Smashbox SPF Photo Finish Foundation Primer

RRP: £23.24 for 30ml
available from www.qvcuk.com and www.justbeautydirect.co.uk

--What does the promo say?--
"Coming in a new airless pump, this innovative product from Smashbox lets you create a flawless base for your make up - it's SMASHBOX Primer, protector and corrector ‘all-in-one’ with the newest, hottest primer. With the same complexion perfecting formula as the best selling SMASHBOX PHOTO FINISH FOUNDATION PRIMER, but with an added SPF 15, and, an advanced skin treatment called DERMAXYL™ COMPLEX that moisturizes the skin and works to reduce the appearance of those irritating little lines and wrinkles. So you’re not only going to get smoother, longer-lasting makeup, but over time you’ll also see the positive anti-aging effects of DERMAXYL™ COMPLEX on your skin. Although the active ingredients give this a pink tinge - this product goes on the skin completely clear and is suitable for all skintones."

--Packaging--
Having only tried this on a sample basis, I can't claim any expertise on this product's ease of use and so on. However, I've got to admit that it does sound pretty good: pump-action bottles are generally sound for travel purposes and if, as the promotional material says, it also uses airless technology, this should prevent the product itself from becoming contaminated by the entry of harmful bacteria in the air.

--Application--
As with all primers, really - just smear a small pea-sized amount over a clean dry face before applying makeup.

--Scent--
Nothing detectable. Always good :)

--Texture/consistency--
Velvety, smooth and not at all sticky, yet still made me feel that this is what smearing Vaseline on my face would be like, particularly given the next section below regarding visual results. Glides over the face, allowing any future makeup to be applied smoothly and quickly (no need to wait after application).

--Appearance--
As promised, the gel is a slightly off-pink tinge, but goes onto the face clear. And this is, in fact, the worst part: you need to already have perfect skin to see the refinishing effects promised by the product. It provides no coverage whatsoever and while it may promise some sort of anti-ageing effect over time, I can't say I'm convinced.

--Longevity--
There are, at least, no problems here, with the product keeping your makeup on all day.

--Value for money--
To me this just has 'con' written all over it - although, to be fair, this is my reaction to pretty much every clear gel primer on the market. While it's great that this contains an SPF (not sure that I can think of any other primers that do), I'm not sure that you need to pay £23 for the privilege; just buying a decent sunscreen for face would also cover the anti-ageing base as well. Even Smashbox's Anti-Shine Compact or Gel would be a better buy. With this primer offering no coverage or any real correction, you're better off plumping for a primer from No7 or L'Oreal that has more purpose and a lower price tag.

perfect partners
Smashbox High Definition Concealer, £18.98
Smashbox Soft Lights Fusion Bronzer, £16.15
Smashbox Artificial Lights Luminising Lotion, £19.29
Smashbox Sheer Focus Tinted Moisturiser, £17.12

Thierry Mugler Innocent Secret Crystal Shower Gel

RRP: £21/200ml from www.escentual.com

--What does the promo say?--
"A delectable new fruity fresh fragrance that sparkles with charm and daring sensuality. Mouthwatering and mischievous, it wets the appetite for what lurks underneath seeming innocence. An enticing mix of citrus and sun-drenched fruits with delicate, dewy petals and a luscious praline swirl."

--Packaging--
A small pale pink tube, funked up by a black flip top lid and the Thierry Mugler star. The only irritating thing about it is that the nozzle is slightly inset compared to the rest of the lid, making it difficult to make contact with your fingers as well as resulting in excess gel spills all around it. The lid closes securely, though, so there should be no leakages while travelling.

--Application--
Lather up and rub over wet body during shower or bathtime before rinsing off.

--Appearance--
A pale rose-pink gel with no sparkles, shimmer, or other unnecessary hooha. This turns into delicate off-white bubbles that leave no visible residue on the skin after being washed off.

