SOiL Organic Aromatherapy Exhale set review

As a teacher, I have to admit, I love the long summer holidays. It's lovely to have almost two months to sit back, think of nothing but myself and just BREATHE ! There are only a couple of weeks left until I'm back in my classroom and spending my weekends and evenings marking and lesson planning but I've just discovered a fabulous product to help me keep stress at bay - the Exhale Calming Essential Oil Trio from SOiL Organic. 

The cute little pack contains three products, all of which are 100% pure organic oils that use aromatherapy to help calm your senses. I've been a fan of aromatherapy since it started making an appearance during my teenage years in the 1980s. I remember sniffing all sorts of feel-good products on offer in stores without ever really understanding the therapeutic benefits of the different oils they contained. 

The Exhale set contains three products :

Frankincense, which helps to ease the nervous system to promote feelings of calm and introspection. It is widely used in oil burners to increase the beneficial effects of meditation and increase concentration. That sounds like exactly what will be required when I am tired and stuck in the middle of a big pile of marking !

 Rose Geranium, which is renowned for its anxiety-reducing effects as it both lifts the spirit and calms your mood. Again, perfect for teachers, as you head into your classroom at the start of term with no idea of the pupils in front of you and how to appeal to their better natures to keep them under control without losing your cool.

 De-Stress, which is my favourite of the scents and is a soothing combination of Grapefruit, Clary Sage, Cypress and Cedarwood essential oils that expertly eases tension, reduces stress and re-energises your wellbeing. Again, perfect for teachers, as well as any other jobs where the pressure is likely to mount and have you doubting yourself. The topnotes of grapefruit, I think, give a lovely citrus hint which is great for lifting your mood and making you think positively.

Whether you use them at the start of the day to alleviate symptoms of stress and ease mental and physical tension, or at the end of the day to encourage deep relaxation and unwind, they're perfect for indulging in a little me-time when you want to chill out.

The box contains three bottles - 2 x 10ml and 1 x 5ml. Other sets available include Clarity, First Aid and Inhale.

RRP : £33.90

for more information : Exhale Essential Oil Trio — SOiL (soilorganics.co.uk)

Disclosure : I received the product in order to provide my honest opinion.

Ben & Anna Natural Care Bath Salts review

Ben & Anna has a list of credentials that mark it out as a highly green and ethical company, which adds an extra level of loveliness to the feel-good factor that their natural beauty products provide. Set up by a pair of passionate vegans in 2017, they put the focus on creating cruelty-free, vegan, natural and sustainable products and their products are certified by NaTrue as containing natural ingredients which are not only kind to the skin but the planet too. If that's not enough, they support creative projects to make our world more liveable and healthier for everyone too. What more could you ask for? Lovely scents and ingredients that leave you feeling thoroughly pampered? Well, that's a check too ! We've been trying out some of their Natural Care Bath Salts and it's safe to say, we're big fans. 

Firstly, we tried out the Lavender Bath Salts. They are made with salt extracted from the Italian Mediterranean and look chunky and homemade. The lavender fragrance is soothing and relaxing, helping to turn your bathroom into a calming, rejuvenating space to help ease your body and mind. It's not just a holistic experience though as the bath salts cleanse and detoxify the skin, providing intensive moisture and leaving skin supple, while promoting  muscle relaxation and relieving tension. Just a half hour soak in the bathtub will leave you feeling like you've had a relaxing day at the spa. (The official instructions say ten to twenty minutes but who has a ten-minute bath ?!) Perfect for winding down after a stressful day at work or helping ease yourself into the summer holiday vibe.

We also tried the Rose scented Bath Salts which were equally indulgent. There is something about the scent of roses that equates to biting into a gooey, soft double chocolate muffin, minus the calories. It's like giving yourself a big, squeezy hug to make yourself feel better. Stop and smell the roses ! Everything's coming up roses ! When life throws thorns, hunt for roses ! Roses represent the best that life can offer and breathing in their scent is an easy way to access positivity, calmness and harmony. While the salts gently revitalise your skin, the fragrance will reinvigorate your mood. 

