplicious Lip Glosses (9.25 each, Boots) in a pick'n'mix array of shades, including Caramel, Marshmallow, Jelly Bean and Angel Cake.

To give definition to lips, try Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-in-Place Lip Pencil in Mocha, or the deeper Chocolate (15 each, larger Boots and department stores).

To give nails a tasty makeover, there's 17 High Gloss Nail Polish in pale pink Candy Cane (3.49, Boots), or try the 17 Candy Collection polishes, in a range of fun shades including Orange Soda and Fairy Cake (2.99 each, Boots). To act like a real kid in a sweetshop, Collection 2000 Hotlooks Fast Dry Nail Polish (1.79, Boots and Superdrug) in zingy yellow 'Sherbert Lemons' is summer fabulous.

Give hair some extra gloss with John Frieda Brilliant Brunette Shine Release Original Shampoo Chocolate to Espresso (4.79, Boots). This clever formula cleanses and leaves every strand smooth and shiny, helping to create a flawless finish.

If you fancy a new look entirely, L'Oral Casting Crme Gloss (5.99, chemists) is an ammonia-free colourant that adds rich tones, without damaging the hair, and will last for up to 28 washes. Try Iced Chocolate, for a rich tone.

For a sweet fix, head to Lush for their After 8.30 massage bar, made with real chocolate (4.05), or try the Cupcake mask (6.45), a chocolate-scented wonder which contains cocoa to clear oily, skin. There's also the Creamy Candy Bath bar (from 2.27), a pink, frothy creation that smells like custard creams and marshmallows.

To give skin a sweet aroma, try a few drops of The Body Shop Vanilla perfume oil on wrists (from 6.50), or spritz Este Lauder Pleasures Delight with its strawberry meringue accord (from 30, Boots and department stores).

So you can indeed have your cake and eat it – and look better into the bargain!