Radox Nourish Shower Cream

 RRP: £1.25/250ml
 
--What does the promo say?--
"We've selected and combined natural ingredients with our feel good fragrance to create this nurturing blend. Your Nourish shower cream, with shea butter and ginger, will leave you feeling confident and ready to take on the day."

--Packaging--
The opaque plastic bottle is an ergonomically pleasing shape, meaning it's not only attractive aesthetically but is also less likely to slip out of your hand in the shower. Plus, the flip-top lid is easy to open, closes securely, and doesn't seem to promote leakage. The red plant design is also eye-catching against the shower cream's pale orange colour.

--Application--
Rub into wet skin while under the shower, and then rinse off. Simples, as they say.

--Appearance--
The pale orange cream becomes a luxurious white lather that doesn't leave any visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--
You have to sniff hard for the ginger, but it is there - so great for those that don't like the smell of ginger to be too overpowering. It also tempers the shea butter, meaning that it, too, is not overwhelmingly chocolatey.

--Texture and consistency--
Builds up to a silky lather without being sticky, runny or irritating. 

--Effects on the skin--
Has a softening effect that lasts all day. Not bad for £1.25!

--Value for money--
Excellent. An inexpensive treat. Even though mine was free from Radox's PR, I would definitely recommend this to others and purchase a further bottle for myself.
 
perfect partners
Nourish Liquid Handwash, £1.90/300ml
Nourish Herbal Bath, £1.25/500ml

Dr Hauschka Cleansing Milk

RRP: £22.95/145ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Cleansing Milk gently removes dirt and make-up prior to cleansing with Cleansing Cream. For sensitive skin, Cleansing Milk is a daily cleanser with harmonising, protective properties to calm sensitivity and help diminish the appearance of redness, whilst maintaining the skin’s natural moisture balance."

--Packaging--
The glass bottle with shiny metal pump action mechanism is elegant, but not travel friendly. The ubiquitous orange band at the bottom of the label makes it clear that this product belongs to the Dr Hauschka family, and the minimalist colour scheme makes the bottle look clean and sophisticated.

--Application--
There are several ways to do this. You can apply to wet skin for cleansing (before rinsing) or apply to damp cotton pads to remove makeup. Alternatively, you can just smear it around your face and remove with a dry cotton pad, which is what I prefer to do, as then any excess essential oils can be absorbed into the skin.

--Appearance--
A slightly beige-coloured cream that leaves no visible residue.

--Scent--
I'd say the jojoba and almond are most obvious (although who knows what woundwort smells like?).

--Texture and consistency--
A rich, luxurious cream that nonetheless won't clog pores.

--Effects on the skin--
Removes makeup effectively, and leaves skin feeling matte and moisturised. Technically a one-step/all-in-one product in my opinion.

--Value for money--
I'd take this even at the UK RRP, as I think it's excellent quality. However, as always, try to buy in Germany, where it can be had for as little as €15.95 (around £13.30).

perfect partners
Facial Toner, £22.95
Rose Day Cream Light, £23.95
Rejuvenating Mask, £33.95
Eye Contour Day Balm, £29

Lacura Clear Effect Daily Facial Gel Wash

RRP: £2.99

--What does the promo say?--
"This new facial wash gently and thoroughly removes impurities and make-up to reduce shine and greasiness. Including magnolia extract and BioEcolia this gentle wash is formulated for daily use to help protect and strengthen the natural and biological defence system of the skin, leaving a clear fresh complexion."

 --Packaging--
The transparent plastic bottle means that the blue gel is easily visible, giving a bright and cooling effect (plus, it's always handy to be able to see how much product remains). The flip top lid is also durable and practical.

--Application--
Lather up and apply to face before rinsing off. Use twice a day. Nothing difficult about this.

--Appearance--
The blue gel doesn't lather up much, but it does create a white film that washes off easily.

--Scent--
Clean without being clinical, floral or chemical.

