Lush Beak Street Shower Bomb

RRP: £2.75

--What does the promo say?--
"This luxurious Easter treat will sing a serenade to the senses thanks to its sweet and spicy scent. Take a sniff (and a selfie) before stepping into the shower and allowing this indulgent shower bomb to foam up in the palm of your hands. Sweep the custard-coloured foam all over your skin to lavish in the moreish fragrance of buttery popcorn while maize flour gently exfoliates. You’ll be in beak condition in no time."

--Packaging--
In typical Lush style, this is minimal. Mine came in a brown paper bag.

--Usage instructions--
Rub over wet skin while showering to create a glorious foam!

--Appearance--
This limited-edition shower bomb, made especially for Easter, is called Beak Street, thanks to being shaped and coloured like an Easter chick's beak. Its vibrant yellow-orange pyramid breaks down into a bright foam on contact with water. No visible residue is left on the skin.

--Scent--
While described as akin to popcorn in the promotional materials, I found that there was a citrus element too, which is more in keeping with the "sweet and spicy" description. I chose it because it seemed to have a lively and refreshing fragrance - perfect for waking you up in the morning or for that post-gym shower. I was not disappointed.

--Texture and consistency--
The foam is luxurious and plentiful, making for a real treat. However, it also has a gently exfoliating element thanks to the maize and flour starch that the shower bomb also contains.

--Effects on the skin--
Skin felt moisturised and exfoliated. I'd say that's a win.

--Value for money--
Your £2.75 gives you a generous shower's worth of foam. If you are careful (and have a tin in which to store the remains) you could be more conservative and make it last two showers. This makes it definitely a lot more expensive compared to a normal shower gel; we are definitely in treat territory here. However, it's cheaper than a bath bomb, and overall represents a smart move from Lush: in these times of increased environmental concern, it's worth promoting showers over baths, and proving that the former can be as luxurious an experience as the latter. As I love the scent, I'm hoping they will transfer it to other products available for longer-term purchase once Easter has passed - and in the meantime, I look forward to trying other shower bombs too.

perfect partners
Other shower bombs available (all at the same price): Karma, Sleepy, Strawberry Hill, Koyaanisqatsi, Not Sleepy
Shower Body Conditioners, from £8.50
Naked Shower Gels, £8.95
Shower Jellies, from £8.95
Shower Gels, from £5.95
Carrot Shower Oil, £4.95
Oaty Creamy Dreamy Shower Cream, £12.95

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

Body Shop Coconut Shower Cream

RRP: from £2

--What does the promo say?--
"Indulge in the tropical, fresh scent of coconuts with our creamy, soap-free shower cream. Enriched with virgin coconut oil, your skin will feel softer and cleansed after every use. Rich, creamy texture. Sweet, light coconut scent. Community Trade cold-pressed virgin coconut oil from Samoa, Polynesia. Community Trade organic soya oil from Brazil."

--Packaging--
The bottle is mostly made of clear plastic, meaning you can easily see how much is left. The iconic Body Shop logo is clearly visible, backed by a brown circle evoking the coconut scent. The black band behind this is sophisticated and minimalistic, as is the text on the bottle, and the black flip-top lid is practical for use in the shower.

--Usage--
Squeeze some shower cream into your hand and rub over wet skin before rinsing off.

--Appearance--
The cream is nacreous in appearance and produces a slight white lather. No visible residue is left on the skin.

--Scent--
The coconut is of course dominant and feels authentic - likely thanks to the incorporation of virgin coconut oil. Sadly, it doesn't last on the skin as well as I might have liked.

--Texture and consistency--
The cream is extremely thick and viscous, but slackens on contact with water. Little lather is created due to the cream being soap-free. A luxurious effect is therefore created.

--Effects on the skin--
Skin feels constantly moisturised: at the moment I am using no other body moisturising product on my arms. I have been using some after-sun due to a touch of sunburn last weekend, but the difference is that while elsewhere on my body the sunburn has peeled (even with use of the aftersun), on my arms the sunburn has healed very naturally with no peeling at all. All hail the power of the oils!

