Winter Hands // Caramel Hot Chocolate, Gingerbread Chai Latte + Apple Cinnamon Punch

Considering a lot of the hand creams I adore come with a high price tag (L’Occitane, anyone?) I was surprised to see how cheap the new Winter Drinks hand creams from essence were when scanned at the checkout! For a measly $1.95 AUD I grabbed one of each variety- the sweet Caramel Hot Chocolate, fruity Apple Cinnamon Punch and the spicy Gingerbread Chai Latte. While these aren’t the most moisturising hand creams, they don’t leave a greasy residue and are a nice light lotion for my handbag, being packaged in cute lightweight tubes. If you really only wanted to buy one, I think the Caramel Hot Chocolate is pretty amazing for foodie scent lovers, but once on the skin Apple Cinnamon Punch is the one for me. This is an important thing to note: these smell way better on than in the tube, so keep that in mind if you are undecided on these cheap treats.

 

These are available from Priceline + Target, and so far the shelves seem pretty full so head down to nab them before word gets out and more people indulge in these wintery treats.

Which scent would you vote for? Are you a fan of foodie scented creams?

Top 4 Hand Creams That Soothe and Smell Great!

Seriously, I have a truck load of half used hand creams floating around my place and I just can’t seem to stick it out with just one. These are my top 4 right now, and I love slathering them all over my hands (and elbows, don’t forget!) as I sit at my desk writing or reading blogs.

 

The Jojoba Company make some rad facial products, and this is the first body product I’ve tried from them. The Lemon & Coconut hand cream* ($22.95/50ml) comes in the cutest pink squeezy tube, and even though I have the travel sized 20ml tube, I still think the regular size would be perfect to keep in your handbag. It smells just like lemon meringue pie to my nose, and I’ll be honest and say that is isn’t my favourite scent, though everyone I’ve shared it with has absolutely loved the smell so perhaps it is just me. Not too thick and sinks in fast, good job Jojoba Co!

For seriously dry hands or an overnight treatment, I reach for my Burt’s Bees Almond Milk Beeswax Hand Crème* ($19.95/57g). The crazy thick texture and sweet almond smell are highlights of this one, and though some might dislike the pot hygiene issue, I think the glass and cream labels look expensive and nice on my desk with my other night time goodies. Cute cow on the lid, too, how can you say no!?

The Sally Hansen Nails & Cuticle Hand Cream* ($9.95/96g) is fresh and citrusy, and feels quite velvety on the hands after it sinks in. I first used this during the racing season when I was in Federation Square getting a SH manicure (post here if you want to check that out) and I was enthralled by the smell of it. I think scents like this work all year round, either to perk you up on a chilly day at the office or to let you feel tropical on a warm summer day.

 

I've definitely saved the best for last, because although I enjoy the other hand creams for various reasons, my heart truly belongs to my Endota Spa Lavender and Alpine Pepper hand cream* ($34/90ml and $10/20ml). Amazing scent mix, best formula I've come across, classic and compact packaging...the list goes on. My original review is here if you want to check it out (a very old post indeed! but suffice to say that this cream is my very favourite.

 

Which of these scents tickle your fancy? Do you have a hand cream recommendation for me? I'd love to hear what hand creams you love most in the comments below, and also the ones that disappointed you!

 

 

*These products were provided for consideration and all opinions are mine. Honesty,always.

Cherry Princess by L'Occitane

L'Occitane have been hitting it out of the park with their recent collections, and this one is no exception. The scent of a cherry blossom is one that I just adore, and having that in such a range of products is a wonderfully sweet addition to the L'Occitane brand. A limited edition release, the Cherry Princess scented range contains quite a few stunningly packaged products. This post will share the pearlescent shower cream, the hand cream and the solid perfume.

I adore shower time, and having a shimmering creamy bottle of this is a little slice of heaven. Though it is a shower cream, it does lather once it hits the sponge and goes a long way. The lather isn't completely creamy, but still quite moisturising and lovely to use.

I am fond of pearlescent products for the shower, I think they add a touch of luxe to any bathing ritual, and that is something I definitely endorse.

Ingredients, in case anyone is interested in them.

I tend to think of hand creams as a necessary indulgence, and when I'm sitting in the library writing all day, I look forward to using a sweetly-scented one to perk up a dull mood or slump in writing action. This leaves my hands super soft and isn't greasy at all. L'Occitane hand creams are some of the best I've used, and this scent is less sickly-sweet than just plain lovely, and I adore the packaging as well. It isn't a classic floral print, but geometric and definitely adds a modern touch to L'Occitane.

