A luscious shower mousse from Dove

Who shaves in the shower?

I’ve always shaved my legs in the shower, but never used shaving foam. The fact Dove has brought out a gorgeous range of shower mousses has changed my life a bit!

The Dove shower mousse is infused with essential oils and delivers 24 hour softness. It has three variations – argan, rose and coconut oils.

It is creamy and produces instant foam instantly, which then glides onto the skin, cleansing and leaving it soft with a fabulous scent – all three of them!

Of course, not only it is a shower foam to clean skin, but it is also suitable for shaving.

The razor glides amazingly on the mousse that does not disintegrate quickly and the essential oils help skin feel soft after; because it is so gentle and the foam is so rich, it helps prevent irritation.

Worth remembering they are also sulphate free!

The rose oil variation comes in the prettiest pink packaging, but the smell on the coconut oil one is definitely my favourite – although all three smell amazing and leave a subtle scent on the skin after use.

I also love that they have a “scratch and sniff” label on the lid, so you know exactly what the product smells like  before buying.

The pump is smooth to operate in the shower and it delivers a great amount – a little does go a long way!

Since they came into my life, I cannot imagine washing my body with a traditional soap, shower gel or cream again. It feels quite indulgent, but an affordable indulgence, at £3.99 for 200ml.

You can get the scrumptious new Dove Shower Mousse from major retailers, such as Superdrug and Boots, and supermarkets country-wide.

You’ll get addicted, don’t say I didn’t warn you…

written by Dani

You know the drill, but I’ll say again: this post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

Urban yoga

My body has now entered rehab mode. My gluteus tendonitis, which is an office injury, means that circus is, for now, off the table.

So I am giving my body time to heal and what better than yoga to help the process? Add all the much needed mind benefits and there I was, with a smile on my face to be invited to the launch of the Karma Sanctum Yoga brunch club.

Taking place monthly at the lovely boutique Karma Sanctum hotel in Soho, London, the experience has a whole hour Vinyasa flow yoga with Katie Silver, coconut water, Lululemon yoga mats, a goodie bag, bottomless healthy brunch at the lovely heated hotel rooftop.

Oh, and did I mention there is a hot tub you can also use after your practice? Of yeah, THAT.

Carol and I headed to the inaugural yoga session, which took place at their cinema room. I found Katie excellent; an instructor who delivered a class for all levels.

Her voice and presence are calming and soothing, her instructions paced and clear, her adjustments fair and focused on you, even on a large class. And the orange oil she used at the end was divine.

Carol also pointed out that Katie was very available (and smiley!) after the practice, talking to some attendees about their technique, how to improve postures, etc.

On the bottomless, al fresco buffet brunch menu devised by James Cathcart, coffee, rolls, pancakes, plenty of fruit, fresh juices, yoghurt, scrambled eggs and avocados (made into a delicious guacamole). Being able to mix and match is really great. The setting is calming and it was great to be outside.

Carol and I were expecting to perhaps see gluten free carbs opposed to white rolls and very healthy smoothies/green juices, but those were not available, although we were satisfied with the fresh and filling fare provided.

Then I got changed and took a dip on the fabulous hot tub, with some super relaxing jets that soothed my muscles post-practice. I left feeling light, relaxed and open. What a delightful way to reset for the new week.

Overall, I believe it is very good value for money!

If you want to snap up one of the 20 monthly spaces, go to sanctumsoho.com and get booking. Yoga sessions start at 10 and finish at 11, with brunch/hot tubbing going until 13:30 on a Sunday. The next one is on the 4th June, then 30th July and it costs £40 per session.

On the goodie bag, great brands such as Skin & Tonic (which I love!), Yogandha Body Oil, Gallinee Hand Cream, Potion London, Orelia and Hype Clothing, probably worth more than the session alone!

To find out more about Katie, visit her website.

Pear-fect care and protection

When you are 100% sure you found your hands down favourite Dove deodorant scent, they bring out something completely different to confuse you. Meet the Dove GoFresh Pear and Aloe Vera antiperspirant deodorant.

I’m not usually one for fresh scents but this one hooked me in, so once again, the collaboration with Givaudan pays off for Dove.

The pear and aloe vera fragrance is fresh, but very feminine. The sweetness of the pear totally does it for me, if I am honest.

