Pink Parcel July Unboxing

At The Bloggers Summer Hangout a few weeks ago I met some lovely ladies from Pink Parcel subscription box and I instantly fell in love with the concept. The brand provides subscribers with a box delivered in their mail box each month that contains everything they might need to make periods as comfortable as possible; tampons and pads, of course, but also beauty and pampering treats as well as tea and snacks. Sounds pretty great, right? I was shown a sneak peek of some of the products in the July box, which looked incredible, and so of course I had to order it to try this subscription brand for myself.

Beauty review: Rapid Moisture Spray Lotion

If you follow my beauty reviews, you will know by now that I'm always on the look out for great body creams and lotions that really nourish dry skin and preferably last all day long. I've trialled some wonderful products over the years (I was particularly pleased with Eve of St. Agnes Hydrating Body Cream and Bronnley's Citrus Collection), but most of these were thick, rich creams that required a little effort to apply as they (understandably) didn't absorb as soon as they touched my skin.

I've mostly steered clear from thinner lotions because while they can be efficient for people who just want to give their skin a moisturising boost, it wouldn't actually work for a very dry skin such as mine and more often than not they are quite runny too and so rushed application before work in the morning would result is a bit of a mess as well.

So when I was offered to trial the Rapid Moisture Spray Lotion, I was instantly intrigued by the 'spray' part of the product's name. I didn't think that the lotion would work wonders as a moisturiser, but I was keen to try how this different form of application would work for me.

So what was my experience of using the Rapid Moisture Spray Lotion?

The first thing I noticed when I received the product in the post was that it doesn't come in a particularly appealing package. The metal can looks and feels similar to that of a can of hairspray or shaving foam, rather than the delicately designed pots and jars I've come to love from the more luxurious body creams I regularly use.

As it requires a spray function this was never going to be an eqsuisitaly shaped jar of cream though to be more eye-catching on the shelves perhaps the design on the outside could've been more delicate and colourful. Yes, the brown swirls reflect the cocoa and coconut shell that give the lotion its tropical fragrance, but solid browns simply aren't very appealing on the packaging of a skincare product - and it's the outside, not the effective product hidden within, that gives potential users a first impression.

But, just like you shouldn't judge a book by its cover (which, admittedly, I totally do) in this instance you shouldn't judge the skincare product by its packaging either - as it's the lotion within that counts and that worked very effectively indeed.

Holding down the nuzzle a perfectly-sized amount of the product was evenly distributed over my legs. As expected it was quite runny, but because it was such a small amount that was released there was plenty of time for me to spread it out and let it absorb without creating any mess. And while doing so the strong scent of coconut and cocoa punched the air, instantly transporting me to a much more tropical location. The fragrance was quite strong and lingered for a while, perfect to get you in the summer mood - or to pretend you're wandering a candy shop in Disneyland.

And despite being on the thin side compared to the more rich body butters I use, it moisturises very well and lasts for ages. Most of all though, this product stands out because it is incredibly easy and convenient to use. The spray works very well and is perfect for rushed mornings, so I will no longer occassionally skip my morning moisturising routine in favour of catching my train. Plus I smell like the tropics straight after use too, win/win!

Beauty review: Botanicals Foot Softening Balm

Earlier this year I trialled Botanicals' lavender and tea tree calming body lotion, which was a product I thoroughly enjoyed using, so when I was offered the opportunity to try another one from the 100% natural and organic Botanicals range I was very keen to do so.

Just like with the body lotion, a punch of scent was the first thing that hit me when I opened the tub of foot balm. And while I'm normally not a huge fan of the strong fragrance of mint – it reminds me too much of toothpaste – the combination with tea tree balanced out the mint, creating a wonderful bouquet of fragrances scenting the air, and my feet, with the smell of relaxation.

The balm aims to soften dry and hard skin, which is a-plenty on the average foot, and it definitely does that. It's very concentrated, so a tiny pea-sized sample of the foot balm was enough to massage the surface of one foot, which means the entire tub of 50g (which retails for £15.95) will last for yonks, especially as you don't have to use this daily, but can keep the balm as a special treat for your feet when they need a boost.

Fair word of warning, the product is quite oily when used and it leaves a greasy filter for about fifteen minutes after application. This means it's not ideal to use when rushing in the morning and your feet will be enclosed by socks and shoes, too slippery, so make sure you add it to your evening regime instead. I personally loved using it after a hot shower, or long soak in the bath as it was the perfect soothing treat for my tired feet before going to bed.

Beauty review: Botanicals' lavender and tea tree calming body lotion

After spending quality down-time with friends and family over the Christmas period, getting back into the swing at work of what is already a gloomy-looking January was a big readjustment.

