Fushi Cherry Seed Oil

RRP: £12 for 50ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, organic Cherry Seed oil provides natural, effective hydration. Cherry Seed oil is gorgeous emollient oil that is also rich in natural antioxidants, plus vitamins A and E. Cherry Seed oil is especially beneficial for acne-prone or inflamed skin. The vitamins and nutrients contained within the fruit are known to play an important role in collagen synthesis and skin healing processes. Yellow in colour with a hint of marzipan, the oil is abundant in oleic acid and linoleic acid, fatty acids that help restore and replenish the skin. The oil also works well as a carrier oil in aromatherapy. Add a few drops of the oil to your daily moisturiser and keep your skin ultra hydrated and to treat acne prone skin. Sourced from Malatya in central Turkey."

--Packaging--
This opaque glass bottle makes an elegant addition to any bathroom, but the plastic stopper (with a hole in it to let the oil out) is unreliable and frequently falls out. The best way to get it out is to run the opening of the bottle across the palm of your hand, keeping the bottle opening quite close to your palm at all times. Go over the entire palm of your hand twice to create a layer of oil, before rubbing into your face directly or mixing with your moisturiser.

--Application--
You can mix with moisturiser or use directly on the face. I'd perhaps recommend the former, as it may sink in more easily then (when the oil is applied alone, this takes longer).

--Appearance--
A beautiful golden oil that sinks invisibly into the skin.

--Scent--
A gorgeous and authentic aroma of marzipan. Nothing added to this! And who doesn't love a product which makes them smell like cake?

--Texture and consistency--
Not too thick itself, but does seem to take a long time to absorb. A shame.

--Effects on the skin--
As well as moisturising, this promises to reduce inflammation and benefit acneic skin. Happy to report that I have seen an improvement in my skin while using this.

--Value for money--
This compares most favourably with other facial oils on the market: Nuxe, perhaps the most famous, charges £14 for 50ml, while Weleda and Jurlique charge the same. Sanctuary, Green People and even Body Shop are even more expensive than that. I'm sure Waitrose won't mind me borrowing from their catchphrase when I say that this is a quality product, honestly priced, in spite of its flaws regarding texture and packaging. The aromatic smell gives a real boost in the morning and the results are there too. And I'm not just saying that because I was sent mine for free! Would recommend.



perfect partners
Beauty Totale for Skin, Hair and Nails, £15.26 
Thyme Tincture, £8

Fushi Total Repair Herbal Shampoo

RRP: £15.26/250ml

--What does the promo say?--

"A nourishing shampoo for normal to dry, damaged hair types. Generously medicated with the soothing and healing properties of Calendula and the tonifying and rejuvenating action of Frankincense and Neroli, these actions are combined with the nourishing attributes of Sandalwood and Avocado oil and dull hair is lifted and refreshed with orange essential oil."

--Packaging--

The plastic bottle is transparent, so it's easy to see how much you have left at any given time. The black, white and pink label is decorated with flowers, creating a calming Asiatic feel, and writing is kept minimal. The lid is a push-down top, which closes flat and opens at an angle, revealing the aperture through which you squeeze the shampoo. Very secure and easy to use.

--Application--

Lather into wet hair before rinsing. Repeat if necessary and follow with Fushi's Repair and Soothe hair conditioner.

--Appearance--

A translucent dark yellow colour (isn't actually as gross as it sounds, really), which foams into a white lather on contact with water. Leaves no visible residue.

--Scent--

The citric notes from the orange, calendula and neroli are clearly detectable, but are given extra dimension by the musky sandalwood and frankincense. Not too sweet or too masculine, so ideal for all the family. It lingers really nicely in the hair after use, too, without interfering with perfume.

--Texture and consistency--

Strikes the perfect balance between viscous and liquid, and the foam it lathers into is abundant and luxurious. Make sure you rinse well though as you risk weighing your hair down if you don't.

--Effects on the hair--

Hair is left volumised, silky and in control thanks to the shampoo's ace detangling qualities. Once fully brushed through hair is tamed and feels cared for. Definitely palpable and positive results.

--Value for money--

Organic or natural products which work as well as their commercial equivalents can be difficult to find, but Fushi ticks a lot of boxes here. The only thing holding back some people is perhaps the cost, as £15 for a shampoo can seem a high initial outlay. However, with this putting Fushi in the same price bracket as high-end salon brands such as Aveda, Rene Furterer and Bumble and Bumble, I'd say it's wholly reasonable - especially given that one bottle will last you ages. A great everyday organic option and a lovely gift for others.

perfect partners

Repair and Soothe Herbal Conditioner, £18.34

Total Repair Dry Hair Balm, £17.32