Soin des lèvres au Lait de Jument de Camargue

RRP: 8€

--What does the promo say?—

"Moisturisation and protection guaranteed with our SOIN DES LEVRES! This lip balm is so rich that it will quickly repair and protect your lips from the effects of the cold and the sun. Good for cracked and sore lips, it is rich in moisturising ingredients such as shea butter and beeswax, which reinforce the qualities of Camargue mare’s milk. It nourishes, softens and protects your lips to the maximum. It does not contain a UV filter and is a natural product containing no chemical ingredients. (Any conservation agents used have been approved by Ecocert.) Suitable for daily use."

--Ingredients--

Shea butter, grapeseed oil, beeswax, aloe vera, jojoba oil, argan oil, lemon essential oil. 

--Packaging--

The SOIN DES LEVRES comes in a standard lipstick format. It has a paper wrap- around label with discreet logo of a horse’s head, the Camargue cross, the name of the product in black and green lettering and an attractive picture of mares in the Camargue.

--Application--

Apply like a lipstick, to top and bottom lip, and rub lips together to smooth the product in thoroughly.

--Appearance--

The SOIN DES LEVRES is a solid creamy-yellow stick.

--Scent—

The scent on this is very faint indeed, which I prefer to other lip balms I have used. You are not left with a strong taste on your lips. It feels completely natural.

--Texture and consistency--

The texture is quite solid and hard. I have a feeling that it will last longer than most sticks of this type because it doesn’t ‘melt away’ or wear down quickly as some do.

--Effects on the lips —

My lips feel instantly hydrated and the effect lasts a long time. A bonus: I also apply it around the contours of my lips to reduce the fine lines and it works a treat. Used before going to bed, it keeps my lips moisturised all through the night.

--Value for money--

Very good value for the quality of the product and the fact that it will last a long time.

perfect partners

CRÈME DE SOIN VISAGE (Face cream) 30€

LAIT DEMAQUILLANT (Make-up remover), from €9

CRÈME PEAU SECHE ET SENSIBLE (Cream for dry and sensitive skin), from €9

SAVON AU LAIT DE JUMENT NATUREL ET HYDRATANT (Natural moisturising mare’s milk soap), from €2

CRÈME POUR LES MAINS (Hand cream), 11.90€ 

CRÈME POUR LES PIEDS (Foot cream), 11.90€

COMPLEMENTS ALIMENTAIRES (dietary supplement capsules), 29.90€ 

https://laitdejumentdecamargue.fr/

Cindy Joseph BOOM SCRUB

RRP: $45

--What does the promo say?—
“BOOM SCRUB is a simple and effective deep pore cleanser and light exfoliant that is safe to use every day. With a quick five-minute mask application, this scrub gently strips away the dull, lifeless skin from your face and reaches down deep to release all excess oil, dirt and make-up from your pores, leaving your skin simply radiant. Each ingredient in our new scrub has been carefully formulated to our highest standards, sustainably sourced and chemical free. While other scrubs use crushed sugar or bran that can led to micro-tears in your skin, BOOM SCRUB features small round oak kernels that gently roll across your face. With no harsh peeling abrasion or chemicals, BOOM SCRUB will give you vibrant, healthy skin every day.”

--Packaging--
As with all BOOM products, presentation is minimalist and clean-looking with white being the  prominent colour. BOOM SCRUB comes in the same type of bottle as BOOM CLEAN, with a lid that flips up to dispense the product through a small nozzle. The BOOM logo on the label has been altered to a sandy colour to differentiate it from BOOM CLEAN. The bottle is opaque so you cannot see how much is left whilst using it, although the decreasing weight of the bottle gives you a fairly good idea. I have never had reason to criticise BOOM packaging in the past but I’m afraid that I would have preferred the SCRUB in a tub (as for BOOM COTTON, BOOM SILK…) rather than the squeezy bottle, as I find the product extremely difficult to extract. The bottle won’t stand upside down on its top (so that gravity might help this thicker product descend) and you have to squeeze really hard to get the product out through the small nozzle. Cutting the bottle in half towards what I think might be the end of the product will definitely be necessary in order to avoid severe wastage. As the plastic bottle is considerably harder than the tubes normally used for this type of product, I hope I don’t stab myself with the scissors in the process! Please can we have this in a tub, BOOM?

