Crabtree and Evelyn Gardeners Ultra-Moisturising Hand Therapy

RRP: from £6 for 25g

--What does the promo say?--
"After a long day of handling thorny situations, our Gardeners Hand Therapy is just the help you need. Containing a blend of nutrient-rich shea butter, moisturising glyercin, deodorising clover and soothing bisabolo from camomile our hand therapy will help nourish and condition work-roughened hands.

• Shea butter rich formula
• Soothes
• Conditions
• Restores softness
• New durable polylaminate tube"

--Packaging--

The brown tube is new and different, and echoes the earthiness of the 'gardeners' concept. The octagonal screw-top lid, however, is a bit sharp on the corners and therefore not very nice to undo, especially when tightly screwed on. The range of packaging sizes (25g all the way up to 250ml) is a good move, however, meaning that you're well-equipped whether on the move or in your normal bathroom at home.

--Application--

Rub into dry hands whenever needed. 

--Appearance--

White, but leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--

Simply gorgeous: the herbal elements, such as the rosemary, sage and thyme, are particularly evident, meaning that the scent can be enjoyed by all as it isn't overpoweringly floral or sweet. Again, very in keeping with the 'gardeners' theme too.

--Texture and consistency--

Smooth, while still being luxuriously thick, and sinks into skin quickly. No stickiness at all.

--Effects on the skin--

Hands feel instantly smoother and soothed. 

--Value for money--

The range of available sizes means there's something for every budget (I was sent the smallest version by Crabtree and Evelyn's PR - perfect for my handbag!), and the pleasing scent and clear smoothing effects are undeniable. However, it would be very much appreciated if Crabtree and Evelyn were to remove palm oil from their products as soon as possible, as the deleterious environmental effects associated with this ingredient are well-documented, and its usage is completely unnecessary in a product that already is jam-packed with luscious essential oils.

perfect partners

Nail and Cuticle Therapy, £10

Hand Recovery Scrub, from £5

Hand Wash, £15

Hand Scrub with Pumice, £13

60 Second Fix Kit for Hands, from £10

Deluxe Gift Set, £50

Liz Earle: Autumn/Winter 2015

Liz Earle has a long history of harnessing the positive qualities of botanical ingredients to produce clear results in skin care, hair care, and body care. Now, as the classic products bed down in beauty buffs' consciousness thanks to the company's regular sponsorship of events such as Cowes Week and increasing presence in department stores (as well as availability on shopping channels such as QVC), the brand is keen to expand its offerings without betraying its original vision. 

This was what their recent Christmas in July event was all about - not just the promotion of their seasonal offerings for the ultra-prepared, but also their new products due for release in September and October 2015. The already popular Superskin range, launched in 2009, sees the £48 facial serum being added to the line this autumn to help you slow the ticking. Its texture is incredibly light and can thus be used at any time, whether day or night, as a complement to the existing Superskin oil (which, as one Liz Earle rep told me, can be handily added to your bath for a truly aromatherapeutic experience).

Another aromatic addition comes in the form of the new hand repair collection, which launches in October. The signature orange flower scent will be joined by two entirely new scents - the harmonious lavender and basil, and the sparkling rosemary and rock rose, which both continue to blend luxury and functionality. Texture-wise they sink in well without sticking, allowing the process of softening, smoothing and protecting to continue round the clock, regardless of how busy your day is. Containing echinacea, hops and vitamin E, they certainly merit the £21 price tag for 150ml. These are well-complemented by the hand soap, as well as the travel sizes of the hand repair cream - while these are currently available in the classic orange flower scent only, I am confident that these will also appear with the new aromas, given sufficient time.

A further key product being added to the Liz Earle range comes in the form of their latest Botanical Essence - Number 20. While BE1 has a distinct vetiver base, and BE100 is a real sparkler, BE20 combines all the best elements of the two, blending maturity and youth to reach out to as wide a customer base as possible. At £49 for 50ml it isn't cheap, but it competes well with high street equivalents, and is arguably better quality thanks to the sustainably-sourced essential oils it contains, which include mandarin, jasmine, and sandalwood. Released to celebrate the brand's 20th birthday, it successfully encapsulates the brand's modern yet grown-up image, and has been designed by parfumier Domitille Bertier, who has a degree in chemistry as well as training from the ISIPCA Perfumery School in Versailles, signifying the high level of expertise behind the brand.

