Melvita Organic Rose Shower Gel

RRP: €14 for 250ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Organic Rose Shower Gel is soap-free and contains all the freshness of three wild rose extracts collected by hand. This shower gel gently cleanses skin and turns into a foam with a light floral scent like a shower of petals on the body. 99% of the ingredients are natural; 10% of the ingredients are organic. Made in France; certified organic by ECOCERT. Organic Rose Shower Gel is ideal for:
• Women wanting an organic shower gel which is both gentle and lovely to use 
• Gently cleansing skin 
• Its fresh, subtle rose scent for instant well-being
• Its light foam texture
• Its sulphate-free formula
• All skin types"

--Packaging--

Mine was a travel version in a dark pink squeezy tube that stood up on its lid (as part of a Christmas gift set, the Mini Coffret Rose, available in France but not the UK). The full-size version is in an equally pretty but pale pink translucent bottle, accented by the dark pink lid, dark green Melvita logo, and botanical line drawing that emphasises the brand's valuing of natural ingredients. .

--Application--

Just lather up in the shower as usual, apply to wet skin, and rinse. Job done.

--Appearance--

Despite the pink bottle, the gel itself is clear, and leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--

Thanks to the use of damask rose, French rose, dog rose and sweetbriar rose (also known as eglantine), the scent of this shower gel is gorgeously intense and multilayered. Put simply, I loved it.

--Texture and consistency--

The gel foams into a fine white lather that feels luxurious on the skin, yet washes off easily when you need it to.

--Effects on the skin--

Skin feels beautifully soft after use and the scent lingers wonderfully. Reviewers on the Melvita website also report a reduction in skin redness.

--Value for money--

This makes a lovely gift (as mine was, from my sister-in-law this Christmas just past) and a luxurious addition to any bathroom. Highly recommended!

perfect partners

Organic Rose Body Milk, €15.50

Organic Wild Rose Eau De Toilette, €36

Organic Rose Soap, €5.90

Organic Rose Hand Cream, €6

Organic Rose Floral Water, from €7

Organic Rose Micellar Water, from €14.90

Organic Rose Cleansing Milk, €14.90

Organic Rose Multi-Use Balm, €11

Organic Rose Lip Balm, €6.50

Organic Rose Limited Edition Extraordinary Water, €29

Organic Rose Milky Cleansing Oil, €20.90

Organic Rose Face Mask, €19.90

Delicate Roses Gift Set, €34

Wash Wizard

RRP: £7.99 for 5

--What does the promo say?--
"Wash Wizard is the number one solution to getting shower fresh without the shower!

• Ideal for festivals, camping, sports, work, travelling, kids, only a dash of water required to activate
• Impregnated with a body wash solution suitable for body and hair. No additional liquid, gels or creams required and no need to rinse
• Hypoallergenic and unscented it contains organic Aloe Vera to moisturise and soften the skin
• A perfect alternative to wipes, it leaves no sticky residue and it's light, small and easily transportable. Fully recyclable and reusable."

--Packaging--

The 5 sponges come in a cardboard box, which is very eco-friendly even if a little plain. The sponges themselves are individually wrapped in recyclable plastic. This is significantly less plastic and packaging than many other body cleansing options, and the blue Wash Wizard logo is cheerful too.

--Appearance--

The yellow sponges look like any other conventional sponges, with the exception that when water is added, a white foam oozes from them thanks to the added aloe vera. No visible residue is left on the skin once the foam has been rinsed away (that is, if you choose to rinse - the blurb says you don't need to). 

--Scent--

No detectable scent.

--Texture and consistency--

The foam is not too foamy, but comes in larger quantities than perhaps expected. This is not a bad thing!

--Effects on the skin--

While the sponge may feel different to use, as most of us probably use flannels or just our hands in the shower to wash our bodies, there's no reason why your skin should feel irritated by this product - especially as it's hypoallergenic and unscented. The body feels clean after use.

--Value for money--

£7.99 for a box of five represents excellent value for money given that a) they are reusable (unlike wipes, which are single-use), b) they have worthy credentials (organic and designed by teens who are donating a percentage of the product's profits to homelessness charities) and c) they are perfect for on the move, whether you're a festival-goer, commuter, or busy mum, making them convenient as well as eco-friendly. They go the distance and get you clean wherever you are. A hand-baggage must! Would recommend.

Noble Isle Lightning Oak Hair and Body Wash

RRP: £20

--What does the promo say?--
"An enduring, handsome fragrance, balancing smoky wood aromas with modern notes of crushed pepper and bergamot, enriched with toning extract of English oak."

