Melvita Organic Rose Shower Gel

RRP: €14 for 250ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Organic Rose Shower Gel is soap-free and contains all the freshness of three wild rose extracts collected by hand. This shower gel gently cleanses skin and turns into a foam with a light floral scent like a shower of petals on the body. 99% of the ingredients are natural; 10% of the ingredients are organic. Made in France; certified organic by ECOCERT. Organic Rose Shower Gel is ideal for:
• Women wanting an organic shower gel which is both gentle and lovely to use 
• Gently cleansing skin 
• Its fresh, subtle rose scent for instant well-being
• Its light foam texture
• Its sulphate-free formula
• All skin types"

--Packaging--

Mine was a travel version in a dark pink squeezy tube that stood up on its lid (as part of a Christmas gift set, the Mini Coffret Rose, available in France but not the UK). The full-size version is in an equally pretty but pale pink translucent bottle, accented by the dark pink lid, dark green Melvita logo, and botanical line drawing that emphasises the brand's valuing of natural ingredients. .

--Application--

Just lather up in the shower as usual, apply to wet skin, and rinse. Job done.

--Appearance--

Despite the pink bottle, the gel itself is clear, and leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--

Thanks to the use of damask rose, French rose, dog rose and sweetbriar rose (also known as eglantine), the scent of this shower gel is gorgeously intense and multilayered. Put simply, I loved it.

--Texture and consistency--

The gel foams into a fine white lather that feels luxurious on the skin, yet washes off easily when you need it to.

--Effects on the skin--

Skin feels beautifully soft after use and the scent lingers wonderfully. Reviewers on the Melvita website also report a reduction in skin redness.

--Value for money--

This makes a lovely gift (as mine was, from my sister-in-law this Christmas just past) and a luxurious addition to any bathroom. Highly recommended!

perfect partners

Organic Rose Body Milk, €15.50

Organic Wild Rose Eau De Toilette, €36

Organic Rose Soap, €5.90

Organic Rose Hand Cream, €6

Organic Rose Floral Water, from €7

Organic Rose Micellar Water, from €14.90

Organic Rose Cleansing Milk, €14.90

Organic Rose Multi-Use Balm, €11

Organic Rose Lip Balm, €6.50

Organic Rose Limited Edition Extraordinary Water, €29

Organic Rose Milky Cleansing Oil, €20.90

Organic Rose Face Mask, €19.90

Delicate Roses Gift Set, €34

Joy by Dior Eau de Parfum

RRP: from £54 for 30ml

--What does the promo say?--
"The new JOY by Dior fragrance is immediate, clear and generous. Joy is finally captured in a scent, marked by both enveloping softness and energy. An ode to pleasure and life. An Eau de Parfum illuminated by the vibrant smile of flowers and citrus fruits, the smooth caress of woods and the serenity of musks. A fragrance with a thousand nuances and facets, yet crystal-clear. "JOY by Dior expresses this remarkable feeling of joy by offering an olfactive interpretation of light. This perfume resembles certain pointillist paintings that are rich with a precise, yet not too obvious, technique. It is constructed with multiple nuances, a myriad of facets that lead to an expression that is clear and self-evident." (François Demachy, Dior Perfumer-Creator)
Zested Bergamot and Mandarin explode in unison with flowers. Grasse Rose, in both Essence and Absolute form, as well as heady Jasmine, blend with these delectable fruits in a vibrant smile. Warm and creamy Sandalwood embraces us in softness. An intimate signature, the clear and powdery whisper of musks creates a tender and sensual skin-on-skin effect. Its bottle is both luminous and precious. Its femininity shines through in the brilliant silver and radiant pink of this instantly attractive juice. A bright shining silver thread wraps around the lid, like a light jewel delicately engraved with its name, which curls around in a perfect O."

--Packaging--

The bottle is ergonomically pleasing and elegant, and the silver touches prove sophisticated and yet modern in their femininity. The spray mechanism is decisive without being wasteful and I always enjoy a completely see-through bottle (so you can always see how much is left while being able to enjoy the fragrance's colour) - though naturally this means you have to keep it away from direct sunlight.

