First of all, I actually prefer using soaps as I feel like they just draw any excess oils out of my skin better. I know, it's a bit weird! I used to love using the Natural Black Mud Mask Soap, which I used to pick up for £3.75 at Boots (here). It's also designed for dry skin conditions, such as psoriasis and eczema (although they no longer list this on the description). As soon as I tried , I honestly felt like it made a massive difference, my skin felt more calm and supple, the soap feels really gentle on the skin but you can still tell it's making a difference. I've also read reviews of people using it as a face soap to get rid of spots, but I've never tried it on my face. However, after loving the previous 3 bars I used up (they do last quite a while), I picked up a fourth one and it just isn't the same. I don't know if I got a bad batch, but it just doesn't lather up very well anymore and so it doesn't give me the same results.
I then decided to go for the Dettol Soap which is relatively cheap (here) (as TMI but I find the anti bacterial properties also help with any pesky blemishes on the shoulders). This, alongside the Boots Back Spray (£5.19 here), which I picked up after seeing it on Hannah's blog (Beauty Box), really helps stop any spots in their tracks. I literally tried all sorts of things before this, and nothing worked, but this (it's also one of my empties)!
Then for a quick fix or for travelling purposes, I tend to have some of the Body Shop Shower Gels at home, simply because they smell amazing! Check them out here, the Strawberry one is so good and they had a Lemon one that was literally one of the best things ever, but they discontinued it. I literally ran to both of my local stores to get the last one! I am wary of overloading my skin with synthetic ingredients (due to it being a bit sensitive), so that's the main reason I don't use these as regularly. However, my Sister uses them all the time and they suit her fine.
Moving on, I LOVE exfoliating! There's just something about that squeaky clean feeling. I picked up the Round Body Brush a few months ago from The Body Shop (see here), and I honestly feel like advocating it to everyone, it's amazing! I picked up the one with a smaller handle as I find you can control it better. You can use this to dry brush (although that's a bit too painful and tingly), or in the bath. I can really feel it toning up my skin and muscles whilst it's exfoliating, especially on my legs. For a more intense exfoliation, I like to mix a scrub into the bristles and then wash it out afterwards. I know it looks a bit ragged in the picture but honestly it's still as good as new and it goes back into shape immediately, I must have had it resting on a shampoo I think.
For a cheap, everyday scrub I've been loving the Superdrug Vitamin E Body Scrub for a good few years now. It just does what it says on the tin, and it's really effective for the price. Unfortunately, it looks like they reformulated it and judging from the reviews on their website, the new one sounds pants. It's a good job I had a backup! You can probably find similar ones in Boots, or even Wilkinsons do Body Shop dupes I think.
For a bit of luxury, I've been using the Malee Conditioning Body Scrub*. Now, when I say luxury, I mean luxury! This is like having your own pamper spa at home. Honestly, everything from the packaging to the incredible scent is divine. When you open the lid, the tropical scent really hits you, I couldn't stop smelling it! It is quite strong but I feel like it adds to the experience, and it does linger on your skin a bit after you've washed it off (it's also fine for my sensitive skin). I hadn't tried a conditioning scrub before so I didn't think whether it was a gimmick or not. I can now say that it really does work! The formula just sort of melts into your skin, this means it's not as abrasive as other harsher scrubs (again though you could apply it with TBS brush to give it that extra boost if needed), but it exfoliates and hydrates at the same time. This is perfect for someone like me who's all about exfoliating, but rarely remembers to moisturise. It's a time saver, but it's also a great way to give your skin that hydrated look. I can just imagine people having a pamper session before a big event, with the whole face masks and everything (if you're like me), and this goes perfectly! It retails for £36 here, again it is more of an indulgent buy. It really has the wow factor when you open the package, so it might make a great gift for those who love a treat. Although, you can currently pick it up for £22 on offer at LookFantastic here.
I hope you enjoyed this post!
What are your favourite bath time products?
I love that Dettol soap, I think it's quite underrated!
ReplyDeletetipscapsule.blogspot.com
It really is!
DeleteI also prefer soaps on shower gel more as they leave more clean feeling. I was thinking to buy this TBS brush for dry brushing but it sounds harsh though.
ReplyDeleteGlamupGirls
It's not harsh at all if your skin is damp, it's only if you wanted to dry brush it can get a bit tingly x
DeleteI love dettol soap! It's my second fave after the balck soap. I think you've inspired a new post for me
ReplyDeleteOoh I can't wait to see what you come up with x
Deletedefinitely need to pop a few of these in my boots basket, especially the boots back spray. I get so oily on my shoulders!
ReplyDeleteJen, Velvet Spring x
It's really effective, and would have been great for this little Summer x
DeleteI will have to check in to some of these. I love dead sea mud masks. Thanks for sharing. x/Madison
ReplyDeleteFASHION TALES
Thanks for popping by x
DeleteThe Body Shop shower gels are so nice. I can smell the strawberries. The other products are new to me. http://www.mrsqbeauty.com
ReplyDeleteThey smell divine!