And with so many pleasures already cut out of our day-to-day activities during January as everyone is dieting and exercising to rid themselves of the extra Christmas pounds, it's the little things that can really make a difference. Especially when you're looking for something to relax with after a stressful day at work, which was no doubt followed by a work-out session at the gym and a meagre salad for dinner.

Botanicals' lavender and tea tree calming body lotion does exactly what it says on the tin, erm... bottle. Infused with a heavy dose of organic lavender - on top of organic aloe vera, shea butter, calendula extract and tea tree - this lotion does not only work a charm, but the heavenly scent is soothing as well. Just what I needed after a hectic day.

The company markets the product as the calming relief to skin after shaving, waxing or the use of depilatory products, but I found it worked perfectly fine as a nourishing body lotion on its own as well. A pleasant consistency and easy to apply, the cream hydrated my dry skin for hours - even when the weather got very testy.

During these colder winter months, when moisturising just once daily may not be sufficient for my skin, this is a perfect accompaniment to my evening beauty regime as the gentle lavender fragrance will help me relax and prepare me for a restful night of sleep.

Beauty review: Phytonutri Qi Energising MM Face Peel by Mel Millis

As soon as I laid eyes upon the gorgeous packaging of Mel Millins' Phytonutri Qi Energising MM Face Peel, I fell head over heels in love with the stunning, not to mention clever, design. The paper bag the product came in was infused with British wild seeds, which not only presented it in a beautiful and luxurious way, but is also very environmentally friendly as it can be torn up and planted - recycling at its very best.

This was the first time I applied a face peel at home and I was surprised by how different it was to using a face mask, which I am much more familiar with. I found the application a little more difficult - though I did get better with practise - as the product was very sticky, almost like a glue, and would not spread out easily or evenly. However, once it stuck it did stay firmly in place.

After letting the peel work its magic, I took it off with the gentle organic muslin cloth provided (top tip: do this in the shower as it can get messy). My face instantly felt incredibly clean, smooth and even, which was a very pleasant sensation and for that reason alone I have already used the product several times.

My skin did start to feel a little tight ten to fifteen minutes after I'd taken off the peel, so I used a rich moisturiser to nourish my face and make sure it would be properly hydrated and keep the smooth sensation for longer.

Even though I hadn't used a face peel at home before, after using this one I am definitely sold. Mel Millis also gets a big thumbs up for its stunning and sustainable packaging, which really adds to the appeal of the brand.

PapayaGold's PAW PAW balm

This balm isn't intended to soothe the paws of your precious pet, instead the name refers to Australia's tropical Paw Paw (more widely known as papaya), which is used to create the ointment. The moisturising product is also enriched with bioactive Manuka Honey 20+, farmed in the country next door to Oz; New Zealand, and is free from harming ingredients such as parabens and sulphates.

Lacking colour, odour and taste, in the first instance the look and feel of the product when opening the lid was similar to that of a tub of Vaseline. However, it's far less greasy and more thick in consistency, making it perfect to apply to visible areas of the skin, such as on your face, without leaving an unsightly filter of grease behind, or sticking to your clothes.

When trialling the ointment I found that it was wonderful to use on tougher areas of my skin, such as my knees and the back of my heels, as it not only soothed but also softened. And this wasn't after consistent use either, just two of three applicants made a world of difference for me. It also worked wonders as a moisturiser on my face and limbs, though foremost this has very quickly become my lip balm of choice.

I love a good balm or gloss to treat my lips and prevent them from chapping, especially in the current biting autumn weather. While I was happy with the brand I was using before, it didn't last as long as this one does. The PAW PAW balm rarely needed topping up throughout the day, which is perfect for me as I always forget to do this until it's too late.

Also good to note is that the product comes in a bright red travel-sized, sturdy tube, which makes it ideal to pop into your favourite handbag. It's small enough as to not take up unnecessary space and the popping colour means it's easy to spot, even if your bag is filled to the brim with random bits and bobs.

Pulpe de Vie's Luscious Glow

With the days rapidly getting shorter and darker again I can't be the only one desperately trying to hold on to the last rays of sunshine before that big glowing ball of comforting warmth will once again disappear for months behind a gloomy haze of non-stop rain and fog.

French skincare brand Pulpe de Vie promises to help capture that feeling of summer a little while longer with a body milk that is said to burst with sunshine and the natural goodness of fresh fruit. The ingredients certainly back up this promise as it contains 25 per cent grapefruit and blackcurrant waters, along with organic and fair-trade sunflower and hemp oils.

The first thing I noticed when using the lotion is that it definitely does what it says on the tin; it dazzles. The smooth and liquidy body milk spreads out easily and leaves a thin sheen of sparkle behind long after the cream has absorbed. Perfect for a night out on the town, though perhaps not the ideal addition to your daily morning routine when you're heading into the office.

