Liz Earle Sweet Orange and Mint Cleanse and Polish

RRP: £22.75 (includes 2 muslin cloths and 150ml of cream cleanser)

--What does the promo say?--
"Reveal smoother, clearer and brighter-looking skin while uplifting the senses with this energising twist on our cleansing icon, beautifully presented in a keepsake canister. Zesty notes of sweet orange oil entwine with the refreshing scent of just-crushed peppermint to create a blend that’s a fresh, reviving treat morning and evening."

--Packaging--
An altogether brighter version of the usual mellow teal packaging of the classic Cleanse and Polish pump dispenser - the white background illuminates while the beautiful flower illustrations add explosions of colour that evoke the orange and mint added.

--Application--
Dispense one pump's worth of cream cleanser and rub over your face. Then soak one of the provided muslin cloths in warm water and use this to rinse the cream from your skin.

--Appearance--
The white cream has a slightly grainy appearance. No visible residue is left on the skin, however.

--Scent--
The orange and mint blend subtly so that one doesn't overpower the other. However, the orange could perhaps be intensified so as to amplify that festive feeling (this limited edition is being rereleased for the Christmas period, as it was in 2015).

--Texture and consistency--
The cream cleanser emulsifies beautifully on contact with heat and/or water to glide across skin smoothly. This rinses off easily thanks to the muslin cloth.

--Effects on the skin--
The mint is refreshing, as promised, and skin is left feeling soft and calmed on both a short- and long-term basis.

--Value for money--
The two muslin cloths alone would normally cost £4.50, leaving the cost of the cleanser itself at £18. This is £2 more than Liz Earle's normal Cleanse and Polish, but makes for a beautiful gift for anyone who hasn't tried the product before, or who would enjoy this variant on the classic. This cost is also in line with similarly high-end botanical brands such as Aveda, Kiehl's, Balance Me, and Jurlique. Liz Earle's PR sent me this for free, but I'm sold on it and would definitely recommend gifting this to any beauty lover or novice for anniversaries, birthdays or Christmas while stocks last. 

perfect partners
Orange Flower Hand Repair, from £6
Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash, from £14.50
Orange Flower Hand Wash, from £15

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.  

Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate

RRP: £38.75/28ml

--What does the promo say?--

"The intense, aromatic blend of 100% pure plant oils in this rich, restoring night-time treat is suitable for all skin types. It helps to soften dry or mature skin and balance combination or oily skin."

--Packaging--

Clean and pretty at the same time, this packaging denotes quality in its detail. 

--Application--

You can apply this separately, before moisturiser, or mix it with your moisturiser for the final step in your skincare routine. I usually prefer to mix oil with moisturiser, but you can just choose what's best for you.

--Appearance--

Looks like a high-end, good quality product from the moment it comes out of the bottle. Its golden colour sinks invisibly into skin.

--Scent--

Unlike the rest of the Superskin range - which can seem to have little scent - the Superskin Concentrate has a natural, herbal fragrance that is evident without being too strong.

--Texture and consistency--

Smooth and enriching, the product sinks easily into skin.

--Effects on the skin--

As well as smoothening the skin, it also leaves it feeling softer and non-greasy.

--Value for money--

While not the cheapest product on the market, this is far from being the most expensive. It's good value for the quality of the product, and it lasts a reasonable period of time as well as you don't need to use it in excessive quantities. Nonetheless, as a bargain hunter I would say that you are better off searching out a deal in store or on QVC rather than paying full price ;-)

perfect partners

Eye and Lip Treatment, £26.50

Moisturiser, from £12.75

Bust Treatment, £27.25

Body Cream, from £12.50

Superskin Essentials, £56.70

Superskin Try-Me Kit, £27.50

Superskin Christmas Collection, £78.00

Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint SPF15

RRP: £21/40ml

# of shades available: 3

--What does the promo say?--

"The perfect way to enhance your skin. Our rich and creamy, yet lightweight formula leaves all skin types looking naturally dewy, even and radiant. With mineral UV SPF15, it’s enriched with our own blend of natural source vitamin E, borage and avocado, specially selected to work in harmony with our skincare range."

--Packaging--

The dark blue shiny tube is a big departure from the matte pastel colours that we usually see Liz Earle's products packaged in, and yet somehow it still seems to fit well with the brand. The lid is easy to open when you need it (it just twists), and closes securely when you don't. I didn't receive these, as I was able to request the shade I wanted from the PR department, but for every first order of this product from the website, you also get a mini sample of each shade available: this enables you to test them out to see if you've got your shade choice right the first time, and, if you haven't, to return the full size product unopened. This means the full size tube can be sold on to someone else, avoiding the eventuality of sending perfectly good unused product to landfill. Nice manoeuvre.

--Application--

The Liz Earle website states: "Apply a little Sheer Skin Tint onto forehead, nose, cheeks and chin, then blend with fingertips over your face." All fairly simple stuff. You can of course, also use other products under or over the Sheer Skin Tint, such as primer, concealer or powder.

