This Works Deep Sleep Stress Less

RRP: £12 for 10ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Clears your head so you can breathe more deeply and stress less. this works Deep Sleep Stress Less is a soothing natural remedy to help you breathe more easily and calm your senses promoting a better nights sleep. Refreshing eucalyptus cleanses, invigorates and helps to counter physical and mental fatigue. Frankincense essential oil acts as an antiseptic to help fight infections and to help you relax physically and mentally whilst rejuvenating the skin. Lavender oil is the most effective oil in helping hypertension, nervous tension and insomnia. this works Deep Sleep Stress Less is a multi-purpose aromatherapy blend that can be used anytime to de-stress or at night-time to help promote a restful sleep."

--Packaging--
A soothing blue and white colour scheme fits well with the purpose of the product, and the minimalist design also fits well with this works' general aesthetic. The roller ball design is convenient, secure and easy to use, making it handy for travel too.

--Application--
Roll onto pressure points, such as your wrists and neck, as well as chest area, to enable inhalation of the essential oils' vapours throughout the night. Can also be rolled onto tissues.

--Appearance--
A clear oily liquid that leaves no visible residue.

--Scent--
The lavender is the most obvious essential oil in this blend, but it's counterbalanced well by the eucalyptus in particular, which would also make it a good choice to help you sleep when you have a cold. I love a good multi-use product :)

--Texture and consistency--
While it is of course oily, it rubs well into skin and won't stain bed linen or nightclothes. 

--Effects--
Will not irritate skin during use, so great even for sensitive skin types. I am a perennial insomniac, so my experiences will obviously always vary, but I would definitely say that it has a calming effect and can aid sleep. As mentioned, it's also excellent for other purposes (e.g. helping you breathe more easily during coughs and colds).

--Value for money--
While it appears on the expensive side, this is made with high-quality essential oils and one bottle would last you a long time. Equally, it's not much for a multi-use product (which I was sent for free by this works' lovely PR) whose ingredients are proven to help you destress, sleep better and even decongest. As we know, a good night's sleep is not called beauty sleep for nothing! Would recommend :)

perfect partners
Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, from £16
Deep Sleep Heavenly Candle, £25
Deep Sleep Night Oil, £25
Deep Sleep Dream Cream, £18
Deep Sleep Body Therapy, £20
Deep Sleep Bath Oil, £80

Beauty Byte: Lily Lolo Nail Polish

I've long been a fan of Lily Lolo for their natural, lightweight foundations and concealers that still offer great coverage. However, good news for eco beauty fans: they're now bringing out nail polish! Available in six shades (see left), it promises to say no to many of the nasty chemicals found in traditional varnishes, including toluene and formaldehyde. And at £6.99 a bottle, it's affordable too. My money's on Soft Coral, which looks like it would go with everything, affording you a stylish look every day with minimum fuss. But with my favourite colour being purple, you might just see me sporting the Temptress shade as well. Out on May 17th 2016, just remember that you heard it here first :)

Crabtree and Evelyn Gardeners Ultra-Moisturising Hand Therapy

RRP: from £6 for 25g

--What does the promo say?--
"After a long day of handling thorny situations, our Gardeners Hand Therapy is just the help you need. Containing a blend of nutrient-rich shea butter, moisturising glyercin, deodorising clover and soothing bisabolo from camomile our hand therapy will help nourish and condition work-roughened hands.

• Shea butter rich formula
• Soothes
• Conditions
• Restores softness
• New durable polylaminate tube"

--Packaging--

The brown tube is new and different, and echoes the earthiness of the 'gardeners' concept. The octagonal screw-top lid, however, is a bit sharp on the corners and therefore not very nice to undo, especially when tightly screwed on. The range of packaging sizes (25g all the way up to 250ml) is a good move, however, meaning that you're well-equipped whether on the move or in your normal bathroom at home.

--Application--

Rub into dry hands whenever needed. 

--Appearance--

White, but leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--

Simply gorgeous: the herbal elements, such as the rosemary, sage and thyme, are particularly evident, meaning that the scent can be enjoyed by all as it isn't overpoweringly floral or sweet. Again, very in keeping with the 'gardeners' theme too.

--Texture and consistency--

Smooth, while still being luxuriously thick, and sinks into skin quickly. No stickiness at all.

--Effects on the skin--

Hands feel instantly smoother and soothed. 

