June Empties

How can it be 1st July already?!  The year is flying past!  I've had another good month trimming my stash of products and haven't bought an awful lot either due to other expenses so, at long last, I actually have some space in my beauty draws!!

 

• Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Face Wash (review here) - a well-priced face wash that I found particularly suited my oily / combination skin.  I think if you have normal / dry skin it would be a little harsh for you though.  I wouldn't repurchase, simply because I didn't think it was overly special or unique.  
• The Body Shop Chocomania Body Scrub (review here)  - Loved this, it had just the right amount of scrubbiness present to exfoliate the skin and contained enough nourishing oils to ensure my skin was left supple and  moisturised.  I believe this is limited edition and will not be around for much longer so if you fancy trying it get along to a store soon!
• No 7 Triple Protection Tinted Moisturiser in Medium / Fair - I've blogged about this tinted moisturiser from No7 many a time as its my go-to tinted moisturiser.  I love how it has SPF15 in it too.  I've lost count of how many tubes of this I have got through and I already have 2 back ups purchased with the Boots / No 7 vouchers, making it a bargain £7 a tube.  
• Benefit They're Real Mascara (review here) - I have  a love / hate relationship with this mascara.  On the one hand it leaves me with lovely looking long lashes but on the other hand it is a nightmare to remove!  Despite my best efforts I still find traces of it on my lashes two days later.  I also found that it was making my sensitive eyes quite sore recently so it has been relegated to empties pile despite the fact there is still some product left and I've only had it a few months.  I would not repurchase as I think there are better and cheaper mascaras available.

• Label.m Protein Spray - I've had this for ages and I think it originally came in a Christmas gift set a couple of years ago.  It is essentially a heat protectant spray which I found did the job well but no better than other similar sprays which are noticeably cheaper.  For this reason, I wouldn't repurchase.  
• Cowshed Wild Cow Bath and Body Oil -  I don't think there have been any Cowshed products I've tried (save for the lipbalm) that I haven't loved and this bath oil is no exception.  Cowshed are my favourite bath oils due to their super-moisturising properties.  I think I already have a back up bottle of this waiting in the wings!
• Batiste Blush - A handbag staple for me, I don't go anywhere without a mini can of Batiste these days.  Blush was a new scent for me and, I have to admit, not my favourite.  I much prefer the Tropical scent as it reminds me of holidays.  I will repurchase Batiste but not Blush.  

• Lavera Hand Cream (mini review here) - a nice, quick absorbing hand cream.  It wasn't anything out of the ordinary but I did like that it was a natural product.  I would perhaps repurchase if I wasn't so in love with my L'Occitane hand creams! 
• No7 Quick Thinking Wipes - I think these have replace the 4 in 1 wipes that No7 used to do but I can't really see any noticeable difference between the two.  I get through a ton of these, both for removing swatches and for refreshing my skin after exercise.  I usually stock up on them when the Boots / No 7 £5 voucher is floating about but I don't think they are particularly any better than most other wipes.
• Clearasil Overnight Serum - I wouldn't normally purchase anything from Clearasil as I've previously found them rather harsh and stripping for my skin.  However I won this from their facebook page a while ago and I have to say I rather like it.  You only need to apply a tiny amount to any blemishes and it totally dries them up overnight.  You will need to ensure you apply a good dose of moisturiser the next morning though to ensure it doesn't leave you with very dry skin, but in terms of reducing blemishes and redness quickly, it does the job well.  I would consider repurchasing but I also want to try out the Origins Blemish Treatment Gel.
• Olay Complete Care Daily Cream with SPF15 - A fairly standard moisturiser which includes added SPF15 as a bonus.  I found this did break me out a little as it was a little too rich for my combination skin.  I ended up using it on my dry elbows which actually worked quite well!  I wouldn't repurchase.
• Dr Hauschka Hand Cream (review here) - a thick, but non-greasy hand cream.  This was a small travel-sized sample but unfortunately I couldn't abide the scent so I won't be repurchasing.
• Dr Hauschka Quince Body Moisturiser (review here) - Another travel-sized sample which really wasn't enough to test properly.  Again, I wasn't overly fond of the scent so won't be repurchasing. 

Have you tried any of these products?
What have you finished up this month? 

May Empties - Loves and Loathes

I'm a bit late with this month's empties as I've been busier than I anticipated this weekend, even though it was twice as long due to the Jubilee.  There were so many things I was planning on doing but it seems to have just flown by and I've not had any time for blogging until today!  So lets crack on with my empties.