--Scent--
Lives up almost completely to the description provided in the promotional material: there is a light duskiness, but the fruitiness packs a powerful punch too. Infuses the shower with its intensity, making for a pleasurable showering experience. On the skin, it is lifted to something that's completely wearable for sunny days. Only thing missing is the "praline swirl" that's talked about, but I don't think that this really leaves a gaping hole in the shower gel's concept. The innocent floweriness gives way easily to the punchy fruit secret before fusing into an overall veil of youth, femininity and summer. Surprising and sweet, it completely fits with the Thierry Mugler and Victoria's Secret brands.

--Texture/consistency--
Lovely smooth gel - so light that it feels like water. Very little viscosity, but still completely controllable. A high quality gel.

--Longevity--
It didn't last for as long as I would have liked it to (not sure if it even made it to lunchtime), but after the intensity of the shower experience, it's entirely possible that after a while you just stop smelling it anyway, with it only being really perceptible to other people.

--Value for money--
This is undeniably expensive. However, you're buying into a high end brand, so it is to an extent only to be expected (especially given that said product is on its way off the shelves completely). You might need to ebay or Christmas/birthday-list it, but it's definitely a great and unusual addition to any girl's shower.

perfect partners
Thierry Mugler Innocent Secret Delicate Body Lotion, £23/200ml
Thierry Mugler Innocent Secret Eau de Toilette Spray, £29/50ml

also available at: www.amazon.co.uk, Macy's. EDT still available also at Victoria's Secret.

Guerlain Paradis Exotique Ombre Eclat

RRP: £33
available from www.slapiton.tv and at Harrods

--What does the promo say?--
"Guerlain Paradis Exotique Ombre Eclat 4 Shades Eyeshadow is a beautiful limited-edition collector's item for riveting eyes. Discover Guerlain Guerlain Paradis Exotique Ombre Eclat 4 Shades Eyeshadow is vibrant, exotic, sparkling and extremely sexy that gives the eyes a bright fashion look with a modern bronzy twist, for a truly captivating look. An exhilarating palette of four shades: pink, orange, green, brown embellished with an exotic leaf motif in pearly green. The celebrated metallic compact designed by Herve Van der Straeten dons a new dress for spring, in a pure and fresh bronze-green subtly etched with delicate plant motifs and an elegant, slender bird of paradise."

--Packaging--
Simply gorgeous - just opening it is like unwrapping a present. To begin with you have the black box, shot through with grey lines and bearing the Guerlain logo. Then you have a black velvet drawstring bag (again bearing the Guerlain name, this time in curly silver script), and inside the bag, along with the substantially-sized compact, is a little booklet of instructions giving details of possible combinations to help you make the best of the eye colours. The compact itself contains two sponge brushes, one smaller and more tapered than the other, opens and closes easily, and the compact lid has an embossed design of beautiful tropical fronds, as well as the curly Guerlain logo engraved at the bottom of the lid. It contains a goodly sized mirror and a plastic tray to protect the shadows and hold the brushes, and the shadows themselves are embossed with an extra fronds design in gold powder. Sadly, this powder is gone after the first application, but the colours are just as lovely even when it's gone. The only disadvantage is that it's very easy to get fingerprints all over it, so just pick it up at the edges.

--Application--
As mentioned, the instructive booklet is really helpful for giving you room to try out lots of different looks - all of them successful. This means that application is made easy for even the most inexperienced of makeup wearers, although a little patience is required to work up the amount of colour needed on the brush.

--Appearance--
A really unique, subtle look that's great for spring and summer. All of the colours are visible individually as well as blending seamlessly together for an opalescent rainbow look. Boyfriend didn't like the green quite so much, claiming it looked more yellow than green, but the other colours are sublime, especially the pink. The finished look is surprisingly matte, and, as previously mentioned, not too in-your-face either. I can also see this colour combination working for all ages and complexions.

--Texture/consistency--
Finely pigmented, so, as I said before, you need a little patience to get the necessarily buildup of colour on the brush prior to and during application (as is in keeping with other Guerlain eyeshadows, such as the now defunct Meteorites Eyeshadow Pen). However, it's worth it in the end for the excellent results.