Again, the ingredients list if anyone is interested.

I only have a few solid perfumes in my collection, and I like being able to take the convenient size along with me. This is not a strong scent, it's subtle but something to surprise my nose each time my wrist happens to pass by my nose.

It's much easier to reapply throughout the day than a spray, as I don't have to leave the desk at the library for fear of offending any sensitive noses nearby. I have also been using this before bed at night, as I sleep with my hands clasped near my face (bit random?) and this delicate lil' flower is excellent to drift into dreamland with.

Ingredients for the solid perfume (as an aside, I love things that are made in France a little more than others, and I'm not ashamed to admit it!)

Any pieces from this collection would make a lovely gift for yourself or for Mother's Day, and the collection is now out at L'Occitane stores so be sure to check it out. Alternatively, you can order from the new collection online here. They have some great promotions going on, including a $30 'Spring Blossom' hand cream trio in a tin, or a complete Mother's Day set for $95 which is amazing! If you spend $80 in L'Occitane which includes a piece from the new collection, you get a great GWP as well.

Overall I think this collection is one of the best I've seen from L'Occitane, the packaging and product execution is stellar and the prices make these products very accessible.

Pearlescent Shower Cream 250ml $28

Solid Perfume 10g $16

Hand Cream 30ml $12

Are you a fan of cherry blossom scents?
What are some of your favourite L'Occitane products?

Would love to hear what you think of the packaging of this collection in the comments!

*These products were provided for consideration for review, which has not affected my opinions or review of this collection. Honesty, always.

Empties, January-March

I've had these piling up since the start of the year, and neglected to post them monthly like I usually do. Here are my empties from the beginning of year 'til now!

A stack of hair stuff, not all of it is completely empty but I'm sick of using hair products that don't help my dandruff just to use them up.

Garnier Fructis Sensitive Scalp shampoo- This is the first shampoo I've found that actually keeps my dandruff at bay! Will post a full review eventually, suffice to say I have already repurchased.

  

Terax Crema- the best conditioner I have ever tried, review here.

Cedel Anti-Dandruff shampoo- didn't finish this,it was quite a while ago that I used it so I can't remember much about it.

Sunsilk Scalp-Care anti-dandruff shampoo-Same as above, can't remember this doing much at all and so it was never finished.

QV Gentle Shampoo- not gentle, this made my head itch and flake like mad. Used this as shaving lotion to finish it up, and it wasn't good at that either.

Garnier Fructis Citrus Detox shampoo- this was decent, but I prefer the blue bottle so I won't repurchase this kind.

Cedel Dry Shampoo- I really like this, it's a little more expensive than the one I've been using but I think the bottle is nice and stands out on my cabinet. I will repurchase eventually.

Rexona Girl Dance deodorant-This scent wasn't my cup of tea, I prefer the Tropical version of this in the white and pink can.

Face of Australia Gentle Makeup Remover-this is a great affordable makeup remover, I was originally sent this but this is the one I repurchased. I will buy this again, my original review is here.

A whole bunch of empty face wipe packets as well as a Priceline lip wipes one, and some cotton round packaging.

Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Moisturiser- This was a nice moisturiser but I seemed to use it up too fast, so the price tag is a bit annoying. I will probably repurchase but not for a while.

Johnsons Holiday Skin Body Lotion-I remember this being a really nice gradual tanner, but it's so old that it probably doesn't work anymore so out it goes!

RoC Complete Lift Moisturiser- was so hard to squeeze anything out of these wincey sample tubes. I remember this being a nice consistency and creamy but nothing outstanding. I think the packaging just irritated me too much. These came in a beauty box, I believe.

 

Nougat London Fig and Pink Cedar hand cream*- This sample size was lovely, the scent is very strong but because I was fond of it I really didn't mind. I got this in a Primped sample bag ages ago, it's a very lovely introduction to the cute Nougat London range.

Hissyfit Handywork SPF30 hand cream*- this sample was from the same Primped bag, and hi 5 to Hissyfit for making a hand cream with such high SPF! Lovely and sinks in fast, will repurchase (eventually, I have a lot of hand creams to use up!)