--Value for money--
At £2 for a travel size you can't go wrong - and even £5 for 250ml is hardly going to break the bank. A little of the product goes a long way and it is a joy to use. Mine was a gift, but I would consider spending my own money on this for myself or others. Body Shop, you've done it again.

perfect partners
Coconut Hand Cleanse Gel, £2.50
Coconut Soap, £2.50
Coconut Milk Body Lotion, from £3
Coconut Lip Butter, from £4.50
Coconut Hand Cream, £5
Coconut Oil Hair Shine, from £5.50
Coconut Exfoliating Cream Body Scrub, from £6
Coconut Nourishing Body Butter, from £6
Coconut Treats, from £6
Coconut Body Mist, £8
Coconut Oil Brilliantly Nourishing Pre-Shampoo Hair Oil, £8
Coconut Eau de Toilette, £9
Coconut Essential Selection, from £20
Coconut Premium Collection, from £30

Bilou Shower Foam

RRP: £3.99

--What does the promo say?--
"bilou creamy shower foam – made with love & passion. Yummy fragrances to sweeten your day. At bilou, we ensure we use high-quality ingredients and our products are 100% vegan."

--Packaging--
The shower foam comes in a white pressurised canister which is adorned with a cheeky cartoonish design and the cheerful scrawl of the bilou logo. The ring of colour around the plastic lid corresponds with the fragrance (e.g. pink for doughnut) and it's easy to pull this off even in the shower. The spray mechanism only needs to be pressed once, lightly, to release a good amount of foam.

--Application--
Press the top of the pump gently to release a generous amount of foam. Lather up, enjoy the scent, and then rinse.

--Appearance--
Currently five varieties of the shower foam are available in the UK; all have the same thick white foam, which doesn't leave

any visible residue.

--Scent--
Of the five scents available at the moment, the donut, cotton candy and berry are my favourites, with the former two being super sweet and sugary, and the latter being zingy and fruity. I discount the other two only on the grounds of them not being my favourite smells just generally - but there's no denying the accuracy of the scents, with the added bonus of them being a bit of a nostalgic throwback to 1990s scented gel pens.

--Texture and consistency--
Thick and luxurious; definitely doesn't wash down the drain straight away.

--Effects on the skin--
Some of the scents (perhaps especially my two favourites - donut and cotton candy) may seem quite artificially constructed, so it's quite a pleasant surprise to find natural ingredients such as plant oils present in the product. As a result, skin feels smooth and moisturised as well as divinely scented.

--Value for money--
At £3.99 a pop this is cheerful, luxurious and definitely won't break the bank - and makes your skin feel great to boot. I was sent mine for free, but would definitely purchase in future (not to mention seek out other scents overseas...chocolate cupcake?! Yes please!!).

perfect partners
Body Spray, £3.99
Cream Foam, £3.99

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pore & Shine In-Shower Mask

RRP: £4.99

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Molton Brown Vintage With Elderflower Bath and Shower Gel

RRP: £22

--What does the promo say?--
"Explore the sparkling fragrance of Molton Brown's Vintage 2016 with Elderflower Bath & Shower Gel, inspired by a cool cellar of vintage cuvée. Infused with English Elderflower Extract, the luxurious body wash gently refreshes and softens skin, whilst enveloping the body with notes of uplifting Petitgrain, Grapefruit and Vetiver for a truly magical bathing experience. Housed in a limited edition bottle with a wine bottle style label. Featuring the finest ingredients from a vineyard in Champagne-Ardenne, this luxurious lotion evokes the extravagant spirit of the festive season."

--Packaging--
The detachable jingle bells near the opening are a festive delight that accentuate the glitter in the shower gel itself, which is visible through the transparent plastic bottle. The golden label is chic and in keeping with the celebratory champagne feel.

--Usage--
Press the top of the lid downwards and then squeeze the bottle to expel the shower gel. Lather up under the shower and then rub over wet skin as normal before rinsing.

--Appearance--
A translucent cream gel with gold glittery particles that leave a delicate sparkly sheen on the skin - perfect for Christmas time (yes, some of us do start thinking of our gifts in August - what of it?).