--Application--

The Dior website recommends preceding application with the Dior body milk before spritzing the EDP onto pulse points (on wrists and neck, and behind ears). Even if you only have the fragrance itself, though, this makes for an easy addition to your morning routine and a prolonged enjoyment of the scent.

--Appearance--

The rose-coloured liquid is perfectly evocative of the roses from Grasse that are used in the fragrance, while remaining invisible when sprayed onto skin.

--Scent--

Some will be pleased to know that the rose element is not dominant; indeed, it is one that can be risky to use due to its tendency to be overpowering. It's therefore present as an accentuation rather than the main event. The woodier aspects - i.e., the jasmine and sandalwood - are the most noticeable, while being tempered by the slightly lighter bergamot (again, a scent that tends to divide the crowd). It's a well-balanced fragrance that unfortunately was too heavy, maybe even taking a slightly powdery turn, for my particular taste - I was disappointed to find the mandarin virtually undetectable as I prefer perfumes with sparklier top notes. Nevertheless, a grownup and sophisticated effect is created.

--Longevity--

The headier components of this fragrance are what enable it to deliver in terms of staying power; the fragrance settles down nicely so that you shouldn't have to reapply during the day.

--Value for money--

This has been one of Dior's biggest fragrance launches and I had been looking forward to trying it. If you enjoy the sandalwood and jasmine base notes then this is definitely the perfume for you; the ingredients used are clearly of high quality and despite the slightly eye-watering price tag you can be confident that a bottle will last you a while. Sadly, it's not for me.

perfect partner

Joy by Dior Moisturizing Body Lotion, £42.50 for 200ml

Bomb Cosmetics Countdown To Christmas Advent Calendar Gift Pack

RRP: £19.99 (and in case you feel like buying now and opening all the doors at once...or just keeping it for next year...currently reduced to £9.99)

--What does the promo say?--
“Bomb Cosmetics uses only the finest natural ingredients in an indulgent range of
handmade bath treats, body scrubs, essential oils and gift packs. The Power of Essential Oils – These little gifts from Mother Nature are found in each and every one of our products and are extracted from plants, flowers and fruit. They have to power to soothe the soul and are chock full of magic to heighten, change or enhance your mood. We use natural ingredients wherever possible. That’s right, we are changing all our glitters to a bio-degradable version made from plants and we don’t use microbeads either. We believe that neither animals, humans or the environment should suffer for our luxuries. We pride ourselves on making products that not only smell and feel wonderful on your skin, but also look beautiful too and made completely by hand thanks to our team of over 250 Bomb-er Lomb-ers! Moulded, mixed, rolled and piped entirely by hand, our gorgeous crafters ensure that each and every product is unique, but ultimately perfect in its own little way. (Just like you, you cheeky little Bombshell!). We even hand draw the designs on the gift wrap and the decorations on the blasters! We NEVER have and NEVER will test any of our finished products or ingredients on animals, nor do we employ a third party to do so on our behalf. As much as we’d love to extend our Bomb family past the 72 countries we already supply to, we simply refuse to add any country to this list that requires animal testing to be done by law. All of our soaps, candles and potted and bottled products are suitable for vegans, as well as a load of Blasters, Creamers and Mallows. Look out for the vegan symbol on our website.”

-- Packaging —
I treated myself to this Advent calendar on December 1st and, so far, I have not been disappointed. The packaging is fun – I chose the blue reindeer version rather than the pink one as I wanted to share it with my man. I know men can ‘do’ pink, but my husband prefers blue and it looks better in my green bathroom. The calendar is quite ‘thick’, meaning that you get a decent sized sample of a different product each time. Most of them virtually fill the space provided (3.5cms x 4cms – products around 1.5cms thick).