KMS Quick Blow Dry Spray (reviewed here) - a great little spray I received in my last Carmine box  I will certainly be purchasing the full-sized bottle soon.

Naked Volume Body Building Shampoo (reviewed here) - really REALLY disliked this and ended up making hubby use it and using it to clean my make up brushes.  Would not repurchase.

Tigi Bed Head Dumb Blonde Conditioner  - I've been working my way through this humongous bottle for what seems like months but it was finally finished this month which is a good thing as it was taking up far too much space in my bathroom!  This conditioner is fab at keeping my coloured locks in good condition and is one I return too time and time again.  I've already bought another (smaller!) bottle which is more portable and better for travelling.

Davines Nou Nou Illuminating Shampoo (reviewed here) - I was a bit disappointed with this as it seemed to get used up very quickly and was quite a basic shampoo for the price.  I won't be repurchasing.

 

Bed Head Very Berry Whipped Mousse Body Lotion - as part of my efforts to reduce my body lotion stash, this had been languishing in my draw for quite some time.  I don't even think they sell it any more and even if they did I wouldn't repurchase as it wasn't overly moisturising and seemed to sit on the surface of the skin, rather than be absorbed by it.

The Body Shop Chocomania Shower Cream (reviewed here) - a creamy moisturising shower cream that was perhaps more suited to evening bathing and showering that first thing in a  morning.  I liked it but not sure I would repurchase.

The Body Shop Peppermint Intense Foot Rescue - one of my staples of my Summer Footcare prep, I have repurchased this several times previously and will continue to purchase it as it is the only foot lotion that can go some way to smoothing my scaly feet!

Dr Hauschka Rose Body Lotion (reviewed here) - a small sample which didn't last long but was very nicely scented and absorbed quickly into the skin.  I'm on a body lotion ban, otherwise I would consider purchasing. 

Lush The Carrot Bubble Bar - so disappointed with this as on the second use, the bubble bar broke away from the stalk and I had to fish it out of my scalding hot bath.  The bubbles weren't that great with this either and I wasn't overly enamoured with the scent.  I wouldn't repurchase this if they bring it out next Easter.

L'Oreal Million Lashes Mascara - I enjoyed the effect this gave but for some reason recently, my eyes have become really sensitive and I wasn't able to use this without my eyes becoming red and watery.  I wouldn't repurchase solely for this reason, although I loved how my lashes looked when it was applied.

Jo Loves Pomelo Fragrance - This was a sample but it is so clean and fresh smelling I'm certainly going to see if I can get hold of a full sized bottle.  It seems to last on the skin for ages too.

Biotherm Aquasource Levres SPF8 (mini review here) - a small sample but this lasted for ages so I can imagine the full size would last  a while.  I have plenty of lip balms at the moment to get through though so I wouldn't repurchase this yet, but I may do in the future.

Have you tried any of these products?  What did you think of them?

May Hits and Misses

Gosh May whizzed by, I've no idea where it went!  Its time for my hits and misses of the month.

Hits

Benefit Hoola Bronzer - review here 

A fab matte bronzer, especially useful for contouring.  A little goes a long, long way though so be careful otherwise you can look a little 'muddy'!

Maybelline Color Eye Tattoo in Taupe - review here

This has amazing lasting power and performs just as well as cream shadows that are 3 or 4 times the price. I highly recommend you check out the range if you have not already.

Rimmel Volume Flash Max Bold Curves Mascara

I found this unopened in my mascara stash when I couldn't find my usual mascara and I have actually been pleasantly surprised by it.  Its not amazing, but it performs better than my current Bobbi Brown mascara that I have been sorely disappointed by. A review of both the Rimmel and Bobbi Brown will be coming up shortly.

Model's Own Tropical Sun - review here

Such a gorgeous shade that glimmers and sparkles in the sunlight.  I'm currently wearing it on my toes and it goes really well with my gladiator sandals!

The Body Shop Sweet Lemon Body Butter - review here

This scent just screams Summer to me and I find it so clean and refreshing.  It is also very soothing on my parched skin and absorbs almost instantly.  I love all the Body Butters I've tried but this is currently my favourite!

Misses

There have been no real misses this month, although I have been rather disappointed with the Davines Nou Nou Illuminating Shampoo - review here.  