--Texture and consistency--
A little gel goes a long way, so don't take too much - a 5p sized amount will do your whole face. The gel glides over the skin easily, and as mentioned, can be washed off without difficulty.

--Effects on the skin--
Sadly, only a small improvement in skin condition was noted. 

--Value for money--
Cheap is all very well, but only if you get results. It won't be a bad thing in my book if Aldi doesn't bring back this Special Buy - but if you really want to give it a go, try hunting on eBay.

perfect partners
Soothing Night Cream, £2.99
Tinted Day Cream, £2.99
Mattifying Moisturiser, £2.99
3 in 1 Cleanser, £2.99

Radox Eastern Spirit Bath Soak

 RRP: £1.25 for 500ml
 
--What does the promo say?--
"Enjoy a blissful bath, containing the exotic aromas of this bath soak. Inspired by Oriental traditions, Eastern Spirit - with sacred lotus flower and orange blossom - creates a bathing experience that will revive your senses, leaving you feeling uplifted."

--Packaging--
The large bottle is sturdy and proud, with the screw cap not eluding even the slipperiest of fingers. 

--Application--
Pour into the bath at leisure and watch the bubbles build up.

--Appearance--
The pink-orange gel turns into white bubbles that leave no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--
Fruity and exotic, almost as if lightly spiced. The fragrance leaves you feeling genuinely transported and relaxed - I just wish there were hand and body creams available too, to make it last even longer.

--Texture and consistency--
A smooth gel that softens the skin.

--Value for money--
Just £1.25 for a huge bottle like this is great value - I was expecting such a moment of spa-style relaxation to cost more. Would definitely recommend.  

perfect partners
Eastern Spirit Hand Wash, £1.25 for 300ml
Eastern Spirit Shower Gel, £1.25 for 250ml

Enjoy a blissful bath, containing the exotic aromas of this bath soak. Inspired by Oriental traditions, Eastern Spirit with sacred Lotus flower and Orange Blossom, creates a bathing experience that will revive your senses leaving you feeling uplifted.  Ingredients »

- See more at: http://www.radox.co.uk/products/bath-therapy/eastern-spirit#sthash.vUZNLKDz.dpuf

Enjoy a blissful bath, containing the exotic aromas of this bath soak. Inspired by Oriental traditions, Eastern Spirit with sacred Lotus flower and Orange Blossom, creates a bathing experience that will revive your senses leaving you feeling uplifted.  Ingredients »

- See more at: http://www.radox.co.uk/products/bath-therapy/eastern-spirit#sthash.vUZNLKDz.dpuf

Enjoy a blissful bath, containing the exotic aromas of this bath soak. Inspired by Oriental traditions, Eastern Spirit with sacred Lotus flower and Orange Blossom, creates a bathing experience that will revive your senses leaving you feeling uplifted.  Ingredients »

- See more at: http://www.radox.co.uk/products/bath-therapy/eastern-spirit#sthash.vUZNLKDz.dpuf

Enjoy a blissful bath, containing the exotic aromas of this bath soak. Inspired by Oriental traditions, Eastern Spirit with sacred Lotus flower and Orange Blossom, creates a bathing experience that will revive your senses leaving you feeling uplifted.  Ingredients »

- See more at: http://www.radox.co.uk/products/bath-therapy/eastern-spirit#sthash.vUZNLKDz.dpuf

Bakewell Soap Company Foot Soother

RRP: £6.95/30g

--What does the promo say?--
"Highly effective on dry skin, bruised, sore soles and cracked heels. All-natural and kind-to-the-skin with active cineols and sesquiterpones that reduce bruising and inflammation."

--Packaging--
Comes in a small tin that's perfect for travelling. The lid clips shut easily, so no danger of it leaking. The bright green label is also cheerful and modern.

--Application--
Massage into feet and calves to moisturise dry skin and cool the affected area. Easy really (although you may need to dig your nails/fingers into the wax a bit to get started).

--Appearance--
An off-yellow wax that disappears invisibly into skin.

