Bath and Body Works Paris Amour Shower Gel

RRP: £9.75/295ml

--What does the promo say?--

"Bath and Body Works Shower Gel Paris Amour Shower Gel. A luxurious shower gel with moisturizing Aloe Vera and nourishing Vitamin E that gently clean, soften and fragrance your skin with Paris Amour of French tulips, apple blossoms and sparkling pink champagne."

--Packaging--

The brand's characteristic ergonomically designed curved bottle is complemented this time around by a pink bow and pastel colour design, complete with an Eiffel Tower in the background. Definitely feminine! The push-down lid is practical and easy to use, and labelling is thankfully kept to a minimum - I can't stand it when products are labelled to within an inch of their lives, leaving you without any way of seeing how much of the product is left.

--Application--

Under the shower, lather over your body, keeping away from eyes, mouth, and all other obvious places. Rinse off at leisure.

--Appearance--

The gel is pale pink and lathers into a pale white foam; no visible residue is left on the body after use.

--Scent--

It never ceases to amaze me at how companies manage to achieve the effect they want without using the actual ingredients concerned. Even though this gel does not, of course, contain pink champagne, tulips, or apple, that is strangely exactly what is detected by our noses. (Although who knows whether that's because it's what we've been TOLD to expect?) The shower gel smells fruity and floral with a slight 'fizziness'. Bizarrely, the aloe vera is not at all detectable.

--Texture and consistency--

The gel itself is perhaps a little too viscous for my liking, but it lathers nicely into a foam that's satisfyingly thick (although not absurdly so).

--Longevity--

Sadly, the smell does not linger. While the gel makes body skin feel soft, I'd say the effect of this is no more and no less than any other gel, in spite of the presence of aloe vera and vitamin E.

--Value for money--

While Bath and Body Works products always make great gifts thanks to their tantalising and unusual scent combinations and concepts, and offer a practical purpose combined with a luxurious experience, I can see how some people may begin to find this a bit on the expensive side, especially considering that so few natural ingredients go towards making up the scent itself. Some may consider Ecosoapia's hand and body wash products to offer a more viable alternative - they're £5 for the same amount of product, and are organic, meaning that the origins of the scent are probably more easily traceable. However, Ecosoapia's offerings are fairly standard (peppermint, almond, rose geranium...), whereas Bath and Body Works inject truly new and different fragrances into today's market. What tradeoff/s are you willing to accept? Only you can decide.

perfect partners

Paris Amour Body Mist, £10.45

Paris Amour Body Lotion, £10.15

Paris Amour Body Cream, £10.50

Paris Amour Body Butter, £11.50

Cosmetics Contemplations: Christmas Collections 2011

And on that highly alliterative note, let's begin.

 Giorgio Armani's Madre Perla Collection

Aiming to epitomise the glamour of the 1930s, this collection takes the art deco movement as its inspiration, exploiting pure lines, sophisticated colours and luxurious details to their fullest extent. The £95 Madre Perla palette evokes silk lingerie and is set off by lacquer and metal, while the more affordable Eyes To Kill eyeshadows (£24.50 each) come in glistening taupes, golds and silvers. The Gloss d'Armani capitalises on bolder colours - shown above are shades Rouge 404, Pink 507, Plum 603 and Plum 604, which at £21 each, would make a glamorous yet not bank-breaking gift.

Bath and Body Works All I Want Liplicious Collection

Despite being unavailable in the UK (sob), these look just too delicious to not feature here. Bath and Body Works' festive glosses combine holiday flavours with Vitamin E and jojoba oil, and are available in five cheekily-named variants: Gingerbread Giggle, Candied Smile, Peppermint Hug, Snickerdoodle Squeeze, and Cranberry Kiss. At $8 a pop (or $16.50 for the whole set of five), they're the perfect stocking-filler.

Get ready to party with MADARA Skincare

MADARA's Flower Dust Shimmering Body Lotion (£22) promises to turn heads at Christmas parties with its light-reflecting particles, as well as protecting skin from winter cold with its nourishing ingredients (including calendula, camomile, seaweed and rosehip). Its £25 Tinting Fluid uses St John's Wort, cocoa and plantain, among other ingredients, to allegedly help give you a natural dewy complexion while disguising imperfections and fine lines - but with only coming in two shades, I'd say that this tinted moisturiser is a bit of a gamble. The brand's Tinting Lip Glosses, priced at £9.90 each, may be a better bet, combining natural colours with moisturising properties using plant minerals, mica, soy beans, sea buckthorn and more.