--Longevity--
This is part and parcel of the aforementioned excellent results. Lasts all day without even a hint of a crease (though this is with the help of an eyeshadow primer, of course, but not all eyeshadows fare as well with one). Absolutely no complaints.

--Value for money--
I can completely understand people baulking at the price of this; indeed, I myself dithered for quite some time before making my purchase. However, it has already proved to be a worthy, versatile eyeshadow. Buy it now, before it disappears off the shelves to make way for Guerlain's Autumn/Winter 2009 collection.

perfect partner
Paradis Exotique KissKiss Gloss, £16 (available in 3 shades)

Pearl Drops Instant White

RRP: £6.85 from Express Chemist

--What does the promo say?--
"Pearl Drops Instant White Brush On Tooth Veneer is a breakthrough teeth whitening innovation that gives you a beautifully whiter smile immediately after just one application! The white liquid adheres to your teeth in seconds to give them a brilliant natural-looking white veneer, which remains on your teeth until you brush it away with a toothbrush. It is the ultimate cosmetic accessory. Simply brush on to instantly leave a white veneer. Like your make-up, you can carry it in your handbag and reapply it whenever you want, wherever you are, to maintain a confident and radiant smile!"

--Packaging--
It's got to be said that they've done a nice job with the bottle - at first glance it could easily be mistaken for a lip gloss, nail varnish or travel perfume bottle, with a nice squarish container made of transparent glass, small and discreet silver writing, and a silvery lid. Very practical and portable with an easy-to-use, nail polish-type brush.

--Application--
It is recommended to polish your teeth each day for few days before using Instant White, using a tooth whitening toothpaste. You then need to shake well before using the veneer to mix the product, ensuring that the teeth you want to treat are as dry as possible (e.g. by rubbing them with a tissue immediately before application). Then apply the white liquid to your teeth with the fine brush applicator, and for extra whiteness, you can add an extra coat.

--Appearance--
A great surprise; I'd envisaged something resembling Tippex. However, this is a transparent fluid containing tiny silver sparkles.

--Scent--
Slightly minty and medical. Not at all unpleasant.

--Texture/consistency--
Smooth to stroke on, but quickly turns tacky, and takes longer to dry than the impression given on the packaging.

--Results--
Sadly I saw no effects whatsoever, even with adding the extra coat. I also cannot comment on how long any whitening effects would last, both for this reason and the fact that I could not stand the tackiness when waiting for the stuff to dry, so I brushed my teeth to remove it probably 3-5 minutes after application.

--Removal--
Easy to brush off when you do want to remove it. I do get the impression that the staying power in terms of colour would be good, though, if you got it to work in the first place.

--Value for money--
If you can get this to work on your teeth, then the price of it (roughly £7) then is, I suppose, not too bad, especially since you don't seem to need very much per application. However, as a long-term fluorosis sufferer (wow, I'm sounding like a one-stop medical pitstop here...fluorosis, acne and hyperhydrosis all in one person!), I saw no effects at all, and so for this reason alone it was not worth a penny. Sorry Pearl Drops.

perfect partner
Pearl Drops Daily Shine Whitening Toothpaste, £1.95/50ml

Weleda Sea Buckthorn Creamy Body Wash

RRP: £6.95/200ml

--About the brand--
"Weleda was founded in Switzerland in 1921 by a Dutch medical doctor Ita Wegman and the renowned philosopher Rudolf Steiner. Weleda was established in the UK shortly after in 1925. Our aim is to help everyone, old and young, to restore health and maintain wellbeing. We are committed to doing so naturally, ethically, safely, without animal experimentation and without damaging the environment. This is not a marketing ploy but a way of life and is deeply rooted in all aspects of our business. These beliefs affect every decision we make at Weleda."