--Scent--
The vetiver grounds the scent without being overpowering, just as the grapefruit subtly lifts it, but the champagne is the dominant flavour (NB don't eat it!). Elderflower is also delicately detectable; overall, a well-balanced and sophisticated fragrance.

--Texture and consistency--
The gel is thick and luxurious without being heavy or sticky; this lathers to a fine white foam that washes off when you want it to.

--Effects on the skin--
Apart from the shine from the embedded glitter (which can last beautifully depending on how liberally you've used it in the shower), skin is left feeling soft and moisturised.

--Value for money--
At £22 this is only a little more expensive than Molton Brown's usual shower gels of the same size and would make a beautiful upscale Christmas present for anyone who's already a fan of the brand - or even someone who's a Molton Brown newbie. At the launch you were even able to personalise the label with the recipient's name, and I hope this will be available to the mass market also. A gorgeous gift with which to ring in the new year.

perfect partners
Body Lotion, £26
Single Wick Candle, £42
Festive Bauble, £12

Noble Isle Lightning Oak Hair and Body Wash

RRP: £20

--What does the promo say?--
"An enduring, handsome fragrance, balancing smoky wood aromas with modern notes of crushed pepper and bergamot, enriched with toning extract of English oak."

--Packaging--
As classy as a plastic pump-action bottle can be thanks to its traditional logo and minimalist text, all embossed with an opaque finish. You also can't go wrong with it being see-through - I personally prize always being able to see how much product I have remaining.

--Application--
Lather up and rub over wet skin, or through wet hair. Rinse off when done.

--Appearance--
A sage green in the bottle, but turns white upon lathering and leaves no visible residue.

--Scent--
The website promises a mixture of bergamot, grapefruit, cardamom, clove, vetiver and sandalwood. Vetiver in particular is a very masculine fragrance, and I don't normally like it. However, in this case it's not overwhelming. None of the other scents are especially detectable; however, this could be considered the mark of a good fragrance, as it means they are all well-balanced.

--Texture and consistency--
Lathers up encouragingly and rinses out well, both from the hair and off the skin.

--Effects on the skin and hair--
Leaves skin feeling smooth and soft, and while I'm often sceptical of these products that claim to be multi-use, effects on the hair are also positive, with volume, luminosity and texture all restored.

--Value for money--
While £20 might seem pricy, this product's luxurious nature, high-quality results and multi-purpose application make it worth the money.

perfect partners
Warm and Woody Trio, £19.50
Bath and Shower Trio, £19.50
Bath and Body Gift Set, £29
Mini Love, £15
Lightning Oak Soap Bar, £15
Lightning Oak Candle and Snuffer, £39
Fragrance Sampler, £12
Deluxe Traveller, £29 

Radox Creamy Shower Wash

RRP: £2.15

--What does the promo say?--
"Want to transform body and mind? Look no further than the new Radox Creamy range, there to put you in the mood no matter how you want to feel. Bursting with fresh fragrances to transform your mood, try one of the new creamy variants."

--Packaging--
The ergonomic shape, and downward-facing flip-top lid, are all practical for daily shower use, even with slippery hands. The white bottle is also nicely contrasted by the bright, eye-catching colours, which also nicely reflect the fragrance in question.

--Application--
Squeeze a 50p-sized amount into your palm and lather up. Smooth over skin before rinsing. Simple :)

--Appearance--
In all cases, the lotion is white and possibly slightly translucent before foaming into a rich creamy lather. This is easy to rinse off when you want to, and leaves no visible residue.

--Scent--
All of the four available scents are distinct and generally deliver on the promises made. My favourites were the romantic (orchid and blueberry) and pampered (shea and ginger), while another BBB tester spoke highly of the calm fragrance (jojoba and camomile). The rejuvenating fragrance, ironically, was a little more lacklustre, smelling more of peach than anything else. Even though the orange oil was detectable, it could have come through more strongly. Nonetheless, all would help to intensify the emotions on their bottles. I always feel pampered when taking a bath at my parents' place (no bath in my teeny flat!), so I would love for that to be available in bubble bath and body butter versions too. The rejuvenating one would be great for the mornings (although I'm a morning person anyway!), and the calming one for the evenings. I'd be happy to use the romantic one whenever I wanted to catch my husband's eye: it's a lovely rich fragrance that isn't too heavy, and one which would hopefully cast his mind back to when we first met (in Paris - only reputed to be the most romantic city on earth!), echoing the sweetness of the Sauternes wine that we drank on our first night together. Sadly I can't remember what perfume I wore...