--Appearance--

A shiny, stiff cream that gives a dewy finish on the skin. The colour match was not bad at all, but maybe I was just lucky - with only 3 shades available, not everyone will be. However, as this is Liz Earle's first foray into colour, I suppose they can be forgiven (for now).

--Coverage--

Not great at all, even with the use of a heavy-duty concealer. However, I appreciate that most of Liz Earle's target audience won't be buying this for coverage purposes.

--Scent--

There are complaints online about the smell of the product, stating that it smelt overwhelmingly of potatoes. While this is detectable, it is only there in trace amounts; the overall earthiness is not unpleasant, and, to me, far from offputting.

--Texture and consistency--

This was really my biggest bugbear. I found that while the product sat okay on the skin once applied, in the fingers it was far too sticky for my liking. I much prefer the creamier consistency offered by other tinted moisturisers that I've tried, such as the one made by Arbonne.

--Longevity--

No better or worse than other products that I've tried - but by this stage it would have taken something stellar to redeem the product in my eyes.

--Value for money--

I sadly can't say that I would pay the requisite £21 for this product. Perhaps it works for some people, but for me the consistency and lack of coverage really killed it. Even in general, though, I'd say the price is a bit too high: £21 for 40ml also buys you tinted moisturisers from Dermalogica and MAC, which I could understand others going for over this for sheer efficacy alone. Casting the net more widely, for your same £21 you get 50ml of product from Elizabeth Arden, Stila and Benefit - all of whom have proven their expertise and popularity in the field of cosmetics. Overall a disappointing product from Liz Earle which does not meet their usually high standards.

Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion

RRP: £9.70/150ml

--What does the promo say?--

"Wake up and revitalise eyes with cotton wool pads soaked in this gentle, soothing herbal lotion before using Cleanse & Polish. Non-oily, it is ideal for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers. Naturally active ingredients include the grassland herb eyebright, witch hazel, organic aloe vera and cornflower to help tone, cool and refresh tired, puffy or sore eyes."

 --Packaging--

The rectangular packaging is reliable and confident, especially with its twist-up lid, and the calm yellow is unusual too, while still fitting in with the rest of the company's products.

--Application--

The Liz Earle website states: "Apply Eyebright to cotton wool pad to clean and wake up your eyes first thing. For a revitalising, soothing compress, soak 2 cotton wool pads in Eyebright and place over eyes and relax for 5 – 10 minutes." No tricks to any of that. One other tip from the Liz Earle therapists is to keep this product in the fridge for extra coolness on summer mornings.

--Appearance--

A clear liquid which leaves no visible residue on the skin after use.

--Scent--

I would actually say it's fragrance free, which is perhaps a little surprising given the presence of the aloe vera and witch hazel. However, this is not necessarily a bad thing - if you are put off by strong smells in products, have no fear here.

--Texture, consistency and sensation--

It's a replica of water in its texture and consistency - and, as promised by Liz Earle, is light and non-oily. It also didn't bother my contact lens-wearing husband; we both found it delivered a refreshing sensation without any irritating side effects. Although it's marketed as an eye lotion, it can also be used to refresh the entire face, which makes it a lifesaver in hot weather. Its lack of harsh chemicals also means it can be used for children.

--Other comments--

I've heard this can also be used to remove light eye makeup, and while I believe it can do this, I don't know anyone who wears *only* eye makeup, and so most people need a more heavy duty makeup remover that also removes foundation etc. Why would you use two products when one will do?

--Value for money--

It's not that I think the price is bad, especially for a product which appears to be totally unique in the market (type "eye lotion 150ml" into Google Shopping, and even without the speech marks, Liz Earle's product is the only one to come up; without the ml specification, even then most of the results are eye creams, which is not what this product is). However, even though I think it is a great addition to a facial (before, during or after a mask, for example), neither my husband nor I could see the point of it exactly in terms of fitting it into our day-to-day routine (we both already cleanse, tone and moisturise). I'm guessing that the people who would get the most out of this product are people who perhaps suffer with eczema, psoriasis or dry/irritated skin around the eye area, but apart from that, most people are not going to make regular use of this product. Liz Earle would perhaps be better off rebranding it as a toner for acneic skin (its Skin Repair Light moisturiser, which is for oily skin, already contains similar ingredients; I would be tempted to use Eyebright as a toner to see if its witch hazel sees off the blighters), a toner for sensitive skin, or a toner for people with other skin complaints (see above for examples). Maybe then it would have more takers.

perfect partners

Eye Try-Me Kit, £22.75 (for 4 travel size favourites)

Daily Eye Repair, £13.25/10ml

Smoothing Line Serum, £13.25/10ml

Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, £11.75/100ml

Skin Repair Light, £17.60/50ml

Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo and Conditioner

RRP: £7.65 for 200ml

--What does the promo say?--

"With West African shea butter, natural source vitamin E, shine-boosting apple and orange extracts plus naturally derived cleansers, our shampoo gently cleans without stripping to leave hair soft, shiny and smooth. Contains no sodium lauryl/laureth sulphate. Naturally active ingredients include natural vitamin E, west african shea butter to moisturise plus apple and orange extracts boost shine. Specially formulated with meadowfoam and yangu oils, blue seakale and shine-boosting apple and orange extracts, our creamy, colour safe conditioner leaves normal hair glossy, hydrated and in perfect condition, ready to style. Naturally active ingredients include meadow foam oil to help condition, Kenyan yangu oil to smooth and soften plus apple and orange extracts to boost shine."