--Application--
Boom scrub can be used over the basin or in the shower. It should be applied generously to a clean and moisturised face. Allow the scrub mask to penetrate your skin for five minutes for a deep pore cleansing and light exfoliation. Rinse thoroughly with water.

--Appearance--
BOOM SCRUB is a light sand colour and is thick and opaque with small granules of oak kernels evenly distributed throughout.

--Scent—
BOOM SCRUB smells slightly lemony. The scent is enough to make you feel refreshed without being invasive.

--Texture and consistency--
A thickish paste with tiny pieces of oak kernels that provide a delicate and gentle exfoliation.

--Effects on the skin—
Only a small amount is required to scrub the whole face. The scrub mask spreads easily over the face. It rinses off easily leaving skin feeling fresh, deep-cleansed and silky to touch.

--Value for money--
I was given this product free to trial for Bianca’s Beauty Blog (thank you, BOOM!). At $32 for 4oz, this may seem an expensive product but as so little is used it lasts ages. I am finding that the combination of BOOM products on my skin has definitely improved the texture and quality of my skin tone so I would purchase this for myself. With the gradual addition of its new products, BOOM is now providing for nearly all your make-up and cleansing/moisturising needs. Am definitely a BOOM convert, even though shipping from America needs to be added to the cost; sometimes it is worth placing a bulk order with other BOOM products to increase value for money. The international flat rate shipping charge costs $30 and it takes between 7 – 15 working days to arrive. Be sure to
select this flat shipping rate option, or you may be faced with additional customs charges when your package arrives. 

perfect partners
BOOMSTICK GLO, from $27 (or as part of the TRIO for $76, saving 6%)
BOOMSTICK COLOR, from $27 (or as part of the TRIO for $76, saving 6%)
BOOMSTICK GLIMMER, from $27 (or as part of the TRIO for $76, saving 6%)
BOOM SILK all-over face and body moisturizer, from $27
BOOM COTTON shine control moisturizer, from $32
BOOM MASK rejuvenating, cleansing and moisturizing mask, from $42
BOOM NECTAR skin serum, $54
BOOM CLEAN, from $32
BOOM CALM, $44

by Sarah Cross

Cindy Joseph BOOM Nectar

RRP: 1oz – $54


--Ingredients--
Organic jojoba oil, organic witch hazel extract, organic rosehip seed oil, organic avocado oil, organic extra virgin olive oil, organic hemp seed oil, organic rose hydrosol, organic propolis extract, chaga mushroom extract, Hawaiian beeswax, organic lemon essential oil, organic orange essential oil, organic ylang ylang essential oil, camu camu extract, purified Hawaiian water, royal jelly

--What does the promo say?—

“Our most advanced Pro-age moisturiser ever! One drop of BOOM NECTAR delivers the rich vitamins and nutrients your skin needs to look and feel healthier than ever. Made from the purest ingredients, this deep-hydrating skin serum soothes, nurtures, and heals faster than any other moisturiser. BOOM NECTAR quickly softens and repairs even your most sensitive skin back to its healthy, radiant glow. Apply one drop to treat dryness, redness, blemishes and damaged skin cells. Heals dry skin faster than creams or lotions. The secret behind our new serum is in its liquid formula. Different from BOOM SILK or BOOMSTICK Glo, the lightweight Nectar quickly travels to the deepest layers of your skin to deliver the total hydration you crave."

--Packaging--
BOOM NECTAR is sold in a tinted dropper bottle.  The label is white with the distinctive pink and honey-coloured BOOM logo.  When I read the list of ingredients and their properties, I thought, “WOW! This HAS to be good for my face! How can one small bottle contain so much?” There is a slight design fault, however, which can affect application (see below).

--Application--
BOOM NECTAR should be applied directly to your skin morning and night or any time after cleansing. Allow your skin to soak it in for a few minutes, before applying your Boom Silk or Boom Cotton for added hydrating moisture all day or night. You need to shake the bottle well before use and apply sparingly to your face after it has been cleansed: just a few drops to your face and neck and under your eyes. Gently dab it on and then rub in using small circular movements until it is absorbed.  A little care is needed as the thick serum clings to the outer surface of the dropper initially, especially when the bottle is full. I found myself scraping precious blobs of it off my bathroom surface to apply to my face. Once I got wise to this ‘design fault’ I made sure I kept the dropper close to the bottle when extracting the small amount needed.