--Texture and consistency--
 As mentioned, lovely and creamy, and lathers up well. Stays on the skin for as long as you like, but rinses off easily when needed.

--Effects on the skin--
Genuinely seems to moisturise the skin deeply and in a long-lasting way. Very impressive.

--Value for money--
At £2.15 a bottle, it's definitely affordable, and there should definitely be a scent to suit everyone here. Would recommend.

Dove Caring Protection Body Wash

 RRP: £1.99

--What does the promo say?--
"Nourishment that protects your skin. Our Caring Protection body wash protects the surface of your skin while cleansing. It contains NutriumMoisture with a high level of natural oils and skin natural lipids. The combination helps restore the protective surface of your skin to keep moisture in. Feel the care of the rich and creamy formulation. Naturally protecting, always beautiful."

--Packaging--
The predominantly white bottle is calming and gender-neutral, while the hints of gold and royal blue provide a touch of class. The small blue flip top lid is easy to open and secure to close, even with wet hands, and minimises wastage thanks to its effective dispensing action.

--Application--
Rub into wet skin while showering, delight in the silky lather for as long as you want, and then rinse off.

--Appearance--
The gel creme that initially comes out of the bottle is white and almost pearlescent. This transforms into a robust yet luxurious white foam that leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--
Freshly laundered cotton is the primary scent evoked; the overall effect is homely and natural rather than seeming overly perfumed, so shouldn't interfere with your usual choice of eau de toilette.

--Texture and consistency--
Creamy and indulgent. As mentioned, a rich lather builds up on contact with water, and it stays on your skin for as long as you want it to before rinsing. 

--Effects on the skin--
In truth, I noticed no difference in terms of moisturisation compared to the other shower gels that I currently have on rotation (a selection by Lush, Deep Heat, and Bath & Body Works). However, it's possible that over a longer period of time a difference might manifest itself thanks to the sunflower and soybean oils that this product contains.

--Value for money--
At a mere £1.99 a punt (less if you catch it on offer, as it is at Boots currently), it's worth a shot for the heavenly shower experience this provides. This product's silky lather is hard to beat, and definitely welcome after a hard day's work, a full-on gym session, or a poor night's sleep. Definitely give it a try. 

Radox Nourish Shower Cream

 RRP: £1.25/250ml
 
--What does the promo say?--
"We've selected and combined natural ingredients with our feel good fragrance to create this nurturing blend. Your Nourish shower cream, with shea butter and ginger, will leave you feeling confident and ready to take on the day."

--Packaging--
The opaque plastic bottle is an ergonomically pleasing shape, meaning it's not only attractive aesthetically but is also less likely to slip out of your hand in the shower. Plus, the flip-top lid is easy to open, closes securely, and doesn't seem to promote leakage. The red plant design is also eye-catching against the shower cream's pale orange colour.

--Application--
Rub into wet skin while under the shower, and then rinse off. Simples, as they say.

--Appearance--
The pale orange cream becomes a luxurious white lather that doesn't leave any visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--
You have to sniff hard for the ginger, but it is there - so great for those that don't like the smell of ginger to be too overpowering. It also tempers the shea butter, meaning that it, too, is not overwhelmingly chocolatey.

--Texture and consistency--
Builds up to a silky lather without being sticky, runny or irritating. 

--Effects on the skin--
Has a softening effect that lasts all day. Not bad for £1.25!