--Packaging--
As classy as a plastic pump-action bottle can be thanks to its traditional logo and minimalist text, all embossed with an opaque finish. You also can't go wrong with it being see-through - I personally prize always being able to see how much product I have remaining.

--Application--
Lather up and rub over wet skin, or through wet hair. Rinse off when done.

--Appearance--
A sage green in the bottle, but turns white upon lathering and leaves no visible residue.

--Scent--
The website promises a mixture of bergamot, grapefruit, cardamom, clove, vetiver and sandalwood. Vetiver in particular is a very masculine fragrance, and I don't normally like it. However, in this case it's not overwhelming. None of the other scents are especially detectable; however, this could be considered the mark of a good fragrance, as it means they are all well-balanced.

--Texture and consistency--
Lathers up encouragingly and rinses out well, both from the hair and off the skin.

--Effects on the skin and hair--
Leaves skin feeling smooth and soft, and while I'm often sceptical of these products that claim to be multi-use, effects on the hair are also positive, with volume, luminosity and texture all restored.

--Value for money--
While £20 might seem pricy, this product's luxurious nature, high-quality results and multi-purpose application make it worth the money.

perfect partners
Warm and Woody Trio, £19.50
Bath and Shower Trio, £19.50
Bath and Body Gift Set, £29
Mini Love, £15
Lightning Oak Soap Bar, £15
Lightning Oak Candle and Snuffer, £39
Fragrance Sampler, £12
Deluxe Traveller, £29 

Radox Creamy Shower Wash

RRP: £2.15

--What does the promo say?--
"Want to transform body and mind? Look no further than the new Radox Creamy range, there to put you in the mood no matter how you want to feel. Bursting with fresh fragrances to transform your mood, try one of the new creamy variants."

--Packaging--
The ergonomic shape, and downward-facing flip-top lid, are all practical for daily shower use, even with slippery hands. The white bottle is also nicely contrasted by the bright, eye-catching colours, which also nicely reflect the fragrance in question.

--Application--
Squeeze a 50p-sized amount into your palm and lather up. Smooth over skin before rinsing. Simple :)

--Appearance--
In all cases, the lotion is white and possibly slightly translucent before foaming into a rich creamy lather. This is easy to rinse off when you want to, and leaves no visible residue.

--Scent--
All of the four available scents are distinct and generally deliver on the promises made. My favourites were the romantic (orchid and blueberry) and pampered (shea and ginger), while another BBB tester spoke highly of the calm fragrance (jojoba and camomile). The rejuvenating fragrance, ironically, was a little more lacklustre, smelling more of peach than anything else. Even though the orange oil was detectable, it could have come through more strongly. Nonetheless, all would help to intensify the emotions on their bottles. I always feel pampered when taking a bath at my parents' place (no bath in my teeny flat!), so I would love for that to be available in bubble bath and body butter versions too. The rejuvenating one would be great for the mornings (although I'm a morning person anyway!), and the calming one for the evenings. I'd be happy to use the romantic one whenever I wanted to catch my husband's eye: it's a lovely rich fragrance that isn't too heavy, and one which would hopefully cast his mind back to when we first met (in Paris - only reputed to be the most romantic city on earth!), echoing the sweetness of the Sauternes wine that we drank on our first night together. Sadly I can't remember what perfume I wore...

--Texture and consistency--
 As mentioned, lovely and creamy, and lathers up well. Stays on the skin for as long as you like, but rinses off easily when needed.

--Effects on the skin--
Genuinely seems to moisturise the skin deeply and in a long-lasting way. Very impressive.

--Value for money--
At £2.15 a bottle, it's definitely affordable, and there should definitely be a scent to suit everyone here. Would recommend.

Dove Caring Protection Body Wash

 RRP: £1.99

--What does the promo say?--
"Nourishment that protects your skin. Our Caring Protection body wash protects the surface of your skin while cleansing. It contains NutriumMoisture with a high level of natural oils and skin natural lipids. The combination helps restore the protective surface of your skin to keep moisture in. Feel the care of the rich and creamy formulation. Naturally protecting, always beautiful."

--Packaging--
The predominantly white bottle is calming and gender-neutral, while the hints of gold and royal blue provide a touch of class. The small blue flip top lid is easy to open and secure to close, even with wet hands, and minimises wastage thanks to its effective dispensing action.

--Application--
Rub into wet skin while showering, delight in the silky lather for as long as you want, and then rinse off.

--Appearance--
The gel creme that initially comes out of the bottle is white and almost pearlescent. This transforms into a robust yet luxurious white foam that leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--
Freshly laundered cotton is the primary scent evoked; the overall effect is homely and natural rather than seeming overly perfumed, so shouldn't interfere with your usual choice of eau de toilette.