Each tub of bath salts contains 300g, which is enough for five full baths. Go on, you know you're worth it !

RRP : £7.95

for more information : Ben & Anna (benandanna.uk)

Disclosure : We received the product in order to share our honest opinion.

Arran Sense of Scotland (review)

This summer was absolutely amazing in terms of weather, giving us the chance to enjoy endless blue skies and gorgeous sunshine, both on our holiday abroad but also when we got back home. Walking home from work today, I noticed the first conkers on the ground and thought to myself aah, despite the sunny weather, there's no denying it - autumn is definitely on the way. If you're not ready to say goodbye to the summer and want to keep the holiday vibe going for a little longer, you may want to try out the extensive range of products from Arran Sense of Scotland (formerly Arran Aromatics). 

As the name suggests, this family-run company has been creating vibrant, evocative scents from its Home Farm factory, an old dairy farm near the historic Brodick Castle on the Isle of Arran. For three decades, they have been creating bath, body and home fragrance collections inspired not only by the breath-taking scenery of Arran, but its deep-rooted ability to make any visitor relax and reset as soon as they step off the ferry. From the freshwater spring to a pinch of seasoned gorse, there’s a bit of Arran in every single product.

We received two products from the range, starting with the Glen Iorsa Lavender & Spearmint Calming Mist (RRP £15). If going back to work and school has stressed you or your kids out, this is the ideal product. Just spray a little on your pillow and the soothing fragrance will whisk you off to the Land of Nod for a relaxing night of sleep. Alternatively, you could spray some around the room or even spritz it onto your skin. The fragrance is fresh and natural and I could detect something other than spearmint and lavender - a closer look revealed that it also contains background notes of geranium, sage and patchouli. The product is named after the calm serenity of a remote glen on the Isle of Arran. Perfect for rejuvenating body and mind.

The second product that we received is the Unisex Mixed Shower Gel Discovery Gift Set (RRP £10), one of the collections that allows you to try several of the fragrances from the range. This set includes After the Rain, Glenashdale, Lochranza and Machrie shower gels, all in 30ml bottles, so they're perfect for travel restrictions. 

Each of the fragrances is very different but I like all of them and it's lovely to mix up the scents depending on my mood. If you do prefer one of the fragrances, you could splash out on a big bottle of one variety. Here's what the company say : "Discover our signature scent of Lime, Rose & Sandalwood with After the Rain. Enjoy the freshness of grapefruit and rasped lemons with the invigorating scent of Glenashdale. Transport yourself to the rugged beauty of Lochranza in the North of Arran and enjoy a unique blend of patchouli and cedar enhanced by a citrus twist of lemon and grapefruit. Experience the coastal freshness of Machrie and discover an invigorating combination of Seasalt, rockrose and mandarin." I love the freshness of Glenashdale when I'm feeling tired after a long day at work but Machrie somehow reminds me of being on holiday - maybe because it reminds me of the sea? 

There is another possibility though - maybe the fragrance is one of the products I've used on holiday in the past without even knowing it. The brand supplies its high-end products to several luxury hotels, including Malmaison, Cheval Collection, Virgin Hotels and Seamill Hydro to name but a few.

for more information :  https://arran.com/

 Disclosure : I received the products in order to share my honest opinion.

Stay-cation Essentials for Summer (Self) Loving ! (review)

Apart from our quick trip around Belgium at the very start of the holidays, we haven't done any travelling during the summer holidays this year. I have been busy giving the whole house a big overhaul, dejunking, recycling, redecorating and reorganising things to within an inch of their life, but I felt in need of some me-time too. With perfect timing, this selection of stay-cation essentials arrived, giving me a chance to pamper myself, alongside the house !