--Value for money--
Excellent. An inexpensive treat. Even though mine was free from Radox's PR, I would definitely recommend this to others and purchase a further bottle for myself.
 
perfect partners
Nourish Liquid Handwash, £1.90/300ml
Nourish Herbal Bath, £1.25/500ml

Dr Hauschka Lemon and Lemongrass Vitalizing Body Wash

 RRP: £12.95

--What does the promo say?--
"Natural essential oil made from fresh lemongrass emits a gentle citric fragrance, encouraging vitality and brightness. Invigorating and awakening summery notes of lemon and lime stimulate the mind, creating a wonderful burst of refreshment."

--Packaging--
The blue-and-white squeezy tube that we have, which we bought just a few weeks ago, seems to no longer be available, despite being perfectly serviceable. Instead, it's apparently been replaced by a purple and white pump-action bottle, which doesn't necessarily seem like it would be *more* effective. Oh well. If any of you try it, you'll have to let me know.

--Application--
Lather under the shower and rub onto damp skin before rinsing off.

--Appearance--
A pale yellow-green cream that lathers up slightly into a whiter foam. No visible residue is left on the skin.

--Scent--
Smells of lemon and lemongrass. The other ingredients - such as avocado, sunflower oil, quince seed, and lime - don't really come through. Scent does not really linger on skin after use.

--Texture and consistency--
Creamy and luxurious. Does not lather up as much as commercial shower gels or creams.

--Effects on the skin--
Cleanses body skin effectively, without stripping or irritating the skin. Makes skin feel softer and soothed.

--Value for money--
£12.95 seems fair and reasonable given the high quality of natural ingredients and positive, luxurious experience while using the product. In Germany, it's the equivalent of £8 today, but I suppose you do have to factor in the cost of importing it. Would definitely recommend purchasing this lovely product - even more so if you can buy it in Germany.

perfect partners
Lemon Bath Oil, £18.25
Lemon and Lemongrass Body Oil, from £3
Lemon and Lemongrass Body Moisturiser, from £3

Radox Muscle Therapy Bath Soak

 RRP: £2/500ml

--What does the promo say?--
"There's nothing quite like a hot soak to ease the aches out of your tired body.  Taking a bath in Radox Muscle Therapy Herbal Bath, with our blend of black pepper and ginseng will help gently warm your muscles and revive your body and mind.  Just sink in, lie back and feel rejuvenated."

--Packaging--
This is intended primarily for use in the bath, and so has a black screw cap and an open top (as opposed to a pump action or one of those plastic discs with a hole in it). This is naturally fine for bath use, but means it's not easy to control the amount that comes out of the bottle if you're hoping to use it in the shower (I don't have a bath at home, so this was bound to occur). The fact that the bottle is see-through is great for knowing how much is left, and the herbal illustration is appealing and concise.

--Application--
Pour as much as desired into the bath, and let relaxation commence.

--Appearance--
A translucent red that doesn't look too gory when lathered up! Does not leave stains.

--Scent--
Reflects the black pepper aspects slightly more than the ginseng, and my husband liked the scent more than I did. This appeal to men may well explain why Boots have categorized it under 'men's bath soaks' on their website.

--Texture and consistency--
Quite runny, but not so liquid that you waste the product. Not at all lumpy or irritating, and forms a perfectly smooth lather on skin, while still washing off easily when you want it to.

--Effects on the skin--
The scent will linger for a short time on the skin, so may contradict some women's perfumes, but shouldn't be an issue for men's aftershaves. (However, I'm not sure I know anyone who has time to bathe in the morning, so perhaps this isn't really relevant.) Skin also feels moisturised. Since, as mentioned, I don't have a bath at home, I don't think I was really able to maximise the bath soak's full therapeutic qualities. However, I can believe that it would have a psychological effect as an absolute minimum, as the scent is very relaxing and invigorating. Once I've had a chance to test it in a bath, I'll let you know!

--Value for money--
Just £2 seems very reasonable for such an enormous bottle - and Superdrug has it on half price at the moment, so even better. I'd say this does what it says on the tin, and I'd definitely be looking to try their other bath soaks to explore the range of scents.

