Demand soon grew to the extent that stock had to be hidden in secret cupboards, and once it appeared on the shelves in new packaging, its popularity reached fever pitch.

Celeb Fans: Lindsay Lohan, Charlotte Church and designer Julien Macdonald swear by it.

Any Cop?

You would want to have the weather-beaten face of a fisherman to stand the oily consistency of this gel, but for nails, cuticles, dry hands and elbows it certainly does the job.

Malone also swears by it for babies' bottoms but at nearly 100 a pop, you might want to ration it. Not for those who are sensitive to strong smells . . . this one certainly leaves it mark.

Verdict: This gel isn't so amazingly popular for nothing, but it's best reserved for the driest, most chapped skins. And at that price, only on Sundays.

Price: 97.50 for 30mls.

Available at Brown Thomas