Liz Earle Energising Body Scrub

RRP: £12.75/200ml

--What does the promo say?--

"Use our invigorating, refreshingly scented body scrub to exfoliate and revitalise. Ground olive stones gently buff away dead skin cells for smoother, healthier-looking skin. Massage onto wet skin to help improve circulation and enliven senses. Specially selected ground olive stones gently buff away dead skin cells for healthier, smoother skin." 

--Packaging--

Keeping in with the company's generally calming feel, rather than evoking an energising feel, the pale blue packaging also fits in well with the rest of the bodycare range, which is the same pale blue. On the down side, however, this means that the Energising range as a whole is indistinct from the rest of the bodycare range; even something as simple as a line of navy blue around the lid, for instance, would have been enough to make the distinction felt. Apart from this, there are no real concerns: the packaging is robust as ever and the design does not rub off even after weeks of sitting in the shower.

--Application--

The Liz Earle website recommends the following: "For best results: massage a generous amount onto wet skin over body using circular movements, paying particular attention to upper arms, hips, thighs and feet. Rinse off thoroughly. Not recommended for use on the face, neck or sensitive areas. Common sense precautions: Pregnant women may wish to seek advice from their GP before using aromatherapy-based products."

--Appearance--

A very thick, almost syrupy dark orange gel mixture accentuated by a rich and abundant supply of olive stone grains. Like dipping your hands into wet sand, but even more satisfying, it provides an organic and relaxing as well as energising experience. No visible residue left on body after use.

--Scent--

The orange oil is the predominant scent, but it's deeper than that: the complex blend of essential oils used means you can tell that there's something else going on in the background. A strong scent that fills the bathroom and turns your shower into a full-on spa experience rather than just a wash-and-go one.

--Texture and consistency--

Strong enough in its scrubbiness to make you feel like you are really being well-exfoliated while being gentle enough for you to enjoy it. Lathers up a little on contact with water and spreads well over the skin, with you only really needing 2 pea-sized amounts to do your whole body.

--Effects on the skin--

Leg and underarm skin is smoothened and it seems to be a great way of keeping ingrown hairs at bay. It also deodorises thanks to all of the essential oils and the vitamin E it contains helps to moisturise as well. While this section is subtitled "Effects on the skin", it should perhaps also be prefixed with the words "mind and soul", as the use of Liz Earle's products in general really do provide a multi-sensory experience for your entire being, simultaneously relaxing and energising you for the day ahead and helping you to scrub away the day's woes and to prepare for a good night's sleep if using it in the evening.

--Value for money--

I won't lie; nearly £13 is a considerable outlay for many for just a body scrub. However, many more "mainstream" brands such as The Body Shop and Korres charge the same for theirs, and to my mind, in the case of the former brand at least, with Liz Earle you are getting so much more - not only in what the product delivers but also in the company's approach to its customers. Equally, as previously mentioned, you need to use so little of this product at a time that it can continue to delight your bathroom for months to come.

perfect partners

Energising Body Lotion, £16.50 (150ml)

Energising Body Wash, £11 (200ml)

Energising Hip & Thigh Gel, £21.45 (200ml)

Body Try-Me Kit, £18.30