--Packaging--

The blue and white is perhaps a little too conventional in terms of the shampoo and conditioner market in general, but fits in well with the rest of the Liz Earle range. Even though the fact that they contain apple and orange extracts means that they probably could have gone for a pale green or orange colour scheme, I can appreciate that they didn't want things to look too wacky. The plastic tubes are shiny and the flip-top lid is secure; the grass-decoration banner is also successful in conjuring up the desired natural image and hinting at the product ingredients.

--Application--

"Wet hair thoroughly, massage into a rich lather from root to tip – a little shampoo goes a long way," says the Liz Earle website. It continues: "If needed, add water for more lather. Rinse and repeat if required. Massage [the conditioner] into clean, wet hair after using Botanical Shine Shampoo. Apply to mid lengths and ends. Rinse thoroughly." Nothing tricky about any of that.

--Appearance--

The shampoo is a runny, but not too runny, opaque off-white lotion that creates a fine white lather when mixed with water. The conditioner, however, is a stiff white lotion. Neither leaves any visible residue on the hair after rinsing.

--Smell--

If you sniff hard then you can smell the fruit extracts; however, it is not immediately obvious. Overall a fresh and clean scent suitable for both sexes.

--Texture and consistency--

The shampoo, as mentioned, is a runny lotion, while the conditioner is more like a stiff cream; both, though, are easy to spread and work through the hair. A smoothing and luxurious experience on both counts. I am also always amazed by how Liz Earle manages to create such a fine yet rich foam in the company's products without the use of traditional industry foamer SLS.

--Effects on the hair--

Makes hair smoother, cleaner, less frizzy, less tangled, and more manageable. However, as someone with hair that is quite quick to get greasy (although, simultaneously and frustratingly, when it has just been washed it is usually too dry!), I would be interested to try one of their other conditioners: there exists one for dry or damaged hair, as well as one for fine or oily hair.

--Value for money--

Gives a good salon effect with natural ingredients, so I'd say this is quite a good buy. Even though some may balk at the price, it is in the same bracket as the chemical-laden L'Oreal and Tigi, so at the end of the day, I suppose it depends on your priorities.

Botanical Shine Shampoo - for all hair types

Three types of conditioner available: for normal hair, for dry & damaged hair, and for fine & oily hair

All £7.65 for 200ml

Liz Earle Energising Body Wash

RRP: £11 for 200ml

--What does the promo say?--

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

 --Packaging--

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

--Application--

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

--Appearance--

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

--Texture and consistency--

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

--Scent--

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

--Effects on the skin--

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

--Value for money--

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

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

perfect partners

Energising Body Lotion, £16.50 (150ml)

Energising Body Scrub, £12.75 (200ml)

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

Body Try-Me Kit, £18.30

Liz Earle Energising Body Scrub

RRP: £12.75/200ml

--What does the promo say?--

"Use our invigorating, refreshingly scented body scrub to exfoliate and revitalise. Ground olive stones gently buff away dead skin cells for smoother, healthier-looking skin. Massage onto wet skin to help improve circulation and enliven senses. Specially selected ground olive stones gently buff away dead skin cells for healthier, smoother skin." 

--Packaging--

Keeping in with the company's generally calming feel, rather than evoking an energising feel, the pale blue packaging also fits in well with the rest of the bodycare range, which is the same pale blue. On the down side, however, this means that the Energising range as a whole is indistinct from the rest of the bodycare range; even something as simple as a line of navy blue around the lid, for instance, would have been enough to make the distinction felt. Apart from this, there are no real concerns: the packaging is robust as ever and the design does not rub off even after weeks of sitting in the shower.

--Application--

The Liz Earle website recommends the following: "For best results: massage a generous amount onto wet skin over body using circular movements, paying particular attention to upper arms, hips, thighs and feet. Rinse off thoroughly. Not recommended for use on the face, neck or sensitive areas. Common sense precautions: Pregnant women may wish to seek advice from their GP before using aromatherapy-based products."

--Appearance--

A very thick, almost syrupy dark orange gel mixture accentuated by a rich and abundant supply of olive stone grains. Like dipping your hands into wet sand, but even more satisfying, it provides an organic and relaxing as well as energising experience. No visible residue left on body after use.

