Le Couvent des Minimes Hikers' Foot Healer

RRP: €12,90 for 75ml
retails in France (Marionnaud), Belgium (Ici Paris XL), and Canada (Jean Coutu); for stockists see www.lecouventdesminimes.com

--About the brand--
"The Minimes Convent, situated in Mane in the Provençal Alps, is a historic environment where since 1862 a love for plants and natural ingredients has traditionally flourished. The terraced gardens which surround the convent are overflowing with hundreds of botanical species that are studied, cultivated and used year after year by the convent's residents. Today the recipes of the Minimes Convent pay homage to this long tradition of care and well-being using plants with products for home and body."
original text from www.marionnaud.com; translation mine

--What does the promo say?--
"This cream unites 9 plants that have been carefully selected for their recognised healing properties. Its rich, non-greasy and emollient formula is rapidly absorbed to intensely nourish dry feet, soften the skin, and calm hot and tired feet with its perfume coming from essential oils."
original text from www.marionnaud.com; translation mine

--Packaging--
A spin-off of the L'Occitane brand, Le Couvent des Minimes offers similarly traditional and simple packaging. The foil tube is very appealing as it not only offers an unusual look away from the plastic and glass of several foot cream tubes and jars, but also presumably means that it's recyclable. The red label and box used for this product is also a nice touch.

--Application--
Apply liberally to dry feet and leave to soak in.

--Appearance--
A pale white cream that leaves no visible residue on the skin once absorbed.

--Scent--
Simply gorgeous; reminiscent of lemon sherbet sweets in a very natural way.

--Texture and consistency--
Smooth, creamy and luxurious. As promised, it is absorbed easily without being greasy.

--Effects on the skin--
Offers tangible improvements. While skin is not immediately as smooth as a baby's, the difference detected between uses, particularly the first time, is significant, with itchy feelings reduced and dry skin smoothed out. It provides similar effects to Liz Earle's Superbalm, which is about £3.50 more than this at today's exchange rates.

--Value for money--
This is an effective, attractive and affordable product. Though a little less expensive than Liz Earle's Superbalm (its nearest comparable competitor in terms of ingredients and results), it comes very close to the wow factor that the Liz Earle product delivers. However, perhaps what you really get for your money here is the exclusivity: with it only available in France, Belgium and Canada, and virtually impossible to purchase online (especially if you live outside of these three countries), it is "une vraie exclusivité" that you can treat yourself to with pleasure, or bring back with delight as a gift for family or friends.

perfect partners
Creamy Foot Exfoliant, €13,30
Honey & Shea Butter Calming Foot Cream, €15,20