All things nice

It’s a funny time of year; no doubt the weather has dominated many a recent conversation and thrown some serious wardrobe dilemmas into the mix – clever layering and a compact umbrella remains the the safest strategy at present!

With the sun still in hiding but summer on the mind, it’s a great time to introduce a little warmth into your body care regime. Sugar and spice based products offer the perfect way to toast the spirits and wrap you in a cocoon of confused-but-don’t-care seasonal bliss.

If sugar and spice conjure the image of babyish beauty confections, think again, for today’s top picks offer a far more grown up and indulgent take…

1. Lulu & Boo Organics Vanilla Sugar Organic Body Scrub

   Lulu and Boo, a new range to me, is an award-winning collection of Soil Association approved organics. Offering skin and body care products, this family friendly brand also features items for mother and baby, with mens goodies also in the pipeline.

   The packaging strikes a great balance of clean lines and pretty details, making each item a joy to display. I’ve fallen for the charms of the Vanilla Sugar Body Scrub, which won the Beauty Bible’s Anti-Ageing award.

   In terms of body buffing action, this is my idea of a perfect scrub – brilliantly gritty, yet softened by a mix of oils and a dose of coconut butter. The orange and cardamom oils tip the fragrance from syrupy to something far richer and more sophisticated.

   A must for your home and just lovely as a gift.

   £27.00 for 200ml – www.luluandboo.com

2. John Masters Organics Blood Orange & Vanilla Body Milk

   For those who can take their scents a little sweeter, John Masters Organics’ Blood Orange and Vanilla Body Milk is a delight. That’s right, John Masters’ expertise goes beyond hair care into a full ‘super natural beauty’ collection. (Love that strap line!)

   As you’d expect, the milk is a relatively lightweight lotion, that’s incredibly quick to absorb and amazingly fragrant – pretty enough to forego additional perfume.

   As I’ve said, the scent is sweet but the addition of blood orange adds a fruity depth. The hydrating qualities are really impressive, it’s easy to apply in the morning dash and you’ll be oohing over your smooth skin when it’s time to undress.

   Even if you’re puddle dodging, you can’t fail to be inspired by a sense of the tropics and you’ll want to pack this in your suitcase when it’s time to flee to warmer climes.

   £18.00 for 236ml – www.johnmasters.co.uk

3. Bodhi’s Galangal Spice Vitalising Bath & Shower Therapy

   Regular Buff Beauties will be familiar with the Bodhi offering; a heavenly collection of spa worthy infusions that should be available on prescription for their ability to pamper the senses! Galangal Spice is no exception; described as both invigorating and reviving, this is the ideal remedy to perk you up.

   With galangal, white pepper and clove at its heart, you’re immediately struck by a reassuring warmth, while top notes of grapefruit and spearmint offer an interesting and zesty twist. The clever inclusion of kaffir lime leaf and cardamom helps to lift the mood and clear the mind – this really is the best way to start a new day.

   In terms of texture, this is a seriously nourishing bath and shower gel, with a host of oils helping to maintain the moisture balance while deeply cleansing the skin. My only warning: this fragrance appeals as much ‘to him’ as ‘to her’, so if you don’t want to share, you’d better hide your bottle!

   £23.00 for 250ml – www.bodhi.uk.com

Well, I do hope you’ll be tempted to introduce a hint of sugar and spice into your own beauty regime and would love to hear which products are brightening your days.

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