Radox's other bath soaks
Spa Conditioning (honey, milk, almond); Brazilian Fusion (dragon fruit and camu camu); Stress Relief (rosemary and eucalyptus); Muscle Soak (clary sage and sea minerals); Relax (lavender and water lily); Moisture Soak (calendula and rose); Sleep Easy (camomile and jasmine)

Dove Purely Pampering Body Wash

RRP: £2.40
Number of varieties: 3 (shea butter/vanilla; coconut/jasmine; hibiscus/almond)

--What does the promo say?--
"A shower experience that nourishes and pampers. Dove Shea Butter with Warm Vanilla body wash blended with NutriumMoisture™ creates a gentle cloud of creamy lather that will leave you and your skin feeling restored and nourished. The warm scent fills the shower enveloping you with care, allowing you to feel balanced and renewed. Caring for yourself never felt so good."

--Packaging--
The body wash bottle has a lovely curved shape, and is just the right size to prevent you from dropping it in the shower. It tapers at the top to a tiny flip-top lid that is the same colour as the label, avoiding confusion in the shop or shower when you make a last-minute grab for the one you want from the range (there are 3).

--Application--
Lather up under the shower, luxuriate for as long as you like, and then rinse off. Classic.

--Appearance--
A white, slightly foamy yet still substantial cream wash. Leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--
There are three varieties of this available, but I have just tested one (the shea butter and warm vanilla version). It definitely delivers on the shea butter hit; less so on the vanilla front.

--Texture and consistency--
Lathers up really well, and stays on the skin for as long as you want it to. Rinses off easily when it's time to.

--Effects on the skin--
Seems to deliver skin smoothness as promised, although I used this in conjunction with its accompanying body lotion and body cream, so it's difficult to say exactly where this effect comes from.

--Value for money--
At £2.40, this is on a par price-wise with brands such as Nivea, Johnson and Johnson, and Palmolive. Offering a luxurious experience at a generous price, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

perfect partners

Dove Purely Pampering Nourishing Body Lotion, £3.99

Dove Purely Pampering Body Cream, £4.99

Dove Purely Pampering Nourishing Hand Cream, £3.49

Dove Purely Pampering Beauty Cream Hand Wash, £1.49

Dove Purely Pampering Beauty Bar, £1.59

Dove Creme Mousse Body Wash

RRP: £2.90

--What does the promo say?--
"What is the Dove Difference? Creamy Nourishment. A beautiful pearlescent crème formula, unlike any other, transforms into a lush lather allowing our highest concentration of NutriumMoisture™ to nourish skin deep down or more beautiful skin. For best results use every day. Dove Creme Mousse Body Wash Brightening [...] rejuvenate[s] dull skin."

--Packaging--
These plastic bottles stand up on their lids in the shower so that you can be sure of the mousse being right at the opening where you need it every single time. The designs are discreet, and yet the turquoise and navy versions distinguish well between the respective brightening and nourishing versions. This means that your odds of grabbing the wrong one on a sleepy morning should hopefully be low!

--Application--
Only about a tablespoon of this is needed for a lather that covers your whole body. Take double the amount for an even more generous effect. Lather, enjoy, and rinse.

--Appearance--
The brightening formula is more pearlescent than the nourishing one, but both creme mousses are brilliant white, while washing off invisibly.

--Scent--
Both just smell soapy, which in a way is a shame, but in another way feels right given that this product's USP is texture, not scent.

--Texture--
Creamy and luxurious just as promised, although occasionally proves a little difficult to rinse off.

--Effects on the skin--
While pleasant to use, I haven't noticed any immediate or long-term changes to my body skin during my trial of these products, so any joy you get from this product is likely to be purely sensory and short-term, rather than practical or truly restorative.

--Value for money--
These products are an absolute dream to use and really make your routine a luxury. However, the claims they make are far too vague and I don't think you can really expect to see much in the way of genuine nourishment or brightening here.
 
perfect partners
Dove Deeply Nourishing Body Wash, £2
Dove Purely Pampering Shea Butter Body Wash, £2.40
Dove Cream Silk Hand Wash, £2.30
Dove Complete Care Pampering Set, £3.75  

Philosophy Spiced Clementine Toddy Gift Set

RRP: £18 (currently £9 in the sale)

--What does the promo say?--
"Share seasonal spirit. Spiced clementine toddy shampoo, shower gel & bubble bath (240 ml.) and body lotion (240 ml.) warm your heart and soul during and after the shower or bath."

