Baylis and Harding French Lavender Moisturising Hand Lotion

RRP: £2 for 500ml

--What does the promo say?--

"Pamper your hands with this soothing hand lotion that has the uplifting aroma of French Lavender."

--Packaging--

The only real practical problem with this packaging is in the first use: the hand cream pump is difficult to unlock, meaning that it first has to be removed, all of the hand cream wiped off it, and turned and held firmly from the inside before eventually unlocking. On the more positive side, the combination of the white with the purple is very soothing and the circular design makes the bottle fit clearly into the rest of Baylis and Harding's products, which also carry the same motif. As ever, though, rebranding may be beneficial in taking the brand away from its similarities to Molton Brown's packaging and allowing it to grow more into its own skin.

--Application--

After washing and drying hands, massage the cream into hands until fully absorbed. No problems here; absorption is relatively quick and allows you to get on with your day immediately.

--Appearance--

An off-white lotion which fits in and contrasts well with the lavender image and the purple motif. No visible residue or staining on the hands after use.

--Scent--

Matches the promised image one hundred per cent. Easily identifiable without being overpowering.

--Texture and consistency--

While a little runny or watery, it is still recognisably a cream which absorbs well and is non-greasy.

--Effects on the skin--

Effectively pampers and moisturises the skin, combatting dryness and freshening up your hands.

--Value for money--

While the originality of the branding can be easily criticised, ultimately this adds a more refined touch to any bathroom. Would recommend it.

perfect partners

French Lavender Hand Wash, £2 for 500ml

French Lavender Relaxing Bath Foam, £3 for 750ml

French Lavender Calming Shower Creme, £3 for 750ml 

www.baylisandharding.com

Baylis and Harding Wild Rose and Raspberry Luxurious Shower Creme

RRP: £3 for 750ml

--What does the promo say?--

"Pamper yourself with our Wild Rose and Raspberry Leaf luxurious shower creme - as refreshing as spring rain."

--Packaging--

While the packaging is simple but effective, with glorious vibrant colours, this is detracted from by the fact that all of the Baylis and Harding packaging is remarkably reminiscent of the more upmarket Molton Brown range.

--Application--

Slap on while under the shower, lather up, and rinse off. No problems there.

--Appearance--

No visible residue is left on the skin after using this pearlescent shower creme, which lathers into off-white suds.

--Scent--

One of the more faithful of the range - while the grapefruit soap did not smell as expect, this tallies up more with its theme (rose), with just enough of a twist of raspberry to add something extra without being too sweet. 

--Texture and consistency--

A bit more viscous than perhaps its higher-end equivalent would be, but at such a low price, who really minds?

--Longevity--

The bottle of course is huge and so will serve you well, especially as the amounts required to soap up are relatively small.

--Value for money--

I don't think anybody can be left in any doubt at the value presented by Baylis and Harding's products. However, I still feel that the branding is a little too close for comfort to the higher end brand that it aspires to resemble, and that a more individual identity would only boost its sales.

perfect partners

Wild Rose and Raspberry Sensuous Bath Foam, £3 (750ml)

Wild Rose and Raspberry Moisturising Hand Lotion, £2 (500ml)

Wild Rose and Raspberry Cleansing Hand Wash, £2 (500ml) 

www.baylisandharding.com  

Baylis & Harding Sweet Mandarin and Grapefruit Cleansing Hand Wash

RRP: £2 for 500ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Sweet Mandarin and Grapefruit, combined with vitamin A, B & C to create our classic fragrance which features in this sophisticated hand wash."

--Packaging--
The large bottle and copperplate capital logo design is suspiciously reminiscent of the more expensive Molton Brown label. However, it's clear that when you copy something good, at least you know that what you end up with looks nice too, and this would look great in any bathroom, although a change of packaging for something more original might not be such a bad thing. On the flip side, though, the transparent yellow/gold design is undeniably pretty.

--Application--
Easy as pie; lather up under warm running water to leave your hands clean, soft, and smelling sweet.

--Appearance--
A translucent yellow colour which reflects what you would expect from the ingredients while still at the same time leaving no visible residue on the hands after use.

--Scent--
More musky than grapefruity, and perhaps lacks the intensity of higher-end products. Nevertheless, the scent makes the product enjoyable and uplifting to use.

--Texture and consistency--
Lathered up well, although the consistency of the gel was perhaps a little slimy.

--Effect on the skin--
Left hands clean and soft; skin was not dried out or irritated.

--Value for money--
At such a low price there is very little to argue about; however, consumers who have tried the obvious rival brand will find themselves comparing the products automatically, which when there is such a huge gulf between the two brands in terms of price and such similarity in the packaging is a hard thing to stand up to. However, the attractiveness and affordability of the products make an excellent Christmas present in their eye-catching gift sets and these are definitely a low budget way to add some luxury to your bathroom.

perfect partners
Mandarin and Grapefruit Indulgent Moisturising Hand Lotion, £2 for 500ml
Mandarin and Grapefruit Restful Bath Foam, £3 for 750ml
Mandarin and Grapefruit Balancing Shower Creme, £3 for 750ml

retails at: www.baylisandharding.com and at various high street retailers