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 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

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

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pore & Shine In-Shower Mask

RRP: £4.99

--What does the promo say?--
"Introducing new Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pore & Shine In-Shower Mask. Get a shine-free, even complexion in only 60 seconds thanks to this breakthrough mask that works with steam of your shower. Its clinically proven formula reduces shine, helping to remove any excess oil for an instant matte effect without drying skin. It also helps to refine pores, cleansing deep down to unclog pores for visibly refined looking skin. Its fresh tangerine & lime scent provides an invigorating, fresh-skin feeling."

--Packaging--
The green and white colour scheme is both vibrant and unisex, with the Neutrogena label displayed prominently, while the coloured band at the top followed by the white band at the bottom of the tube clearly marks it as part of the brand also (all Neutrogena masks, scrubs etc have this design, with just the colour changing for different needs or scents, such as pink for grapefruit). The plastic flip-top lid is light while remaining sturdy and practical.

--Application--
Rub all over your face while in the shower, leaving it to sit for a minute or two while you shave or wash your body (I'm not going to list alternative in-shower activities...you're on your own there!). Rinse off under the shower or at the sink when you emerge. Use 1-2 times a week.

--Appearance--
The product itself is white, with no visible traces left after use.

--Scent--
Lively and zesty, although I think this mostly comes from scents added later that may be artificial, as only lemon peel is explicitly listed.

--Texture and consistency--
Creamy and luxurious. While slightly lumpy or grainy in appearance, it's not like an exfoliator, serving no scrubbing function, as you can't feel these lumps or grains on your skin during usage of the product.

--Effects on the skin--
The effect in just 1-2 minutes is certainly impressive - perfect for modern, busy lifestyles. Skin is indeed mattified and visibly less oily, with pore size appearing reduced and tightened temporarily. Skin also feels really refreshed thanks to the citrus element, and moisturised too, due to the mask's creamy texture.

--Value for money--
At just under £4 this definitely isn't breaking the bank and the time saved is equally valuable. If waiting 20 minutes for a mask to dry doesn't appeal, then this is definitely for you. I was sent mine for free by Neutrogena's PR (thanks guys!) but would pay up in future. I'd also be interested to try the rest of the range in future, and/or to see face wipes added to the range, as they're good value, effective products that offer a pick-me-up in the morning too.

perfect partners
Pore & Shine Daily Wash, £4.99
Pore & Shine Daily Scrub, £4.99

Crabtree & Evelyn Verbena and Lavender Cologne

RRP: from £20

--What does the promo say?--
"Creating a magical scent to last all day long. Our cologne has been created to subtly scent the skin with just a few sprays of this light fragrance. This light and easy to wear fragrance has been created with French lemon verbena and lavender essential oils blended with notes of cedarwood, white amber and tonka bean to create an uplifting scent. Perfect for both day and evening wear; by men and women alike.

• Fresh, herbaceous scent of Verbena and Lavender de Provence
• Inspired from the beautiful French countryside, with the natural perfume of two of the regions favourite botanical treasures carried on the warm breeze
• Travel size

Fragrance: Vibrant, fresh verbena combined with the herbaceous, soothing lavender create a luxurious and lively lemony-lilt scent."

--Packaging--

The green and purple lettering on the glass bottle give an elegant and unusual effect while echoing the plants from which the fragrance is made. The spray mechanism is also targeted and effective.

--Application--

Spritz onto pressure points to diffuse the scent across your body, including wrists, behind the ears, and across the decolletage.

--Appearance--

A clear liquid that leaves no visible residue.

--Scent--

The verbena and lavender are clearly present without being overbearing. The citrus notes of the verbena are also complemented by the lemon and grapefruit that the perfume also contains, and the jasmine is also detectable.

--Longevity--

As promised, this perfume lasts all day thanks to the high-quality ingredients that it contains.

--Value for money--

This scent retails at around the same price per ml as other high-quality brands' fragrances, such as Ferragamo, DKNY, and Vera Wang, as well as certain 'celebrity' brands such as Christina Aguilera and James Bond. The provenance of the ingredients, and their subsequent staying power, makes this fragrance equally good value, and even though mine was free from Crabtree & Evelyn's PR, I would repurchase this sophisticated scent.

perfect partners

Verbena & Lavender Conditioner, £12

Verbena & Lavender Shampoo, £12

Verbena & Lavender Soap, £7

Verbena & Lavender Hand Therapy, £16

Verbena & Lavender Body Lotion, £16

Verbena & Lavender Body Cream, £22

Wild Olive Luxury Bath Melts

RRP: £14.95 for a box of six

--What does the promo say?--
"Deliciously delectable and sumptuously indulgent, these beautiful Bath Melts make a fantastic gift for anyone; or a luxurious treat for yourself after a long, hard day’s work. Decorated to look like yummy cupcakes and arriving in the sweetest pink egg box, this is a tub of treats nobody will be able to resist - and better still, no calories!