Luxurious gifts from Chantecaille

Chantecaille's Swarovski-studded bottles and compacts are sure to glitter under the trees of those willing to cough up. Its Crystal Fragrance (of which there are 5 scents: Pétales, Tiare, Vetyver, Frangipane and Kalimantan), whose bottle was designed by artist Cimon, retails at £500, but even those with more modest budgets can also partake: its South Sea Pearl body highlighter, enclosed in a flow-through brush, costs £46, which while extravagant is not totally out of reach. The £75 Evening Duo contains two exquisite new eyeshadow shades, and is adorned with crystals aplenty.

Holiday Gifts from L'Occitane

The Holiday Confiserie comes in two different variants for L'Occitane fans this Christmas. The Rose and Violet collection (Délice des Fleurs) contains violet and rose leaf absolutes, and includes an eau de toilette, a solid perfume, a shower jelly, a body milk, a hand cream, and a lip gloss. The Délice des Fruits variant smells of lemon and clementine and offers customers a lip balm, shower jelly, body cream, perfumed soap, bath ball, hand cream, sweet candle, and home perfume diffuser. Prices start at £3.50.

Ellis Faas Winter Gift Set

To celebrate the season, Ellis Faas has devised a £60 gift set, comprising three best-sellers: Milky Lips L201, Creamy Eyes E103 for an easy smoky eye, which can also double up as a liner, and Milky Eyes E209 for fresh accents. Their bullet-like pens and refuse-to-budge hold never fails to impress.

With all of that to choose from, you certainly shouldn't be short of ideas now *cough*guys*cough*. There's something here for every style and budget, whether you prefer the edgy expense of Ellis, or the affordable offerings from L'Occitane. Wishing you a happy shopping season!

Bath and Body Works Plum Potion Body Lotion

RRP: $5/88ml

--What does the promo say?--

"Our exclusive Signature Body Lotion formula, fortified with powerful ingredients like super conditioning Shea Butter, fast absorbing Jojoba Oil and protective Vitamin E, hydrates skin with moisture that lasts all day. Our non-greasy formula absorbs quickly and completely to leave skin feeling incredibly soft, smooth and nourished, making it the perfect daily moisturizer. Our exclusive Plum Potion is an enticing blend sweet plum, blood orange and black raspberry."

--Packaging--

Capitalising on the Halloween theme with black and glitter and plenty of scary-looking lettering, this bottle fits the bill perfectly. Its ergonomic shape and secure push-down lid are also characteristic of the brand and make the product enjoyable and easy to use.

--Application--

Smooth over clean, dry skin to moisturise and fragrance skin.

--Appearance--

Surprisingly, the cream is white. For the Plum Potion variant, a deep purple perhaps would have been more what we expected.

--Scent--

Incredibly sweet, fruity and intense. While the blend is as enticing as the promotional material promises (someone said it reminded them of a car air freshener - I disagree), it's also not a light scent - it is heavy, lingers for hours on skin and night clothes, and may be offputting to some as a result. Not me though :D

--Texture and consistency--

It is fast-absorbing as promised, and is light without being runny. It's also definitely luxurious: nothing everyday about this lotion.

--Value for money--

For the strength of scent and effectiveness of moisturisation, $5 is already very good for a travel size, but in the runup to Halloween, it's been discounted further to a mere $1.25 a bottle, so I'd encourage all US readers to get their mitts on it (or, if not on this variant, on the other Halloween scents, such as Black Candy Apple or Scream-A-Colada). If UK readers are lucky, Amazon or Ebay may also yield fruit. Yet another excellent product from an excellent brand.

Bath and Body Works Into The Wild Body Lotion

RRP: £9.99/236ml

--What does the promo say?--

"Bath and Body Works Into The Wild Body Lotion.Shea Butter, fast absorbing Jojoba Oil and protective Vitamin E, hydrates skin with moisture to leave skin feeling incredibly soft, smooth and nourished of exotic mandarin, lush petals, and white woods."

--Packaging--

The burst of colour is naturally the first thing you notice - it jumps off the bottle like a shattered rainbow. Here it is contrasted nicely with the white of the bottle; in America it is also available in tube form, and the kaleidoscopic design covers the entire thing. The lotion comes out of the vessel easily and closure is firm and secure, without being too difficult to open when you do want to use it.