--Texture and consistency--
Creamy and indulgent. As mentioned, a rich lather builds up on contact with water, and it stays on your skin for as long as you want it to before rinsing. 

--Effects on the skin--
In truth, I noticed no difference in terms of moisturisation compared to the other shower gels that I currently have on rotation (a selection by Lush, Deep Heat, and Bath & Body Works). However, it's possible that over a longer period of time a difference might manifest itself thanks to the sunflower and soybean oils that this product contains.

--Value for money--
At a mere £1.99 a punt (less if you catch it on offer, as it is at Boots currently), it's worth a shot for the heavenly shower experience this provides. This product's silky lather is hard to beat, and definitely welcome after a hard day's work, a full-on gym session, or a poor night's sleep. Definitely give it a try. 

Dr Hauschka Lemon and Lemongrass Vitalizing Body Wash

 RRP: £12.95

--What does the promo say?--
"Natural essential oil made from fresh lemongrass emits a gentle citric fragrance, encouraging vitality and brightness. Invigorating and awakening summery notes of lemon and lime stimulate the mind, creating a wonderful burst of refreshment."

--Packaging--
The blue-and-white squeezy tube that we have, which we bought just a few weeks ago, seems to no longer be available, despite being perfectly serviceable. Instead, it's apparently been replaced by a purple and white pump-action bottle, which doesn't necessarily seem like it would be *more* effective. Oh well. If any of you try it, you'll have to let me know.

--Application--
Lather under the shower and rub onto damp skin before rinsing off.

--Appearance--
A pale yellow-green cream that lathers up slightly into a whiter foam. No visible residue is left on the skin.

--Scent--
Smells of lemon and lemongrass. The other ingredients - such as avocado, sunflower oil, quince seed, and lime - don't really come through. Scent does not really linger on skin after use.

--Texture and consistency--
Creamy and luxurious. Does not lather up as much as commercial shower gels or creams.

--Effects on the skin--
Cleanses body skin effectively, without stripping or irritating the skin. Makes skin feel softer and soothed.

--Value for money--
£12.95 seems fair and reasonable given the high quality of natural ingredients and positive, luxurious experience while using the product. In Germany, it's the equivalent of £8 today, but I suppose you do have to factor in the cost of importing it. Would definitely recommend purchasing this lovely product - even more so if you can buy it in Germany.

perfect partners
Lemon Bath Oil, £18.25
Lemon and Lemongrass Body Oil, from £3
Lemon and Lemongrass Body Moisturiser, from £3

Dove Purely Pampering Body Wash

RRP: £2.40
Number of varieties: 3 (shea butter/vanilla; coconut/jasmine; hibiscus/almond)

--What does the promo say?--
"A shower experience that nourishes and pampers. Dove Shea Butter with Warm Vanilla body wash blended with NutriumMoisture™ creates a gentle cloud of creamy lather that will leave you and your skin feeling restored and nourished. The warm scent fills the shower enveloping you with care, allowing you to feel balanced and renewed. Caring for yourself never felt so good."

--Packaging--
The body wash bottle has a lovely curved shape, and is just the right size to prevent you from dropping it in the shower. It tapers at the top to a tiny flip-top lid that is the same colour as the label, avoiding confusion in the shop or shower when you make a last-minute grab for the one you want from the range (there are 3).

--Application--
Lather up under the shower, luxuriate for as long as you like, and then rinse off. Classic.

--Appearance--
A white, slightly foamy yet still substantial cream wash. Leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--
There are three varieties of this available, but I have just tested one (the shea butter and warm vanilla version). It definitely delivers on the shea butter hit; less so on the vanilla front.

--Texture and consistency--
Lathers up really well, and stays on the skin for as long as you want it to. Rinses off easily when it's time to.

--Effects on the skin--
Seems to deliver skin smoothness as promised, although I used this in conjunction with its accompanying body lotion and body cream, so it's difficult to say exactly where this effect comes from.

--Value for money--
At £2.40, this is on a par price-wise with brands such as Nivea, Johnson and Johnson, and Palmolive. Offering a luxurious experience at a generous price, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

perfect partners

Dove Purely Pampering Nourishing Body Lotion, £3.99

Dove Purely Pampering Body Cream, £4.99

Dove Purely Pampering Nourishing Hand Cream, £3.49

Dove Purely Pampering Beauty Cream Hand Wash, £1.49

Dove Purely Pampering Beauty Bar, £1.59

Dove Creme Mousse Body Wash

RRP: £2.90

--What does the promo say?--
"What is the Dove Difference? Creamy Nourishment. A beautiful pearlescent crème formula, unlike any other, transforms into a lush lather allowing our highest concentration of NutriumMoisture™ to nourish skin deep down or more beautiful skin. For best results use every day. Dove Creme Mousse Body Wash Brightening [...] rejuvenate[s] dull skin."