--Appearance--
The blasters in the calendar are small hearts and dense rectangles which fizz away (some into glitter) in the bath water (which sadly does not always remain on the skin). All products are lovely colours, with beautiful swirls in the soaps. Some mallows and creamers are embellished with small flowers, stars, or glitter. All in all, the presentation is colourful and fun.

--Scent--
The calendar creates wonderful fragrances in the bathroom as a different door is opened each day. The bath bombs it contains are full of Christmassy scents that smell authentic, natural, and in some cases, fabulously fruity. The tags on Blogger are limited to 200 characters (and a maximum of 20 tags!), so I couldn't put them all in, but they also include clary, citrus fruits, coconut, geranium, safflower, marjoram, carrageenan, and others. As good as the market leader easily.

--Texture and consistency--
Bath blasters leave no foam or bubbles, so if you want that, you will be disappointed.

--Effects on the skin--
The creamer from the calendar was magnificently smooth.

--Value for money--
Excellent value; would buy again.

perfect partners
Mistletoe Kiss Candle, £7.99
My Favourite Things Bath Blaster, £2.99
Holly Soaks Gift Pack, £17.99

by Sarah Cross

Beauty Kitchen Abyssinian Oil Night Halo Sleep Mask

RRP: £19.99 for 60ml

--What does the promo say?--
"-Nourishing and Detoxing Overnight Mask

-Cleanses, hydrates and refreshes skin

-Glowingly beautiful finish 
Night-time treatment to nourish and detox your skin while you sleep like an Angel. The balm will absorb overnight to deeply hydrate and refresh your skin. Once you’ve woken up from your ‘beauty sleep’, cleanse your face with a konjac sponge or face cloth and admire your new glowing complexion! Suitable for all skin types."

--Packaging--

The yellow box that the pot of balm comes in is refreshing, cheerful and unusual, and of course is entirely recyclable. It tells you everything you need to know, without spin or clutter. The black plastic pot is practical too in terms of both ergonomics and size.

--Application--

Use on your face after cleansing, in place of your usual moisturiser. Let the excess sink in overnight, then cleanse in the morning as normal. Simples :)

--Appearance--

The balm itself is a pale yellow, but leaves no visible residue on the face.

--Scent--

The fruits and flowers are the most prominent, particularly the orange and rose, without any particular scent being overpowering. It smells rich and natural; utterly divine. The high quality of the ingredients is evident.

--Texture--

Smooth, with only a slight graininess (which dissolves once blended onto the face), and not at all runny. It massages into the skin well and sinks in beautifully overnight.

--Effects on the skin--

Wonderfully moisturising, and furthermore, conducive to sleep: I used it and had one of the best nights' sleep I've had in ages. Crucial as we have to adjust our sleep patterns as of today due to the changing clocks!

--Longevity--

You need so little at a time (a dollop the size of a 5p piece or so for your whole face) that one pot will last you ages.

--Value for money--

Beauty Kitchen's PR kindly sent mine for free, but thanks to the top-notch ingredients, clear effects and the fact that a little goes such a long way, I would gladly pay for mine. Bonne nuit!

perfect partners

Natural Cream Cleanser, £12.99

Intensive Daily Hand Treatment, £12.99

5 Minute Miracle Mask, £14.99

Intensive Eye and Deep Lines Serum, £14.99

Handbag Beauty Balm, £14.99

Aroma Facial Concentrate, £19.99

Facial Cleansing Balm, £19.99

Facial Moisture Cream, £19.99

Skin Care Starter Kit, £50 (saves you £31!)

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.

This Works In Transit No Traces

RRP: £17 for 60 cleansing pads

--What does the promo say?--
"Improving skin moisture whilst removing all traces of dirt or make-up, the this works In Transit No Traces pads can be used morning and evening and work to effectively cleanse the skin whilst maintaining its pH balance. Infused with gorgeous rosewater and water mint, these pads are convenient and fast acting and will definitely be a welcome addition to your routine.