--Scent--

The orange oil is the predominant scent, but it's deeper than that: the complex blend of essential oils used means you can tell that there's something else going on in the background. A strong scent that fills the bathroom and turns your shower into a full-on spa experience rather than just a wash-and-go one.

--Texture and consistency--

Strong enough in its scrubbiness to make you feel like you are really being well-exfoliated while being gentle enough for you to enjoy it. Lathers up a little on contact with water and spreads well over the skin, with you only really needing 2 pea-sized amounts to do your whole body.

--Effects on the skin--

Leg and underarm skin is smoothened and it seems to be a great way of keeping ingrown hairs at bay. It also deodorises thanks to all of the essential oils and the vitamin E it contains helps to moisturise as well. While this section is subtitled "Effects on the skin", it should perhaps also be prefixed with the words "mind and soul", as the use of Liz Earle's products in general really do provide a multi-sensory experience for your entire being, simultaneously relaxing and energising you for the day ahead and helping you to scrub away the day's woes and to prepare for a good night's sleep if using it in the evening.

--Value for money--

I won't lie; nearly £13 is a considerable outlay for many for just a body scrub. However, many more "mainstream" brands such as The Body Shop and Korres charge the same for theirs, and to my mind, in the case of the former brand at least, with Liz Earle you are getting so much more - not only in what the product delivers but also in the company's approach to its customers. Equally, as previously mentioned, you need to use so little of this product at a time that it can continue to delight your bathroom for months to come.

perfect partners

Energising Body Lotion, £16.50 (150ml)

Energising Body Wash, £11 (200ml)

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

Body Try-Me Kit, £18.30

Liz Earle Foot Scrub

RRP: £10.25/100ml

--What does the promo say?--

"Our new Foot Scrub gently yet intensively exfoliates hard, rough skin on your feet to leave them ultra-smooth and buffed to perfection. This hard-working scrub contains natural pumice to remove dead skin cells, softening avocado oil and wheatgerm oil rich in vitamin E plus the invigorating aromas of peppermint and rosemary essential oils."

--The packaging--

More practical than the frankly bizarre pump-action foot cream in the range, this squeezy plastic bottle sits comfortably on its lid and is easy to grip in the shower.

--Application--

Liz Earle recommend daily use on damp skin, concentrating on the balls of the feet, the heels, and between the toes.

--Appearance--

A light blue-grey colour that seems entirely natural to the product, scrubs white onto skin, and leaves nothing visible in its wake after rinsing.

--Scent--

Fits in well with the rest of the range to eliminate odour without being too clinical; the peppermint and rosemary smells are most prominent.

--Texture/consistency--

Simultaneously creamy and scrubby; provides the perfect combination in order to tackle tough skin while still pampering your feet luxuriously. Non-irritating.

--Effects on the skin--

Following the directions of daily use on damp skin showed great improvement, especially in conjunction with the companion moisturiser.

--Value for money--

£10.25 seems expensive at face value, but this stuff is packed full of natural and effective ingredients, basically fulfilling my requirement of what makes the perfect beauty product: something that is a luxurious treatment while being effective. In addition, other products in this category seem to offer much less for prices that are far more jaw-dropping: Benefit, Bliss and Jo Wood's body scrubs will all send your wallet running for the hills. Liz Earle's prices therefore seem to sit nicely between cheaper high street products that are of lesser quality, more expensive high street products that also fail to emulate it, and higher-end brands such as Biotherm, Clarins and Clinique that offer an experience similar in quality but much higher in price. And best of all? It comes in travel size as well from just £4.50. Don't hesitate to invest in this for your feet: your toes will soon thank you for it.

perfect partners

Foot Moisturiser, from £4.50

Foot Spritzer, from £4.50

Cotton Rich Socks, £4.50

Liz Earle Foot Spritzer

RRP: £7/75ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Spritz your feet, legs and ankles with a cooling and invigorating burst of 9 essential oils including rosemary, spearmint and peppermint. This fast-drying spray fights odour-causing bacteria to help keep skin fresh. Available from 18th May to 5th September 2010, while stocks last."

--Packaging--
Fits in very well not only with the Liz Earle brand as a whole but also with the rest of the footcare range, with its simple blue styling. The spray is easy to use and does not jam.

--Application--
Spray onto legs, feet and ankles whenever they are feeling hot or tired.

--Appearance--
A clear spray which is invisible on the feet, which is quite a feat given how many foot sprays leave a powdery residue behind.

--Scent--
The predominant scents are the mint and rosemary, although it's nice to know that there are so many other good things in the spray too (the other oils help to soften skin, soothe aches and pains, calm stress, and tone the skin).

--Texture and consistency--
The spray is non-irritating in spite of the strong mint smell and the high content of essential oils. Incidentally, the spray does not feel oily at all.

--Effects on the skin--
The downside of the spray not being oily at all, despite it being composed primarily of essential oils, is that it is no substitute for other foot treatments: if your feet are dry, you will still need to use creams and scrubs. The spray is intended as a complementary product to these rather than as a replacement.