--Packaging--
The dotty bow decoration on the box is lovely for a gift (especially for anyone with a January birthday, as you can grab this for half price in the sale at the moment), and the bottles themselves are classic Philosophy: transparent, so you can always see how much is left, with black writing detailing yummy recipes for the foodstuff that inspired the product. The black fliptop plastic lid is stylish, practical and secure.

--Application--
Lather up the 3-in-1 product in the shower, or pour under running water. Clean your hair with it as well if you like before rinsing off. As for the body lotion, rub into slightly damp or dry skin. Easy as pie (well, toddy).

--Appearance--
The bright orange shower gel definitely doesn't stain or even create much colour, foaming to a white/light orange lather. The body lotion is just a creamy colour, leaving no residue on the skin.

--Scent--
I was a little disappointed with the bath and shower product, as it smelled a bit too masculine for me (although I can't find a specific ingredient causing this) and evoked bitter orange peel scents and general alcohol more than spice and the sweetness of orange juice. The body lotion was better for this, meaning you could even share this pack with your better half (you can swipe the body lotion, and he can have the shower gel...how romantic).

--Texture and consistency---
The gel is smooth and quite runny, without being watery or sticky. The body lotion does equally well in this regard, sinking in super-quickly and providing a luxurious experience.

--Effects on skin and hair--
Body skin and hair are left feeling amazingly smooth and soft, with hair feeling volumised and nourished. Definitely a top scorer.

--Value for money--
A little goes a long way with this stuff and you definitely get good results too. Even though it's a pain that you can't buy both products separately, they do represent good value, with this being even truer now that Philosophy's sale is on. Go and get it!

perfect partner
The Microdelivery Peel, £59

Philosophy Hot Buttered Rum Shampoo/Shower Gel/Bubble Bath

RRP: £14 for 480ml

--What does the promo say?--

"Cozy up and share a sweet moment with hot buttered rum shampoo, shower gel & bubble bath, as it cleanses and conditions skin and hair."

--Packaging--

The see-through plastic squeezy bottle lets you see the deep translucent brown colour of the gel in all its glory - the picture above really doesn't do justice to the gel's gorgeous caramel colour. This enables you to always see how much is left, and the real recipe for hot buttered rum printed on the front of the bottle in black lettering is also a bonus. My only criticism would be the distinctly un-ergonomic bottle design: at nearly half a litre, it is quite wide, meaning you can't get your hand all the way round and that this leaves you in danger of dropping the bottle in the shower. A more curved shape would therefore be more helpful.

--Application--

Lather up and massage through hair or onto wet skin. Rinse out/off when done. Have not tested in the bath yet as sadly I don't own one. Should have access to one this Christmas, though, so watch this space.

--Appearance--

Dark brown - just like freshly melted caramel. This doesn't leave any residue on the skin, however - the lather itself is white, in any case.

--Scent--

Does not smell distinctly alcoholic, which in some ways is a shame, as I was expecting something more complex and less sweet. However, I can't really complain about smelling like a freshly-made batch of butterscotch every time I shower (even though the scent sadly doesn't linger long). I'm a big baking fan, so this is still a perfect treat for me, making it a wonderful addition to the autumn and winter months.

--Texture and consistency--

The gel itself is runny but not sticky, with just the right amount of viscosity. The lather that builds up is silky and luxuriant, and washes off easily (but not before you're done). This applies to skin and hair.

--Effects on the skin and hair--

I had reservations about using this on my hair, having had poor results from a Philosophy 3-in-1 product in the past. However, this one does exactly as promised: skin is left smooth and soft, while hair is left clean, shiny and with long-lasting volume. Hair did not get greasy as quickly after using this product either, meaning hair looked good for a full extra day after use.