• Removes impurities and dirt
• Effective on make-up
• Suitable for use day and night
• Improves skin's moisture"

--Packaging--

The red and black colour scheme of the box is vibrant and unusual, and the black luggage-style stamps give an authentic yet quirky feel. Equally, the red continues to stand out on the white screw-top plastic container, where minimal information keeps the pot uncluttered and sophisticated.

--Application--

Sweep a pad over your face to remove makeup, using both sides of the pad if necessary. The same can be done to simply cleanse - and as they're pre-soaked with fluid, they're perfect for on the go.

--Appearance--

The pads are white and textured, and slightly translucent thanks to the fluid in which they're soaked. This leaves no visible residue on the skin, however.

--Scent--

The rosewater is the dominant scent, leaving a clean, cotton-like, fresh smell. The mint, however, is undetectable.

--Texture and consistency--

As mentioned, the pads are textured, which adds extra exfoliation to the process of cleansing. However, this is not overly abrasive. and the fluid in which the pads are soaked has a soothing, cooling effect.

--Effects on the skin--

An effective all-in-one cleanser, toner and moisturiser, although does not thoroughly remove the most heavy-duty makeup.

--Value for money--

Despite the brand prestige and the quality ingredients, £17 amounts to 28p a pad. Some people will decide this is worth it due to the eco-friendly and other ethical credentials of the brand, while others will think it's a shade too expensive. Nonetheless, it makes for an affordable luxury from a celebrity-endorsed brand.

perfect partners

First Aid, £16 for 8ml

Camera Close-Up, from £30

Muscle Therapy, £18 for 50ml

Skin Defence, £29 for 40ml

Rose and Co Rose Petal Salve

RRP: £3.99

--What does the promo say?--
"Our celebrated salve is packaged in a beautiful pink ointment tin and remains our best-selling product. A fabulous lip salve and also helpful for dry patches and rough skin, there seems to be no end to the uses of this magical little balm."

--Packaging--
The delicate pink and black colour scheme of the tin will appeal to girly girls as well as potentially those with a more Gothic side. The line drawings of flowers are creative and beautiful, and add a further sense of whimsy and quirkiness. The tin itself closes securely, while being easy to open when needed.

--Application--
Apply to any area of your body that needs a bit of TLC: lips, elbows, knees, cuticles... Be warned, though: a little goes a long way!

--Appearance--
While the salve initially looks a bit lurid in the tin, as it is a very bright pink, this effect disappears on application, with no staining (or indeed colouration of any kind) occurring.

--Scent--
Matches the rose imagery perfectly, although may be a little sweet for some.

--Texture and consistency--
Soaks into skin beautifully, and is soft without being oily or greasy.

--Effects on the skin--
This balm is non-irritating and will soothe any dry areas of skin with continued use. I would love a body lotion and foot cream so that I could easily harness this magic for the areas of my body that suffer most, over larger areas than this tin is designed for.

--Value for money--
At a mere £3.99 this does an excellent job using natural ingredients, and won't break the bank either. Very few all-purpose beauty balms retail in this budget bracket, so I'd advise hopping to it and getting yourself one ASAP (and at this price you can afford to get one for female friends and family, too!). I was sent mine by Rose & Co's lovely PR, but would definitely splash out my own cash for this handbag-friendly beauty.

perfect partners
Rose Petal Lip Balm, £3.00
Rose Petal Hand Cream, £5.00

Diptyque Infused Facial Water

RRP: £35

--What does the promo say?--
"This water, enriched with Damask rose hydrosol, infused with nasturtium and a blend of nine traditional plants and flowers, is also bursting with the vitamins, minerals, and moisturizers skin needs, preparing your face for the next skincare step it so deserves."

--Packaging--
My sample was in a small white tube with the classic black diptyque logo, but the full-size version appears to come in a transparent bottle, which I always prefer as I like to see how much product I have left. Equally, the pump-action mechanism is better for ensuring minimum wastage.

--Application--
Mix with the Radiance Boosting Powder for a perfect cleansing paste, or pump onto a cotton pad for toning post-cleansing. The diptyque website also says you can use it to rinse off your cleanser instead of water, but this seems a bit extravagant to me.