--Value for money--
The majority of foot sprays on the market are medicinal, with the prices of many of them approaching or even exceeding the price of the Liz Earle product. Very few foot sprays are intended as a pure luxury, and this product is perhaps unique in that it does both. Affordable, luxurious and high quality, it's definitely worth having for the summer months - but it's also limited edition, so get your mitts on it while stocks last.

perfect partners
Foot Scrub, from £4.50
Foot Repair Moisturiser, from £4.50
Cotton Rich Socks, £4.50

Liz Earle Foot Repair Moisturiser

RRP: from £4.50/15ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Our refreshing peppermint-scented Foot Repair Moisturiser uses a blend of shea butter, skin-softening wheatgerm oil and avocado oil to intensively moisturise the driest of skins. Best of all, it sinks in fast so won't leave feet feeling greasy."

--Packaging--
The cool blue is lovely and, as usual, in terms of information on the tube, the company keeps it simple while still telling you everything that you need to know. However, the positive comments stop there: the company was probably trying to be clever and innovative with the incorporated pump action thing at the end of the tube, but it's totally nonsensical. The pump action seems to lead to a lot of air being trapped inside it, meaning that you can be going swimmingly one minute only to be pumping futilely the next, waiting for more lotion to struggle its way out.
[A spokesperson from Liz Earle, Laura Allard, adds the following advice, which I have not yet tried, but will do: "We would recommend that the pump is stored upright, on its lid, to ensure that the product is dispensed smoothly, and that the product is also dispensed in an upright position. If these measures do not work and you still continue to experience problems with the pump then please do let me know, and we will pass your concerns on to our product development team." So if you have problems with the pump too, feel free to comment about it here!]

--Application--
When the pump action is behaving itself, pump/squeeze out some lotion onto your feet (8-10 pumps for really dry feet; about half this if you're just maintaining already smooth feet) and then either rub your feet together or use your hands to massage the lotion in.

--Appearance--
A white, quite stiff lotion that doesn't leave any visible residue on skin.

--Scent--
The peppermint smell is the most obvious in this conglomerate of scents, and it's lovely and refreshing.

--Texture and consistency--
Sinks in quickly as promised and is not at all lumpy. Easy to rub in and does not leave hands or feet feeling greasy.

--Effects on the skin--
Improvement is almost certain, although perhaps don't expect perfection.

--Value for money--
As usual, Liz Earle has done well to provide an affordable travel size. The 100ml full size is £12.25, which isn't so bad for a luxurious and natural product. However, for a real miracle, spend a few pence more on the company's Superbalm, which will leave you scraping your jaw off the floor.

perfect partners
Foot Scrub, £4.50-£10.25
Cotton-rich socks, £4.50
Foot Spritzer, £7.00

Liz Earle Mineral Sun Cream SPF20

RRP: from £6.50

--What does the promo say?--"Perfect for all the family, our light, non-greasy mineral sun cream reflects rather than absorbs harmful UVB and UVA rays which can lead to skin damage and premature ageing."

--Packaging--The purple colour of the plastic tube is attractive and unusual for a suncare product. The flip top lid is secure and the information given on the front and back of the tube is simple and easy to follow.

--Application--Apply liberally to clean, dry skin; rub in until fully absorbed. All very normal - however, application is not always completely easy as the cream is very stiff, and so doesn't rub in as effortlessly as mainstream brands of suncream.

--Scent--There is a very natural scent to this suncare product, which I believe comes chiefly from the green tea and shea butter that it contains. Subtle and unisex, it's not at all invasive and definitely beats the commercial suncream smell.

--Appearance--This, too, is also unlike the usual sunscreens that you see, but not necessarily in a good way; the lotion is an unattractive pale brown/beige colour which, while it is does not result in any visible residue on the skin, could initially put some people off. However, the fact that it is perhaps a more natural colour (rather than the doctored bright white that we are used to seeing dispensed from suncream tubes and bottles) may have the opposite effect for some.

--Texture and consistency--As previously mentioned, this 'cream' is very stiff and not always easy to rub in. Prepare to put some back into it! However, despite this, it does absorb well. Good things come to those who wait...

--Protection factor--At SPF 20, this should suit even children and the fair-skinned. It lasts well on the skin, preventing sun damage, redness and burning. However, the fact that it is not waterproof may be a major downside for some, as it would mean reapplying the product repeatedly before and after contact with water. Nevertheless, I have not tested this aspect of the product yet, so who knows? I could be pleasantly surprised to find that the warning of it not necessarily being waterproof is just the company covering their backs. We'll find out when I hit the swimming pool this weekend.