--What does the promo say?--
"The new Weleda body washes contain eco-friendly cleansers made from sugar and coconut which together with the other ingredients cleanse, moistures and care for the skin, whilst being kind to the environment as they are totally degradable and do not harm marine life. This revitalising body wash is a delicate composition of antioxidant-rich biodynamic sea buckthorn Oil, blended with the fresh aroma of sun-blessed oranges, mandarins and grapefruit from pure essential oils. A revitalising fruity fragrance for shower or bath."

--Packaging--
This is pretty basic recognisable Weleda logo, simple product details, and a white flip-top lid, all backed by vibrant orange.

--Application--
Directions for use: Apply a small amount to the body using hands, loofah or washcloth and gently massage. Rinse thoroughly. Easy peasy.

--Appearance--
A slightly orangey/yellowy coloured cream with no lumps or other visible particles.

--Scent--
Immediately tallies with the product description, and is very naturally scented. Nice one.
Having never smelt a sea buckthorn, I don't know how much of it is detectable in the scent; however, Wikipedia reveals a lovely picture of bright orange sea buckthorn berries, whose initial layers can be used for products like this one, with the bottom layer being edible and thus able to be used in syrups, jams and whatnot, which would indicate that on its own it has a discernible smell and taste of some kind.

--Texture/consistency--
Beautiful: creamy, soft and luxurious. Easily a rival to the better-known Imperial Leather and Dove. Lathers very well.

--Longevity--
While the scent doesn't really linger, the softness does. Skin is strokeable all day.

--Value for money--
The price of this falls right between that of your average high street shower cream and your high end luxury shower cream (just to throw a couple of examples out, Imperial Leather's shower cream is £2 at Boots, while Kenzo's FlowerbyKenzo shower cream is £19). For all the natural stuff in there, though, and the general perfection on pretty much every level, I'd say it's worth it. Not to mention that it's less ubiquitous than Lush.

perfect partners
Sea Buckthorn Body Lotion, £6.95/100ml
Sea Buckthorn Body Oil, £8.95/100ml
Sea Buckthorn Hand Cream, £4.95/50ml

Cosmetics Contemplations: Are The Days of Botox Over?

What do monkeys, sausages, and improperly aligned eyes have in common?

It sounds like one of those questions faced by contestants on popular British TV programme QI. The answer? They all relate to the genesis of the now world-famous Botox treatment. The German physician and poet Justinus Kerner in the early 1800s described the botulinum toxin as a 'sausage poison', since the bacterium often caused poisoning by growing in improperly handled or prepared meat products. Purified just over 100 years later for medical use, it took many years (and many monkey experiments) before the toxin could be used as a medical treatment for strabismus, a condition in which the eyes are not properly aligned with each other. In 1989 (when the commercial name 'Botox' began to be used), the bacterium was also approved as treatment for facial spasms and tics. Cosmetic use commenced officially only in 2002, and while such a short time has passed since then, you will barely find a person in the developed world who won't know what Botox is. The bacterium, while purified and so on, is still the most toxic protein known, and yet people continue to choose to inject it into their faces and necks to get rid of almost imperceptible and perfectly natural lines. Slightly frightening, that.

However, as quickly as Botox has become famous in the past seven years, more natural (and at times less invasive) alternatives have sprung up to challenge the procedure. One of these is Evolence. While it does the same job as Botox, in the same way (you have to go to a clinic and be injected with needles), you may be able to sleep more easily afterwards, for the dermal filler used is not Botox but is, instead, pig collagen, which is the closest natural alternative to human collagen that you can get. Evolence stays where it is injected, and adds strength and support to the existing network of skin cells, giving skin a fresh and radiant look with fewer lines and more volume. Perhaps best of all, it's also more cost-effective, lasting double the time of Botox treatments (Botox will only last for 4-6 months before it needs to be done again).