--Packaging--
These plastic bottles stand up on their lids in the shower so that you can be sure of the mousse being right at the opening where you need it every single time. The designs are discreet, and yet the turquoise and navy versions distinguish well between the respective brightening and nourishing versions. This means that your odds of grabbing the wrong one on a sleepy morning should hopefully be low!

--Application--
Only about a tablespoon of this is needed for a lather that covers your whole body. Take double the amount for an even more generous effect. Lather, enjoy, and rinse.

--Appearance--
The brightening formula is more pearlescent than the nourishing one, but both creme mousses are brilliant white, while washing off invisibly.

--Scent--
Both just smell soapy, which in a way is a shame, but in another way feels right given that this product's USP is texture, not scent.

--Texture--
Creamy and luxurious just as promised, although occasionally proves a little difficult to rinse off.

--Effects on the skin--
While pleasant to use, I haven't noticed any immediate or long-term changes to my body skin during my trial of these products, so any joy you get from this product is likely to be purely sensory and short-term, rather than practical or truly restorative.

--Value for money--
These products are an absolute dream to use and really make your routine a luxury. However, the claims they make are far too vague and I don't think you can really expect to see much in the way of genuine nourishment or brightening here.
 
perfect partners
Dove Deeply Nourishing Body Wash, £2
Dove Purely Pampering Shea Butter Body Wash, £2.40
Dove Cream Silk Hand Wash, £2.30
Dove Complete Care Pampering Set, £3.75  

Liz Earle Energising Body Wash

RRP: £11 for 200ml

--What does the promo say?--

"Start your day with this revitalising all-over wash. Pure plant extracts and gentle foaming agents from corn and coconut clean and refresh, while sweet orange and 8 pure essential oils delicately fragrance your skin. Use Energising Body Wash to gently cleanse the skin, leaving it feeling soft, smooth and invigorated. The naturally active ingredients include a revitalising blend of damask rose flower water and pure essential oils."

 --Packaging--

The rounded design is reminiscent of a stone that has been smoothened into shape by the sea's waves, giving a great natural feel to the product. The sophisticated fine lines of the design mean that it wouldn't even look out of place in a spa - meaning that if it's good enough for that, then it's good enough for you. The plastic flip-top lid always closes securely, too, and the product doesn't collect in the bottom - thus eliminating wastage.

--Application--

The Liz Earle website advises: "Massage a generous amount onto wet skin over the body and rinse away thoroughly. Follow with Energising Body Scrub and Energising Hip & Thigh Gel. Common sense precautions: Pregnant women may wish to seek advice from their GP before using aromatherapy-based products." I'd add to this the idea of rubbing the gel in your hands a little bit before smoothing it over your body, as it warms up a little in your hands as you do so and gives you a bit of extra lather before you begin, too.

--Appearance--

Unlike its body scrub cousin, this product is not a dark orange colour but rather a see-through pale yellow gel. Does not leave any visible residue on the body after rinsing, and is easily worked into a white lather.

--Texture and consistency--

The warming sensation in the hands when lathering up is always nice, and I never ceased to be amazed by the quality of the lather in the Liz Earle shower gels: who says eco-friendly products can't be just as good (or indeed better)?! The gel is smooth, thick and luxurious and glides effortlessly over skin before washing off easily when you want it to go.

--Scent--

Again, the orange oil is predominant in this, but we are given the feeling of something more complex at play in the background.

--Effects on the skin--

Skin is left smooth, soft and calm, and if it isn't my imagination, I have also seen some improvement in the acne on my arms, shoulders and chest during use. Here's hoping it's not all just an illusion.

--Value for money--

As with the body scrub, the price tag can seem a lot to shell out. However, this genuinely is the perfect product, which not only cleanses and softens skin but also has the ability to make your bathroom feel suspiciously like a professional spa. What more could you ask for? 

If you still feel you can't quite stretch to this, however, the only comparable equivalent at a lower price is probably found chez Weleda - another long-time expert in essential oils.

perfect partners

Energising Body Lotion, £16.50 (150ml)

Energising Body Scrub, £12.75 (200ml)

Energising Hip & Thigh Gel, £21.45 (200ml)

Body Try-Me Kit, £18.30

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