This hallmark of quality is further reflected in Liz Earle's new candles, which will be released in November and mark the company's foray into home fragrance. £40 gives you 40 hours' burning time, which will be further maximised by trimming the wick after the first ten minutes' burning. Available in the same fragrances as the hand repair cream, as well as the classic eucalyptus and rosemary, it also comes in a damask rose and pink pepper variant, which nicely foreshadows the new Pink Pepper and Mint Cleanse and Polish (£20.75). Further to this, an orange and mint version of the cleansing cream will also be available. These limited editions will be available for purchase only for as long as stock lasts, rather than for a designated time period, giving extra exclusivity to the brand. This high grade of product is further enhanced by the ethical and careful sourcing of ingredients, which come from around the world: Turkey, Africa and Yorkshire, to name just a few.

This meticulous approach extends to the brand's wish to perfect its products before putting them onto the market; as I had recently suspected, representatives were able to confirm that Liz Earle's previous attempts at sunscreen had been withdrawn from the market until they could get it right. However, their after-sun gel, which contains cucumber, aloe vera and tea tree for healing and cooling, came highly recommended, with other suncare products potentially in the pipeline. This augurs well for the future (if the sun comes out, at least!), and in the meantime, we can prepare for Christmas thanks to the brand's beautiful new gift sets, which range from affordable packs priced between £20 and £30, up to the Ultimate Christmas Hamper, which retails at a sumptuous £329. Meanwhile, we can take refuge from the autumn wind and rain thanks to the newest products, which promise to fragrance our homes and our faces with the beautiful botanical essences that the brand is known for.  

Neutrogena Nordic Berry Hand Cream

RRP: £3.30

--What does the promo say?--

	"NEUTROGENA Nordic Berry hand-cream 75ml - the Norwegian recipe - provides immediate relief and protection even for very dry and fissured hands. The cream is concentrated, with a high content of glycerin, and therefore it is sufficient to apply a very small amount. Even in considerably unfavourable conditions, it leaves hands markedly softer and smoother.
	Suitable for sensitive skin."

--Packaging--

The white background, contrasted by the bright berries in the bottom corner, provides a feeling of brightness in conjunction with peace, and does a lot to evoke a wintry atmosphere. The squeezy tube is easy to use, posing no problems of wastage or leakage.

--Application--

Massage into clean dry hands as needed.

--Appearance--

A white cream that leaves no visible residue on the hands after use.

--Scent--

 Smells sweet, but not ostensibly of berry to most people, I would imagine. This is probably because the berry in question is the rather obscure cloudberry, rather than being a more obviously identifiable berry scent like strawberry or blueberry. Not unpleasant, however. Does not smell at all of the shea butter that the cream also contains.

--Texture and consistency--

I have read some reviews online which describe this cream as fast-absorbing, but I cannot agree - I find that it sits on the skin for quite a long time before finally sinking in, meaning that this is probably one best reserved for night-time use. While the cream is lots of things - luxurious, silky - fast-absorbing it ain't.

--Effects on the skin--

Does leave skin feeling softer than before, although you need to make sure you get it properly between your fingers to combat the full effects of winter.

--Value for money--

Curiously, this doesn't seem to be widely available at the moment, even though it's been released by Neutrogena very recently and to great fanfare (mine arrived in a beautiful winter-themed box from their PR folks with another Neutrogena hand cream). However, if its RRP is really £3.30, this seems about right to me for this quality of cream. They would need to make it absorb faster (somehow) for me to consider paying much more, making the sub-£5 mark perfectly acceptable. Its dinky size also makes it an excellent stocking filler, ensuring that your hands will survive the winter.

perfect partner

Nordic Berry Cream for feet, £5.80

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

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

Arbonne Shea Butter Hand and Body Care Duo

RRP: £35
available from: www.arbonneinternational.co.uk

--What does the promo say?--
"Soothes, softens and replenishes dry skin with moisture. Includes Hand Wash (11.5 fl. oz.) and Hand Lotion (11.5 fl. oz.). Available in a contemporary stainless steel caddy for easy use on your sink or counter. Gift boxed."