The gorgeous gift box contains 3 tranquil bath souffles and 3 soothing sundaes, all enriched with creamy cocoa butter creating super soft skin and a gorgeously indulgent bath.

Create a unique atmosphere with each Luxury Bath Melt, whether it’s natural and fresh or romantic and sensual; each bath melt is fragranced with a different essential oil to suit every mood."

--Packaging--

The pink egg box is original, pretty and eco-friendly, as well as protecting the melts securely, and while the papers are tricky to peel off the bath melts initially, they come off quickly once the melt has been immersed in your bath water for a couple of seconds. This wrapping, too, is recyclable, so the company's philosophy and innovation in packaging design is certainly to be applauded. The only minor gripe would be the proofreading errors on the packaging itself, which detracts slightly from the brand's professionalism.

--Usage--

Drop the melt into the bath and let it melt away. The paper case can be easily slipped off and discarded after a couple of seconds. Very easy.

--Appearance--

Beautifully decorated and designed to resemble cupcakes and fairy cakes, these bath melts catch the eye, and their natural origins are augmented by the decorations of dried flowers, which float in the bath once the melt has dissolved for an extra luxurious touch. Some bubbles of cocoa butter will float on the water's surface as well. Depending on which bath melt you drop in, the bath water can appear opaque, milky, glittery or translucent. No visible residue is left on the skin.

--Scent--

The melt perfumes the entire bathroom stunningly well, not just thanks to the essential oils used but also due to the dried flowers used to decorate. The scent is natural, too, rather than being overridden by artificial soap smells.

--Texture and consistency, and effects on the skin --

The bath water feels smooth and moisturising, and thanks to the melts' high concentration of cocoa butter and essential oils leaves your skin feeling wonderfully soft.

--Value for money--

The highly appropriate size of these bath melts (especially compared to Lush's, which some may consider oversized), along with the luxurious experience evoked by the scents, pretty styling, and the moisturising effect on the skin, make these of excellent value, and a wonderful gift at any time of year. I was sent mine for free by Prezzybox, but will definitely be buying as a present for relatives this Christmas.

Natracare Organic Makeup Removal Wipes

RRP: £3.99 for 20

--What does the promo say?--
"Rule number one of a good skincare regime is to cleanse the skin properly, removing all make-up and grime. The last thing you want is a product that could be putting more on to your skin than it is taking off. Unlike conventional wipes, we use only the best organic and natural ingredients, making them incredibly gentle on your skin. Infused with the organic essential oils of almond, apricot and chamomile, Natracare Cleansing Make-Up Removal Wipes leave your skin moisturised, cleansed and refreshed naturally. The soft and strong organic cotton cloth is gentle but effective, removing even waterproof mascara and lipstick. Formulated for sensitive skin, the wipes are dermatologically and opthalmologically tested and free from all the types of ingredients women have ever been concerned about putting on their skin."

--Packaging--
The blue, purple and white colour combination of the plastic pouch is refreshing and feminine. Furthermore, the pouch opens and closes securely throughout the product lifespan, not losing stickiness at all as time passes.

--Usage--
Sweep one wipe over face and neck to remove makeup, using both sides of the wipe to ensure thorough makeup removal.

--Appearance--
The wipes are white, and the lotion they are soaked in is invisible, meaning minimum fuss.

--Scent--
An overriding citrus scent thanks to the oranges, lemons and bergamot, which adds to the wipes' refreshing character.

--Texture and consistency--
The organic cotton wipes are smooth and non-irritating, yet have enough of a slightly raised texture to gently scrub skin, enabling makeup removal.

--Effects on the skin--
Removes makeup just as well as any conventional makeup removal wipe I've tried, and maybe even better - it even does a great job on mascara.

--Value for money--
At £3.99 for 20 wipes, it therefore comes to around 20p per wipe, which is about standard (and even more commendable given the high-quality, organic provenance of these wipes' ingredients, as well as their robust packaging). It also competes favourably price-wise with high street brands (Boots, Simple, Soap & Glory, Clearasil and L'Oréal all charge about the same, for example). This product's only weak point is perhaps its lack of availability: with its main suppliers being online, you have to put in a little more effort to seek it out. Nevertheless, despite being sent mine for free this time, I would still spend my money on them in future. A great product that truly sets an example to others in terms of both quality and ethics.