--Appearance--
It appears orange in the bottle, but I didn't actually notice it having any particular colour during usage - either on the cotton pad or on the face. No visible residue remains, at any rate.

--Scent--
Perhaps the rose is most dominant of all the lovely things it contains, but it's nicely balanced with the orange to create a scent that's still bright as well as floral.

--Texture and consistency--
Light, non-grainy, and non-irritating.

--Effects on the skin--
Cleanses effectively in conjunction with the radiance boosting powder or alone after washing your face. Skin feels smooth and moisturised after use, before you've even touched the diptyque moisturiser itself.

--Value for money--
Expensive, but worth it - especially as part of the deluxe face care gift set. Packed full of goodness to improve your skin while simultaneously being a luxurious, fragrant delight. Simply divine.

perfect partners (click the links for reviews!)
Radiance Boosting Powder, £38
Protective Moisturising Lotion, £44
Deluxe Face Care Gift Set, £48

Diptyque Radiance Boosting Powder

RRP: £38 for 40g

--What does the promo say?--
"Natural white clay powder, which purifies and remineralizes skin, is combined with powdered rose, jasmine, and neroli petals to hydrate. With a splash of water, Radiance Boosting Powder turns into a creamy lather that leaves skin clean and clear, ready for the next steps in your skincare ritual."

--Packaging--
My sample from Diptyque's PR arrived in a convenient travel sachet, whereas the full-size version appears to come in a bottle, which seems a little bizarre but will hopefully minimise wastage compared to, say, a pot with a wide opening. The black and white colour scheme is minimalist and unisex, and the botanical logo is both beautiful and informative, summing up the diptyque philosophy inherent in its plant-based products.

--Application--
Place approximately half a teaspoon into your cupped palm and rub in enough toner (diptyque's, or your own preference) to make a paste that's thick enough to massage into your skin. This can be left on for a while and used as a mask, or wiped off immediately with a wet flannel. This was fun to do and surprisingly efficient - no powder all over your bathroom :)

--Appearance--
The white powder becomes a slightly grainy paste when mixed with fluid, but leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--
Despite the essential oils of orange, neroli and jasmine, the clay itself was the overriding scent.

--Texture and consistency--
The powder gels into a spreadable paste easily upon contact with liquid and does not go runny and insipid easily. As mentioned, this has a slightly exfoliating effect, but is non-irritating and is easily rinsed off.

--Effects on the skin--
Skin appears calmed and more matte while simultaneously increasing in radiance. The use of salicylic acid in the product also meant I saw an improvement in my acne while using it - win :)

--Value for money--
While expensive, it remains an affordable luxury - particularly given that a mere two grams of this product lasted me around a week, and probably would have lasted even longer if I'd tried hard (I was not sparing with the powder!). This means the 40g in the bottle would last 20 weeks minimum (around 5 months) if used every day. It's an extremely high quality product which gave me rapid results, mattifying my skin and just generally making it less red and angry. Would recommend.

perfect partners (click for reviews!)
Infused Facial Water, £35
Protective Moisturising Lotion, £44
Deluxe Face Care Gift Set, £48

Melvita Moisturizing Rose Nectar

Our Southern France correspondent, Sarah Cross, reviews this product from quintessentially Ardèche brand Melvita.

RRP: £24
*also marketed as Melvita Rose Day Cream. Don't worry - it's the same thing!

--What does the promo say?--
"Ideal for dry and dehydrated skin, this sheer, comfortable cream intensely moisturises the skin for 24 hours. Rose floral water acts as a direct source of hydration, while extract of fresh roses, obtained by enfleurage, helps to hold in the skin's natural moisture by maintaining the hydrolipidic film. To help diffuse this moisture at the heart of epidermal cells, wild rose petal extract (derived from roses that grow at high altitudes) helps to stimulate the synthesis of aquaporins – true "water channels". Rose Nectar is made with 100% organic active ingredients and provides 24-hour hydration. Perfectly moisturized throughout the day, the skin feels soft and supple again – and the complexion looks beautifully rosy!"