On top of that, Dove is always improving the formula on their products and of course you can count on the 1/4 moisturising cream, which is now, in fact, is using the same ingredients as luxury face creams, to care for your underarms’ skin, keeping it soft, as well as protect against sweat for 48 hours.

Worth remembering that when we shave our underarms, 36% is actually skin! No wonder that often neglected part of the body can feel dry and irritated.

The range contains the fabulous anti-perspirant in spray, roll-on and stick, body wash and the brand new shower foam, which I will have to talk about in a separate post as it is divine!

You can get the fabulous Dove GoFresh Pear and Aloe Vera range from retailers nationwide and products are priced from £2.65.

For more information on all amazing products from Dove, including the 2017 launches and their Self-esteem Project, visit the Dove UK website.

P.S.: Sorry about the cheesy headline. Obviously I could not resist!

You know the drill, but I’ll say anyway: this post contains PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

Repairing comfort for hair: Garnier Ultimate Blends Maple Healer

garnier-ultimate-blends-maple-healer-review-1At this time of the year my hair (and skin) are very tired: the wind is brutal, central heating has been acting on it for months… what better than some natural healing power to help restore my locks?

Enter the brand new Garnier Ultimate Blends Maple Healer, with conditioning Omega 6 and 9 rich castor oil and protecting maple sap. This trio will treat your hair to extreme hydration and a fabulous smell.

garnier-ultimate-blends-maple-healer-review-4I discovered the range (and got my personalised bottle) at their fabulous The Blends’ Room pop-up in London. And if you are around Soho today and want to be amongst the first to try, pop down to 15 Bateman Street (W1D 3AQ) before 6pm to get free samples and other treats. Hurry, it’s the last day!

I am a huge fan of the Ultimate Blends from the beginning (see?) and every addition they bring out really nails it. Not only the shampoo lathers and cleans well and the conditioners really soften hair, but the added items of each line within the range do the job very well: oils, masks, sprays, treatments.

garnier-ultimate-blends-maple-healer-review-5All addressing different hair needs and the even better, with a price tag that won’t break the bank.

The smell is amazing: sweet and maple-y without being sickly. It lingers lightly in the hair and every now and then you catch a lovely whiff of it.

garnier-ultimate-blends-maple-healer-review-6A small amount of conditioner is very effective and the mask is thick and powerful. Hair feels clean and soft after use.

garnier-ultimate-blends-maple-healer-review-3Now, a little away from hair… the Intense Repairer body lotion is divine, perfect for winter skin. It is rich but absorbs amazingly well; my skin cannot have enough of it.

And the smell? Well, you guessed: fabulous. Sweet and maple-y, just like the hair range, which sticks to the skin but is not overpowering. My skin (apart from smelling amazing) fells nourished (winning a mid-afternoon “your skin was so soft this morning” message) and comfortable all day long.

The gorgeous Garnier Ultimate Blends Maple Healer range is already available to buy from Boots, Superdrug and Asda. The RRP is £3.89 for the shampoo and conditioner (400ml), £4.49 for the mask (400ml) and £4.49/£5.99 for the body milk (250ml/440ml).

signature1You know the drill, but I’ll say anyway: this post contains a mix of products I have bought myself and PR samples. This review, however, is based on my experience with the product and reflects my honest opinion on them.

So Many Lovely Things beauty retrospective 2015: hair and body

hair_body_somanylovelythingsToday we get to the final instalment of the So Many Lovely Things retrospective 2015. What a fantastic year it has been!
And to finish it off, see my favourite which products rocked my hair and body in 2015.

Hair

Multitasking

got2b_allstar_review - 1The Schwarzkopf Got2B All Star tends to 10 hair concerns. Although the volumising and texturising properties on this are my favourites, it delivers in all fronts.
revlon_professional_uniq_one_coconut_hair_treatment_review - 1With the coconut bonus, the Revlon Uniq One spray also delivers on its promises. Hair is soft, hydrated, easy to brush.

Serum/oil

got2b_oilicious - 4The Schwarzkopf Got2b Oil-licious styling oil is a little delight. Smells great, tames, gives shine and leaves hair feeling fantastic.
wella sp luxe oilThe Wella System Professional Luxe Oil is another little gem, with a great smell, leaving hair smooth and silky.
ultimate blends honey treasures reviewThe Garnier Ultimate Blends Honey Treasures Strength Restorer serum is great. De-frizzes, smooths and has the most amazing smell of honey.