For someone with a very dry skin, especially when the temperatures are drastically dropping, this is not the best product I have tried to counteract the dreaded dry patches or flaky skin. Yes, it works great as a soothing moisturiser when applied, but only for a short while as it requires regular top up.

If your skin is not quite as dry though and you just want something to nourish during the changing weather conditions, this works perfectly. And with a beautifully fresh and an almost addicting zesty fragrance, the body lotion definitely manages to conjure up images of warm summer nights spend in a picturesque village in France.

Mary Elizabeth's Frankincense and Rose Moisturiser

British natural skin care brand Mary Elizabeth is the brainchild of a mother and daughter duo. Launched by Cecilia Rathe and Claire Huntley following Cecilia’s battle with skin cancer in 2010, with the aim of producing naturally-based products that would soothe and protect the skin.

The brand prides itself on using only the purest of natural plant oils, organic essential oils and ethically sourced ingredients. All products are made in Britain and are free from Parabens, SLS, artificial colourings and fragrances and DEA.

For this review I trialled the Frankincense and Rose Moisturiser, which comes in a 50g tub. It may not look very big compared to the 200g ones a certain high street shop is known for, but I found that a little of the cream went a long way and so the smaller size lasted me plenty, on top of being more transportable and so I could easily pop it into my handbag for use on-the-go.

As soon as I opened the pot of cream I was hit by the intense soothing floral fragrance, which made me feel like I'd just wandered into a field of wild flowers - a very tranquil experience! The scent lingered a little while after application, but wasn't too strong for it to be a problem when using the product on our face.

It had a thick consistency though this didn't make it difficult to use or spread out; I found it easy to apply and it left my skin feeling velvety smooth and with a matte finish. And while I often struggle from a dry and flaky skin, using the moisturiser in the morning lasted me the entire day. I did use it in the evening as well to get me through the night, but if you don't suffer from quite such a dry skin, then applying it once daily should suffice.

With a beautiful and addictive floral fragrance and great moisturising qualities, this is one product I'll definitely continue using.

Bach Original Flower Remedies' Everyday Essence Kit

Bach Original Flower Remedies have launched their Everyday Essence Kit, which aims to help busy people to overcome tired and overwhelmed feelings. The set includes Olive (for when you feel tired after making an effort), White Chestnut (for when you struggle to switch off or have repetitive thoughts), Walnut (for when you find it hard to adapt to change), Mimulus (for when you are shy or feel worried about something), Rock Rose (for when you are overwhelmed by fear or terror) and Aspen (for when you feel fearful or unsettled but don't know why).

The first thing I noticed when receiving the kit is that the case containing the floral remedies looks beautiful and luxurious, emanating the feel of something truly exquisite. The product within matched the classic exterior, with vintage-style labels adorning the apothecary bottles and old-fashioned pipettes completing the look.

It is recommended to add two drops of an essence to a drink of your choice and then sip this regularly for the remedy to be able to take effect. I mostly added it to my non-flavoured water and while I initially detected a hint of something that tasted vaguely alcoholic, I soon didn't notice the difference anymore between a plain water or one that had an essence added to it.

While I find the effectiveness difficult to judge, rather than being a short-term fix it should help after continuous use, out of the ones I have tried it's Aspen that stood out to me. If you're worried but aren't entirely sure what the reason for this is so you can't 'fix' it, I found that just two to four drops of the essence throughout the day make me feel calmer than I had been previously. I would also recommend the White Chestnut if you have trouble going to sleep, as it'll make it easier to turn off and relax before drifting off into a stress-free slumber.

Whether the calming qualities of the products I have trialled were entirely due to the floral remedies or a combination of the essences and a mental placebo boost I'm not sure. Whatever the science, it did the trick for me and I'll happily continue to add a few drops of one of the essences to my drink when I feel overwhelmed or worried.

Living Nature's Firming Flax Serum

As the season change, so does the weather, with temperatures instantly dropping as rain and wind pick up. Just a few weeks ago I was still wearing sleeveless tops and sandals, but now I'm sure I'm not the only one wearing multiple layers to protect myself. However, my face isn't quite as easy to cover up and is easily exposed to the elements.

Regardless of age and skin type, facial skin is already more delicate than on other parts of your body; often turning dry, lacking firmness and elasticity. The result is the formation of unwanted fine lines and wrinkles as well as skin that lacks vitality and looks dull and tired. To counteract these issues, Living Nature has created Firming Flax Serum.