--Value for money--

While the initial outlay seems expensive, remember that you're getting a big bottle of a high-quality 3-in-1 product. I would definitely repurchase - although if you're looking for something with more of an alcoholic tinge to it, the offerings from Alba, Korres and Carolina Herrera all look promising.

perfect partner

Hot Buttered Rum Lip Shine, £10

Indulgence Spa Products Microdermabrasion Crystal Exfoliating Body Soap Bar

RRP: £5/65g; £28/225g

--What does the promo say?--

"The Crystal Peel Exfoliating Soap Body Bar delivers the benefits of professional microdermabrasion in the shower with a quick exhilarating lather and is great for men and women. The soap's brisk polishing action helps stimulate new collagen production and buff away dull, dry skin. It also helps to even out hyperpigmentaion. Ideal for use before spray tanning, waxing or shaving. Clinically proven to treat folliculitis (ingrown hair) and helps to prevent keratosis pilaris (KP), eczema, psoriasis, stretchmarks and cellulite."

--Packaging--

My soap came in a cute little blue see-through bag (thanks, Indulgence Spa Products!), with the soap wrapped in a layer of plastic and a blue and white loop of paper, which keeps things very sweet and simple. I see that when you order this online (from www.menareuseless.com, where only the 225g version is available, or from www.indulgencespaproducts.co.uk from September 1st 2012), the soap also comes with a soap dish, which would have been VERY handy for me as I was constantly trying to wedge it in somewhere in the shower where parts of the bar wouldn't be dissolved (and thus wasted).

--Application--

Once you've got your skin wet under the shower, rub the bar slowly over your body skin (note: do not use on face). You don't need to scrub as the bar does the work for you. This is easy to get your head round (and your hands, thanks to the bar's curved ergonomic design). The bar doesn't make much lather when rubbed over the skin, but more can be created when you massage your skin with your hands, going over where the bar has just been. This makes the experience indulgent as well as functional, and it's easy to rinse off afterwards. You can follow with other shower gels or body moisturisers if liked.

--Appearance-- 

The bar itself is a dull grey colour, with small hard particles being visible. On the skin, no coloured residue is left, and the white lather washes off easily too.

--Scent--

Just smells of minerals more than anything else, which in a way shouldn't be surprising given the prevalence of corundum (or alumina) crystals. However, the other main ingredients (olive oil, vitamin E, aloe vera, and shea butter) were not at all detectable.

--Texture and consistency--

Unlike with some body exfoliators, where the effect is underwhelming, Crystal Peel's Body Bar gives a truly satisfying level of exfoliation. Those with sensitive skin may find the bar too hard or harsh, but it ultimately depends on the kinds of treatments you like. With a texture reminiscent of hard sand, it still manages to treat skin gently - used properly, it shouldn't leave skin feeling or looking inflamed or irritated.

--Effects on the skin--

 I seem to suffer permanently with dry feet, and have tried many body bars and exfoliators in the past to combat this, with only limited success. Quite often the artificial 'exfoliating beads' that are present in these products do very little, and when the bars do a bit more, they lose structural integrity far too quickly even in a tin, box or tray, meaning that you waste a lot of product. None of these shortfalls exist with Crystal Peel's bar - you get effective exfoliation that banishes dry skin without everyday use, and even the smallest bar will last many weeks. You are also left with a smooth finish whereby itching is reduced.

--Value for money--

Plenty of brands offer exfoliating bars, from high street giants such as Lush and Soap & Glory to luxury brands such as Molton Brown and Bliss. From the outset, they seem to be better value for money - you can get a lot more than 65g for £5 with the vast majority. However, to me results like Crystal Peel's can't be argued with - I noticed an immediate as well as an ongoing difference, and when you have a constant beauty problem, you are inclined to stick with the one thing that seems to fix it. For that reason I would purchase this product again if I needed it - assuming it hasn't sent the dry skin packing completely.

 perfect partners*

Crystal Peel Microdermabrasion Exfoliator

For Men Microdermabrasion Pre-Shave Formula

Crystal Peel Collection Gift Set

Crystal Peel Lip Lift Plumper

Crystal Peel Vitamin E Lip Therapy

Crystal Peel Lip Renewal Exfoliator

Crystal Peel Lip Care Collection 

*all available from http://www.crystalpeel.org/ecommerce/