 

Sasy N Savy Rose and Lavender Hand Cream- loved the scent, but while I appreciate that the company are trying to stand out with their name, they're standing out for all the wrong reasons.

Original Source Shea Butter and Honey Shower Cream- Chris and I adore these, they smell amazing and are such great quality. We grab a whole box full when they go on sale at the supermarket or chemist (they're on sale at Chemist Warehouse right now...) Love, will continue to repurchase and will review soon.

1SkinSolutions Lime Thyme shower gel*- will be reviewing this soon, I really enjoyed the scent.

Imperial Leather Foamburst shower gel in Coconut and Tiare Flower- I found this to be really moisturising, and lasted quite a long time. I think the scent is nice, but for some reason I didn't love it like I knew I should. I may try this again as it lathers wonderfully, but will probably choose a different scent.

Trishave Shave Creme*- the tea tree in this made me feel great, as I knew if I were to nick myself it's sanitary. I liked that this was non-foaming and that they made note of it on the packaging, it covered the legs really well and was nice to use. Non-drying and affordable, win. Smell is very strong though, just something to keep in mind.

Items marked * were either free samples or were provided for consideration for review. This doesn't affect my opinion of the products. Honesty, always.

Endota Spa Hand Cream- Lavender and Alpine Pepper

Alpine Pepper

+

Lavender

=

Endota Spa Hand Cream in Lavender and Alpine Pepper



A powerful scent that takes some getting used to, this non-greasy hand cream is a staple in my handbag. Takes a minute to sink in, and then I'm left with super-soft, gorgeous smelling mitts.

I'm not lavender's biggest fan by any means, but when it's paired with alpine pepper?

Muchos respect!

emmabovary xx

Product was also mentioned here!

(Product provided in Primped goodie bag 2010-

 which does not affect my opinion or review of the product)

(Alpine Pepper image taken from alpineology.com.au)

Desk Essentials + Link Love

I've spent the last  few weeks chained to the university library desk, and I've found that these products have been major players in allowing me to hold on to my sanity (or what is left of it...)

*

TYPO notebook

various styles, this being my favourite

it's actually my 'blog book' and it's got one page left!

*

Mentos lollies

the fruity ones

these are ltd ed. orange flavour, noms!

*

Yellow Highlighter

brightens up my studies, naw

*

Jack Black Lip Balm

vanilla and lavender

if I'm not rocking brights, I'm rocking this

*

Endota Spa Hand Cream

lavender and alpine pepper

wakes up the nose, soothes the hands

after a big writing session, this saves my life!

*

shout outs to my favourite distractions

fables in fashion

25flondon

CClarebear

Ponikuta

Shopping Intervention

Makeup and Macaroons

Pink Sith

emmabovary xx

Crabtree & Evelyn-Comforting Body Lotion

My most recent obsession is body/hand lotions. My skin is so thirsty of late, so I have been enjoying trying various creams in my quest for the holy grail. This, so far, is the forerunner. I randomly picked it up before Christmas when perusing the Crabtree & Evelyn outlet store near my uni. I went in looking for the Gardener's Hand Recovery Kit for my Mumma, and found that on sale for less than $10 (think it was around $6/$7 but can't remember...) The pack is really cute and holds a hand recovery cream and a hand therapy cream.

Now, on to the real review!

Crabtree & Evelyn Naturals Comforting Body Lotion- Milk,Soy & Sugar 50ml
"Soothing milk and soy proteins blended with clarifying sugar help condition very dry hands."
I will admit I was a bit dubious of the milk soy and sugar part, but one whiff and I was hooked! It's hard to explain but it's sweet without being sweet. Smells like dessert rather than fairy floss' fake sweetness. Creamy and very moisturizing, it sinks right in with ease and isn't too greasy. As it's a small tube (the above picture is the closest I could find, the actual product is in a plastic tube and is 'comforting' rather than 'botanical') I use it on my arms and my hands. On hands I leave it for a second and it's sunk right in, and I can keep typing. Love!

Positive:
* Great scent
*Sinks in with ease
*Cheap, grabbed it at the outlet for around $5
*Service at store was great
*Very moisturizing, non-greasy

Negative:
*Feel as though the tube wasn't full when I purchased it...
*That I don't own a huuuge bottle of this =(

So if you weigh that up, this is a surefire winner for me, and I will be repurchasing (hopefully in a larger size as well as another of the 50ml for my handbag.)