Following my recent article about the Neal’s Yard Pamper Morning I attended (see here), I wanted to dedicate a full review of the products I was given whilst there, as they are so fantastic, I felt they deserved their very own post. Made in the UK, containing no nasty parabens or chemicals, each product in the range is not only beautifully packaged – in a gorgeous recycled blue plastic bottle – but also filled with natural aromatherapy oils, meaning they all smell luxurious and make you feel as though you’re in your very own spa. What more could you possibly want?
Geranium & Orange Shower Gel
I’m not normally a huge fan of branded shower gels if I’m completely honest. I normally tend to stick to Sainsbury’s own, or one from the Boots Naturals range, as apart from washing away any dirt, I’ve never really appreciated their purpose. However, if there was ever a product that could persuade you otherwise, it’s this one – I’m well and truly a converted shower gel lover. With a fresh, citrus-y orange scent (and floral undertones), this product hydrates and softens skin and actually works as a moisturizer and a shower gel, as the more you rub into your skin, it changes into a lotion, which washes off, but leaves a gorgeous, soft aftereffect. For all those who find putting on moisturizer after a shower a chore (me included) this is the ultimate two-in-one product for you, as it cleans and moisturizes with minimal effort. Oh, and did I mention. It smells amazing.
Nourishing Orange Flower Daily Moisturiser
As someone who suffers from dry skin on a daily basis, I tend to gravitate towards products that claim to ‘hydrate, replenish or protect’, as this is what I look for when using moisturizers. I must have tried in the region of forty moisturizers over the past year, some of which have been more successful than others, however I have now learnt that just because a product advertises that it tackles dry skin, it doesn’t necessarily mean this. Often, they can actually dry skin out more because of harsh chemicals. I’m pleased to say that this product, does not fit the latter – and it does indeed live up to it’s claims of replenishing and protecting dry skin. I’m not a huge fan of the scent of this one (which is odd, because I love all of the other scents in the range), as it’s a little musty, however it isn’t too overpowering – and the way the product works makes up for this times 100. As soon as it is applied, skin feels instantly smoother, softer and more hydrated and it doesn’t leave any oily residue that a lot of products tend to. It sinks into skin easily, so it feels very light and the effects last at least 24 hours, if not longer.
White Tea Face Mask
Unless I’m having a ‘pamper myself’ moment, I never really use face mask’s, so I rarely have them in the house. They tend to work best after leaving them on for 30 minutes, so again, the fact they are time consuming puts me off a little. However, I gave this one the benefit of the doubt after being recommended it by Heidi, and I’m so glad I gave it a go. It looks a little like pale mud (but not as slimey) and should be applied generously to the face (avoiding the eyes of course, good one Scarlett). I left mine on for ten minutes, not really expecting to see an awful lot of difference, but I was amazed by how much softer my skin felt after gently washing the mask off. Any dry skin areas and patches of redness (which I tend to suffer from quite a bit) were instantly smoother and less noticeable and when I applied my foundation afterwards, it went on so smoothly – I could have gotten away with ignoring the moisturizer! I love this one, and even for those who feel they don’t have time to fiddle around with face masks, this is definitely worth a try!
Sensual Jasmine Body Cream
The strange, but alluring thing about the Neal’s Yard Remedies products is that they all look and smell so rich and luxurious, but don’t feel heavy on your skin like a lot of products do, and they sink into your skin immediately – leaving it feeling soft and hydrated, but without that horrid oily or slimey residue a lot of products have. I own several body creams, which I used to apply religiously every night, but in recent months – I just haven’t bothered, because it takes around 15 minutes for them to properly sink into my skin, meaning that I practically slid into bed each night. This cream has persuaded me otherwise, and with a gorgeous jasmine scent, it’s actually relaxing (rather than a hassle) to put on before bed. It’s really nourishing (credit goes to the Brazil Nut Oil ingredient) and despite the pungent scent, doesn’t bring my rather sensitive skin out in rashes (yay!).
Aromatherapy Blend (Calming)
I’m more of a shower person than a bath person normally. I like my daily cleaning routine to be quick and easy, and since it normally occurs in the morning (before work), I think a nice steamy bath (however inviting) would be pushing it. Just a little. However, in order to test out the Aromatherapy blend to the very best of it’s ability, I needed to have a nice, long bath. Any excuse, eh? Although I’m pretty bad at describing scents, this one is so reminiscent of a relaxing spa, it’s easy to picture. It’s a calming mix of lavender, flower oils and citrusy oils, and it smells oh so relaxing when you’re immersed in the bath with a good book (currently reading Secrets of the Tides by Hannah Richell). You simply add 5 drops to the bath, mix in with your favourite foamy bubble bath and you’re ready to go. If you close your eyes, you pretty much could be in a spa! An instant de-stresser!
I’m still in the process of trialing the other products, so I will keep you updated. But if you haven’t tried any Neal’s Yard Remedies, you’re missing out – as they really are a treat. With such a luxurious feel to them, I was expecting the products to be far more expensive than they actually are (they tend to range from £13-£25). I’m definitely a new found fan and I can’t wait to try more! I would love to know if you have ever tried any of the products and what you thought of them!
To find out more about the products above, or to try/buy any of them. Please visit Heidi’s shop here.