--Appearance--
A thick, quite viscous substance; it is a bright yellow colour.

--Scent—

Like all BOOM products (bar BOOM MASK – see previous review), BOOM NECTAR has only a very faint scent. It smells stronger in the bottle, but this soon fades on your skin - though the fruits and beeswax are the most dominant scents.

--Texture and consistency--
A thick, viscous substance with a uniform consistency that feels silky on application. As with all BOOM products, a little goes a long way.  (An important factor as far as I was concerned, considering its price.)

--Effects on the skin—

Immediately cooling and calming, it left my skin looking radiant, glowing….and quite shiny. It moisturises deeply and any wrinkles quickly diminish to the point of disappearing. I’m not usually keen on the look of my face without make-up (even if I only use BOOM’s light make-up sticks), but I actually liked how my face looked for going to bed.  I do not have problems such as acne or eczema so could not test the benefits of the product for these problems. However, I do have slightly red skin and some tiny broken veins on my cheeks and felt that continued use over a few months did diminish these somewhat. I would need to test for even longer to see if BOOM NECTAR could clear rosacea in a lasting and permanent manner. For me, a good test for any moisturiser is how it makes my hands look. I have always had quite dry hands with marked lines even as a young woman.  They looked old even when I wasn’t! I can honestly say that applying BOOM NECTAR made them look years younger…so definitely a result there.   If it does the same to my face, then it’s a real winner!

--Value for money--
At $54 for 1oz, this is BOOM’s most expensive product. As a result, I decided to treat it as a more precious beauty treatment and used it as a night nourishing serum. The bottle lasted a few months because of this more limited use. Shipping from America needs to be added to the cost some sometimes it is worth placing a bulk order with other BOOM products to increase value for money. International flat rate shipping charge costs $30 and it takes between 7 – 15 working days to arrive. Be sure to select this flat shipping rate option or you may be faced with additional customs charges when your package arrives. I failed to do this on one occasion and was faced with a €26 additional charge (although possibly I had just been lucky on previous occasions as import duties are always a risk when ordering from the US).  My products took eight working days to get from America to my home in the South of France. Nevertheless, it was worth the aggro thanks to the deep moisturisation of the dermis layer from this 100% natural and cruelty-free product.

perfect partners
BOOMSTICK GLO $27

BOOMSTICK COLOR $27

BOOMSTICK GLIMMER $27

(all three available separately or as a trio for $76)

BOOM SILK all-over face and body moisturiser (from $27)

BOOM COTTON shine control moisturiser (from $32)

BOOM MASK rejuvenating, cleansing and moisturising mask (from $42)
BOOM SCRUB, $45
BOOM CLEAN, from $32
BOOM CALM, $44

by Sarah Cross

Cindy Joseph BOOM COTTON

RRP: from $27 (get 10% off now by entering BOOM10 at the online checkout)

-- What does the promo say?—
“BOOM COTTON is a unique shine control moisturiser. Your skin will drink it up, leaving no trace of oil or shine, only a healthy glow. Protective, nourishing and healing moisture for your entire face and body. BOOM COTTON is organic and pure. We use no emulsifiers, binders, parabens, phthalates, colours or perfumes of any kind. Cruelty, gluten and GMO free. Boom Cotton, as all of our skin care products, is handmade in small batches by our bee keepers in Hawaii. Stimulates collagen; attracts and retains moisture; suitable for sensitive skin; protects from environmental toxins; and is naturally healing.”

-- Packaging--
BOOM COTTON pots are simple white plastic pots with the colourful pink and red BOOM logo printed on the side. hey look quite elegant and pure in the bathroom. On first opening the pot has a seal which is easily removed.

-- Application--
A little really does go a long way. I have been using this for over a month and am still only halfway through the pot. BOOM COTTON can be applied on the delicate area around your eyes, over your entire face and neck and even your lips. (Really excellent lip balm!) Just take a small quantity on your fingertips and apply it wherever you want to moisturise. There are tiny micro-capsules in BOOM COTTON which need to be blended in. You can either do this in your hand before applying or apply directly and massage them in gently using circular movements, which is what I tend to do.