--Packaging--
The context in which I received these products from Arbonne last month was as part of a limited edition Christmas gift set*, which contained not only the two products mentioned above, but also the now defunct Cuticle Care Pen, Intensive Moisture Balm, and Exfoliating Hand Treatment. In this set, the hand lotion and hand wash were both available in squeezy tubes. For the hand lotion, this was no problem at all. For the hand wash, however, it was - it's very tricky to put the lid back on such a thing when your hands are all wet and covered in soap. Plus, soap would collect in the lid, meaning some product was sadly wasted, and I found myself longing for it to come in a pump-action bottle. Thankfully, as you can see from the picture above, in this combination it does, and I think it's set off very nicely by the matching hand lotion pump and the silver mount.

--Application--
Easy peasy. Pump some soap (just a small amount will do) into your hands, and lather under a running tap. Rinse off, then dry your hands. Application is equally easy with the hand lotion - just slather it on liberally as needed.

--Appearance--
The hand wash is clear, while the hand lotion is a pale white. The lather created by the soap is also white, and no visible traces are left on the skin.

--Scent--
Perfectly natural and tallied with the impression the brand wants to give: natural, classy and realistic. Halfway between vanilla and chocolate, for those of you unfamiliar with the shea butter smell - so perhaps not especially masculine.

--Texture/consistency--
The hand wash lather is silky smooth, and the hand lotion absorbs quickly and effectively. As well as being a hand lotion, it's also a body lotion, meaning that you can use it on your feet, elbows, or anywhere else where you might be having trouble with stubborn dry skin.

--Effects on the skin--
While the hand wash made the skin on the tops of my hands feel soft, on the palms I just found it made it drier (however, my fiancé reported no such drying effects, so it's likely that this just varies from person to person). The hand and body lotion, however, gave me no such problem, although it's less effective on tougher dry skin, such as on the feet. You definitely have to be patient with it and keep on applying it regularly to see long-term results.

--Value for money--
The Limited Edition Hand Care Collection also retailed at £35, so in one sense it seems better value than the duo that's now being sold; however, these sizes are also much bigger, so it probably evens out. You get a high-quality, sophisticated, luxurious and generally effective product duo from a company that's surely a rising star in its field; what more could you ask for?

(* I'd advise you to get hold of this set as quickly as you can from Inspired By My Girls, which is the only place where you can still get the limited edition set apart from ebay. It's great :)
If you live in Australia, lucky you! If you order the Endless Love set or the Touch of Love set, then the Hand Care Collection is included. My favourite product from it is probably the Exfoliating Hand Treatment - it's innovative, smells gorgeous, and gets the job done.)

Clinique Deep Comfort Hand and Cuticle Cream

RRP: £14/75ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Rich, restorative cream improves moisture barrier in the skin and the condition of cuticles and nails. Keep hands moisture rich all day long."

--Packaging--
Not quite as it is in the picture - the Clinique 'C' is silvery, for instance, and the rest of the writing is orange. The lid opens well and closes securely, though, and you don't get cream collecting in the lid like in some flip-top tubes. I do definitely like the orange writing, as it serves to enliven the yellow of the lotion and make the tube stand out.

--Application--
Rub into hands as needed, or use as part of an at-home manicure.

--Appearance--
A pure, soft-looking pale yellow lotion that leaves no visible residue on the hands after use.

--Scent--
The camomile in this cream is certainly detectable, but subtle. However, this cream also contains lots of obscure ingredients, such as gentian root, birch, barley and meadowfoam, which probably also contribute to the overall high-quality and generally pleasing effect.

--Texture--
Perfectly soft, without being stiff, runny or lumpy; rubs in easily and is not greasy or oily.

--Longevity--
Has the same miracle effects as my usual choice of Atrixo, banishing dry skin patches with astonishing speed. Equally, so little is needed each time that one tube could last you a couple of winters, even with everyday use.

--Value for money--
This is definitely a great way to add a touch of luxury to your winter routine at a relatively affordable price. While plenty of other everyday hand creams, such as Atrixo, will do the job just as well, sometimes it's just nice to be able to throw a little bit of indulgence into your bag of winter essentials.

perfect partners
Deep Comfort Body Wash, £12.50
Deep Comfort Body Lotion, £25

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Intensive Moisturising Hand Treatment

RRP: £14

--What does the promo say?--
"The perfect companion to our original classic. This fast-absorbing gel cream for the hands moisturises for up to 8 hours. Soothing emollients smooth and soften rough, weather-exposed skin. Signs of dryness and cracking are reversed so hands feel and look soft and touchable."