--Value for money--

The range of available sizes means there's something for every budget (I was sent the smallest version by Crabtree and Evelyn's PR - perfect for my handbag!), and the pleasing scent and clear smoothing effects are undeniable. However, it would be very much appreciated if Crabtree and Evelyn were to remove palm oil from their products as soon as possible, as the deleterious environmental effects associated with this ingredient are well-documented, and its usage is completely unnecessary in a product that already is jam-packed with luscious essential oils.

perfect partners

Nail and Cuticle Therapy, £10

Hand Recovery Scrub, from £5

Hand Wash, £15

Hand Scrub with Pumice, £13

60 Second Fix Kit for Hands, from £10

Deluxe Gift Set, £50

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Correct and Perfect Complexion Scrub

RRP: £5.99/150ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Neutrogena Visibly Clear® Correct & Perfect Complexion Scrub contains a combination of salicylic acid and gentle exfoliating microbeads to help:

 Clear skin without over-drying it.

 Remove dead skin cells and hidden impurities that can lead to new breakouts

 Even skin complexion by stimulating the skin’s natural renewal process."

--Packaging--

The bright orange and purple colour scheme is both unusual and unisex, while the robust flip-top lid is both easy to use and secure.

--Application--

Rub onto damp skin before wiping off with a face cloth.

--Appearance--

A white, grainy paste that washes off the skin easily, leaving no visible residue.

--Scent--

Nothing in particular stands out - just a clean, perhaps slightly medicinal smell.

--Texture and consistency--

Satisfyingly scrubby - you feel like the microbeads are working well to even out skin, while not feeling as though you've been attacked with sandpaper. In short, it's effective, not abrasive. 

--Effects on the skin--

Dry patches and spots are both reduced - great for those of us with combination skin.

--Value for money--

At £5.99 this will hardly break the bank, particularly if you also manage to catch the product on special offer, so you've nothing to lose by giving it a try. My only disappointment would perhaps be that given the now well-known environmental impact of microbeads, I would obviously prefer to now use products that contain natural exfoliants instead - something I should have considered more carefully when reading the press release before requesting my sample. Nonetheless, there's no denying the product's efficacy, which comes at an affordable price.

perfect partners

Spot Clearing Facial Wash, £4.99
Blackhead Eliminating Cleansing Lotion, £3.25
Rapid Clear Treatment, £3.69
Blackhead Eliminating SOS Cleanser, £4.89
CC Cream, £6.99
Spot Stress Control Daily Scrub, £3.69
Oil-Free Moisturiser, £4.19
Gentle Exfoliating Wash, £3.79
Blackhead Scrub, £3.69
Spot Stress Control Daily Exfoliating Wash, £4.49
2 in 1 Wash and Mask, £3.69

Sure 0% Aluminium Soft & Gentle Deodorant

RRP: £2.99

--What does the promo say?--
"Stay fresh and confident all day with Soft & Gentle aluminium-free anti-perspirant deodorant. Scientifically developed with natural plant extracts, our unique complex provides effective sweat and odour protection whilst allowing your skin the freedom to breathe. Suitable for all skin, including very sensitive, and all the family."

--Packaging--
The pastel colours are pleasing and despite not having a separate lid, the spray mechanism is both secure and easy to use. 

--Application--
Hold a safe distance away, in a well-ventilated area, when spraying onto the underarm. Pretty easy really.

--Appearance--
Unlike most deodorants, no white marks! WIN.

--Scent--
Quite powdery, but truthfully, despite the three different scents available, any variations proved indistinguishable.

--Texture and consistency--
Not thick or grainy, but sprays invisibly onto skin, blending in immediately.

--Effects on the skin--
Seems to have a gentle and moisturising effect, but does not deodorise for as long during the day as stronger deodorants (such as my tried and tested favourites, Driclor and Mitchum). I accept, however, that as a hyperhydrosis sufferer I will have a more difficult job than most in terms of finding something that I can truly rely upon. Nonetheless, the inclusion of sage and horsetail in the ingredients fits well with Soft & Gentle's promotion of seven steps to a healthy, natural lifestyle - #sgsteps - which consists of not only advising further use of more natural products, but also exercise, healthy eating, motivation, positive mental attitude, and conscious breathing.

--Value for money--
I was sent my deodorants for free, but £2.99 is worth it to me for the lack of white marks alone (and Superdrug has it on offer already, so you can even end up paying less). It's also very competitive with current market prices, so even if you switch from your current brand to give this a try, chances are you have nothing to lose.