-- Appearance--
A yellow, creamy looking mixture which looks quite ‘solid’ in the pot and does not move if the pot is turned on its side. We are told on the website that the colour may vary because the bees are collecting pollen from different flowers through each season, so your BOOM COTTON may be more yellow, or more green, depending on when the pollen was collected for your particular pot.

-- Scent—
As with all the other BOOM products, there is no scent. Perhaps a faint sweet smell, but that is all.

-- Texture and consistency--
Thick, creamy and slightly grainy, it is a substantial moisturiser. You are not paying for water! I love the fact that it is thick and that you only need a tiny amount to do your whole face.

-- Effects on the skin—
When I wrote my review for BOOMSTICK GLO I said that I did not feel that it was a suitable night cream for my skin, which is dry and needs lots of moisture. BOOMSILK fulfilled that need for a while as I trialled it for this blog. However, BOOMSILK does leave your skin looking quite shiny after application, which is fine on your body but not everyone wants that effect on their face. Cindy Joseph responded to customer comments about this and invented BOOM COTTON for those who do not wish to have a shiny effect. Having used BOOM COTTON for over a month now, I love the way it makes the skin on my face feel and it has now taken over from BOOM SILK for my face. I prefer BOOM SILK on my body (it seems easier to apply across larger areas, being more fluid) and I use BOOM COTTON purely for my face, lips and neck. 

-- Value for money--
I am definitely a BOOM COTTON convert. No other moisturiser for me from now on! These BOOM products have really hit the spot as far as I am concerned and I shall definitely be ordering more. The price compares well with other good quality moisturisers on the market, even though the international flat rate shipping charge costs 13.95$ (tracked) needs to be added to this. Remember that at the time of writing you are also eligible for a 10% discount by typing in BOOM10 at the checkout. If you are too late, by signing up to their newsletter or following on social media you will be the first to hear about any future discounts.

perfect partners
BOOMSTICK GLO, $27 (see below)
BOOMSTICK COLOR, $27 (see below)
BOOMSTICK GLIMMER, $27 (see below)
BOOMSTICK TRIO, $76 (a saving of $5)
BOOM SILK, from $27
BOOM MASK, from $42 
BOOM NECTAR, $54
BOOM CLEAN, $32
BOOM SCRUB, $45
BOOM CALM, $44

by Sarah Cross

Carun Active Hemp Face Cream

RRP: £16.99

--What does the promo say?--
"Carun Skin Cream is naturally anti-inflammatory and antibacterial so it is suitable for regular daily use and problematic skin, helping to maintain and restore balance and a healthy appearance.

Carun Skin Cream has been created to help sufferers of acne, rashes or dry skin but it can also be effective on other common ailments such as inflamed or irritated skin, blisters, eczema, psoriasis and itching."

--Packaging--

The squeezy metal tube is practical rather than luxurious, but does the job well, minimising wastage and with clean, unisex deisgn and colour scheme.

--Application--

Apply to clean, dry skin after cleansing. Is light enough to be used in the daytime, while moisturising suitably during the night.

--Appearance--

An off-yellow cream that blends invisibly into skin.

--Scent--

Has a refreshing scent that comes from the rosemary, but which is tempered by the lavender and lemon, which are not really detectable, but prevent it from being overpowering.

--Texture and consistency--

Slightly greasy, and yet blends in quickly, and does not leave a slick layer on the skin.

--Effects on the skin--

My acneic skin was greatly calmed by the use of this product, toning down redness and reducing blemishes.

--Value for money--

At £16.99 this isn't cheap, but it is effective and one tube lasts a good few months, as a little goes a long way. I was sent mine for free (thanks, Carun PR!) but I would purchase with my own money and recommend to others, especially in conjunction with the Active Hemp Soap.

perfect partners

Active Hemp Soap, £4.99

Hemp Ointment, £16.99

Hemp Body Oil, £13.99

Hemp Bath Spa, £19.99

Triple Dry Nourish

RRP: £6.45

--What does the promo say?--
"The new formula offers advanced protection against heavy sweating with the added benefits of Jojoba oil to nourish the skin, making this the perfect solution for those who want to care for their under arms, but still benefit from added protection. The new, high performing, anti-perspirant is clinically proven to work around the clock, keeping you sweat-free for up to 72 hours and working with your body to provide extra protection when you need it most.