--Value for money--Some obvious downsides - such as the potential lack of any waterproof quality, and the offputting colour of the cream - may deter some from purchasing this product. However, when you buy a mineral product, you accept that it is likely to be more natural than many normal off-the-shelf products, so some of these disadvantages are just the trappings of choosing to buy a more natural product. Technology may also develop in future so that a naturally nicer-looking and waterproof sunscreen is possible. However, despite these possible pitfalls, you are getting a high quality natural product that does work and that is barely more expensive than high street suncreams (Liz Earle's £18.50 150ml tube compares quite favourably with brands such as Soltan, Clarins and Piz Buin).

perfect partnersSun Shade Botanical After Sun Gel, £13/200ml
Sun Try-Me Kit, £15.50
*I was sent this product as part of Liz Earle's New Suncare Offer, which contains a full size Mineral Sun Cream, a full size After Sun Gel, a 75ml Foot Spritzer, a 15ml Foot Scrub, a 15ml Foot Moisturiser, and a mini tote bag, costing £33.75 in total. More reviews coming soon!

Liz Earle Botanical Essence Eau de Parfum No. 1

RRP: £39.50/50ml

--What does the promo say?--
"For our first ever bespoke fragrance, we’ve used the finest natural botanical ingredients from around the world and the expert skills of a distinguished perfumer from Grasse, France. We gave him the time to indulge in this age-old art, skilfully hand-crafting this complex scent with true passion to create a vibrant, sparkling fragrance translating into warmth and sensuality – and it’s just won its first award, in the Grazia Beauty Awards.

Over 98% directly derived from natural ingredients, this sensuous fragrance can be worn every day. Spritz generously all over any time your spirits need a boost."

--Packaging--
Beautiful in their simplicity, the white box and the clear glass bottle are uncluttered and peaceful-looking, bearing only the most essential information and the gentlest touches of colour and illustration. There is a blue fabric tag with which to pull out the inner box from the outer one, and it is easy enough once you've got the knack to very lightly grasp the top and bottom edges of the inner box and shake the bottle out into your waiting hand. The classic spray top is adorned with a satisfyingly heavy silvery lid.

--Application--
Spray onto pulse points, or spray into the air and then walk into the fragrance so that you are covered in a light mist of it.

--Appearance--
The liquid in the bottle appears dark yellow to light green, but there are no visible traces left on the skin.

--Irritation--
No irritation was experienced during the use of this product.

--Scent--
Possibly slightly off-putting, as the bitter orange combined with bergamot makes for a rather masculine and arresting start. However, it settles into something more subtle, yet complex, as its different flavours come to the fore. I'm no botanist, so could not say which was the most prominent, but can confirm that even once the heart notes are in session, the scent is still on the masculine side, meaning that some die-hard girly scent fans might be eliminated at this stage. Nevertheless, despite the fragrance's unisex nature, don't worry that men will be put off: my fiancé loves this on me and comments on it every time I wear it.

--Longevity--
Most long-lasting scent ever: my fiancé commented on the smell one MORNING and it was the same spritz that I'd applied the previous afternoon. Most impressive.

--Value for money--
Given the high percentage of natural content, the unusual scent and the longevity factor, this scent has a lot going for it. Buying a scent without being able to smell it is always a gamble, though, so like many Liz Earle products, you're relying on word of mouth to help you decide whether or not to buy. If your perfume collection is almost exclusively girly and sweet (like YSL's Parisienne) then you may not like this one; however, if you like musks and peppery scents just as much as the ones that remind you of sweetshops, then give this a go: at just under £40 for 50ml its value for money equals or surpasses many high street fragrances, especially when you consider how long it lasts on the skin. Not least, this multitudinal perfume is an absolute pleasure to unwrap as you try to decipher its scent, and is a sure coup for Liz Earle.

Liz Earle Superbalm

RRP: £15 for 30ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Our ‘emergency’ skin salve rescues and soothes skin. Made from pure plant oils and natural waxes plus shea butter, it gently softens and calms dry skin on hands, heels, elbows, lips and helps condition nails and cuticles."

--Packaging--
The silver and transparent combination is a successful one, conveying something special without being too glitzy. It's simple, unisex and sophisticated, and the screw-top lid makes it easy to open it when you need it and to close it when you don't. The plastic packaging also means it's light, but the downside of this is that the fact of it not being made of glass and metal means you don't feel that you're holding something luxurious in your hand that carries the weight of every penny paid.

--Application--
Smear onto any area of dry skin that needs attention, from your feet to your lips. The opening to the balm is also of just the right size that you can roll your heels and elbows in it quite comfortably, but for hygiene reasons I wouldn't recommend this unless you're really only going to use the balm on one part of your body (and you're not going to share the Superbalm with others). The only difficulty comes from the fact that the balm is very hard, rather than being softer like Vaseline or like your standard lip balm: it can mean that on larger areas of the body (e.g. feet) you have to be patient as it's not especially spreadable and you have to keep dipping back into the pot.

--Appearance--
A pale, creamy, slightly yellow balm that leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Texture--
A very hard balm, but it rubs into the skin very easily.

--Scent--
Divine - a bit like tea, though it's difficult to tell where this comes from due to the cornucopia of oils and waxes used in this product (specifically hazelnut, rosehip, avocado, neroli, lavender and camomile oils, and candelilla and carnauba waxes, as well as shea butter, beeswax, vitamin E, and echinacea). The citrusy scent of the neroli is also predominantly detectable.