--Packaging--
The same style as for the micellar water, except with a white instead of see-through bottle and a pale pink lid that pops off easily to reveal a push down dispenser nozzle. It has the green MELVITA logo with the words ‘Gelée fraîche désaltérante’ in pretty pink (translated underneath into English) and the same lovely scattered arrangement of photographs in varying sizes with some very attractive pictures of roses, wild and garden varieties, petals, bees collecting nectar, and so on. There is a pink line traced around the bottle towards the bottom, giving a very pretty ‘girly’ effect. The dispenser means that the product is not contaminated and that just the right amount is ejected each time. However, this also means that you cannot see how much of the product you're using and so have to go by the weight of the container in your hand to know if you're running out. The solid container also means it can't be cut open to get the last dregs. Naturally, though, you can't have everything, and the fact that these dispensers don't topple over (unlike Melvita's old tubes) is a big plus.

--Application--
Apply in the morning to cleansed face and neck.

--Appearance and texture-- 
A lovely smooth and silky cream that goes on well.
 
--Scent--
If you like roses…fabulous!  Floral and feminine.  I could put this on all over!  

--Effects on the skin--
To be honest, since I have the hydrating facial gel, I am tending to use this product at night instead of in the morning.  I don’t see the point in using two products in the morning to do the same job.  When I tried them out, I felt that this one was the thicker, creamier product and that, of the two, it would be more effective overnight than the gel.  It would, however, still be perfect as a day cream because it is not too heavy. I would generally use something more ‘robust’ and deeply penetrating/nourishing as a night cream (I obviously need to try the Extraordinary Night Cream £29 with moonstone, argan and rose for this…)….but the only way to test this product out was to use it separately to the gel in order to able to observe the effects of each.  One wonders if one is meant to use BOTH in the morning or if it is just a question of personal choice for the texture. The skin is left looking and feeling supple and moisturized - given the choice, I prefer this to the gel.
 
--Value for money--
An excellent product that does what it says. Again, as you only have to use a little of the product each time, I reckon it is good value.  Compared to the other ‘beauty giants’ Melvita’s products are reasonably priced.


perfect partners
Fresh Micellar Water, £15
Rose Hip Oil, £20
Rose Extraordinary Water, £16
Fresh Cleansing Milk, £16 

M Micallef Art Collection Rouge 2013

RRP: €185/100ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Parfums M Micallef...is announcing the launch of the new ART COLLECTION with a duo of gourmand and sensual fragrances: Rouge N°1 and Rouge N°2...The M Micallef Company gives priority to qualitative and natural ingredients in its fragrances...Martine Micallef has reinterpreted the Art Deco fundamentals [combining] geometrical figures, cubic cap and bottle adorned with circular shaped Swarovski Crystal Rocks. Floral-fruity eau de parfum Rouge N°1 combines delicious yellow fruit and a generous bunch-of-flowers heart, warmed by the vanilla and white musk base. Oriental-floral eau de parfum Rouge N°2 mixes the refinement of a bunch of jasmine, orchids and violets with oriental scents of amber, vanilla and animal notes."

--Packaging--
The samples sent to me for free by M Micallef were just plastic vials. However, it's true that the bottles themselves look very impressive. My only worry is that this extravagance in the packaging could drive up the price of the perfume itself.

--Application--
Spritz onto pressure points to have the scent linger all over your body.

--Scent--
The Rouge N°1 is, in my view, far too heavy, evoking images of overly made-up old ladies and retro film stars (and sadly not in a good way). I suspect that the overbearing ylang ylang is responsible for this, with the other aspects of the scent not getting a look-in. Perhaps purchase for your grandmother!

On the other hand, Rouge N°2 is a delight, and perfect for young ladies or the young-at-heart. Sparkling and uplifting, it is carried on the blissful wings of violet, citrus and blackcurrant. Vanilla and jasmine ensure it isn't too sharp, while nutmeg and amber make sure it isn't sickly sweet. Unique and perfectly balanced.