Harnessing the therapeutic properties of some of New Zealand's unique botanicals - such as Manuka Honey, Harake (the New Zealand Flax plant) and Rosehip - this natural face care serum aims to provide a vital boost of hydration and nourishment to pep-up your complexion as the seasons change. What's more, it promises to help add firmness and elasticity to facial skin, which in turn helps minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

When I saw the product I admit that the first thing I thought was that it was very small and wouldn't last long at all. At 13ml a bottle it isn't super tiny, but the packaging is compact and does make it very suitable to carry around in your handbag without adding extra weight and size to it. And actually, after several weeks of regular use, I've found that a little goes a long way and so the bottle is still plenty full.

The product is thin in consistency, but not runny, making it easy to spread a little bit over a large area of skin. It instantly absorbs, leaving my skin feeling not only more nourished than before application but also a little tighter. I don't have obvious lines on my face yet (knock on wood), and so I cannot observe how well the serum would work on those, but the firm feeling left after application is certainly promising.

Another positive characteristic of the serum is its lack of a distinct scent. I love a good orange blossom or rose scented lotion and often lather it generously on my skin, however the one place I don't want a very fragrant cream is on or near my face, so I was pleased that this product is almost scentless.

And while I cannot attest that using the serum regularly makes me look years younger, I like the nourishing qualities of the product and the way it makes my facial skin feel. It will definitely be an asset to my beauty regime this autumn.

Crabtree & Evelyn Pear and Pink Magnolia Hand Therapy

I always love browsing in Crabtree & Evelyn when I walk past one of their shops and so I was very excited to be trialling the Hand Therpy from the Pear and Pink Magnolia range.

First things first, the packaging the moisturising cream comes in is gorgeous. The thickness of the paper emanates luxury, and that is exactly what you'd want from a beauty item like this; feeling like you're treating yourself to something special. The simple but elegant drawing of the pear and magnolia the product is named after, heightens the classic and upscale look.

The moisturising cream comes in a vivid eye-popping pink tube, which looks great but I wasn't a big fan of it being made from a thick plastic, which took a little bit away from that feeling of luxury and grandness the outer packaging radiated.

The most important part of the Hand Therapy is of course the product inside of the packaging, and that was wonderful. As soon as I opened the lid I fell in love with the gorgeously refreshing scent. Perfect for the warm summer days laying ahead of us, the both fruity and floral fragrance brings with it an inviting aroma of serenity.

Just a small dot of the cream went a long way when applying it to the skin, instantly making my hands feel softer and smoother. And the lush scent changed from a strong zing of freshness into a delicate perfume that pleasantly lingered long after use.

I was very happy with the effectiveness of the Pear and Pink Magnolia Hand Therapy, which worked both as a rich moisturiser as well as a subtle and refreshing perfume and I'll definitely be checking out Crabtree & Evelyn's other hand therapy range!

Romney Marsh Wools toiletries

The longwool Romney, or Kent Sheep, has roamed the Romney marsh since the 1300s. The dual purpose breed, officially recognised in England since 1800, is bred both for its wool and meat. The lush, cream wool is known for its versatile fleece that works well as knitwear, yarn and cloth.

The Romney Marsh Wools company has gone one step further utilising the wool and has created a range of toiletries in which they use lanolin, the natural occurring fat in the wool. Lanolin is a soothing and rich ingredient, which helps keep the skin hydrated, and we had the opportunity to try a selection of travel products which include this; bath & body gel, hand wash, hand & body lotion, shampoo and soap.

The first thing I noticed when looking at the packaging was that it proudly displayed an address in Kent. It is always a bonus, I find, to use a product that has been crafted not too far from where you live, rather than one which has traveled for thousands of miles to arrive into your home. Not only is it better for the environment, but using local businesses is also a great way to support the economy.

Next I had a look at the other side of the label which disappointingly included a variety of parabens on a few of the products. Parabens are chemicals used to prevent growth of micrcobes in toiletries, which on paper sounds like a good thing, however in recent years studies have uncovered possible health concerns related to the chemical. A lot of high street products still include parabens, but for a brand that claims to use only the highest quality of ingredients it's somewhat contradictory.

Opening the little bottles one at a time, the fragrances reminded me of the toiletries my grandmother used to have, way back in the day. I don't mean that it smelled old-fashioned or musty even, on contrary, but rather there was a sense of nostalgia associated with the scent. It was quite a natural one, without being overpowering floral or fruity.

I used the products with varying degrees of success. Where the shampoo felt just adequate as while it cleaned my hair it also left it feeling quite rough and stripped of its natural oils, both the bar of soap and hand & body lotion felt rich and hydrating, leaving my hands feeling much softer and nicer than before use. The bath & body gel and hand wash, finally, lathered well and did the job they set out to do.