--Appearance--

A white cream that gives no hint of the bounty that lies beyond, and that rubs invisibly into skin.

--Scent--

Does exactly what it says on the tin: you get an immediate feeling of escapism and fresh air thanks to the white woods, petals and fruity scents. Saying that, though, I can't say the mandarin comes through too strongly - but the smell is one that I just find so divine that I'm willing to forgive it. It is quite musky without being vanilla-like, so if you're not into musk, stay away! However, I think there's something in this for every woman - it's floral and feminine while still being exotic and packing a punch.

--Texture and consistency--

Not at all sticky; sinks into skin perfectly.

--Longevity and effects on the skin--

The scent doesn't endure exceptionally well, but it was the moisturising effects that I was after - I am sick of being told by beauty therapists how dry my body skin is. As far as I'm concerned, this stuff worked - no positive comments, but certainly no negative ones either. I've also been using this in conjunction with the Into The Wild shower gel, which has the same moisturising properties (but is sadly unavailable in the UK).

--Value for money--

At this price, it falls into the same league as similar products by Burt's Bees and Essie, which I think is the right place for it. A little goes a long way, too, so you shouldn't need to replace it for a while after the initial purchase. A good exotic-seeming buy that is readily available at home.

perfect partners

Into The Wild Body Mist 236ml, £10.25

Liplicious Lip Gloss Into The Wild 14ml, £5.15

Into The Wild Perfume for Women 75ml, £18.30

Bath and Body Works Lemongrass Cardamom Shower Gel

RRP: $13 for 10 fl.oz.

--What does the promo say?--
"Just relax. Lemongrass essential oil enhances clarity. Cardamom essential Oil helps soothe the mind. This nourishing body wash contains green tea extract to help keep skin looking younger and healthier."

--Packaging--
A nice contrast from the Lemongrass Cardamom Body Lotion, but still visibly part of the Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy range, the shower gel uses a similar style of label, but this time on a clear rather than a green plastic bottle, to create a sophisticated and useable result.

--Usage--
Very easy - just lather up whenever you're in the shower or bath, massage over body, and then rinse off.

--Appearance--
A transparent, slightly yellowy gel.

--Scent--
The citrus element comes through even more strongly than with the body lotion in the range, but it's not lemon - it definitely has something more sophisticated to it. Lemongrass definitely a good choice, but I still wished that I could smell the cardamom more.

--Texture/consistency--
That of your average shower gel: gloopy and viscous, but not sticky. It lathers well, though, creating a light film of bubbles that is easy to wash off.

--Effects on skin--
Makes skin soft, but the scent barely lingers - a couple of hours after showering, it's gone.

--Value for money--
While it's nice enough, for this money I prefer the body lotion, and for other shower gels in this price bracket, I'd prefer one by Caudalie, Escada, or, ironically, Crabtree & Evelyn.

perfect partners
Lemongrass Cardamom Body Lotion, $13
Lemongrass Cardamom Body Mist, $15
Lemongrass Cardamom Pillow Mist, $10

Bath and Body Works Lemongrass Cardamom Body Lotion

RRP: $13 for 6.5fl.oz.

--What does the promo say?--
"Just relax. Lemongrass essential oil enhances clarity. Cardamom essential oil helps soothe the mind. This ultra-creamy body lotion contains natural soybean oil to nourish and moisturize skin and glycerin to attract moisture to skin."

--Packaging--
A translucent green pump-action bottle, evoking the colour of cardamom pods. The label is classy and understated, and is reminiscent of Crabtree and Evelyn packaging. A class act all the way.

--Application--
Massage into arms, legs, stomach and chest area after bathing.

--Appearance--
Although it is not really visible through the bottle, the lotion is a simple creamy white, and leaves no discernible residue on the skin when rubbed in.

--Scent--
While the cardamom is less detectable than the lemongrass, the two combine expertly to create a pleasant scent. It is a subtle and sophisticated scent that is perceivable but not overpowering.

--Texture/consistency--
Not too runny or sticky, though perhaps I would prefer it to be slightly more creamy and luxurious. However, it rubs in very easily and smoothens skin effectively.

--Effects on the skin--
Helps to maintain a good overall skin condition, balancing out any irritation or dryness.