--Longevity--
M Micallef's perfumes are made with very high-quality ingredients, so while you may wish to reapply once during the day just to get that burst of the head notes again, it's not strictly necessary, since even though you stop smelling it, it does last all day.

--Value for money--
On the one hand, I can't blame you for the sharp intake of breath that I myself experienced upon realising how expensive M Micallef's fragrances are. Alongside the absolute cost, relatively speaking I can see why people might want to go for a bigger name: for a similar price, you can choose eaux de parfum from brands such as Giorgio Armani, Guerlain, Yves St Laurent or Acqua di Parma. On the other hand, such a quantity (remember we are talking about a 100ml bottle here) would last you an incredibly long time - with daily use, I'd estimate a minimum of 18-24 months. Rouge N°2 is a unique scent using high-quality ingredients that would give you a kick out of using a limited edition perfume whose fragrance you really love every day for nearly two whole years. Plus, you'd have the moral satisfaction of supporting a smaller parfumière, as opposed to one of the big boys. The choice is yours.

M Micallef perfumes can be purchased in the UK at Fortnum and Mason, as well as at Harrods (at Roja Dove's).

Melvita Hydrating Facial Gel

 Our Southern France correspondent, Sarah Cross, reviews this product from quintessentially Ardèche brand Melvita.

RRP: £25.00/40ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Ideal for dry to combination skin, this gel as fresh as the morning dew lightly moisturizes the skin for 24 hours. Rose floral water acts as a direct source of hydration, while Rose seed milk helps hold in the skin's natural moisture by maintaining the hydrolipidic film. To diffuse this moisture at the heart of epidermal cells, wild rose petal extract (derived from roses that grow at high altitudes) helps to stimulate the synthesis of aquaporins – true "water channels". Enriched with mattifying rice powder, this gel is immediately absorbed and leaves skin shine-free. Its thirst deeply quenched, the skin stays soft and fresh all day long! Natural and Organic Cosmetic certified by ECOCERT GREENLIFE according to ECOCERT Standard available at http://cosmetiques.ecocert.com . 99% of the ingredients are from natural origin; 36% of the ingredients are from Organic Farming."

--Packaging--
The same style as for the micellar water, except with a white instead
of see-through bottle and a pale pink lid that pops off easily to reveal a push
down dispenser nozzle. It has the green MELVITA logo with the words ‘Gelée fraîche désaltérante’ in pretty pink (translated underneath into English) and the same lovely scattered arrangement of photographs in varying sizes with some very attractive pictures of roses, wild and garden varieties, petals, bees collecting nectar, and so on. There is a pink line traced around the bottle towards the bottom, giving a very pretty ‘girly’ effect. The dispenser means that the product is not contaminated and that just the right amount is ejected each time. However, this also means that you cannot see how much of the product you're using and so have to go by the weight of the container in your hand to know if you're running out. The solid container also means it can't be cut open to get the last dregs. Naturally, though, you can't have everything, and the fact that these dispensers don't topple over (unlike Melvita's old tubes) is a big plus.

--Application--
Apply in the morning to cleansed face and neck.

--Appearance and texture--
I have never really been a fan of gels but this one has a nice texture. It is a creamy white and smooths over the face easily.

--Scent-- 
Divine. Rosey-posey!

--Effects on the skin-- 
What surprised me was how quickly it was absorbed into my skin…my face just said ‘WOW’ and soaked it up. Must be doing some good then! It didn’t leave my face shiny and provided a good base for make-up.

--Value for money--
Compared to the other ‘beauty giants’ Melvita’s products are reasonably priced and not over the top. As you only have to use a little of the product each time, I reckon it is good value.

perfect partners 
Fresh Micellar Water, £15
Moisturising Rose Nectar, £25

Melvita Fresh Micellar Water

Our Southern France correspondent, Sarah Cross, reviews this product from quintessentially Ardèche brand Melvita.
 