In all, while this wouldn't be a range of products I'd necessarily seek out based on the ingredients printed on the label, I love that they're produced down the road from me in Kent and they are partly created with something as natural as the fat in sheep's wool.

Surya Brasil Color Fixation Single Application

One of the most frustrating things is when you go through your entire morning routine and by the end of it, and despite all your efforts, your hair still looks lifeless and limp. A combination of lotions and sprays can only conceal so much until there is nothing left for you but to admit defeat and move on to your final resort: hiding your bad hair day under a hat or scarf. It doesn't have to be such a struggle though, especially in the morning when you're already rushed for work. Treating your locks well every day and helping them along with the occasional restorative mask to hydrates and revitalize them from root to tip can make a world of difference.

And that is where Surya Brasil comes in. The country of origin may currently be dominating the headlines because of the World Cup, but that isn't the only thing they're good at. Surya Brasil is a vegan and cruelty-free body care company and I tried the Color Fixation Single Application, part of a collection of shampoos and conditioners which are to be used after colouring your hair to keep it smooth and radiant and ensure a continued vibrant colour. The deep restorative treatment aims to extend the life of the hair colour with cupuaçú butter and buriti oil, which absorb the sun's ultraviolet rays. The formula is also enriched with rice proteins which should strengthen the cuticle of the hair, restoring shine and manageability.

The first thing I noticed when trying the product was how thick and creamy it was. Much more so than an average conditioner, and lathering it onto my long locks was a very pleasant experience. I already felt like I was treating my hair to an intense mask, rather than going through the normal motions of applying a conditioner after washing it. I also relished the spicy notes in the subtle fragrance emanating from the product, which gave the whole process a warming and calming feeling, and I was almost sad when the five minutes advised on the packaging were up and I had to rinse it out.

As my hair is dyed, I am always excited to try a product that claims to bring out the colour as I do find that even after an intense dyeing process it more often than not loses some of its vividness and shine soon after. Unfortunately I didn't notice the intensification of my hair's colour after using this product, despite this being one of its main selling points. My locks did feel very lush and manageable after use, but not more so than after applying a regular conditioner.

Would I use this product again? Yes. Though I would choose it for its effective hydrating and smoothening qualities rather than expecting it to refresh the colour of my hair. The reason I didn't notice much difference could be because I've been very lucky with my conditioners in the past, or maybe the real change doesn't take effect until used more regularly.

Eve of St. Agnes Hydrating Body Cream

Mostly everyone has a skincare condition which they are unhappy with and which for some actively causes issues; dry and flaky skin, eczema, an oily t-zone and rashes are just a few examples of problems women battle with on an every day basis. Walking into the health and beauty aisle at your local supermarket or chemist looking for a cure can be a daunting task. Faced with endless rows of options claiming to solve all sorts of skin issues you'll often find that when scrutinising the ingredients, the products on the shelves will probably do more harm than good.

That is where natural skincare brand Eve of St. Agnes comes in. Emma Heywood founded the company in 2011 with the vision to create a skincare company that would produce all-natural skincare products created from the best natural and organic ingredients from Fairtrade and community projects around the world. Suffering from skincare dilemmas herself, she wanted to ensure her products would not be created from generic formulas conceived clinically by people in white coats, but instead that they evolved from the heart.

And that is exactly what she has achieved. Before I'd even had a chance to see if the cream was a right fit for me (it was), I had already fallen head over heels in love with the adorable owl and rose drawings on the front of the box which presented the product as a charming and luxurious treat. And as soon as I opened the large jar it was contained in, I fell in love with the beautiful gentle floral fragrance within as well.

Besides the deliciously enticing scent, which lingered just long enough to be alluring, but not too long to become overbearing, the cream does exactly what it says on the tin. Or box in this case. It's a wonderfully rich product which absorbed quickly when applied, not leaving any white or shiny marks like so many other lotions and creams do. As soon as I used the hydrating body cream I felt the nourishing qualities working their magic, ensuring that I would no longer be walking around with a dry and tight skin.

I would also like to take a moment to admire the stunningly captivating packaging. The beautifully drawn images of flora and fauna radiate romanticism while simultaneously emphasizing the natural qualities and ethics of the brand. I am someone who frequently gushes over something simply because it looks pretty, I admit that I even sometimes judge a book by its cover, so the gorgeous packaging definitely added to the appeal of the product.

Eve of St. Agnes was inspired by the poems of John Keats and with its romantic and quintessentially British look and floral scent, this name couldn't be more befitting.

Bronnley's Citrus collection and Easter collectible tins

I associate spring time with the warming sun tentatively poking through patches of rain clouds, brightly coloured delicate flowers popping up in the most unexpected places and the gentle fragrance of blossoming trees filling the air; and that essence is exactly what Bronnley has captured in some of the products I got to try for this review.