The secret to its performance is in its unique blend of three active ingredients, giving you peace of mind so that whatever life throws at you, perspiration isn’t an issue.

• -Jojoba oil nourishes skin
• -Skin is left feeling soft and smooth
• -Clinically proven 72 hour wetness protection
• -The first ever anti-perspirant roll-on tube for better application."

--Packaging--

The grey and yellow packaging manages to be both cheerful and unisex, and the tube is practical too, as is the rollerball mechanism.

--Application--

Apply at night before going to bed before washing as normal in the morning. There is no need to reapply after showering, swimming or sports. There is nothing tricky about this, even if it involves a small alteration in your daily hygiene routine.

--Appearance--

The deodorant glides on invisibly and crucially leaves no white marks on clothes.

--Texture and consistency--

The smooth liquid dries powder-light, with no resulting stickiness.

--Effects on the skin--

As well as deodorising effectively, and reducing the amount of perspiration, it perhaps most importantly does not irritate underarm skin - which some 48 hour+ deodorants can be wont to do as they are so strong.

--Value for money--

This is priced in keeping with other 48h deodorants, being in the same bracket as high street brands Driclor and Mitchum, as well as some more luxury or pharmacy brands such as Neal's Yard and Vichy. Triple Dry's effective results and moisturising qualities mean that even though I was sent this for free, I would spend my own cash on it too.

Laura Mercier Mineral Pressed Powder

RRP: £31
# of shades available: 8

--What does the promo say?--
"Composed of a custom blend of Pearl Powders rich in amino acids, Laura Mercier Mineral Pressed Powder offers a natural, buildable foundation for sheer to full coverage. With its creamy texture, the oil free, water-resistant formula adheres to skin for a colour-true finish all day."

--Packaging--
The square plastic compact looks elegant and sleek thanks to its minimalist black and silver design. The package in general, and specifically the click mechanism, seem robust, and the compact contains a goodly-sized mirror also. Unfortunately the applicator is a sponge (albeit generously-sized) rather than a brush (my own preference).

--Application--
The brand recommends that you use the sponge to continue layering the powder until the desired coverage is achieved. Easy enough, even if I do prefer a brush (see below as to why).

--Appearance--
I purchased the lightest shade - Tender Rose. Eight shades represents reasonable availability, although other high-end brands provide many more. Tender Rose works well for me, matching skin tone flawlessly and providing the requisite level of coverage. However, throughout the day it does appear to cake more on the skin, clumping together in patches, which means that it looks a little more uneven as the day goes on. This could, however, perhaps be remedied by applying with a brush instead of the supplied sponge.

--Scent--
Smells slightly nutty, which is a little surprising as none of the ingredients appear to indicate the presence of nuts. But it's not in the least unpleasant.

--Texture and consistency--
Very light on the skin on first application, and doesn't feel like it weighs the skin down throughout the day. 

--Value for money--
Coverage is good until it starts to clump, and skin tone matching is equally promising. The ingredients promise to do the skin good, and one compact lasts a long time. All of these elements justify the price tag. My only complaint - as you can probably tell - is the sponge applicator. Use a brush instead - they are easier to clean and the powder will likely stay even throughout the day as a result.

perfect partners
Blending Brush, £32
Long Lash Mascara, £19.50
Hydrating Foundation Primer, £29
Second Skin Cheek Colour, £21.50
Kohl Eye Pencil, £19
Silk Creme Moisturising Photo Edition Foundation, £35

That’so All In One SPF 20-30-50+ Protective Dry Oil Spray

RRP: £18.95

--What does the promo say?--
"Stay safe in the sun with this revolutionary SPF. That'so have been working hard in or labs to make your life easier with our internationally patented SPF. Unlike a conventional SPF that only gives you the level of protection is says on the bottle, All In One gives you 3 different levels with each application. Spray on the dry oil SPF once and it gives you SPF 20. Wait 3 minutes and apply again for SPF 30. Wait a further 3 minutes and apply a final third time for SPF 50. Contains patented formula allowing increase of SPF (20/30/50) with each spray using PROGRESSIVE SPF. Contains MELANUP, a patented ingredient which allows for the production of melanin without the need for sunlight. Contains TYR-EXCEL, a tanning activator which also ensures it develops evenly. Contains anti-ageing and moisturising ingredients: avocado, jojoba oil and Vitamin E. Water resistant.