RRP: £15

--What does the promo say?--
"This fresh and delicately perfumed 3-in-1 formula removes make-up, cleanses and tones, thanks to the action of micelles, which trap impurities. Enriched with wild rose petal extract (derived from roses that grow at high altitudes) and moisturizing rose floral water, the Fresh Micellar Water cleanses skin perfectly without any drying effect. Within moments, skin is soft, fresh and radiant. In a single, simple step, skin is free of make-up, perfectly clean and fresh!"

--Packaging--
The bottle is clear and slightly frosted, showing the level of micellar water as you use it. It has a white screw top lid. The bottle has the green MELVITA logo with the words ‘Eau Fraiche Micellaire’ in pretty pink (translated underneath into English) and, new for Melvita, a lovely scattered arrangement of photographs in varying sizes with some very attractive pictures of roses, wild and garden varieties, petals, bees collecting nectar etc. There is a pink line traced around the bottle towards the bottom, giving a very pretty ‘girly’ effect. It is a lovely addition to the array of lotions and potions women normally have on their bathroom shelves.

--Application--
Apply morning and evening to face and eyes in circular motion, using a cotton pad. No need to rinse.

--Scent--
If you like roses, and I do, then it is divine!

--Appearance--
A completely clear liquid.

--Effects on the skin--
It removes make-up very efficiently and smells lovely afterwards. Nice going to bed smelling of roses! I tend to use this only at night to remove make-up but the smell is a bit addictive, and I could see myself using it in the morning as well to simply freshen up the skin before putting moisturizer on.

--Value for money--
Seems to be lasting quite well so far. Can’t say yet how long a
bottle will last but I have been using it for at least two weeks non-stop and only a quarter of the liquid has been used. Would repurchase.

perfect partners
Argan Oil, £18
Hydrating Facial Gel, £25
Moisturising Rose Nectar, £25 

Green People Cooling Hydrating Mist

RRP: £13.99

--What does the promo say?--
"A cooling spritz for face and body. An instant hydration booster offering skin cooling relief. Keep in the fridge to use as a cooling mist on ‘sun-kissed’ skin in the summer. Instant hydration in a light mist, with a gentle toning effect. Soothes, refreshes and balances. Chill in the fridge or take travelling to 'cool as you go'. Also great for hot flushes (neck/décolletage)."

--Packaging--
A white and blue spray bottle that's perfect for all ages and genders. The cap pulls off easily whenever you need it, but stays on firmly when you don't.

--Application--
Spray onto face or body whenever needed. This is simple enough, but the force with which the spray is propelled out of the bottle means that obviously you shouldn't be aiming directly at your eyes. Make sure also that you remove your glasses or sunglasses, as even though the force of the spray is strong, it's not that targeted, so you will get some splashback on your lenses even if you are careful.

--Appearance--
A completely clear liquid.

--Scent--
Unfortunately, I found the blend to be unbalanced, and even though I like the scent of orange flower water (and the taste! It's great for baking :) ), in this spray it was far too overpowering, with the other scents not getting a look-in.

--Texture and consistency--
Completely non-sticky and non-greasy. A great formula to refresh and revive.

--Effects on the skin--
Quite refreshing when sprayed on, but if the force of the spray was not so strong this effect would be heightened. Even more refreshing if kept in the fridge! Non-irritating.

--Value for money--
The retail price of £13.99 was a little more expensive than I had anticipated (luckily mine was sent through for free by Green People). However, a little research reveals that this is in line with other brands that are of similar esteem, including Bath and Body Works and Pure Fiji. Plus, when you consider the high quality of the ingredients (organic essential oils don't come cheap) and the product's general versatility (perfect after a day in the summer sun or a winter morning at the gym), it seems more and more reasonable. It all just comes down to whether the scent is for you - perhaps Green People should consider making a range of different scents? Nonetheless, theoretically a good standby all year round.

perfect partners
Hydrating After Sun, £12.95
Sun Lotion SPF15 with Tan Accelerator, £17.95