Its not particularly bad and it does cleanse my hair but I think I just expected more of it, and really, it is no different from a basic £2 shampoo you would purchase in Boots.

What are your favourites this month?

is there anything you have been disappointed by?

The Body Shop Strawberry and Lemon Body Butters

I hope you have been enjoying the warm weather that has finally arrived in the UK and have been remembering to wear your SPF - I spotted a lot of people looking rather lobster-like in the park this weekend, who were probably  feeling rather sore this morning.....

In the Summer, I am fastidious about applying my sun protection and never go anywhere when it is remotely warm without first slathering myself in lotion.  Having spent a large amount of time outdoors over the past week, I have also been ensuring my skin remains well-moisturised after being exposed to the sun, which is where my favourite Body Butters come into play.

The Body Shop has a large range of Body Butters, the majority of which smell AMAZING!  Today, I am going to do a quick review of the two I have been using recently - Strawberry and Lemon.

The Strawberry is aimed at normal / dry skin but I would say that all Body Butters are suitable for all skin types.  The scent of the Strawberry Body Butter reminds me of strawberry milkshakes and it honestly smells so good I just want to eat it!  I find the scent tends to stick around for about an hour, but becomes more subtle when you have rubbed it in, so there is no need to worry about going about your day smelling like a giant strawberry!

The Lemon Body Butter is my favourite of the ones I have tried from The Body Shop so far, but I adore all of the lemon scented products from the Body Shop.  The scent is so refreshing and 'clean', and really makes me feel that Summer has arrived.  If you like fresh, simple scents for your perfumes, you would probably like this. 

One thing I will mention is that a little goes a long way and the consistency of these Body Butters is divine - they just seem to melt in your hands and are absorbed into the skin super-quick.  There is no waiting around for ages for them to soak into your skin before dressing.

Verdict

If you are looking for a body moisturiser that absorbs quickly into your skin, delivers real results and comes in a variety of fragrances and scents, The Body Shop Body Butters should be one of your first ports of call.  If neither of these scents here appeal, take a trip to one of The Body Shop stores and have a sniff through their range, as there is bound to be one that entices you.

5/5

Price - from £5

Where to Buy - The Body Shop

Have you tried any of The Body Shop Body Butters?

Which is your favourite?

Managing Keratosis Pilaris

Today, I am blogging about Keratosis Pilaris (or KP) - a condition that affects many people to different degrees.

For those of you who are unaware, Keratosis Pilaris usually manifests itself as a rash or series of small red bumps on the surface of the skin, often on the arms and thighs, although it can appear elsewhere on the body too.  Along with the rash, another symptom is multiple hairs growing from a  single follicle, which can mean that those who suffer with it often have excess body hair.

Typical appearance of KP (not mine!)

For years, I was unaware of what the red rashes on my upper arms and thighs were.  All I knew was that I was extremely self-conscious of them as they were very unsightly, and I used to do anything to avoid wearing sleeveless tops, always covering up with a scarf or cardie.  

Finally, a couple of years ago, I decided enough was enough and decided to do some reading online to see if anyone else had my mysterious skin complaint.  I felt as though I was the only person putting up with it, and upon seeing my doctor, he was extremely unhelpful and told me it would disappear and clear up over time.

KP is essentially caused by the build up of keratin on the surface of the skin, which causes the raised, bumpy appearance.  To combat this, I have been using a couple of simple but effective products in my daily routine:

1) I exfoliate my upper arms daily with a course-grained scrub. 

 

The problem with many scrubs are that they are not scrubby enough and you do need something that is quite abrasive to smooth the skin effectively.  I find the scrub I use in the areas with KP would probably be too harsh for other areas of my body, but on the areas with KP, it works well.  

Recently, I have been very impressed with The Body Shop's Chocomania scrub.  If you can get past the sweet, chocolately scent first thing in a morning, it is both moisturising and exfoliating , and I have certainly seen an improvement in my skin tone over the period I have been using it.  Other scrubs I have enjoyed using and have found effective at combatting my KP have been Korres Watermelon scrub and the Elemis Lime and Ginger Scrub, although this one is rather on the pricey side, but it does feel very luxurious.

2) Following my daily exfoliation of the affected areas, I always moisturise, usually using a lotion rather than a body butter as it is lighter and less likely to clog pores.  You may prefer unscented lotions if you have sensitive skin . I have been using the Vaseline Intensive Care lotion recently and have been pleased with its performance, but any regular body lotion will do.

