Montagne Jeunesse Deodorising Foot Scrub

RRP: £1.09 for 25ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Take a seat and put your feet up. This natural Water Melon & Mint Foot Scrub removes dry and rough areas. The new anti-bacterial formula combats odour so your feet will be left feeling smooth and fresh all over."

--Packaging--
 The foot-shaped sachet is fun and different to other foot scrubs, although the slit in the side to peel it open is not all that helpful (have scissors at the ready). The Montagne Jeunesse packaging is always fun, young and bright, and this is no exception. However, Montagne Jeunesse appears to be phasing out the sachets in favour of larger bottles, which could be less convenient for travel but more practical overall.

--Application--
Massage into wet or dry feet until all rough skin is removed, using hands, a sponge or a loofah. Rinse off when done. Easy and quick.

--Appearance--
A light-brown coloured liquidy paste with dots of darker brown (the walnut shell granules). Leaves no visible residue on the skin after use.

--Scent--
While slightly sweet, the watermelon scent is not too overwhelmingly. Equally, the mint scent is not that detectable, although feet still appear to be deodorised successfully, so I'm guessing the mint is working its magic regardless.

--Texture and consistency--
Rather wet, unfortunately. The only problem with this product, as it does increase wastage.

--Effects on the skin--
As mentioned, this product deodorises effectively. It also follows through on its promise with regards to the disappearance of dry and rough skin, helping to send it packing.

--Value for money--
The £1.09 sachet is an absolute steal, especially given the product quality and the fact that it will scrub both your feet about four times. However, this makes me think that this will continue with the 80ml Foot Buffer bottle, which is set to replace this (and at its size is still fine for hand baggage travel - yay!), in terms of providing value that's as good or better. Definitely would carry on repurchasing the sachets until they're no longer available, and wouldn't hesitate to upgrade to the Foot Buffer after that. Nice work from Montagne Jeunesse as always.

perfect partners
Blueberry and Mint Foot Cooler, £4.99
Peppermint and Pumice Foot Buffer, £4.99
Cucumber and Mint Foot Lotion, £4.99
Cherry and Mint Tired Leg Gel, £4.99 

Clay and Herbs Peppermint Pumice Hand and Foot Scrub

RRP: £38 for 200ml

--What does the promo say?--

"This is a stimulating scrub with pumice and Peppermint essential oil. Perfect for neglected hands and feet."

--Packaging--

Definitely functional rather than pretty. A clear container is topped with a plastic screw-top lid and adorned with a basic white printed label with black and green font. It's not the easiest thing to use, as you have to decant the powder into a separate container to mix with water as and when you need it, but in all honesty I can't currently think of a better way to package it: if the product came as a paste then the maker (herbalist Patricia Ferguson) would need to start adding all kinds of preservatives to make this possible.

--Application--

Mix 1 part powder to 2 parts water, adjusting until you get a paste that's the right consistency for you. Rub into dry hands and feet before rinsing off. Don't try to apply under running water or while your skin is wet - it won't scrub the skin so effectively and will be washed off before you're done. 

--Appearance--

A grey-brown powder, which is surprising given the use of fresh peppermint, but perhaps not so surprising given the use of pumice stone. This turns to a darker green when mixed with water, but leaves no visible residue on hands or feet once rinsed.

--Scent--

The peppermint is definitely detectable, which is lovely and refreshing both in terms of scent and in terms of how it feels on the skin. This certainly makes it a product that would appeal to both men and women.

--Texture and consistency--

Beautifully scrubby thanks to the natural pumice stone used, without being too harsh. During and after use you have a strong feeling that the product has been effective.

--Effects on the skin--

I have mixed feelings about this product: I have very hard skin on my feet despite regular exfoliation and visits to a podiatrist, and unfortunately I didn't feel that this product made any difference. On my hands, however, the difference was palpable: skin was beautifully smooth, soft and nourished after use of the product.

--Value for money--

If this had proved for me to be a true multi-use product that produced obvious and immediate results in both areas, the £38 may have seemed justifiable. However, given that for me the sample I was sent seemed to work well only on my hands, it's much less convincing. While I can see that the amount you get in a jar (200ml) goes a long way, and that the refill (at £35 for 220ml) is even better value, for this price I'd ultimately be looking for something that fulfils both promised functions to wow-factor level. Equally, £38 is a lot of money for most people to just shell out in a heartbeat for any product of this type. I'd be more inclined to downsize my budget to £25-£30 and go instead for products by Elemis or Deborah Lippmann, or even to the £20-£25 bracket for products by Dr Lewinn, Green People, Essie or Caudalie for a real luxury treat that promises efficacy.

perfect partner

Exfoliating Body Scrub, £39.70/200ml

Arbonne Pampermint Gift Set

RRP: £31.50
--What does the promo say?--
"Nourishing cream and gentle scrub pamper your soles and your soul — a gift of cosy comfort right down to the tips of your plush socks. Set includes FootWork Foot Scrub (Net wt. 12 oz.), SoleMate Foot Cream (Net wt. 9 oz.) and Signature Socks in a holiday gift box."

--Packaging--
Apart from the box being a bit bashed around the edges by the time it got to me (but that's the French postal system for you), I have no complaints. In fact, I find the packaging and overall scheme positively inspiring: the combination of the peppermint scent with the red and white stripes suggesting candy canes is a perfect fit for the holiday season. In addition, the foot scrub and cream pots (plastic, with screw top lids) also come with little red snowflakes drawn on them. Brava! All incredibly sweet and festive.

--Application--
Rub the foot scrub into wet or dry skin as you prefer before rinsing off. Apply the cream onto dry feet before bed and then slip on the socks to seal in the moisture as you sleep.

--Appearance--
The socks are quite clearly the most dazzling thing appearance-wise about the entire set; even just looking at them makes you feel comfy and cosy with their baggy, fuzzy cheer. The foot scrub is an off-white, grey-green colour, in which flecks of exfoliant can be seen, and the cream is white and stiff, rubbing into the skin invisibly.

--Scent--
The peppermint smell is there one hundred per cent and really helps to wake you up on those cold winter mornings, as well as helping to calm you down on winter nights.

--Texture and consistency--
The cream is a bit 'blobby' and difficult to get hold of, coming out of the tub in white lumps. While it's still easy enough to blend in (even though it looks and feels stiff), I think most people would still prefer a more luxurious, creamier sensation. The foot scrub is better at this, and still washes off easily to boot. The socks are joyfully just as heavenly as they look, making you feel as innocent and comfy as a child waiting for Santa.

--Effects on the skin--
The socks alone are a really comforting and calming experience, possibly claiming the crown of being the softest, nicest socks I've ever worn. The cream and scrub, used together, also really help to minimise dry skin and restore softness.

--Value for money--
While this appears expensive at face value, it is better value for money than some of Arbonne's other gift sets, with the high-quality products evening out to be around £10 (and a few pence) each, which is no more than you would pay in other more widespread outlets such as The Body Shop. For a unique and wow-factor gift for the special lady in your life this Christmas (or hey - even just yourself) this Christmas, I'd say look no further. Tis the season!

perfect partner
Mint Latte Eyeshadow Palette, £42