May Beauty Empties

Some of my Favourite Shower and Body Oils

Today's post is a bit of a random one - I sort of inadvertantly mixed in shower oils with one lone body oil. Basically, I use a lot of oils - facial oils, body oils, shower oils etc. If I had a bath, I have no doubt that I'd also use bath oils! I had a look through the cupboard in my bathroom which is where I keep most of my particulalry gorgeous bodycare and I sort of just of gathered some of my favourites together because I wanted to talk about them. 

Aromatherapy Associates Revive Bath and Shower Oil* | rrp £40.00

I first featured this Bath and Shower Oil in January when I went through a fortnight of being really quite ill. I remember how much better I would feel after I used this shower oil - tipping a capful over my body before stepping under really warm water. Whenever I reach for it now I still have that same experience of just immediately feeling better. I don't personally think it does much for my skin, but it really is one of those products that has an emotional and psychological effect on me. I've come to associate the smell and the experience of using this oil with feeling happier and more refreshed - and although it's an expensive product it works out as cheaper per use than the majority of Lush's bath bombs. I'd much rather invest in one of Aromatherapy Associates' Oils that I can use over and over again, maybe my tastes are maturing!

L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil | rrp £18.00

If shaving is one of your principle methods of hair removal then you need to invest in L'Occitane's Almond Shower Oil. I've been repurchasing it for the last three years because I have never had a smoother shave than when I used this oil. It leaves your skin incredibly smooth and undoes some of the harm that shaving does to sensitive skin. Under water the oil lathers beautifully and has a rich scent that pervades the entire bathroom. I must admit that I use this even when I'm not shaving in place of a shower gel, it makes for a seriously indulgent shower... and sometimes you just need one of those to cheer yourself up. 

Monu Spa Warming Ginger Massage & Body Oil* | rrp £26.00

Now we're verging into multi-purpose product territory. Monu advertise this oil as a body oil, and you can use it like that but I found it a bit too oily and rich for my skin. However, it makes for an excellent shower oil and if you're a fan of ginger - and I must admit that it's really, really growing on me - then you will adore this. I use it in a similar way to the Aromatherapy Associates' Oil rather than the L'Occitane Oil, although I haven't actually tried to use it as a shaving oil so it might just work like that too. 

Elemis Frangipani Monoi Body Oil* | rrp £32.00

 The newbie in my line-up, but it was absolutely love at first application. This body oil is fabulous! It's indulgent in terms of the price, but it leaves my skin absolutely beautifully soft. I apply it to damp skin after I've showered and it just absorbs so quickly leaving behind the softest skin I could ever hope for. I really was impressed! The only downside is that when it's cold the oil solidifies making it impossible to use. My solution is to hold the bottle under my shower head when I'm nearly finished showering. The heat melts enough of the oil for me to use once I get out of the shower. Obviously, this isn't an idea solution but I think that the body oil is so good that I don't mind having to remember this little extra step.

Have you tried any of these oils? Do you like using shower or body oils?

Body Care Favourites from 2014

I discovered some incredible new body products this year, but I've also thrown in two long standing favourites that I would highly recommend!

Lola's Apothecary Rose & Geranium Body Oil*

First on my list is this incredibly nourishing and hydrating body oil from Lola's Apothecary. It makes an incredible difference to the feel of my skin and I found that the results I get from this body oil are better and more long lasting than any other moisturising product that I've tried so far. It has a pretty hefty price tag but it is absolutely worth the money. If you haven't already tried anything from Lola's Apothecary then you need to keep your eyes peeled, they're definitely a brand to watch!

Roger & Gallet Fleur de Figuier Ultra Nourishing Oil*

This is another incredible body oil and the scent is absolutely gorgeous! It isn't quite as nourishing as my previous mention but I've found that the product goes quite a lot further thanks to its handy spray top. This is a wonderful option for those with dry skin who are looking for long-lasting results with the addition of a beautiful fragrance. I've loved using this, I reach for it a lot and I've been really impressed at how long it's lasted me. It's a product that's definitely worth investing in!

Balance Me Rose Otto Body Wash*

I really love Balance Me's products and their Rose Otto range is quite simply beautiful. I've been a big fan of the scent of Lush's Flying Fox Shower Gel this year, but the quality of Balance Me's Body Washes completely won me over. It was a real pleasure to find something so nice to use that's also sulphate-free. I'll definitely be repurchasing it and I'm really looking forward to trying more products from Balance Me over the coming year.

Lanolips Intense Rose Hand Balm*

This was a last minute rediscovery! I loved this hand balm last year and got through a full-size tube pretty darn quickly because I couldn't put the stuff down. I recently was sent a half-size tube and it's been sitting in my handbag ever since. I can't believe I forgot to repurchase it this year, I think that in terms of effectiveness its on par with L'Occitane's Shea Hand Cream but I definitely prefer the formula of Lanolips' Intense Rose Hand Balm.

L'Occitane Almond Milk Concentrate
This will forever be a favourite of mine - it's one of those beauty products that I've loved from the moment I discovered it. Tom very kindly gave me a L'Occitane Almond Gift Set for Christmas and it's completely rekindled the fire in my heart. If you like gel-textured moisturisers that smell sweet and musky all at once, then L'Occitane's Almond Milk Concentrate might just be the next product that you need to try.


What have been some of your favourites from 2014?

March Beauty Empties