Based on traditional family recipes, the business has been creating luxury soap, fragrances and toiletries in the United Kingdom since 1884 when founder James Bronnley returned from a year studying the art of soap making and perfumery in Paris and borrowed £300 to set up his business from a small shed in Holborn, London. The toiletry brand is now in its 130th anniversary year and for the occasion they have revamped their Citrus collection with subtle reformulations, new products additions and fresh new packaging.


The company is particularly well-known for its lemon soap, which has been in UK households since 1892. Part of the Lemon & Neroli scent range, it doesn't only smell like a lemon, but it looks like one too. As a big fan of fruit-shaped and scented soaps (my previous favourite was one that resembled a juicy slice of watermelon) this was right up my alley. Not only that, but the zesty freshness of the lemon is incredibly suiting, as it makes you feel all nice and clean after use. To expand upon the fun fruit-shaped soaps, the brand also has limes and oranges and I loved the latter as well. Less sharp than the lemon soap, it's the perfect cleaning companion when you feel in a sweeter mood.

The fruity Orange and Jasmine fragrance of the orange soap is mirrored in the other products from the range and the two I got to try - the Bath & Shower Gel and the Eau de Toilette - were both delightful. The beautiful flowery jasmine scent was complimented well by the fruitiness of the orange and mandarin and I found myself opening the bottle just to get a whiff of this heavenly fragrance. Sadly neither of the products are ones where the smell lingers very long, but I'd happily bottle the Orange and Jasmine fragrance as a perfume and spray it all day long. I'm normally not much of a perfume person, but I thoroughly enjoyed this and wanted to douse myself with the scent so it would linger longer than the brief moment after use.


For a little Easter in your home of the non-chocolate variety, Bronnley has created these super cute Daffodils and Tulips collectable tins. The stunning designs fit the season very well and the scent of the soap was gorgeous too; super fresh and delicately floral it reminded me of the lovely smell of freshly laundered sheets. The fragrance was quite strong too, so leaving the tin open in the bedroom gave the whole space an aura of having just been spring cleaned, without any of the hard work. The two limited edition tins would make great gifts, however once you've seen them in person and had the chance to smell the gorgeous scent you'd likely want to keep them for yourself.

NPH Top Ten Perfect Styling Cream

I am used to having more bad hair days than good ones so whenever I come across a new styling product that promises to eliminate frizziness and make my hair feel silky smooth, I'm always keen to put it to the test. NHP is developed for professional salon use to care for dry, colour treated or brittle hair in need of nourishment to restore the internal balance and to condition the external structure of the hair shaft.

The Top Ten Perfect Styling Cream is their hero product, so to speak, and I had the opportunity to put it to the test. Even though it is technically a cream, it is also a spray and it's rich in organic argan and macadamia oil, silk proteins and panthenol. The product's name derivatives from the ten benefits it aims to achieve:

• Immediately imparts vitality and improves the visual appearance of the hair
• Repairs and nourishes dry and damaged hair
• Tames and eliminates frizziness
• Disentangles leaving the hair feeling silky and smooth
• Helps to reduce and prevent split ends
• Protects against heat styling damage
• Helps with brushing and straightening
• Improves body and volume
• Adds extra shine and protects colour
• Ensures a long-lasting perfect style

Argan oil is a hot ingredient in hair care at the moment; it promises to give the user silky smooth and frizz-free hair, almost as if by magic. While personally I haven't come across a product yet that can do that without an extensive treatment in a hair salon first, nor one that will last me all day, Top Ten comes close. Very close. Usually I have to scurry to the nearest mirror throughout the day to ensure my hair is still in tip top condition and add another few sprays of styling product to keep it in place, but when I was using the NHP styling cream I found that only towards the end of the day my hair started to look a little less in control, which is not bad going for a few quick spritzes as part of my morning hair routine.

What I loved foremost about Top Ten though is that it's a cream but a sprayable one; taking the best of both hairstyling worlds to make one easy to use and very effective product. My preference normally goes to creams as they work better than a spray, but the big risk with these is that the product clutters, as it is harder to spread out evenly, resulting in my hair feeling as if it's glued together in places. Anti frizz sprays on the other hand, while properly distributing the product, normally are weak and watery making them less effective as a styling product. This cream and spray hybrid combined the best elements of both options.

Not all ten benefits of the product are applicable to me and so I cannot testimony to the entire list of promised benefits, but the ones I find most important certainly ticked all the right boxes. My hair felt silky and smooth, was frizz free for (almost) the whole day, it had a pleasant fragrance and though I don't need it per se I noticed an added bounciness and volume to my hair. Also noteworthy is that the product is free from potentially irritating or aggressive synthetic ingredients such as SLES, DEA, parabens, paraffin and colourants. Plus the company aims to look out for the environment as all packaging is 100% recyclable and products are created using renewable and ecological sources of energy. Well done, NHP, well done.