However, should the prospect of being injected not be particularly appealing, there are still plenty of other solutions on the market to compete with Botox. One, famously used by Victoria Beckham, is Natralox cream, which contains amino acids, vitamins A and C, hyaluronic acid (the same stuff as is used in injectable fillers), and argireline, which claims to relax muscles. There's also the Athena 7 Minute Lift (£50), and Protox 10 (sometimes known as Pretox 10), which is a gel that can either be used alone or as a sort of 'Botox enhancer', meaning that patients allegedly have to undergo fewer procedures. Still, at nearly $100 for a 50ml tube, it's not exactly affordable.

Finally, there's Frownies - a system that combines face creams and stick-on face patches to bring similar effects to Botox. But you have to use the whole system for it to work (apparently), and that takes time and patience, which I'm guessing is not always what the pressed-for-time woman is looking for. And, equally, at $140 a pop, it's something that needs to be considered carefully before your credit card is shown the light of day.

Leaving these at-home alternatives to Botox aside for a moment, perhaps even more horrifying than this is the fact that you can even buy DIY Botox kits on the internet, complete with needles and with facial maps showing where to inject. While it's pretty clear that if you're stupid enough to try this, you probably deserve to be rushed to Casualty, demand feeds supply, meaning that there probably are some bozos out there injecting their own foreheads. So at least the above mentioned home kits don't resort to this. But if you must go for the route involving needles (I can appreciate that it involves less time and patience and may be safer if nothing else), it's perhaps worth bearing in mind that nobody knows yet the long-term effects of sending the chemicals involved in Botox coursing around your body (because, let's face it, it has to go somewhere), and that like it or not, there have been deaths caused by Botox. At least brands like Evolence offer a halfway house, allowing the convenience and safety of a trip to a salon while still using a natural dermal filler (which should help to appease those who want to know what's going into their bodies). Methinks Botox had better watch out.

-UK buyers can purchase Natralox from www.nutritioncentre.co.uk, the Athena 7 Minute Lift from www.athena7.co.uk, Protox 10 from www.upforlife.co.uk, and Frownies from www.frownies.co.uk
-For a list of doctors qualified to carry out the Evolence procedure, visit www.evolence.com
-Don't even try to buy a DIY Botox kit. Just don't. Unless you want to end up dead or in hospital.

Purity Organic Skincare Facial Exfoliator Deep Pore Cleanser

RRP: £5.99 for 100ml

--What does the promo say?--
"A deep clean from ground coconut shell in a blend of coconut oil, sweet almond oil and aloe vera to leave your skin cleaner, softer and brighter.

Product Ingredients: Water; Coconut oil to act as an emollient and moisturiser; Sweet Almond oil to soften, moisturise and condition skin membrane; Coconut shell to act as an exfoliator; Aloe Vera to soften skin.

About Purity: Purity Organic Skincare is a range of certified organic skincare products which use intelligent ingredients, that are few in number but highly effective. A combination which results in beautiful skin and is kind to the earth. Less is more in beauty. 99.2% of the total of ingredients are of natural origin; 89.4% of the total of ingredients processed from Organic Farming."

--Packaging--
A lovely serene white tube with a white and purple label. I love purple generally, but especially like it here, in a skincare world where blues and greens are all the rage. There usually seems to be a little exfoliator leakage in the lid every time I flip it open, which is a tad annoying but nothing serious.

--Application--
Whether alone or mixed with cleanser, rub onto wet skin, massaging well. Rinse off with a damp flannel. Easy, and rinses off relatively well. Using a toner afterwards will get rid of any remaining bits of exfoliator.

--Scent--
Surprisingly bland - does not match up to the distinctive essential oils that are detectable in other products in this range. Nevertheless, there are no odd or unpleasant smells, and this should be great for people who like fragrance-free products.

--Appearance--
A white, runny lotion, dotted with dark brown spots of ground coconut shell.

--Texture/consistency--
The lotion is smooth and works well with the natural scrubbiness of the coconut shell (which, incidentally, works far better than the artificial beads used in some exfoliators).

--How does your skin feel afterwards?--
Smoothened and retextured. Great stuff!