--Effects on the skin--
Persistently hard and tough skin is made to feel baby-soft and like new. This effect is felt wherever the Superbalm is used on the body, making skin caressable and comfortable, and with irritation being greatly reduced. Wonderful stuff!

--Value for money--
Clearly palpable effects, both short and long term, coupled with highly reasonable pricing, make this not only a perfect personal treat but also a wonderful gift and an indispensable travel essential (anything multi-use is always good). It's also available in tiny 5g jars for under £5 should you want it for sample or travel purposes. Top marks.

perfect partners
Superskin Eye and Lip Treatment, £25/15ml
Superskin Moisturiser, from £11.50/15ml
Superskin Concentrate, from £17.75/10ml
Superskin Body Cream, from £12/50ml

Liz Earle Orange Flower Botanical Body Wash

RRP: £10.50/200ml bottle. Also available in 100ml (£7.50) and 30ml (£4.25).

--What does the promo say?--
"Wash daily with this divinely scented body wash. With naturally derived foaming agents plus soothing organic oats and yarrow, it leaves every skin type fresh, soft and smooth."

--Packaging--
The tiniest available body wash is in a squeezy tube with a screw-top lid, whereas the larger sizes look like they're made from harder, thicker plastic (and it's difficult to tell whether that's a screw-top or flip-top lid in the picture). In any case, it appears that all of the packaging looks the same apart from this. It evokes calm blue oceans rather than orange flowers, but nevertheless would look nice in anyone's bathroom as well as fitting in nicely with the Liz Earle concept.

--Application--
As usual really: rub onto wet body while showering or bathing, work up a lather, and then rinse off.

--Scent--
Exactly what it says on the bottle: the orange scent comes through just divinely.

--Appearance--
The body wash itself is a runny transparent gel. A light white foam is created during use that leaves no visible residue on the skin once washed away.

--Texture/consistency--
The gel is irresistibly smooth and the bubbles appear almost immediately once you start using it. The bubbles also easily rival any artificial shower gel and stay on your body for as long as you want them to while still washing off easily.

--How does your skin feel afterwards?--
I've never really had a problem with dry body skin, so can't really report any change there (since my body skin seems to regulate itself fairly well on its own). However, it is a fairly gentle body wash, so can believe that it would soothe sensitive skins (unless, of course, you happen to be sensitive to essential oils).

--Longevity--
Skin feels clean, soft and smooth both short and long term. Sadly, the scent doesn't really linger for long after washing (barely an hour).

--Value for money--
While this is on the expensive side for a shower gel, it really is divine to use and I love the natural foaming agents (it's mostly soap tree bark as far as I understand). The citrusy yet perfumed smell wakes you up gently and the texture means that the gel glides over your body with the greatest of care. Would definitely buy again.

perfect partner
Orange Flower Hand Wash, from £4.25

Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask

RRP: £12 for 75ml tube + 2 sponges (also available in a 15ml tube)

--What does the promo say?--
"A highly concentrated clay and botanical mask that draws out impurities and excess oil, leaving your skin looking clean and clear. Specially formulated for combination, oily or problem skin. Not suitable for sensitive skin."

--Packaging--
A calm pale yellow tube with the trademark Liz Earle logo decorating it in dark brown. Plastic screw-top lid. However, you have to remember to shake this up a bit before using it, as a clear liquid tends to collect towards the neck of the tube.

--Usage instructions--
"Apply after cleansing skin. Smooth a generous layer of the mask over face and neck, avoiding eyes, lips and hairline. Leave on for 5 - 10 minutes. Wipe away residue with thoroughly rinsed sponges. Splash face with cool water. Use as often as needed: either as an all over face treatment, or to target specific blemishes or problem areas. For best results follow with Instant Boost Skin Tonic and Skin Repair Moisturiser."

--Appearance--
A dark grey-brown colour, which comfortingly really does look like runny mud rather than looking artificial. On the face, it looks patchy as it is difficult to apply evenly (mainly, I think, because it's absorbed so quickly by the skin). After use, skin looks softer and refreshed, pores and blackheads appear finer, and small patches of dry skin are made to disappear.

--Texture/consistency--
Creamy yet light, and runny but not ridiculously so.

--Scent--
Not really much discernible here.

--How does your skin feel afterwards?--
Like all the nasties have been lifted right out. I'm still left with some blackheads, but I'm seeing an improvement day on day and am confident that things will continue to improve over time. There's also no irritation - only softness (even with everyday use).