Shampoo and conditioner

liz earle hair careA great duo: Liz Earle Botanical Shine Shampoo and Conditioner. Smell fresh and leaves hair super clean.
ultimate blends honey treasures reviewI am in love with the whole Garnier Ultimate Blends Honey Treasure range. It smells divine and leaves hair feeling soft and nourished. Plus, it is great value for money.
Swell is still part of my routine. It has been since before 2015, but it’s just too good to leave out!

Mask

The Taya Inner Core Hair Strong Anti-breakage mask is great. Feels supple and extra moisturising on the hair and smells delicious.

Dry shampoo

Swell Ultimate Volume Dry ShampooThis is undisputed: The Swell Ultimate Volume Dry Shampoo is the king of my tresses. All natural and with a powder spray, it is a must have. Last forever!

Styling tools

revlon_perfectionist_2in1_dryer_review - 1My styling tool discovery was the Revlon Perfectionist 2 in 1 Dryer. A hot air hair brush that works and delivers great blow dry results at home.
babyliss diamond waves wandThe Babyliss Diamond Waves Curling Wand was also well used this year. With the easy guide to creat lovely curls.
Also, a mention to my faithful GHDs, which never, ever let me down way pre 2015 to straighten, curl and wave.

Styling

Schwarzkopf got2b Mind Blowing reviewBeen totally in love with Got2b Mind Blowing Express Styling range. All products are great and speedy.
Talking about Got2b, their Rise ‘n Shine hairspray is also amazing. Styles without stiffness and smells amazing, like all other Got2b products!

Vitamins

hairfinity2Definitely Hairfinity for me. Made a massive difference to my hair, I am still using it; have it on auto-order.

Extensions

irresistible_me_hair_extensions_review - 3Of course, the fabulous Irresistible Me. Just wow. Great quality, fabulous colours, friendly service. Never been so happy and intend to purchase more.

 

Body

Moisturiser

A tough call between a few favourites…
dover_derma_spa - 1The Dove DermaSpa range is just fantastic and the DermaSpa Goodness³ Body Lotion and cream are just great!
I am a fan of Bath & Body Works; Velvet Sugar is one of my favourites scents. Sweet Pea comes a close second. Rich and yum.
coconut_products_somanylovelythings - 6The Yes to Coconut Ultra Light Spray Body Lotion was also a fave this year. I love it is a spray lotion; it feels light and nourishing. And yes, it is coconutty!

Oil

thisworks_energy_bank body makeoverThis Works Energy Bank Body Makeover oil is fabulous. Great on the skin, an awakening smell and integral part of my gym bag.
The Spa Technologies Hydrating Laminaria Oil is one I’ve been using all year and is almost over.

Scrub

fake_bake_coconut_macaroon_scrub - 1I love a good scrub, especially pre-tan. The Fake Bake Dolce Dreams Coconut Macaroon Body Scrub works a treat and smell divine.

Tan

heshi_express - 1Hands down my favourite tan, the HeShi Rapid One Hour Liquid Tan. not only delivers a great tan, but doesn’t smell and works as fast as one hour. Sold!

Hands

crabtree_evelyn_hand - 3There is no competition: the Crabtree & Evelyn  60 Second Fix for Hands. The scrub is amazing and their hand moisturiser is just the best. Take note.

Deodorant

dove soft feel deodorantThe Dove Soft Feel is the deodorant of the year on my books. It has all the quality of a Dove deodorante and the fragrance is absolutely stunning. Love.
I am going to include the Halo deodorant wipes here. Just too handy!

Body wash

dove_empower_hour - 3Again, it’s a Dove item. I love their Gentle Exfoliating Nourishing Body Wash. it is very gentle, but effective. Skin is left clean and moisturised after use.

Bath Oil

An awful lot. Too much. It is soothing for the body and the mind. A true moment of calm, so needed in everyday life.

Intimate wash

sass_intimate_refreshing_mist - 2Sass was a great discovery this year. Their Refreshing Mist and Intimate Wash are just amazing. They are very mild; gentle and effective.
What worked for you in 2015? What are your favourite hair and body products this year?
signature1
This post mentions some press samples.

Need a quick tan job? HeShi to the rescue!

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Sun kissed skin: HeShi Gold Foaming Mousse (review)

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Review: Dove Soft Feel deodorant

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And with the launch of Soft Feel, Dove is very unlikely to lose its crown with me!

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