First up was this Glo32 Advanced Whitening System (RRP £10 at Boots), which provides an enamel-safe and peroxide-free way to whiten teeth, as well as apparently promoting healthier gums. Definitely a win-win product, by the sounds of it ! It contains coconut oil and promises effective stain removal in just 20 minutes. Inside the box, you get a Teeth Whitening Stilo and 28 Whitening Strips. The strips are very simple to use - you just press them onto your teeth for 20 minutes before brushing away the excess gel. The Whitening Stilo (surely that should be stylo ?!) can be used in between whitening sessions or as a quick on-the-go fix. Just brush it on your teeth avoiding the gums and leave for 10-20 minutes. Don't eat or drink and just give your mouth a quick rinse with water at the end. I have to say, I was impressed. My teeth did look visibly whiter to me, but I knew I'd been using the kit so I was presumably already convinced. The thing that really impressed me was when a close friend, who had no idea about the review, commented on my very bright and shiny teeth. It's a great product to try out - simple to use, not expensive and perfect for use during these times of pandemic when you might want to avoid non-essential trips to the dentist.

Jolen Creme Bleach (RRP £4.35 - currently on offer at £2.90 - at Boots) promises a fast, gentle and effective way of lightening dark hairs. Now, I will be honest - this is a type of product that I have never used before, so I had no idea what to expect. Inside the box, you get two products - a cream and a powder - which need to be mixed together before use, then smeared on to the treatment area with a little spatula. I decided to try out the dark hairs at the bottom of my legs, as they'd be easy to shave off if it didn't work and the whole area could be hidden with trousers in case it all went wrong ! Well, there were no big dramas. It was a bit tricky to mix together without knocking some on the floor (oops !) and it did tingle a bit on my skin after I applied it, but I had no negative reaction apart from this. Some of the cream flaked off during treatment - I put this down to bad mixing on my part, as I was a first-time user ! - but it did work and left the dark hairs looking blond and, to all intents and purposes, invisible. I wouldn't really use this on my legs, to be honest, as it's too much faffing about, but I could see it being useful for bleaching the annoying hairs above your top lip.

Kids Stuff Crazy Foaming Soap (RRP £1.99 at The Range) made me smile because it's a product that I frequently used to buy when the Madhouse kids were little. They used to love squirting it in their hands, moulding it into balls that they'd throw at each other, squishing it through their hair, using it to make mousse bikinis, ... ! Well, they told me that there was absolutely no way I was taking a photo of them with a bathtime mousse-hican ... but they still played with it in the paddling pool outside and I could hear their giggles and shrieks from all over the house ! It has a gentle, pH balanced, hypoallergenic formula that is kind to young skin. Awww I miss the kids' bathtimes - they were great fun !

Disclosure : I received the products in order to share my honest opinions.

Dr.PAWPAW Balms review

If you ask my teenaged daughter, she will tell you that Dr.PAWPAW is really cool because loads of celebs and big make-up artists use it. If you ask me, I'll tell you that it's cool because it was created by a couple who needed a multipurpose balm for their daughter who had been diagnosed with eczema. They created a product that could be used on lips, skin and hair and appeal to everyone from babies to grandmas. Two completely different takes on the company, but both fully justified !

Dr.PAWPAW have recently launched 10ml versions of all of their balms, giving you the chance to try out more of the different options available. Each of the pocket-friendly tubes is perfect for keeping in your handbag and prices start at a very reasonable £3.95.

