Whilst I'm perfectly happy to use products that are green and good, often companies put to much emphasis on the eco value of their products, getting so caught up in where they source the ingredients from, that the products aren't necessarily the best you could use. Big Green Smile is an online eco-retailer with a principled outlook, as they only sell eco-friendly products, but they have a promise that not only are they green, they're also capable of performing just as well as their counterparts.
I've been testing the Organic Surge Citrus Mint Shower Gel for the last few weeks, and find it a really pleasant experience. Firstly it has a really pleasant smell, which hits you immediately, wafting an interesting mix of notes up your nose. The mint feels really revitalizing on the body, whilst the citrus makes you feel alert- probably best to use in the morning, as might make you a little revved up for bedtime.
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Doesn't that ice cream look delicious? Be careful when you come to take a chomp though, because it's not ice cream at all: it's a scrummy body scrub made to look just like Neopolitan.
The scrub contains fine dendritic Salt to give it its exfoliating effect properties, and essential oils to make it smell delicious. You could make this up in any colour and scent combination, but it's definitely one to hide from the kids!
With a long, possibly lazy weekend stretching out ahead of you, why not give it a try? Go here for the recipe!
Related: DIY Beauty: Make your own caramel body polish
Whether you're a Mum or just have fond memories of childhood, it's nice to ditch the harsher products and got back to the nursery from time to time. I'm feeling a bit sorry for myself this week as I've not been well and am now in 'recovery mode', with lots of long baths and pampering at home. But rather than indulge with my usual spa products, I've found I'm turning to the simpler comforts of my childhood - products we all like to go back to for a bit of TLC. And I'm discovering some new ones, too.
A real favourite of mine is Johnson's Baby Soft Cream from the Baby Soft range - a newer collection of products based on all the old favourites that's particularly great for adult skin. It's got the same evocative and calming scent as the originals, but the main difference is how quickly and easily it sinks into the skin, making it a real treat for tired, dry bodies. You can buy it for just £2.29 at Boots
I've not yet had a chance to try the Maclaren 'Beginnings' range from the famous pushchair people - which is geared more towards new Mums who want to make their skincare regime more natural. It's a big hit in the US, and is new over here. Check it out at Love Lula.
When it comes to a relaxing bath, Johnsons' Baby Softwash is another great product that leaves your skin feeling soft and pampered. You can get it either in the original scent or my absolute favourite 'calming' scent, which smells slightly of lavender and really helps you unwind after a hard day's work. £2.69 at Boots.
Finally, a new bathtime favourite is Method's Squeaky Green bubble bath from the green cleaning giant's Baby range. It smells deliciously of marshmallow and being made from 100% biodegradable, natural ingredients is one of the mildest washes out there. It also comes in a ridiculously cute-looking tub (also biodegradable) that's bound to be a hit if you've got an actual baby to wash. Buy it for £5 at Method.
Energy is something we could all do with having a little more of in the morning, and I'm certainly not one to leap out of bed with a beaming smile, full of beans and raring to go on an average day. In fact, with the onset of Autumn we'll all soon be wanting to hibernate, making mornings even harder.
One small consolation is knowing that a lovely shower experience is waiting for you on the other side and I've recently been enjoying testing This Works' Energy Bank Shower Gel which is packed with potent, energising herbs for a fragrant start to the day. Despite having no parabens, SLS or other artificial foaming agents, the gel is so thick that it lathers slightly on the skin and leaves it feeling fresh and cleansed.
£19 at Big Green Smile
Well, it's Summer and my New Year's resolution to start jogging and drink two litres of water a day has been a total failure. My Wii fit age is still thirty three and I'm pretty sure I've drunk more red wine than water this week! So when the girls from Bliss called saying a new cellulite busting scrub was being added to its famed FatGirl line up I felt like my prayers had been answered! In their own words it "banishes the dreaded lumps and bumps caused by lack of exercise and water". Ha! They also said it would 'scrub-a-dub-blub' but we'll just ignore that bit.
Read on for my verdict...
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Life is full of little battles. That one free seat on a crowded train; the debate with your tutor about last night's essay; the last one-of-a-kind, limited-edition MAC eye shadow...
At least the battle against BO and grime is one that Anatomicals can take care of. With a clashing label that yells "Shower to the People" and sports an illustration of a showering Che Guevara round the back, this shower gel tries to stand out with tongue-in-cheek slogans and witty puns. So far, so good - especially for those who love indie brands and local goods. But how does the product stand up against the masses? Can it whip up comrades in a froth, or does its efforts go down the drain?
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I've always been a bit wary of products which say they do more than one thing. Sure it would be great if my toothpaste could act as a moisturizer as well, but somehow I've never wanted my skin to be that *fresh*. Likewise the same notion tends to apply to my toiletries as I think products work better when they don't try to multi task (with some obvious exceptions).
The latest 3 in 1 from Philosophy has me taking back my ill-thought words in shame though, as the product not only makes a lovely lather when used as a shower cream but leaves my hair squeaky clean. The scent is a delightful infusion of coconut and sugar, and makes my mouth water in a really interesting way.
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