Caudalie Crushed Cabernet Scrub

RRP: £21.50 for 150g
 
 --What does the promo say?--
"A professional treatment used in Caudalie’s Vinothérapie® Spas in Bordeaux, France, this natural, grape-rich body scrub made with exfoliating grape-seeds, rich honey, softening brown sugar and 6 essential oils, leaves the skin smooth, ultra soft and silky. For anyone looking for deep exfoliation combined with slimming action. 99% natural ingredients."

--Packaging--
As mine came as part of a gift set from my sister-in-law, it was in a tiny kilner jar. This appears to be in a plastic tub with a black screw-top lid. The advantage of both is that you can get right in there with your fingers to scoop out the last dregs (as opposed to, say, a tube). However, the opening mechanism of the kilner jar may be easier to grab hold of in the shower when you're trying to open or close it with slippery fingers.

--Application--
Caudalie's website recommends usage twice a week on damp skin. I was using mine every day to attack the dry skin on my feet and didn't suffer any ill effects from this, so you probably could use it more frequently on really tough areas. Twice a week, however, is probably a good idea if you are just trying to maintain normal skin condition.

--Appearance--
A brown, grainy scrub in which the crushed grape seed and sugar granules can be easily seen.

--Scent--
Despite all of the essential oils this contains, the only scent I could pick up on was the bitter, anti-oxidant smell of the crushed grape seed. Luckily, this isn't overly bitter or overpowering, so perhaps the essential oils used serve mainly to balance this out, rather than to be the stars of the show themselves.

--Texture and consistency--
Very good for a gentle yet effective attack on dry body skin. However, it might be too harsh for use on your face, just in case anyone was thinking of trying it: as mentioned, the exfoliating agents used are clearly visible and exist in quite large granules. The essential oils make the scrub smooth, not sticky, and the scrub as a whole is easy to rinse.

--Effects on the skin--
Clearly diminishes the quantity and appearance of dry skin, and then subsequently manages skin condition. Skin is smoothed and moisturised simultaneously, leaving you feeling like you've had a luxurious yet effective experience.

--Value for money--  
While the price may initially seem a little steep, here are some thoughts to consider: a) you get the desired results; b) the experience of using this product is spa-like rather than purely utilitarian; c) if you want high-quality ingredients, then you have to pay; and d) even my tiny jar lasted ages, so this cavernous and heavy-duty pot should endure for an eternity. Would recommend.

perfect partners
Contouring Concentrate, £24
Draining Herbal Teas, £10
Nourishing Body Lotion, £20

Radical Age-Defying Exfoliating Pads

RRP: £45 for 60 pads

--What does the promo say?--

"Removing dull, dead skin becomes your first anti-aging gesture: its AHA and BHA-multifruit acid based pads, exfoliate, promote cell turnover, and accelerate Radical Skincare products performance. Reduce coarse crow’s feet by 50% in 2 weeks. Reduce pore size and even skin tone while significantly improving skin firmness, texture and elasticity."

--Packaging--

The pads arrive in a lovely shiny silver pot which feels good in the hands and looks good on the dressing table, as well as keeping the pads moist. However, if you like travelling light, you may find it a bit big or bulky. 

--Application--

Rub one pad over the face, neck and decolletage after cleansing. One pad easily does your entire face, neck and chest area, and what's more, as the pads are so moist, you could even cheat a bit and make one pad last two nights. Follow with moisturiser.

--Scent--

The lemon and tangerine scents shine through here, with the AHAs, witch hazel, aloe vera and salicylic acid giving a more medicinal feel. This combination ultimately creates a clean, cleansing smell.

--Texture and consistency--

The pads feel cool and refreshing on the skin. The exfoliant is chemical, rather than coming from bits of beach, so don't expect too much scrubbiness.

--Effects on the skin--

After cleansing your skin feels squeaky clean without feeling 'stripped', as with most deep cleans, meaning that moisturising is definitely the next step. Anti-ageing effects are of course better seen over time, but your skin will probably thank you loads in the years that follow. The presence of aloe vera, witch hazel, AHAs and salicylic acid - traditional acne fighters - also mean that those with problem skin are likely to see an improvement.