--Packaging--
The yellow and purple colour combination is vivid and striking - very unusual compared to other commercial suncreams, which tend to rely on the old faithful fallbacks of orange and white. Equally, the spray can format is unusual, as most of the usual options are squeezy bottles or tubes.

--Application--
As mentioned in the promotional materials, the number of layers you need to apply depends on the amount of protection you require - 1 layer for SPF20, 2 for SPF30 or 3 for SPF50. Just spritz over the body and rub in, waiting a few minutes between layers. Despite having to apply multiple layers for higher protection levels, I wouldn't say you run out of this any more quickly than conventional sunscreens, as the oil-based formula goes much further and wastage is minimal.

--Appearance--
An invisible oil which won't stain clothes and doesn't leave the white film of many commercial sunscreens.

--Scent--
A long-lasting, coconutty, sweet scent which is most pleasant.

--Texture and consistency--
Despite the high proportions of natural oils, this does not feel greasy at all and sinks into skin rapidly.

--Effects on the skin--
As well as effectively protecting even sensitive skins from the sun, it also moisturises well. Bonus!

--Value for money--
£18.95 for 200ml is concurrent with other high-end sunscreen ranges, such as those by P20, UltraSun, and Heliocare. Equally, it makes packing much more convenient if you don't have to carry 3 different sunscreens to the beach with you, as this does it all in one. I was sent one for free, but I'd still buy it. Good one, That'so!

perfect partners
All In One After Sun, £18.95
On The Go Clear, £18.95

Trilogy Gentle Facial Exfoliant

RRP: £21.50

--What does the promo say?--
"The fast way to a fresh new complexion with glowing results you'll see instantly, Trilogy Gentle Facial Exfoliant is a gentle, creamy treatment that removes dead skin cells and surface debris that dull your skin's appearance. Formulated with jojoba wax spheres and camellia oil to gently buff away impurities and nourishing botanical oils to reveal softer, smoother, more radiant skin, Trilogy Gentle Facial Exfoliant is an essential part of your beauty regime."

--Packaging--
The red, white and silver colour scheme is a bit spartan, but at least unisex and practical, with the flip-top plastic lid proving robust. Gives you only the information you need and nothing more - so cuts the spin and makes it easy to read.

--Application--
Massage in circular motions onto moistened skin before rinsing off and following with moisturiser. Pretty simple really.

--Appearance--
Off-white, with barely visible grains. No visible residue is left on the skin.

--Scent--
The jojoba and camellia gives a really clean, natural scent that isn't overpowering.

--Texture and consistency--
To quote Trilogy's PR, "The Trilogy range has always been and will always continue to be free of plastic microbeads." This is a great thing, as not only is the environmental impact significant, but natural exfoliants always tend to be more effective anyway. The jojoba microspheres in this product are no exception - pleasantly scrubby without irritating the skin.

--Effects on the skin--
Further to this, the brand mantra is ‘maximum effect on your skin, minimum effect on our environment’. This is borne out by this product, which sloughs off dead skin while moisturising thanks to the natural microspheres and combinations of essential oils.

--Value for money--
While at £21.50 this seems expensive, you can shop around for good deals, and furthermore, this is a high quality product which lasts a long time (a little goes a long way!). You can equally be confident in the knowledge that by buying this product and not one containing microplastics, you are helping to protect the environment too.

perfect partners
Balancing Face Lotion, £26.50
Hydrating Mist Toner, £17.50
Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+, £26.50

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.

Grahams Natural Shampoo and Conditioner

RRP: £11.99 each
 
--What does the promo say?--
"A gentle blend of organic and natural ingredients to relieve and protect a dry and sensitive scalp."

--Packaging--
The bright yellow and blue combination is bold, youthful, unisex and unique, meaning it would definitely stand out on the shelf.