3) I don't tend make a conscious effort to tan, but during the Summer I do find that the appearance of my KP  diminishes somewhat when my skin is a little darker.  

The sun seems to clear it up a little, and the darker skintone helps to disguise it.  Of course, you can always pick up a fake tanning product and this will camouflage the rashes somewhat.

I hope this post has been of some help to those of you who suffer with KP and has given you some ideas for how to treat it.  

Do you use any products which  help treat your KP?

My Summer Footcare Prep!

This seems like a strange time to write a post about prepping your feet for strappy Summer sandals when there is sleet falling past my window (!), but despite this recent cold snap we are experiencing, Spring is firmly on its way and it won’t be long before the flip flops are out and it is time to expose your toes to the world!

I do a lot of running, and am fond of wearing very high heels, and as a result, my feet often look less than attractive come Spring.  This means it is time to bring out the big guns when it comes to footcare.  Here are the main products I use to keep my feet in check!

Liz Earle Foot Scrub

I use this a few times a week during the Summer months as part of my morning shower routine.  I’ve tried a lot of different foot scrubs and have been disappointed that many were not sufficiently ‘scrubby.  Liz Earle is one of my favourite brands and, with regular use, this really does make your feet smoother and less scaly.  I love the peppermint scent too!

Microfile XL

Not the most attractive of products but I have found this is certainly the most efficient method of removing stubborn hard skin.  Far better than a Ped Egg, I think I heard about this from a US blog.   I bought it from Ebay about a year ago as it wasn’t available in the UK.  It is pretty hardcore!

The Body Shop Peppermint Intensive Foot Rescue

The Body Shop’s foot products are great value and really deliver when it comes to pampering your feet.  This intensive foot lotion is great for cracked heels and I just slather it on and pop a pair of socks on overnight for softer, smoother feet the next morning.  I tend to keep this lotion to areas of my feet that are really in need of a moisture injection as otherwise it is a little rich, but it really does the job.

  

The Body Shop Peppermint Cooling Foot Spray

I’ve been purchasing this spray for a few years now and it is invaluable for providing a cooling, refreshing sensation when you have been walking around all day in sandals and your feet are in need of some serious soothing.    It is great to use on your feet after exercise too.

Do you use any particular products to get your feet ‘sandal-ready’?

March Favourites

This will be a quick post this month as I haven't really been using many new products, although I have been using a lot of old ones up.  Plus I am still feeling the after effects of a long day with lots of wine at a friend's wedding yesterday!  Thank goodness it is a short week this week - I can't wait for a four-day weekend!

Estee Lauder Pure Colour in Crystal Baby - review here

This has been my go-to shade for those days when I just can't think if what lipstick to wear.  It imparts only a bare minimum of colour but helps to give a more groomed appearance.  

OPI Holland Collection, Kiss Me on My Tulips - review here

I liked OPI's Holland collection and I wore this plum / fuchsia hybrid quite a few times over the past month.  The quality of OPI polishes is, as always, superb and I love the mini bottles as I never finish a full one.  

Daniel Sandler Watercolour Blush in Flush

A fab blusher which gives a gorgeous, soft pink dewy look.  This was my first watercolour blush and I am intrigued to try some of the others.  A review and swatches of this will be coming up later this week. 

The Body Shop Chocomania Body Scrub - review here

Despite the fact that this scrub can cause a right old mess if you are not careful, I love this as it is sufficiently 'scrubby' whilst feeling very moisturising and the smell is amazing.  It is a love it or hate it scent though so I would recommend having a sniff of it before purchasing.  I think this is limited edition but itshould be available in stores until June.

Charles Worthington Full Volume Shampoo and Conditioner - review here

A great shampoo and conditioner that when used daily give sufficient volume to the hair, without weighing it down. They have not replaced my Tigi Dumb Blonde but I am very impressed with their performance, especially for the price.

What have been your favourites this month?

March Empties

I’ve had a great March using up lots of products, including quite a few full-sized ones too.

The Body Shop Earth Lovers Shower Gel in Pear and Lemongrass (review here) – I liked the idea of this shower gel but the fragrance didn’t wow me and it was far too watery and liquid – the consistency was almost like water!  I wouldn’t rush to repurchase another from this range, purely due to the watery consistency and the fact it was very easy for more to end up down the plughole than on my body!

TiGi Dumb Blonde Shampoo – this is one of my holy grail products and although I like to try other shampoos, this is by far the one I come back to the most.  I finished this bottle and promptly restocked!  I love it as it leaves my hair soft and manageable and prolongs the life of my colour.