--Value for money--
For a mere $13, you just can't miss out. Stock up whenever you're Stateside.

perfect partners
Lemongrass Cardamom Body Wash and Foam Bath, $13
Lemongrass Cardamom Body Mist, $15
Lemongrass Cardamom Pillow Mist, $10

Bath and Body Works Black Amethyst Eau de Toilette

RRP: $26.50 for 2.5 fl.oz.

--What does the promo say?--
"Master perfumers have seductively layered a sophisticated blend of Italian bergamot and rare camellias with exotic sandalwood and a surprising twist of vetiver in this hypnotic fine fragrance, inspired by chic, sensual and confident women.

* Fragrance Top Notes: Bergamot Italian Oprur, Juicy Mandarin, Sparkling Tangerine, Zesty Orange, Waterfruits, Crisp Melon
* Fragrance Mid Notes: Lily of the Valley, Magnolia Blossom, Sheer Gardenia, Tuberose, Freesia, Peony Petals, Camellia
* Fragrance Base Notes: Patchouli, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Vanilla, Musk"

--Packaging--
A substantial-looking and sophisticated clear square bottle revealing the purple liquid within, without being so heavy as to put you off taking it on holiday with you. Spray-top with matte silver lid. Easy to use, and looks nice on your dressing table too.

--Application--
Spritz wherever desired.

--Scent--
Really very sexy: it's got so much depth, from the lighter floral scents, to the deeper, muskier sandalwood and patchouli. It's not overpowering, however, and it's not trying too hard to be clever or unusual: it all fuses together so naturally, and yet is somehow still unique. It's feminine, but not girly or babyish, and not too 'old' in the way that some fragrances are guilty of.

--Longevity--
Unfortunately, not as long as I'd like (needs reapplying by lunchtime), but seeing as it is an eau de toilette (rather than an eau de parfum), I think I can forgive them for this.

--Value for money--
It's a very reasonable price for such a high-quality, pleasant scent. I just wish it lasted for longer on the skin and didn't need to be reapplied as often.

perfect partners
Shower Gel, Bubble Bath, Body Lotion, Body Cream, Body Splash, Body Wash, Body Butter, Hand Cream, Antibacterial Soap, Home Fragrance, Home Fragrance Oil, Room Spray, and Scented Candle, ranging from $4.50 to $17

Bath and Body Works Cherry Blossom Eau de Toilette

RRP: $18.50 for 50ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Enjoy the light, alluring fragrance of spring's first blossoms, warmed with a hint of delicate musk.
* Sophisticated: fine fragrance inspired by your favorite Bath & Body Works scent
* Fragrance Top Notes: Dewy Watermelon, Green Lush Accord, Wisteria Petal, Red Plum
* Fragrance Mid Notes: Cherry Blossom, Sheer Freesia
* Fragrance Base Notes: Musk, Sandalwood, Heliotrope."

--Packaging--
Pretty standard stuff - an elegant, modern squareish bottle, with minimal white writing on the front and a matt silver lid.

--Application--
Spritz wherever required. As well as the wrists and near the ears, try putting some near your cleavage or spritzing lightly through your hair too.

--Appearance--
A clear liquid that dries invisibly with no residue.

--Scent--
I don't find this scent especially fruity, but it evolves nicely from flowery to musky, and thus suits the young modern woman really well. It's not overpowering or too 'old' for the wearer. Best suits young women aged 18-30.

--Longevity--
Not bad at all, especially for the price: should need reapplying approximately every 6-8 hours, which is a lot better than some more expensive fragrances.

--Value for money--
This is an affordable yet high quality scent, in a very 'now' fragrance and presented in a feminine yet modern way. A bargain buy to see you through the summer.

perfect partners
Cherry Blossom Shower Gel, $9.50 for 295ml
Cherry Blossom Body Lotion, $9.50 for 236ml
Cherry Blossom Body Cream, $9.50 for 226g
Cherry Blossom Body Butter, $14 for 7oz
Cherry Blossom Hand Cream, $12 for 113g
Cherry Blossom Moisturising Shampoo, $7.50 for 355ml
Cherry Blossom Moisturising Conditioner, $7.50 for 355ml
Cherry Blossom Volumising Shampoo, $7.50 for 355ml
Cherry Blossom Volumising Conditioner, $7.50 for 355ml (2 for $10 on all haircare)