--Effects over time--
Highly effective. While it doesn't 100% banish dry patches, it does help enormously, and reduces dry skin over time to create a more unified skin tone. 80%-90% effectiveness, I'd say - I still get blackheads after a few weeks of use.

--Value for money--
More effective than some exfoliators that are double the price, almost immediately visible effects, and it's packed full of lovely stuff. With a bit more time (1 month+), I hope that those blackheads will disappear too.

perfect partners
Purity Facial Wash, £4.99
Purity Organic Skincare Facial Moisturiser, £5.99
Purity Regenerating Overnight Moisturiser, £7.99

L'Oreal Studio Secrets Lip Stick

RRP: £8.99
# of shades available: 24

--What does the promo say?--
"L'Oréal Paris Studio Secrets Lipstick shades have been created to suit over 30 natural lip shades. L’Oréal Paris’ first range of tailor-made shades, developed according to 4 phenotypes: blonde, light brunette, dark brunette, dark-skin tones. All lipstick shades are classified into 6 colour categories: nude, coral, pink, red, plum and brown. The oils and emollient pastes are well-balanced to create a creamy texture, with stand out colour. L'Oréal Paris Studio Secrets Lipsticks are formulated to suit every type of make-up look; from neutral day time, to evening high glamour. The textures and effects provide either a glossy, satin or matte finish."

--Packaging--
L'Oreal has reverted to squarish packaging, while the current fashion seems to be for rounder lipstick canisters, and squarer lipgloss tubes. The transparent plastic on the middle band is very Thierry Mugler-ish and edgy, and the lid comes off easily when you want it to, while closing securely when you don't.

--Application--
The lipstick's end is cut off flatly rather than being tapered; whether this aids or hinders application depends on your point of view. I personally found application to be hassle-free. Can be worn with L'Oreal's Studio Secrets matching lip liners and lip glosses, or can be worn alone.

--Scent--
While I can't speak for all 24 shades, Pink 220 for blondes smells like candy floss! Always a pleasant surprise when you're used to the usual waxy odour of current market lipsticks.

--Texture/consistency--
Very smooth on initial application, although can become a little drying later.

--Appearance--
Whether Pink 220 just wasn't right for me, or for what I was wearing when I tested it, I just didn't feel that it pushed my buttons. The colour was beyond candy floss - almost a sort of neon pink. Probably would look better on blondes with more tanned skin, which perhaps suggests that L'Oreal should take their personalisation strategy further and match, say, two of the colours available of the 6 per hair colour to skin tone as well (thus subdividing each hair colour category into lipstick colours for pale, tanned, and dark skin). I did like the matte finish, though, and would be prepared to try the nude colours available for blondes.

--Longevity--
Relatively good - I'd say 5 or 6 hours (though as I said, it does become a little drying on the lips as time goes on, even while the colour remains).

--Value for money--
While the concept of this is nice, and L'Oreal have brought their lipsticks properly into the 21st century with this, I would rather go for a lipstick from the brand with a more reliable personalisation strategy (their Made for Me Naturals range, which looks more realistic and is less drying on the lips). They're doing the right thing with this, and allowing consumers to tailor their makeup choices according to hair, skin and eye colour is something that's worked well for them in the past - but with this there are definitely some improvements to be made.

perfect partners
L'Oreal Studio Secrets Ultra-Glossy Lip Lacquer, £7.99
L'Oreal Studio Secrets High Definition Lip Liner, £4.99

Avon Bond Girl 007 Eau de Parfum

RRP: £16 for 50ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Velvety florals, cool freshness and warm woods."

--Packaging--
While the box is perhaps a little tacky (silvery, with viewfinder-style swirls), the bottle itself is much better, embodying a womanly figure while still incorporating a James Bond gadgetry-style application point. The half-ring at the top helps rather than hinders application, and the top of the bottle is chunky and impressive. The spritzer works well, and because it's small it's also very targeted (you spray your wrists and it doesn't go all down your skirt or top).