--Usage--
Business as usual here: lather up the shampoo and massage through wet hair before rinsing out. Follow this by smoothing the conditioner through the roots and leave for a few minutes before washing it out. The usual amount required; a blob around the size of a 50p piece should suffice in each case.

--Appearance--
Both come out an unorthodox blue colour; no idea where this comes from. They foam whiter, though, and leave no visible residue.

--Texture and consistency--
As is normal, the conditioner doesn't lather as such, but just remains a blue, creamy, slightly pearlescent lotion. The shampoo foams up a bit into a slightly whiter concoction with some effort, but again, is a blue nacreous cream to start with. Both rinse out without difficulty.

--Scent--
Weirdly, slightly pepperminty or menthol-ish. Again, no idea where this originates. You can smell the coconut a bit if you sniff hard enough, which is good for those who aren't especial fans of the coconut scent.

--Effects on the hair--
Easily as effective as any commercial shampoo and conditioner, leaving hair softened, volumised and degreased. Scalp-wise, dry skin is definitely reduced and there is no irritation.

--Value for money--
Admittedly I balked at the price when I saw it online, but we perhaps shouldn't be so surprised: if we want quality results on our hair without the artificial ingredients, we surely need to pay for the care that goes into selecting authentic components. Commercial products are frequently so ludicrously cheap that we just aren't used to paying what things actually cost anymore. If by buying this you get good results without the chemicals, and kick dry and itchy scalps into touch too, then tant mieux. However, I think Grahams need to pimp the packaging if they want consumers to believe this is a high-end product that delivers equally good results. While this current packaging is unique and eye-catching, sophisticated it ain't. It's also significantly more expensive than, say, Lush's natural shampoo bars, which also deliver excellent results through natural ingredients, without the plasticated packaging. So while Grahams' hair products ultimately have a good basis, I'd say there's still a few tweaks to be made.

perfect partners
Grahams Natural Soap, £5.50
Grahams Natural Sooth-It Balm, £17.99
Grahams Natural Bath Oil, £14.50
Grahams Calendulis Plus Cream, from £13.95
Grahams Natural Kids Eczema Cream, £18.99

Rococo Chichi Whipped Shea Hair Butter

RRP: £7.95
Stockist: http://www.rococochichi.com/

--What does the promo say?--
"This nourishing butter stimulates the scalp and softens, fortifies and revitalises lacklustre hair.
Free from chemicals, preservatives, parabens, SLS, artificial colours and perfume."

--Packaging--
A discreet little tin which is brightened up by the cheerful rainbow of dots. The minimal information on the label, however, means that the overall effect is not too crowded.

--Application--
Rococo Chichi recommend using this in several different ways: as a pre-wash conditioner, as a styling aid, or as a tamer of frizz and split ends. Just take a little from the tin with your fingers and massage into the ends of hair to condition and style. If using as a pre-wash conditioner, leave for a minimum of 20 minutes (or even overnight) before washing out with shampoo. Easy as.

--Appearance--
A luxurious, creamy-looking wax that seamlessly slicks hair into position without making you look like you've overdone the hair gel.

--Scent--
The shea hair butter comes in a scented and unscented version, and while the unscented version smells pleasantly of the nut oils used, the rosemary shines through in the scented version. A natural aroma in all cases.

--Texture and consistency--
Not at all greasy, sticky or slippery; easy to apply to the hair and to rinse out. Any excess can be rubbed into your hands - all of those essential oils and natural butters make great moisturisers. 

--Effects on the hair--
Hair is effectively tamed, with your split hairs and frizz being shown who's boss. It's also a brilliant natural conditioner.

--Value for money--
At £7.95 for 100ml this is brilliantly reasonable compared to commercial products (not least because a little goes such a long way) - and it works so well on dry hair too. Even though I was sent mine for free by Rococo Chichi's PR (thanks!), I would definitely spend my hard-earned on this. Makes a brilliant gift for yourself and others.

perfect partners
Whipped Shea Body Butter (available in Lavender, Vanilla or Unscented), £9.95/150ml
Whipped Shea Hand Butter (available in Lavender or Vanilla), £3.50/30ml
Whipped Shea Body, Hands and Hair Gift Set (various scent combinations available), £20