Starting off with the Original Clear Balm (RRP £3.95), the packaging tells you that it can be used to moisturise, nourish and protect very dry lips, cuticles, elbows and cracked heels. That's just the start though ! It can be used on the face as a primer for dry skin, as a hydrating soothing evening mask, to give a dewy finish, separate eyelashes and smooth eyebrows. On the body, it is good for cuticles, dry skin patches, elbows, knees, as a foot treatment or an evening hand treatment. You can use it on your hair to style short hair, seal ends, tame frizz and add texture. Finally, on skin, it protects sensitive skin, soothes sore irritated skin, can relieve eczema, psoriasis and dermatitis, heals burns, insect bites and blemishes, repairs cuts and prevents scarring. The balm contains a trio of plant-based ingredients - Pawpaw fruit for long-lasting nourishment of hair and skin, Aloe Vera to soothe sore, sensitive skin and repair hair, and Olive Oil, to deeply moisturise stubborn dry cracked skin. I love the way it feels, instantly soothing and moisturising skin (I've been using it to sort out my hands, which aren't enjoying the non-stop washing and hand gel that has become a part of normal life during the pandemic) and my daughter loves the taste when she uses it on her lips, saying that it reminds her of peanut butter !

 

The green tube is the Shea Butter Balm (RRP £4.95). It contains all of the same ingredients and offers all of the same benefits as the yellow tube, with the addition of Shea Butter, which is great for smoothing and softening tough skin. I've been rubbing this into the rough skin on my heels and I have to say, it does seem to be helping.

The Tinted Peach Pink Balm (RRP £3.95) again offers all the same benefits as the original yellow one, but this one can also be used as a lip or cheek tint. I think it's great for protecting dry or chapped lips, but I called on my daughter for testing it out on her cheeks.

She loves the look and feel of it as a blusher. It adds a subtle, natural-looking tint, which can be layered up for a bolder dash of colour. There are other colours available too : Rich Mocha, Outrageous Orange, Hot Pink and Tinted Ultimate Red.

I have to say, we were all really impressed. If there's one thing I love, it's a multi-tasking product and this one deals with whatever the summer can throw at us - sore lips, mosquito bites, cut fingers, rashes, ... As well as the lovely natural ingredients, the products are vegan approved, cruelty free and ethically sourced, use recyclable packaging and are made in the UK. Even bigger bonus points for the company as they have recently donated over 50,000 balms to front line workers.

For more information, head over to www.drpawpaw.com.

Disclosure : We received the products in order to share our honest review.

Deeno-Saur Toothbrush review

Have you started Christmas shopping yet ? I actually did some this weekend, buying a couple of bits in town and ordering some stuff online. The girls are easy enough to buy for, because, as teens, they are both obsessed with various bands and TV series so I just have to pick which merch to buy. Pierre is trickier though. Now that he's ten, he's out of the cuddly toys and board games that he used to love but not yet really into the clothes and techie stuff that will interest him in a few years. Hmmm, I'll have to get my thinking cap on ! If you're on the look-out for a gift that will appeal to kids of both ages, Deeno-Saur have a range of both electric toothbrushes and manual toothbrushes that would be ideal as a Christmas gift or stocking filler.

The manual brush (RRP £2.99) looks very appealing to kids, with its coloured bristles and dinosaur on the handle. Each toothbrush is made from a single piece of naturally sustainable bamboo so no glue is needed and, unlike other bamboo toothbrushes, the Deeno-Saur toothbrushes are free from any harmful paint, dyes and other chemicals. Bamboo is naturally anti-bacterial and water resistant too. In terms of bristles, the nylon is completely BPA-free and feels incredibly soft against teeth and gums. It offers an environmentally friendly way of making tooth-brushing fun.

The battery-operated Deeno-Saur toothbrush (RRP £9.99) is the one that really impressed Pierre though. Inside the box, you get the main brush, a spare head, a sheet of stickers, three batteries and a mini Deeno egg that turns into a Dinosaur after 48 hours submerged in water. Whoever thought that toothbrushing could be so much fun ?!

The batteries need to be placed inside a holder which is then slotted back inside the brush handle. You have the choice of three brushing speeds, soft, medium and hard, so you can totally personalise your brushing experience, depending on age or speed preference. The brush has a two minute timer and a quad pacer that ensure an effective dentist recommended clean.

