Born In Brooklyn Aromatherapy Brown Sugar Scrub

RRP: $20, only via www.borninbrooklynskincare.com
variants available: Coconut & Mango, Pomegranate, Tangerine & Lemongrass, Kiwi & Melon

--What does the promo say?--
"Born in Brooklyn is famous for its fabulous and timeless Aromatherapy Brown Sugar Scrub line.  These scrubs can be used on face and body and they come in a scrumptious variety! The Aromatherapy Brown Sugar uses African Brown Sugar and a touch of Dead Sea Salt from Israel to slough off unwanted dead and dry skin from your face and body. This scrub is perfect for year round use - pampering dry skin in the winter and keeping you glowing in your shorts during the summer. Jojoba, Avocado, Sweet Almond and Coconut oils are absorbed into your skin with each and every use.  Rub gently in a circular motion on dry skin as soon as you hop in the shower.  Rinse and shower as usual.  When you're done, your skin will be smooth, incredibly soft and silky. NO NEED FOR LOTION, just pat dry and go!"

--Packaging--
A basic plastic pot and lid with a distinctly homemade-looking sticker. To be honest, glass seems more luxurious even if it is a little less practical - and when people are spending $20, I think they want a little luxury. More serious, though, is the fact that this doesn't come with a little scoop or anything to help mix the scrub or get it out of the pot. Having one would reduce wastage and mess significantly.

--Application--
Massage into wet skin while in the bath or shower, then rinse off. Can be used on face or body.

--Appearance--
A brown lump of sugar/salt mixture, swimming in a sea of natural oils. Happily, it breaks up quite easily with your fingers so that you can mix it with the oil. However, a scoop or mini spatula would still be easier.

--Scent--
The scent I own, Spicy Pumpkin, is now defunct, but can still be purchased from the Dead Sea Salt 'n' Scrub collection and the bath oil range. However, rest assured it still smells like exactly what it says, which augurs well for the other scents available.

--Texture and consistency--
Strikes a perfect balance between scrubbiness and moisture, with the oil sinking beautifully into the skin, meaning there's not necessarily a need to moisturise separately after use.

--Effects on the skin--
Effectively sends dead skin packing, with the results visible from the very first use. Skin is also left soft and feeling moisturised.

--Value for money--
$20 can initially seem pricey. However, the pot is generously sized, so it should last a long time, and the product itself is effective, ticking all the boxes for luxury as well as utility. Plus, the $20 appears to include shipping when a dummy purchase is run through the website, making it even better value. Would buy again.

perfect partners
Moisturizing After Bath Oil, $10
Dead Sea Salt Soak 'n' Scrub, $20