I love a multi-tasker. In fact, now that I’m into products that work in not one, but loads of different ways, I get quite bored about those that just do one thing. 

Give me a balm that works on my elbows, heels and cuticles, or an oil that I can use in the bath, on my hair and for a massage. The great thing about these sorts of product is that they save you buying separate ones. And when it comes to travel, you just need to pack one bottle or jar. Genius. Here is my current top five.

First up is brand new from Aveda: Shampure Composition (£25), a blend of 25 pure flower and plant essences in the form of an oil that can be used just about anywhere. I can’t get enough of the smell of this, which is the distinctive Shampure fragrance, and I’ve been using it as a scalp oil, body oil and even on the kids. Gorgeous.

Another hard-working oil is Aromatherapy Associates Support Lavender Pure Essential Oil (£15.50), which is like a natural medicine cabinet in one teeny bottle. My love of lavender is well documented (I once said the word in my sleep), but this isn’t just about the smell: it works as an antiseptic, it calms, eases headaches, you name it. Essential (see what I did?).

Now for some balms. Egyptian Magic (£29) is just as magical as the name suggests, with an olive oil base and loads of wonderful ingredients for healing like bee pollen and honey. It’s my go-to for sore noses when anyone in the family has a cold, and works just as well on cuticles and weird red bits that you’re not sure about.

Another balm is the purse-friendly Oriflame’s Tender Care (£7.95). The handbag size pink pot contains bees wax and vegetable oils and can be used on anything from brows to dry ends. My daughter has pinched mine for her own handbag, which is a testament to its gentleness – she is only three.

Finally, one of my products of the year, Melvita’s new Universal Cream (£15). Definitely a cream and not a balm, this works on my children’s eczema, my hands after the washing-up, in fact there is hardly anywhere I would not use this, especially as I am addicted to its Meadowsweet and Elderberry fragrance. A new family favourite.