The stickers can be used to personalise your brush if you want, or you could just stick them on whatever else you like. The brush head has a tongue cleaner on the back, which Pierre thought was fun to use ! The brush also has a specially designed bristle pattern to ensure it reaches all the hard to reach areas of a young child's mouth, coupled with soft bristles and a silicone overcoat around the head to be extra gentle on teeth and gums.

If you have a child who is reluctant to brush their teeth, this is the perfect tool as it looks cool and adds an element of fun. Oral hygiene is one of the biggest concerns for parents and, according to a recent oral health survey of 5-year olds, just under a quarter have tooth decay with 3 to 4 teeth affected on average. Alarmingly, the first survey of 3-year olds in 2014 found that 12% had visible tooth decay, with 3 teeth affected on average. Anything that can help improve those figures has to be a good thing.

Disclosure : I received the products in order to share my honest view.

Scrubbingtons, Washing Solutions For Real Kids (review) #RealKidsGetMuddy

Having Pierre after two girls was a bit of a revelation. You know that thing in sitcoms when the man about the house picks up a decidedly dodgy looking T-shirt off the bedroom floor, gives it a quick sniff, then throws it on? Yep, he really does that ! I should count my blessings. He does love outdoor play, whether it's kicking a football about with his friends or riding his bike. He invariably comes in hot, sweaty and decidedly grubby. I used to ask him if he wanted a shower, but after too many negative responses, I now ask him if he would prefer a bath or a shower. It works most of the time, but now, I have a new ally - a collection of decidedly funky, kid-friendly hygiene products that we received to review and that, I'm delighted to say, he loves to use. Yay !

You may remember, we reviewed Scrubbingtons products here on the blog a few years ago (head over here to check out the original Scrubbingtons review) but they have recently had a revamp and launched a brand new look. They are still just as eco-friendly though, using natural ingredients that even those with sensitive skin can use and bottles made from 50% recycled plastic (they're working on the rest).

Right, time to grab Pierre and send him off in the direction of the bathroom to get testing ! He started off with the Scrub A Dub Bubble Bath (£3.99 for 250ml), which has a lovely, fresh fragrance. We all sniffed and I managed to convince everyone that it smelt of cherry blossom (childhood memories of my parents' garden drifting back there !) but after checking the website, it turns out it's actually the smell of fresh cut grass - ah, OK then ! Whatever it is, it's lovely and Pierre was soon splashing about in the bath, letting the bubbles get him clean and smell nice ! This product contains  the oil from the seeds of cotton which makes it extra soft - I might have to pinch this for myself when Pierre's not looking !

While he was busy in the bath, I told him to try the Scrub All 3-in-1 Hair & Body Foam (£3.99 for 200ml), which is a "finger sticking shampoo, conditioner and body foam that lasts twice as long as gel", according to the packaging. This means that you can get away with using less product and the bottle will last longer - bonus ! Well, to be honest, that's not true at all, because Pierre thought it was great fun and styled his hair with it and made balls with it that floated in the bath - ah well, at least it's getting him clean at the same time !

I love the name of the next product - Pit Stop (£3.99 for 50ml) ! It's a roll-on deodorant that is kind to  the skin on young armpits so tweens and teens can use it as soon as they need to. I'm lucky with Pierre - he hasn't started having pongy armpits yet, but I'm sure it won't be much longer ! This has the same lovely, fresh fragrance as the rest of the range - it's great to avoid all the conflicting fragrances that kids often use (in vast quantities !) so that you end up with a headache when they head out of the bathroom !

Finally, the most used product from the range, Scrub Up Hand & Face Foam (£3.99 for 200ml) which has the same mousse texture that is great for encouraging hand washing (and playing) and avoids the need for a flannel (where do they all end up ?!).

When the bottle has run out, don't throw it away - you can buy a Scrub Up refill pouch (£2.99 for 200ml), which will help save you money as well as helping out the planet. Definitely a win-win situation.

