This week I heart...

Neal's Yard Garden Mint and Bergamot Hand Lotion via

I'm getting into Neal's Yard in a biiig way. I think the appeal is that for a chain, they've managed to create a sense of being your local little healthy skincare store. I love that experience. The staff are knowledgeable, which is so important. I've been shopping in Neal's Yard for essential oils, Bach remedies (blog post coming up on that) and many gifts for myself (and others! But start with self love, right?). 

I totally heart this hand cream. I've dotted them around the house - in the bathroom, the living room, bedroom...because I'm actually quite naughty when it comes to moisturising my hands. I don't like to feel greasy because I'm always touching things (isn't it annoying when you pick up, say, a notebook and then mark it with a newly moisturised paw?). The advantage with this is 1) the pump bottle - soooo much more practical, 2) it looks pretty in a professional 'I know my hand lotions' way, 3) it smells a bit pretty but also a bit homeopathic/natural pharmacy/but not too lentil-soaking....perfect for me, 4) it leaves my hands feeling soft and smelling gorgeous, 5) do we need a 5? Guests always leave my bathroom moisturising their hands with a self satisfied glow in their eyes and say 'aaaah, great hand cream'. Point made. 

Weleda's Body Oil Essentials Kit (limited edition) Via

I bought this limited edition Weleda body oil set on a whim whilst shopping for essential oils and thought 'ooh, lovely gift to have in stock'. I like to have a few 'will please everybody' gifts in my gift drawer and it occurred to me that put into (bigger) gifts individually, these add a little colour. 

Anyway, in the interests of research I ended up using them myself. I think these are a good skin treat for a self-pamper night - I got them for about £10, so we're not talking about dusting yourself down in gold leaves, but we are talking about giving skin that extra moisture boost after a long soak. I tend to apply these generously after exfoliation. Because I've got back into fake tan after a looong tan-sabbatical I have to time tan applications very carefully with when I can exfoliate, body brush, use oils etc...tedious. Pale and interesting wasn't worth it, btw. Fresh white bed linen? Yes. Happy girl? No. 


I think these oils are well worth a try. My fave was the Citrus Refreshing body oil and my least fave, Wild Rose, only because I sometimes find that Wild Rose smells a bit like tobacco...more info here. 

Earth's Wisdom's Ultimate Indulgence Day Cream Via

I've been using this little beauty on my face during the day and I can report back very favourably. I've got to know the lovely owners of this skincare brand, Earth's Wisdom. Anna lovingly creates her potions by hand with the best ingredients she can get her mitts on. Wherever possible the ingredients are organic. The price tag is very generous considering the quality - the largest size is £13 (you're not paying for a big marketing machine here - this is totally hand made). There is a rich texture to this Ultimate Indulgence Day Cream. It's not too thick, not too thin and feels luxurious. Applying this cream is a vital part of my morning pampering ritual. Instantly absorbed and light reflecting, this is an absolute bargain in natural beauty terms. It just feels 'right'.