--Value for money-- 

This evening cleanse comes highly recommended for anti-agers and acne-fighters alike. While they're not cheap, you can expect a pot to last you two months at least (or four, if you eke one pad out over two nights).  It's even cheaper if you shop around: QVC has good discounts, for example. Definitely put this on your wishlist if you're off to the US, too. If you don't find anything better to suit you, though, it's not unaffordable at all for such a high-quality product. Radical Skincare, we salute you.

perfect partners

Hydrating Cleanser, £30

Peptide Infused Antioxidant Serum, £125

Anti-Ageing Restorative Moisture, £100

Eye Revive Crème, £80

Instant Revitalizing Masque, £40

Firming Neck and Decolleté Gel, £77

5-Piece Discovery Collection, £40¤

Radical Rescue, £120*

*contains a full-size cleanser plus 15ml sizes of two different serums and the anti-ageing restorative moisturiser 

¤contains 8ml samples of the youth infusion serum, hydrating cleanser and anti-ageing restorative moisturiser; a 5ml sample of the eye crème; and 15 exfoliating pads 

Botanics 97% Organic Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm

RRP: £6.99

--What does the promo say?--
"This organic deep-cleansing balm contains a luxurious blend of Shea Butter, Rosehip and Jojoba Oil to leave skin smooth and beautifully clean. The ultra-rich softening formula swiftly lifts make-up, while the gentle polishing action of the muslin cloth helps dislodge pore-clogging debris, revealing your beautiful radiant complexion. Rosehip is nature's nourishing gem. The seeds are a rich source essential Omega oils, which help to improve suppleness and keep all skin types beautifully soft and healthy looking. Our beauty scientists use active plant extracts approved by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, to bring you beautiful skincare that's proven to work. We've taken steps to reduce our impact on the planet at every stage in this product's journey."

--Packaging--
The white pot means it's an economical product - you can scrape out every last drop. The muslin cloth it comes with is also a bonus.

--Application--
Rub onto your face and then remove with either a) a cotton pad (to remove makeup) or b) the muslin cloth, soaked in hot water (to clean your face normally). Luxurious, easy and comforting.
 
--Appearance--
A rich yellow waxy substance that leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--
The ingredients used combine beautifully to create a natural, slightly floral fragrance, with the jojoba, beeswax, shea and almond perhaps being most prominent.

--Texture and consistency--
Satisfyingly smooth without being greasy. Easy to remove.

--Effects on the skin--
Makeup is removed easily and skin feels cleansed, calm, soft and radiant. Acne is also improved.

--Value for money--
I was expecting this to be much more expensive than it is. A high-quality product that's a joy to use and yields excellent results too. Mine was free, but I would definitely stock up on this once my press sample has run out.
 
perfect partners
93% Organic Super Balm, £4.49
80% Organic Hydrating Eye Cream, £6.99
Organic Facial Oil, £4.99
81% Organic Hydrating Day Cream, £6.99
100% Organic Rosewater Toning Spritz, £3.49
82% Organic Softening Cleanser, £3.59 

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

Lush Stepping Stone Foot Scrub

RRP: £2.75/65 grams

--What does the promo say?--
"Everyone needs a Stepping Stone after an arduous day with your foot to the pedal. The green foot has the zesty You’ve Been Mangoed fragrance and punishing pumice to scrub away the rigours of life. Jojoba oil will moisturise dry skin without leaving them greasy and sea salt will treat them to plentiful minerals."

--Packaging--
As with many Lush products, this comes with minimal packaging - this time, a recyclable plastic wrap. The bad news is that this doesn't protect the product at all, so if you order online, chances are it will arrive broken into a few pieces. This also means that storing it is pretty tricky: I'd recommend buying one of Lush's larger tins (e.g. the one recommended for Buffy) so that you can easily store and access it in the shower.

--Application and usage--
Wet the feet, scrub on a little of this, massage into the feet and then rinse off. Turns the water a cool green colour :) Is easy to rinse and does not leave your hands with any sort of Shrek-like tinge.

--Appearance--
Formed into the shape of a foot, this might be worn down or battered a little by the time you receive it if using Lush's online ordering service. A nice natural-looking (not luminous) green, and the pumice particles are clearly visible.

--Scent--
The dominant smell here does come from the citrus elements and the lemongrass that's included; makes for a zesty and enlivening shower.

--Texture and consistency--
This has got to be just about the tamest exfoliator I have ever used (short of Avène's poor efforts) - it is extremely gentle and so could be good for those of you with sensitive skin or for those of you looking to just maintain smooth feet. However, it is also extremely crumbly and does melt and fizz under the shower water quite quickly, so perhaps it is better to break off the amount you wish to use so that the entirety of the product doesn't just disintegrate in your hand.

--Effects on the skin--
As was perhaps implied in the above remarks, as a treatment for dry hard skin this is too gentle to be effective. Probably better as a general maintenance product for those of you who already have smooth feet.

--Value for money--
At £2.75 this is one of Lush's cheaper products, and is probably an efficacious day-to-day maintenance product. However, if you are looking for a treatment, you will need something more heavy-duty, such as Lush's Ocean Salt, which is more expensive but also gives far more positive results.

perfect partners
Sugar Scrub, £2.60/100 grams
You've Been Mangoed Bath Melt, £2.80/30 grams
Avobath Bath Ballistic, £2.90/180 grams