--Application--
Spray onto pulse points at wrists and behind ears. Another new one I've heard recently is spraying into the hemline of your skirt so that the fragrance may be effectively diffused, but I don't much fancy having to wash out perfume stains.

--Appearance--
The liquid is a gorgeous and fashionable coral pink that is invisible when sprayed onto the skin.

--Scent--
While this is perhaps not the most refined scent on the market, it does at least deliver what it promises (which is more than can be said of some other fragrances). Florals? Check. Warm woods? Got it. Cool freshness? Perhaps not as obvious as the other two characteristics, but it is there. The result is a fragrance that not only transcends generations (you can wear it with style, but so can your mum) but is also light enough for summer while still being intense enough for winter. It also fits extremely well with both the celebrity chosen to front it (Gemma Arterton, who starred as Agent Fields in Bond film Quantum of Solace ) as well as with the Bond theme. The packaging and fragrance together make this perfect for the gutsiest of girls as well as the most feminine.

--Longevity--
Lasts longer on the neck than on the wrists, but the quality in this area is sadly generally average. Expect to reapply every few hours.

--Value for money--
This fragrance is full of personality, both in terms of its advertising campaign and in terms of the scent itself, so it doesn't surprise me that it's been such a success (Avon are still running it after nearly a year: PRs had word of it last summer, it came out in October 2008, and was a Christmas best seller in that year also). As compared to other commercial perfumes, the price is also right, and the scent matches up to its description, even if the longevity of it falls slightly short for an eau de parfum. As someone who's coveted this ever since she first got wind of it, I'm pleased to have finally got my greasy little mitts on it (though I don't know why I hadn't managed to procure it before now, since it came out when I was still an Avon representative, meaning that I could have had a discount on it!) - it completely fulfils my expectations and continues to fly the Avon flag high.

perfect partners
Avon SpectraColor Lipstick, £10
Avon SpectraLash Mascara, £10

Liz Earle Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash

RRP: £10.50/200ml bottle. Also available in 100ml (£7.50) and 30ml (£4.25).

--What does the promo say?--
"Wash daily with this divinely scented body wash. With naturally derived foaming agents plus soothing organic oats and yarrow, it leaves every skin type fresh, soft and smooth."

--Packaging--
The tiniest available body wash is in a squeezy tube with a screw-top lid, whereas the larger sizes look like they're made from harder, thicker plastic (and it's difficult to tell whether that's a screw-top or flip-top lid in the picture). In any case, it appears that all of the packaging looks the same apart from this. It evokes calm blue oceans rather than orange flowers, but nevertheless would look nice in anyone's bathroom as well as fitting in nicely with the Liz Earle concept.

--Application--
As usual really: rub onto wet body while showering or bathing, work up a lather, and then rinse off.

--Scent--
Exactly what it says on the bottle: the orange scent comes through just divinely.

--Appearance--
The body wash itself is a runny transparent gel. A light white foam is created during use that leaves no visible residue on the skin once washed away.

--Texture/consistency--
The gel is irresistibly smooth and the bubbles appear almost immediately once you start using it. The bubbles also easily rival any artificial shower gel and stay on your body for as long as you want them to while still washing off easily.

--How does your skin feel afterwards?--
I've never really had a problem with dry body skin, so can't really report any change there (since my body skin seems to regulate itself fairly well on its own). However, it is a fairly gentle body wash, so can believe that it would soothe sensitive skins (unless, of course, you happen to be sensitive to essential oils).

--Longevity--
Skin feels clean, soft and smooth both short and long term. Sadly, the scent doesn't really linger for long after washing (barely an hour).

--Value for money--
While this is on the expensive side for a shower gel, it really is divine to use and I love the natural foaming agents (it's mostly soap tree bark as far as I understand). The citrusy yet perfumed smell wakes you up gently and the texture means that the gel glides over your body with the greatest of care. Would definitely buy again.

perfect partner
Orange Flower Hand Wash, from £4.25