Trevor Sorbie Colour Protect Shampoo – this has been lounging in my draw for ages and it was time to use it up!  I think it has now been repackaged, and potentially reformulated, however I wasn’t overly impressed with this mini bottle and I don’t think this would replace my Dumb Blonde!

Lush Three Gold Rings Bubble Bar – this was left over from Christmas but I think they are released every year.  I loved the scent of vanilla / orange oil and it produced monstrous amounts of bubbles (I always just crumble the whole bar in but you could easily get several baths from it).  It did leave a gold stain around the bottom of the bathtub that was horrendous to shift though!  I would possibly repurchase this next year although Lush always brings out new products that I am tempted by!

Neal’s Yard Remedies Seaweed Salt Scrub (review here) – this scrub was sufficiently ‘scrubby’ for me but the scent really put me off and for that reason I wouldn’t repurchase.

Vaseline Intensive Rescue Moisture Locking Body Lotion  - a product that does exactly what it says on the tin, providing instant relief to dry, scaly areas.  At the moment I wouldn’t repurchase as I still have a heap of body lotions to work my way through!

Johnsons 24hr Extra Rich Bodywash – I found there was nothing overly remarkable about this product, probably as I prefer scented shower gels and creams.  It did leave my skin nicely hydrated though and those who prefer unscented body washes would probably like this.  However I will not be repurchasing, mainly as there are hundreds of shower gels and creams I have yet to try!

Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Concentrated Cream – this is another of my staples.  I love the scent of cocoa butter and this never fails to provide my hands with instant moisturisation.  I already have a back up!

Sure Deodorant – not much to say about this, it does the job!

Clinique Mild Liquid Facial Soap  - received probably as part of a Bonus Time promotion, I wasn’t overwhelmed by this as I found it quite drying for everyday use.  It was handy to use after a run as it made my face feel very clean, although you do need to use a good moisturiser afterwards and I wouldn’t recommend it for dry skins.  I wouldn’t repurchase but I’m sure a couple more of these will turn up in future Bonus Time free gifts!

Liz Earle Smoothing Eye Serum (review here) – I used this in conjunction with the Liz Earle eye cream and much preferred this serum to the cream.  I used it in the evenings and although I’m not sure it made a visible difference, it did hydrate my eye area overnight.  I would consider repurchasing but I currently have another couple of eye creams to test out.

Simple Kind To Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes – I always have a couple of packs of wipes on the go for a quick refresh or often just to remove swatches!  These are a great price and, like other Simple products, do not irritate my skin.  I would repurchase.

What have you managed to use up this month?

Review: The Body Shop Vitamin E Eye Cream

As I am rapidly approaching my 30th year, I have started to become a lot more interested in anti-ageing products, and eye creams in particular.  I had read some reviews of The Body Shop's Vitamin E range and decided to give their eye cream a whirl, as I am particularly fond of their body butters and body scrubs.

The Body Shop's Vitamin E Eye Cream claims to help reduce the appearance of fine lines, puffiness and dark circles and is said to be suitable for all skin types.  This isn't an anti-ageing product as such, but as I don't currently have major problems with fine lines or dark circles and mostly want to keep the area hydrated, this wasn't a major concern to me.

The product comes packaging in a small 15ml tube which I would guess would last quite some time as you only require a small amount of product.  The applicator has a tapered nozzle which easily allows the correct amount of product to be dispensed.  I prefer this to a jar as it is much more hygienic than dipping my finger into a pot of cream.

The cream itself is of a medium consistency and is easily absorbed into the skin.  That, however, is where my good experience with this cream ends as  within a couple of minutes of applying, there was an instant burning sensation where I had applied it.  This wasn't the usual tingling that is experienced with some skincare products, it was actually very painful and I had to wash it off immediately.  

I did try applying this again a few days later but I had exactly the same reaction and therefore I haven't used it since.  

Verdict

If you have sensitive skin, I would recommend you do not try this product as I obviously had a bad reaction to it.   I have also since read some other reviews from users who have had similar issues.  On the plus side, the consistency of the cream is good and it does absorb quickly.  From other reviews, many people have said this works well for them although it seems to be best for younger skins, providing hydration to the delicate eye area. My advice would be to see if you can try before you buy to ensure you do not have a reaction, and if you have sensitive skin, to avoid.