Therapi Honey Skincare

I love honey; I put it in my tea and on my toast and use the bee elixir extensively in my cooking and baking. Yet despite my adoration for the sticky treat I don't use many beauty products that contain honey as an essential ingredient - especially none that have created their entire brand around it, which is what Therapi Honey Skincare has done. The British organic skincare company was founded by beekeeper of 25 years Tanya Hawkes and she brings a real passion and commitment for the trade to the range of honey-infused beauty products.

The three skincare lines available are purifying Lemon Myrtle for oily and combination skin, nourishing Rose Otto for dry and mature skin, and balancing Orange Blossom for normal skin. Each line also features a honey gel cleanser, facial toner and a moisturiser. Furthermore, Ultra Radiance Cream, which is the company's 'hero' product, uses propolis which aims to rejuvenate the skin through the natural promotion of collagen and elastin synthesis.

I was delighted to try a selection of the products to discover if honey in beauty products is just as enticing as it is in edible treats and the verdict in this case is that it most certainly is. While the gold liquid is not the sole ingredient in the products and as such its flowery sweet fragrance wasn't the first thing I noticed when trying the moisturisers, I did find the Orange Blossom Honey Gel Cleanser suitably floral; I could almost hear the buzzing of the honeybees around me when trying the product. This was a wonderful and effective cleanser to use, both in the evening to take off make-up and in the morning for a refreshing start to the day. It was quick and easy to apply and made my skin feel pleasantly clean and fresh afterwards.

From the moisturisers I instantly fell head over heels in love with the gorgeous Lemon Myrtle variant which had such an amazingly inviting scent; upon receiving the product I found myself opening it again and again just to get a whiff of the fragrance. While intended for oily and combination skin I actually found it worked wonders on my normally dry skin as well, which shows that you should always give a product a try, even if the label makes you doubt if it would work for you. Cold to the touch and light of texture, I found the cream very easy to apply and it absorbed instantly, leaving my face smooth and free of any dry areas for many hours after use.

The Rose Otto Propolis+ Ultra Radiance Cream intended for dry and mature skin had noticeable nourishing qualities too. The delicate rose fragrance was heavenly, but I found the cream quite oily and thick in use - making it more difficult to apply evenly and leaving a faint shiny filter for a few minutes after application. It was perfect for more tough areas, such as elbows and knees, and I assume will be an equally pleasant moisturiser for more mature skin.

I thoroughly enjoyed using these ambrosial products; the soft natural fragrances and organic ingredients are incredibly appealing from a consumer's point of view and personally I've found a new favourite brand I'll certainly be exploring more from in the future. Also commendable is the fact that five per cent of the company's profits are donated to bee conservation projects, which I believe is an incredibly important and worthwhile cause and one that cannot get enough column inches.

Comvita Protective Day Moisturiser

There are many different types of honey and so they are classified by their floral source, the way they are processed or the region they are from. Manuka honey falls in the latter category as it originates from the nectar of the Manuka tree, which is only found in New Zealand and southeastern Australia. It's renowned for its unique flavour and health benefits, but did you know that the sticky treat can also be used in beauty products to feed your skin through external use?

Comvita is an international natural health and beauty company which uses Manuka honey in a range of its products, including the protective day moisturiser which I trialled for this review. This beauty product also includes other natural ingredients such as sunflower oil, macadamia oil and the New Zealand Kawakawa extract - making it sound very appealing from a natural beauty point of view.

The first thing I noticed when putting a small amount of the moisturiser on my hand was the strong sweet and floral scent. If it weren't for the fact that it had the pale colour and smooth texture of a cream, I could've easily mistaken it for a jar of pure honey. While I normally love honey, I initially wasn't sure if I would enjoy having this fragrance linger in the air and on my face when using the product, but I needn't have worried as I quickly got used to it and started to relish the enticing scent.

Lightly applying the moisturiser to my face the product felt sticky and I thought it might leave a slightly syrupy residue, like regular honey does when you accidentally spill it on your skin. Thankfully, this wasn't the case at all. Instead the product seemed to tighten my face, in a pleasant way, making it look and feel more even than before.

As I suffer from dry skin I usually have to touch up my moisturiser throughout the day, to ensure that no dry areas are visible. Upon using the protective day moisturiser in the morning however I found that I didn't need to replenish it at all throughout the day as my face stayed consistently soft and nourished. This was a wonderful unexpected bonus to using the product and was reason enough for me to fall absolutely in love with it.