As the only male in the house since Madhouse Daddy passed away, Pierre loves the fact that he has his own range of hygiene products that aren't all "pink and flowery" and the girls have been told to keep their hands off ! That doesn't mean that they don't appeal to girls though - the fresh scent is great for everyone. It's brilliant to find a company that makes kid-friendly but also eco-friendly products. The range can be picked up at Tesco, Ocado and Amazon but you can also get free delivery on orders over £10 directly on the Scrubbingtons website.

Disclosure : We received the product in order to write an honest review.

Summer Beauty Products from Cetaphil (review)

Glancing out of the window, I can see big black clouds and lashings of rain pouring down, but nevertheless, summer is well and truly on the way. Yes, honestly, it really is - seriously, trust me on this ! In just a few short weeks, we'll be heading off on an amazing fortnight in Alaska, which we're all really excited about, and while the weather may not be too hot out there, there will also (hopefully) be lots of sunny days back in the UK during the rest of the holidays. Before we start getting all the shorts, T-shirts and swimwear out of storage, it's time to start taking care of my skin and getting it summer ready. Cetaphil have helped me out by sending over some of their products that are perfect for warm weather and summer skincare on the go.

Starting with the product on the left, we have Cetaphil Rich Night Cream (£7.99 for 50g). This is a fragrance-free, non-irritating cream that is suitable for dry or sensitive skin. It promises to help replenish and hydrate your skin, leaving it feeling smooth, soft and comfortable. I was actually pleasantly surprised - it's a rich cream but it doesn't feel overly heavy or cloying, like some night creams. This is presumably why it is labelled as a non-comedogenic cream, which means it is non pore-blocking. I slathered it on my face at bedtime then forgot all about it - in the morning, I didn't feel like I had a sticky or greasy residue on my face, just freshly hydrated skin. Perfect ! 

Next, the Cetaphil Moisturising Lotion (£8.99 for 236ml, also available as £14.99 for 473ml) is a lighter option that is perfect for smoothing over your body when you jump out of the shower. It sinks straight into the skin, giving a much needed moisture boost. It is clinically proven to bind water to your skin, reducing moisture loss, so it is perfect for providing long lasting hydration for daily maintenance of sensitive or dry skin. It's lovely because it sinks straight in without leaving a wet or greasy feeling when you're ready to throw your clothes on.

From moisturising, on to cleansing, with the Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser (£8.99 for 236ml or £14.99 for 473ml). This fabulous product removes dirt, make-up and other impurities, without drying out the skin, because it is designed not to strip the skin of its natural moisturising and conditioning oils or upset its natural, slightly acidic pH levels - both important parts of the natural barrier function of the skin. It can be used with warm (not hot) water, either in the morning to cleanse and refresh or at night to remove the day's impurities. However, it can also be used without water - just massage into the skin then wipe off the excess with a tissue or cotton wool. This makes it perfect for travelling and camping, when you may not have access to a bathroom with a sink. I love this as it's so quick and simple to use and really does the job you want, with no fuss.

The Cetaphil Gentle Foaming Cleanser (£10.99 for 236ml) is another option for gently cleansing your face without stripping it of its natural moisture. It effectively removes dirt, oil and impurities, while leaving your skin feeling soft, hydrated and fresh. I love the texture - a rich, airy lather - and the fact that it is so simple to rinse away. Perfect for the end of the day, especially if you've applied sun cream and your skin is feeling a little sticky !

Finally, the Cetaphil Daily Defence Moisturiser (£12.99 for 50g) is a double-action product, providing SPF50+ sun protection, as well as being a moisturiser for your face. It sinks quickly into your skin, without feeling too heavy, so it's great to apply in the morning after cleansing for optimal UVA/UVB photo protection. It can even be reapplied during the day for extra protection - the small size is perfect for keeping in your handbag or in the glovebox in the car.