--Packaging--
Pure white, classic and simple, with just the Elizabeth Arden logo and product details in black and a silver band cinching in the circular lid as adornments. The lid is a screwtop and the tube stands on the lid easily in the bathroom. Some of the more modern tubes may have the dopey watermarked 8s all over it in grey as well (why fix what isn't broken? I ask...).

--Application--
Apply liberally as often as necessary.

--Appearance--
A perfectly smooth and soft white cream which leaves no visible residue on the hands.

--Scent--
It's difficult to find information on what this actually contains (especially when you throw the box away...ahem). However, a lot of digging later, I found that its ingredients list included shea butter, vitamin E, an African grass named Imperata, geraniol (which has a rose-like odour) and citral (which unsurprisingly is lemony). I was pleased to have correctly picked up on the lemon scent, but there's also a more herby, botanical scent there which I can't quite place. Anyway - the upshot is that it smells very nice. Unusual yet traditional and easily unisex - it has a sharpness to it that isn't too feminine to put off the guys.

--Texture/consistency--
Bang on perfect - absorbs almost instantly.

--How does your skin feel afterwards?--
Immediately smoothed and softened. Dry patches are also sent packing after just one or two uses.

--Value for money--
While not exactly the cheapest hand cream out there, it's also a long way from being the most expensive. It's also arguably multi-use - as well as being used in a practical way as an effective treatment for dry skin, it's also great to keep by the sink or in your bag to just add a touch of luxury to your day. This combines Atrixo's efficacy with a bit of classic glamour. Nicely done. And best of all, you can get it in a 3-pack at Boots with the Body Moisturiser and the original Skin Protectant for just £25 here.

perfect partners
Eight Hour Skin Protectant, £12 at www.cheapsmells.com
Eight Hour Lip Protectant Stick, £10 from www.fragrancex.com
Eight Hour Intensive Moisturising Body Treatment, £15 from www.lapreya.com
Eight Hour Intensive Daily Moisturiser for the Face, £26 from Debenhams

Dior HydrAction Hand Crème

RRP: £15.00 for 75ml at www.escentual.com

--What does the promo say?--
"Of course, dehydration can be felt: skin irritations, “pulling” sensations... But above all, it shows. Often neglected in skincare, the body also has its special needs. It needs to be soothed by rebuilding its skin barrier and by hydration so that it can be seen! Crème Mains Ultra Hydratante, with its light, melting texture, uses HydrAction Corps technology and is enriched with vitamin E to help protect the skin of the hands, even the fragile area around the nails. Carry this complete hand care in your purse - you'll want to have it with you all day long."

--Packaging--
Slim, light blue tube with a screw top. Very simple design, with the Dior logo and name of the product on the front, with product info on the back. Refreshing colour scheme that's very much in keeping with the product's aims and the Dior brand generally. The tube also iridesces slightly when turned towards the light, which is quite a novelty.

--Application--
Simple really, just rub a pea-sized blob into your hands as often as needed (though once a day is enough for me).

--Appearance--
Pure white cream that leaves no residue on the hands.

--Scent--
Soap-like, but the scent is not overpowering.

--Texture--
Creamy and not at all watery despite the emphasis on rehydration. Not dribbly or sticky. When rubbed into the hands a cool feeling takes over the skin on your hands, as if you really have just stuck them under a blast of cold water, in a way that Atrixo, my usual hand cream, does not.

--How does the skin feel afterwards?--
Lovely and soft, though it doesn't seem to have the miracle emergency effects possessed by Atrixo.

--Does it do what it says on the tube?--
While I compare it to Atrixo above, it's slightly unfair to as Dior's emphasis is on rehydration, whereas Atrixo emphasises the disappearance of dry skin. While I don't really suffer from dehydrated skin very much (to the best of my knowledge at least), from the way it makes my hands feel when I put it on, I have no trouble believing that it does what it says it does.

--Value for money--
While I'm very impressed with the way the cream feels on my hands, I feel it's a bit pricey for what it is and I certainly wouldn't bother paying £27 for the body emulsion companion that appears in the range. It also doesn't have the immediate effects that Atrixo has, so you're not even getting anything truly magical for that hiked-up price (apart from a slightly sparkly tube).

perfect partner
Dior HydrAction Body Sorbet Emulsion, £27.00/200ml