The moisturiser is marketed as helping to minimise visible signs of aging. While after using it for just a few weeks I can't say with certainty that it does indeed do what it says on the tin, the way my skin felt tighter straight after use and looked nourished throughout the day does make me believe that using the moisturiser consistently has helped my face to look more healthy and rejuvenated than before.

Sweetsation Therapy's Very*Berry Organic Oxygen Masque & Scrub

It's always nice to treat yourself to a little bit of extra pampering with a luxurious scrub or a face mask, in fact these are the kind of things I always enjoy buying for myself or as a gift for a friend. However, finding the time to actually use the products can be hard with a busy family and social life and so I often end up with shelves of unopened bottles and jars in my bathroom cupboards.

When I came across Sweetsation Therapy's Very*Berry Organic Oxygen Masque & Scrub I thought it sounded like a real winner as it combines the scrub and mask into one tub, making it easier and less time-consuming to use them in a row while taking a relaxing bath or shower. Now all that needed to be done was put the product to the test to see if it could in fact be both an exfoliating scrub and nourishing face mask, or if that was aiming too high for just a single product.

As soon as I opened the tub I was hit by the intensely sweet fragrance of chocolate. For a product that is called very berry and contains super berries such as goji berry and acai berry I was surprised that it didn't smell more fruity instead. However, as I'm a big lover of chocolate I have to say I was pleasantly surprised by this unlikely hint of cocoa and the enticing scent had me opening the pot several times before even using it - just so I could smell it again.

I decided to trial Very Berry in the shower, so I could try both of the product's uses at once. While I found it a bit thin for a face mask, it was easy to apply and it surprisingly stayed in place for the five minutes I kept it on. It didn't dry out, nor did it make my skin feel uncomfortably tight, and so it was a pleasant mask to use on the sensitive skin of my face.

While the mask was working its magic I applied it as a scrub on my arms and legs. It was very easy to spread out because of its thin consistency but opposed to other scrubs I use I didn't find it was rough enough to properly clean off dead skin cells. It was too gentle and felt almost like a regular shower cream, so I'm not sure if it ended up exfoliating my skin on its own. When used with a scrub mitten however, it does work and left my skin feeling smooth and clean.

After I'd finished scrubbing my arms and legs I washed the mask from my face and immediately after I found that my skin was feeling incredibly soft, much more so than it has felt in a very long time. This feeling unfortunately didn't last very long, though it was nice when it did and it definitely gave me the feeling that my face had received an extra boost of energy.

I normally suffer from dry skin and so I was worried that perhaps by using the mask it would strip my skin of its natural oils, drying it out even more, but this wasn't the case at all. While not feeling super soft for very long, my skin did feel clean and smooth and when using my regular moisturiser afterwards my face looked rejuvenated and refreshed.

It is perhaps not the most effective scrub, but the lovely sweet scent and energising qualities of the face mask make this a product I'll definitely be returning to.

Limited edition shower crèmes from Imperial Leather

I cannot resist a product called "limited edition" and I'm sure I'm not alone with this. It evokes the feeling of something luxurious and special which I have to get my hands on before supplies run out and I don't get the chance to try it. So when I heard about the new limited edition range of shower crèmes from Imperial Leather my curiosity was certainly piqued.

The British staple goes back to the 18th century, when a Russian nobleman commissioned a brand of perfume named Eau de Cologne Imperiale Russe from Bayleys of Bond Street in London. The famous soap wasn't created until the 1930s though and the brand really gained momentum during the second World War when it became the soap of choice for many Britons because the bar was said to last longer than those of competitors. Nowadays they produce a variety of toiletry products, from body and hand washes to bath crèmes and shower gels.

For this review I tried the limited edition Mesmerising Shower Crème and Tempting Shower Crème, two new exotic inspired additions to the range. The main ingredients in the Mesmerising Shower Crème are shea butter and honeysuckle, and while they sound very gentle I actually found this product to be quite strong and masculine in fragrance, something I wasn't expecting from a tropical range.

True to its name however I was instantly tempted by the Tempting Shower Crème and its striking blue bottle. Laced with the scents of guava and lotus flower, it certainly evoked the feeling of being transported to an exotic destination - one where we were surrounded by the vibrant colours of tropical flowers and the sparkling turquoise ocean just a few feet away. Sadly, upon opening my eyes the sunshine instantly disappeared, but the delicate scent of the shower crème didn't as it pleasantly lingered after use.

Both shower crèmes are thick in consistency and lather well, making a little bit go a long way. The scents of each are very different - one feminine, the other more masculine - so whether you like a strong fragrance or prefer a fruity one, there will be a suitable option for you. I believe they're perfect as 'his' and 'hers', so you can treat both yourself and your partner to a limited edition tropical shower experience.