Price - £9.50

Where to Buy - The Body Shop 

 

Review: The Body Shop Chocomania Collection

Most of you will probably be aware that The Body Shop launched a new collection earlier this month entitled ‘Chocomania’, and as an avid chocoholic, I had to take a look!

I purchased the Body Scrub, Shower Creme and Lip Butter last week so lets see how they faired.

The Body Scrub was probably my favourite product of the three I tried.  I have used Body Shop scrubs in the past and have been impressed with their consistency, however their scents have previously not always been to my liking.  This scrub is, on first appearances, not the most attractive product in the container but on using it, I was faced with the same consistency that I previously loved from their scrubs – there were sufficient grains to ensure you feel like you are making a difference to your skin without leaving it red and irritated, and it was gentle enough to use on a daily basis.

The scent for this product, as with all the Chocomania products, is more of a dark chocolate scent with a slightly sweet undertone.  In general, I do prefer milk or white chocolate but as a chocolate lover, I’ll be honest, pretty much anything goes!!

The Shower Creme has the same chocolate scent and has rather a thick consistency, which lathers nicely.  Due to the fragrance, I will probably refrain from using this in the morning, preferring more fruity scents to wake me up, but I will certainly enjoy using it for evening showers or baths.

The Lip Butter is a small tub, which again uses the recognisable, dark chocolate fragrance.  However, a word of caution – the lip butter smells delicious but I would not recommend eating it or licking your lips too much whilst wearing it, as it doesn’t taste fantastic.  Containing Shea Butter, this balm is a good everyday balm, although I don’t think it could cope with any particularly heavy-duty cold spells.  There is no colour to it whilst it is on your lips and I like the fact that it is not greasy, allowing me to apply some of the lip butter, wait a while for it to sink in, and then apply my chosen lip product.

Verdict

Whilst a nice idea, I get the feeling that this range will be more of a novelty for most people and I probably wouldn’t repurchase these products, mostly because I have so many others I want to try!  If you are a die-hard chocoholic you may want to try these, and they are a welcome change from many of the fruity scents we are more used to seeing from The Body Shop.  If I was to pick one product out of the three I have tried that I would recommend, it would have to be the Scrub as it performs well and the scent stays around just long enough to appreciate it, but not long enough to linger all day.  However, I find Body Shop products to be generally good quality and all three of these products achieve their usual high standard.

 4/5

Prices

Body Scrub - £9

Shower Cream - £4

Lip Butter - £4

Where to Buy – The Body Shop

January Empties

I haven’t made a bad attempt at finishing things off this month and there have even been a couple of full sized products finished for a change!

Label.m Resurrection Style Dust – review here

I love this and was upset to run out as I probably use it a couple of times a week when I am planning to be out all day or if I’m going out after work.  I have decided to try another similar product – the Tigi Sugar Dust so I will see how that works for me as it is a little cheaper.

No 7 Quick Thinking 4 in 1 Wipes

Not much to say about these, just standard wipes that I use if I am feeling too lazy after a late night (I know, tut tut!)

DP London Body Lotion - quick review here

I liked this but it wasn’t particularly remarkable and I certainly wouldn’t pay full price for it.

Clarins Multi-Active Day Early Action Wrinkle Correction Cream – quick review here

This was a decent day cream that went on quite thick but seemed to moisturise well without leaving me too oily.  I would perhaps consider purchasing a full-sized version or another product from the range.

YSL Belle d’Opium

Didn’t like this at all.  Heady and very powerful, it was not to my taste, and was used instead as a room spray!

Clinique Mild Liquid Facial Soap

This was a sample that I think I probably received as part of Clinique Bonus time which I always seem to get sucked into!  I wouldn’t say it was particularly mild and I certainly wouldn’t use this on a  daily basis, but it was good to use after I had been for a run and really left my skin feeling clean.  I would suggest following up with a good moisturiser though.

Body Shop Sweet Lemon Shower Gel

I love the scent of this and always buy a bottle of it if I am going on holiday.  I adore pretty much any citrus scents as they are so fresh and light and certainly very summery.  I have a body butter in this scent too that I have yet to try  - I really must make an effort to get through my body lotion stash!

Dr Organic Bioactive Skincare Organic Rose Otto Skin Lotion - quick review here

This was a decent body lotion and it would certainly be suited for those who love rose scents.  However, it was not really to my liking as it was a little strong for me, and I have rather a lot of other body lotions to work my way through first!