Cetaphil products can currently be purchased in selected Boots, Superdrug, Sainsbury’s, Tesco Pharmacy, Lloyds Pharmacy and independent pharmacy stores, as well as online from Boots.com, Superdrug.com, Sainsburys.com, Amazon.co.uk and Ocado.co.uk, subject to availability.

Disclsoure : We received the products in order to write an honest review.

Daddy Hairdo with Vosene Kids (review)

Last week, the Madhouse kids were delighted to wake up and discover a pristine, white landscape outside the windows - woohoo, we'd had snow ! This involved them getting dressed and racing outside for lots of sliding about, giggling and throwing snowballs at each other before it melted. After that, there was just one thing they wanted - a nice hot bath to warm up (or a nice mug of hot chocolate as they waited for their turn to warm up !). This was the perfect time to bring out a package that Vosene had delivered to us, including three of their fruity shampoos which all of the Madhouse kids love using : Strawberry 2-in-1 shampoo, Melon 2-in-1 shampoo and 2-in-1 shampoo with Pomelo and Vitamin C. They smell gorgeous and are great for dealing with all hair types, from Pierre's cropped hair to the girls' long locks. I even use it myself as it smells so nice ! 

While waiting for Pierre's turn, we sat down with the book that was also in the package : Daddy Hairdo by Francis Martin and Claire Powell. 

We giggled as we looked at the proud dad,with his hair that was longer than his baby daughter's.

However, as she grew, so did her hair. After catching up with her dad's luscious locks, her hair continued to grow while his disappeared. Oops !

Her hair continued to grow and grow, until it started causing all sorts of problems in her daily life, giving her hiding place away when they played hide and seek or stopping her from getting in through the door of her favourite sweet shop ! 

But it was another case of Dad to the rescue - he popped her off to the hairdresser's and she got a lovely crop. He, on the other hand, remained bald - hee hee hee !

We loved the story and it was perfect for passing the time while waiting for the bath to become free. There was only one question remaining - Strawberry, Melon or Pomelo? Hmmmm decisions decisions !

Disclosure : We received a package of shampoos and a book from Vosene - many thanks !

Baby, it's cold outside ! #MyAquaphor Challenge

Brrrr ! Ever since turning over the calendar at the start of December, I feel like the temperatures have seriously dropped. When I go to get the bus to work every morning, I can feel my cheeks tingling in the cold as I wait at the bus stop and everyone is muttering about feeling cold and shivery and wanting to head straight back to bed ! The skin on my hands is getting red and irritated too - I always seem to forget to put on my gloves (they've usually ended up in the kids' pockets whenever I want them !) and my lips are feeling dry and cracked so I keep smoothing on lip balm.

Well, there is a solution luckily ! Smoothing on a skin cream just before I head out of the door leaves my skin feeling lovely and soft and protects it against the effects of the cold, even if we're going into town to take advantage of the ice skating and the Christmas market. BritMums recently sent us a tube of Eucerin Aquaphor Soothing Skin Balm and I have to say, I've been very impressed. I've been keeping it in my coat pocket so that it's at hand whenever I need it, and this has the advantage of meaning that it doesn't matter if I forget to apply it before heading out of the front door. It's also on hand for dealing with everything from sore lips and dry hands to irritated skin after ice skates have been rubbing on cold legs !

I love the fact that it is such a universal product - it can be smoothed on to hands, face, body, lips, or even your nails. It can be used for the whole family, however young they are, even babies. This intrigued me so I went to check what was in the product and was amazed to discover it's a blend of only seven ingredients - less is more ! It protects the skin by creating a breathable protective barrier on the skin, allowing oxygen and water vapour to circulate, which allows skin to 'breathe' and strengthen its natural barrier function. 

It's our go-to product this winter, whatever we're up to, especially if we're out in the cold !

Disclosure : This post is an entry for the BritMums #MyAquaphor Challenge, sponsored by Eucerin. Discover the benefits of Eucerin.