--Value for money--
Pretty good - the product is effective and very little needs to be used each time (even though it might not seem that way initially as the product sinks into the skin so quickly). It's also easy to wash off. However, you'll get an even better deal if you buy this as part of the Try-Me Treatment Kit, which contains everything you'll ever need for a variety of skincare emergencies (Spot-On Blemish Treatment Gel, Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask, Gentle Exfoliator, Brightening Treatment Mask, and Superskin Concentrate, as well as the Deep Cleansing Mask itself and some sponges and muslin cloths) for a mere £17.50. Or, if you're after an even sweeter deal, at Cowes Week this year, at which Liz Earle has been the official skincare sponsor for the past two years, they were giving these away for free.

Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator

RRP: £12 for 70ml; £4.50 for 15ml

--What does the promo say?--
"This kind, yet effective facial polisher is ideal for gently buffing away dead skin cells and impurities to leave all skin types (except sensitive) brighter, smoother and fresher."

--Packaging--
Can only speak for the full-size package, which comes in a pale yellow pump-mechanism tube made from hard plastic. The lid is translucent with a silver band around the bottom and the Liz Earle logo is also silver, with the brand name in a darker yellow. All other product information is in a tiny black font. All very sophisticated and calm.

--Application--
From the website: "Apply 2 pumps to clean skin after using Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser. Gently massage in with your fingertips using light, circular movements. Concentrate on the most commonly congested areas of skin such as the forehead, nose, chin and jawline but avoid your eye area. Fingertip pressure and the gentle friction of the beads will stimulate blood flow and slough away dead skin cells helping to unblock pores. Rinse off with warm water and pat your face dry with a towel." If you have normal skin exfoliating once every 1-2 weeks is fine, but you may want to exfoliate more often if you have problematic skin.

--Appearance--
A white, stiff creamy substance. The jojoba beads aren't really visible and the consistency is just perfect. No residue is left on the face after use.

--Scent--
Pretty neutral and barely-there, though you can pick up the eucalyptus scent slightly.

--Consistency/texture--
The exfoliator itself is creamy and light and lathers up a little as well. On the face you can definitely feel the jojoba beads - they're very tiny and fine though.

--Longevity--
The effects of this aren't any more long-lasting than any other exfoliators I've used, unfortunately (although the face still feels smooth after use). Pretty average.

--Value for money--
I think this is nice to use, but expensive for what it is. It may be better value if you buy it as part of a set, as I did, but I wouldn't pay £12 for it. I also thought it was best suited to normal skin (rather than, as claimed on the tube, 'every skin type except sensitive') - I have quite oily skin and while this product wasn't damaging to my skin, it didn't really improve my skin either and I can only conclude from this that the product isn't specialist enough for my skin type (which I guess I already knew). It also didn't smoothen my skin any more than any other exfoliator I've used. I'd therefore recommend making sure you've got an exfoliator that's definitely suited to your skin type, and if you want uber-smoothness from the Liz Earle range, try their intensive moisturiser instead.

perfect partners
Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, £10.75
Instant Boost Skin Tonic, £10.50
Skin Repair Moisturiser, £15.50

Liz Earle Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask

RRP: £4 for 15ml, £10.25 for 50ml, £11.00 for 50ml + Liz Earle muslin cloth

*contains borage oil, comfrey, pro-vitamin B5, geranium, glycerin, shea butter and St John's Wort*

--What does the promo say?--
"Calming and deeply nourishing, this nutrient rich mask is a sanctuary for dehydrated, dry skin, or stressed skin. The perfect treat for skin overnight or whilst soaking in the bath."

--Packaging--
Everything about Liz Earle's packaging screams - or should that be whispers? - calmness and serenity. A pastel theme runs throughout the range's packaging - this one is a pale yellow, flat rectangular plastic bottle, featuring the Liz Earle logo and product information in elegant black capital letters. It's easy to open and close (just screw/unscrew the lid) and there is no leakage.

--Application--
Squeeze some lotion from the tube and apply liberally to the face. Leave on for 10-15 minutes (they say you can do this overnight but unless you only apply a little I think it would be quite messy!) before washing off (preferably using the Liz Earle muslin cloth, but any flannel will do). They recommend that you follow this treatment with a toner and moisturiser.

--Appearance--
If you've not used it for a while then it might be an idea to give this a shake before opening, as otherwise a clear liquid will seep out just before the cream. The cream itself, however, is an off-white colour, and when applied liberally enough to the face then the 'mask' is clearly visible. After use, there is no shine - it absorbs really well.

--Texture/consistency--
Slightly lumpy, but it all smoothens out when the lotion is applied to the face. It feels wonderful - very soothing, relaxing and non-irritating.

--How does your face feel afterwards?--
Incredibly smooth. It honestly is the best facial treatment I've ever used in this respect. After applying it, I toned and moisturised as normal before going out, and despite spending half an hour in cold winds, my face was just as smooth when I came back and it stayed this way all day, even after the application of makeup.

--Value for money--
Really excellent for a premium beauty product. Having received mine as part of a set, I wasn't aware of how much it was, but having seen the prices I would undoubtedly replace mine as soon as it ran out. Even though liberal application is advised, I wouldn't say the amount needed is at all excessive and that a tube is therefore likely to last a long time. Buy it now.