--Scent--
The peppermint and arnica are very obvious, making for a great wakeup call. However, as this balm also contains lavender, it is also soothing enough scent-wise to prepare you for sleep.

--Texture--
This wax is quite densely packed into its tin, meaning your fingers will just skim over the top of its smooth surface initially. However, use your fingers (or a spoon!) to dig into the pot to make a well in the centre. Then you should be able to get hold of enough to rub into your skin. For this reason, it would be helpful if the pot came with a spatula.

--Effects on the skin--
As good as any commercial body butter, and better - it softens skin really well and the essential oils have their own calming qualities too. Also a worthy rival for Liz Earle's Superbalm, which is a little more than twice the price.

--Value for money--
I was sent mine for free by the company's PR (thanks guys!) but I would definitely purchase this once my pot runs out (although when that'll be, who knows, as one pot seems to last ages too). Without doubt a brand to watch.

perfect partners
Sea Mint with Kelp soap, £3.95 (comes with matching cotton bag for an extra £3)
After Exercise Soothing Deep Muscle Rub, £8.95 

Palmers Co Wash Cleansing Conditioner

RRP: £5.99 for 473ml
 
--What does the promo say?--
"Palmer's® Olive Oil Formula® Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner is a unique, all-in-one cleansing cream that replaces shampoo, conditioner, deep conditioner and detangler. This gentle, no-lather cleanser contains an exclusive blend of natural Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Vitamin E, Keratin Protein and natural herbal extracts to moisturize, soften and detangle hair for the gentlest daily cleansing possible. The salon-quality formula is a safe way to pamper dry, frizzy and over-worked hair and scalp.
Formulated without Sulfates, Detergents, Lather, Phthalates, Petrolatum, Mineral Oil or Harsh Chemicals."

--Packaging--
The large green plastic bottle would definitely stand out on the shelf, as this isn't at all a common colour scheme for hair care bottles. The colour is natural, not lurid, and so accurately reflects the idea of olive oil being the main component. It's sturdy, so stands alone in the shower easily, and the pump-action mechanism makes for quick and convenient use.

--Application--
The advisory notes on the bottle state that a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 40 pumps per use may be required depending on the length and thickness of your hair. As my hair is not that long (only down to my chest) or thick, I went for the lower end of the recommendation (12 pumps). You then smooth this through your hair and leave it on for as long as possible while washing. Finally, rinse it from your hair before drying and styling as normal. Alternatively, you can leave the product in your hair without rinsing if you wish to capitalise on its conditioning more than its cleansing properties.

--Appearance--
A pale cream that doesn't leave any visible residue in the hair.

--Scent--
A natural scent that perhaps surprisingly makes the most of several of the lighter-smelling ingredients (such as olive oil and camomile), while the stronger scents (for example, rosemary and peppermint) are not detectable.

--Texture and consistency--
Creamy and luxurious. I found it difficult to rinse out, however.

--Effects on the hair--
Sadly I found that this really weighed down my hair, even when I used less than recommended (e.g. 9 pumps). While it made it easy to style (as promised), I think this would only work if you also had dry roots as well as dry ends. As someone who has greasy roots and dry ends (grr - what a combination!), it didn't quite meet my needs.

--Value for money--
If this product works for you, then it's great value. At just under £6 for half a litre, it WILL last ages (although of course this will vary depending on your hair length and thickness). However, I'd be more interested in trying the accompanying hot oil treatment, as I've had more success with similar treatments in the past. In the meantime, I'll be passing the Co Wash on to someone with drier hair to see if they get a better result.

perfect partners
Olive Oil Smoothing Shampoo
Olive Oil Replenishing Conditioner
Olive Oil Gro Therapy
Olive Oil Conditioning Spray Oil
Olive Oil Strengthening Leave In Conditioner
Olive Oil Invigorating Hot Oil Treatment
Olive Oil Moisturising Hair Milk
Olive Oil Hair Dress
Olive Oil Deep Conditioner Sachet
Olive Oil Curl Extend Hair Pudding