Dr Hauschka Almond Body Moisturiser

 RRP: £24 for 145ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Ultra-rich care that gently nurtures the senses. Provides intensive, nurturing care for dry, sensitive skin, helps your skin prevent moisture-loss throughout the day, and helps your skin restore and harmonise its natural balance."

--Packaging--
A glass pump-action bottle that would look elegant anywhere. Sadly, no smaller sizes are available for travel.

--Application--
Massage into dry skin, ideally before bed or before getting dressed in the morning.

--Appearance--
A pale, cream-coloured lotion that sinks invisibly into the skin.

--Scent--
The almond scent is obvious as soon as the lotion comes out of the bottle - you don't even need to rub it in for the scent to be activated. Basically makes you smell like cake, which is always a winner.

--Texture and consistency--
Wonderfully creamy and luxurious. Not at all sticky or watery. Takes a bit of time to sink into the skin, however.

--Effects on the skin--
Skin is left beautifully soft both short and long-term, meaning that you wouldn't even need to use this daily to keep up the effects.

--Value for money--
As noted in other Dr Hauschka reviews, you don't get the best value by buying this in the UK - especially given my estimate that 25ml of this stuff will only moisturise your body twice at most (meaning that 145ml will only do 12 applications, tops). In Germany, this is priced at €17, so a much more competitive £14 in today's money, and even in France, with its RRP of nearly €22, you'll save a good £6. Definitely take the opportunity to buy this when in mainland Europe - it's a luxurious yet practical product that ticks all the boxes.

perfect partners
Almond St John's Wort Body Oil, £20
Almond Soothing Body Wash, £13
Almond Soothing Bath Essence, from £3
Moisturising Mask, £38
Almond Desires Gift Set (contains the almond body moisturiser and a soothing body wash sample), £24 

Dr Hauschka Cleansing Cream

RRP: £14.95

--What does the promo say?--
"Deep cleansing. Maintains the pH balance so that the acidic barrier protecting your skin is not broken down. Maintains and supports the skin's natural moisture level."

--Packaging--
The white metal tube is mostly practical, though could be prone to breaking in the middle if you don't squeeze from the end. The slightly sober design gives the impression of a brand to be taken seriously, and is suitably unisex.

--Application--
Easy to use - just squeeze a little into your palm and rub gently onto a damp face before rinsing off. Don't be too rough - the almond meal will do the work for you. 

--Appearance--
Doesn't look the way you'd expect a cream to thanks to its grainy appearance. The dark orange colour is also a surprise - even though it looks natural rather than artificial - but doesn't leave any visible residue on the skin. 

--Scent--
A slightly oaty, yeasty smell that probably comes from the nuts and nut oils used in the product (almond and peanut) as well as the wheatgerm. The floral and fruity ingredients are not detectable at all, and neither is the witch hazel.

--Texture and consistency--
Satisfyingly scrubby without being rough. Not creamy, though, so no idea where this concept of it being a "cleansing cream" has come from.

--Effects on the skin--
Skin looks noticeably more radiant even from the first use, and skin condition (including acne) visibly improves. Skin is left clean and fresh, especially when used with other Dr Hauschka products. Even on hot days, skin is significantly less oily and shiny, making this a spectacularly efficient product.

--Value for money--
Unquestionably good thanks to the excellent results. Even the UK price, which is often hiked up significantly compared to European prices, is reasonable at just under £15. It's true that with twice-daily use you may need to replace it as often as once a month - but given how high a price tag many other companies put on such a good outcome, this is a quality product that's fairly priced. Would repurchase.

perfect partners
Cleansing Clay Mask, £25.45
Facial Toner, £23.45
Normalising Day Oil, £24.25 

Lulu's Time Bomb Rescue Mission Miracle Mineral Bath

RRP: £24/500ml

available for purchase on QVC or via www.lulusplace.co.uk

--What does the promo say?--

"Relax, Recharge and Recover.....fast! This unique formula combines the stress-relieving powers of essential oils and extracts with the soothing powers of magnesium salts. Containing a polyionic complex with the breakthrough MagnEASE hybrid, you can relax and de-stress as you bathe…helping to soak away the aches and pains of tense muscles and stiff joints. Infused with a blend of essential oils and extracts including arnica, echinacea, St. John's wort, comfrey and calendula, a warm bath will also help soften, smooth and hydrate your skin as you soothe sore, tense muscles."

--Packaging--

The chunky see-through bottle and its metal screw-top lid provide a great modern look that's great for bathtime. The green of the liquid contrasts nicely with the pink writing on the bottle, making it really stand out from the whites, blacks and greys of the rest of Lulu's Time Bomb range. My only criticism would be that while pouring out the liquid is fine for bathing, it should come with a detachable pump so that it can also be used for showering.

--Application--

 Pour generously into bath water and soak in it for as long as needed to relieve aches and pains. Can also be used to lather up quickly under the shower.

--Appearance--

The bright green fluid (which doesn't look lurid, by the way - in fact it's refreshing and more reminiscent of spearmint and spas) in the bottle is strangely completely clear and translucent in the hand, lathering up to a delicate white foam. No visible residue is left on the skin after use.

--Scent--

Beautifully refreshing and unisex, with the arnica in particular coming through strongly. Perfect for revival and relaxation.

--Texture and consistency--

Quite runny and liquidy, which means that some can be lost when pouring it into your hand. The foam it lathers up to is light yet creamy and skin is left feeling soft as a result.

--Value for money-- 

This mineral bath provides an invigorating experience and the generously-sized bottle should last a long time. However, I'm still not sure that I was expecting it to cost £24, although this is in line with the prices of the majority of the Time Bomb range and is probably also influenced by Lulu's celebrity status. In addition, the natural ingredients used also make it a positive purchase for many, and it seems to sit appropriately among the brands also selling 500ml shower gels for this price (namely L'Occitane, Elizabeth Arden, Borghese and Kiehl's). I would definitely consider purchasing this as a gift for others, especially alongside the Time Bomb Survival Kit, which also seems to be excellent value - and would perhaps consider it as a treat for me too.

perfect partners

Time Bomb Take-Off Time Cleansing Cream, from £7.75

Time Bomb Take-Off Time Polishing Pads, £5.50

Time Bomb Eye R&R Makeup Remover Pads, £4.00

Time Bomb Blast To The Past Dermabrasion, £25.00

Time Bomb Glory Days Day Cream, from £8.00

Time Bomb Smart Balm Eye Cream, from £21.00

Time Bomb Flashback Night Cream, from £9.50

Time Bomb Youth Juice Secret Oil, £30.75

Time Bomb Youth Explosion Day Serum, from £13.00

Time Bomb Derm Warfare Night Serum, from £15.00

Time Bomb Trouble Shooter Firming Cream, £33.00

Time Bomb Killer Filler Wrinkle Compound, £12.25

Time Bomb Survival Kit, £25.50