DeleteThat Mud Mask Soap sounds really good. Yeah, the new formula for the Vitamin E range is not as good in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteGeorgiana / Beauty Nerd
It's such a shame they reformulated it because it was a great bargain x
DeleteOMG! Now that's a walk down memory lane with Dettol! It's a huge brand in Malaysia and my family used it yonks ago but I don't think they do anymore.
ReplyDeleteShireen⎜Reflection of Sanity
I found it in a chemist, it's still a big brand so maybe you might spot it in smaller stores? x
DeleteI'm so basic when it comes to bath products: just any random shower gel + loofa, though I'll occasionally through in a body scrub. That sucks about The Body Shop Vitamin E body scrub, it's a shame when brands reformulate products for the worse!
ReplyDeleteJenny | Geeky Posh
It is such a shame because it was an amazing product at a drugstore price x
DeleteI loved reading this post, I also have dry skin and love exfoliating. I need to pick up some of these scrubs; also how cool that there is a back spray? It's the first time I see one. I know some people rave about Tea Tree Shower Gel from the Body Shop, which is supposed to be good for the back as well. Great roundup!
ReplyDeleteNaya // www.partyparrotblog.com
Thank you :) I've never tried that one before! I find some tea tree gels are overwhelming, but this spray isn't. It's the first time I heard of it too, and it was only by reading someone else's blog x
DeleteThat Body Shop shower gel is one of my favourites! It smells so nice too. X
ReplyDeleteKate// itskaterose.com
It really does :)
DeleteI feel like if you're going to do bathtime, you gotta do it right and go all out! I could definitely do with that round body brush for some exfoliating!
ReplyDeleteMusings & More
Yes! The round brush is so good, I would definitely recommend it x
DeleteDettol! Thats like a throw back for me. Didn't realize they still in business. I tend to use very little soap on my face and actually prefer gels to soaps. Great products!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.fashionablyidu.com/
I don't use any of these on my face, but yes some gel products can be really nice too x
DeleteThe smell of that Dettol soap was on of my weird craving during pregnancy, i use to cover myself from head to toe in it everyday! The round body brush sounds good, i'll have to look out for it!
ReplyDelete<3
perfectfixations.blogspot.co.uk
Wow that must have been so out of the blue for you at first. The brush is amazing!
DeleteI love your favorites! I always use The Body Shop, they have amazing stuff!
ReplyDeleteHave an amazing day!
xx Kris
https://dreamingofpink.wordpress.com
Thank you, they really do :)
DeleteI love a good body scrub that feels luxurious on the skin and has a nice scent! I am currently using a body scrub that with apricot and it is amazing! x
ReplyDeleteYiota
PinkDaisyLoves
I bet that smells amazing!
DeleteI love body care products! I have one of those body brushes too and I love using it a couple of times a week to get the circulation going! And what is it with brands reformulating products and making them worse?! That seems to happen quite a lot. I wish they'd just leave well alone! x
ReplyDeleteKate Louise Blogs
It's so good, isn't it! I have noticed it happening a lot more too, or some brands are discontinuing some of their best products x
DeleteThere are so many great products here! It's such a shame that the first soap wasn't the same, as you'd had before. It's a horrible feeling when the formula changes to a product you once loved!xx
ReplyDeleteHannah | luxuryblush
It really is, especially because it's such a good product and it can be hard to replace x
DeleteLovely post! I’ve never exfoliated with a brush before, but it sounds like it might be a nice experience, and a way to keep skin looking in tip top condition. I’ve heard good things about the Superdrug Vitamin E face creams, shame they’ve reformulated the scrub. The Malee Conditioning Body Scrub sounds amazing, I love a gentle formula and having a nice scent is important to me in products. I love anything tropical as well! :-) xx
ReplyDeleteHelen | Helen’s Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle Blog
Thank you! It honestly has so many benefits, well worth checking out :) The vitamin e night cream was my firm favourite for years, amazing stuff! You would love it, it definitely has those tropical vibes x
DeleteI love the smell of the strawberry Body Shop body wash, smells divine! I have combo oily skin and I find it difficult to find products that don't make me overly shiny so glad to know it's not just oily skin types that have issues.
ReplyDeleteJaz xoxo
http://www.thelifeofasocialbutterfly.co.uk
I normally have dry skin so it is a strange one. I think it's one of those things where sometimes it can just happen, like combination skin I guess x
DeleteOoh body acne is the worst,I get breakouts on my back too so I might pick up the spray soon x
ReplyDeletehttps://daisyypetals.blogspot.co.uk/
It really is so useful!
DeleteI need to pick up some of your products, they sound great
ReplyDeleteCindy | www.boringclothes.com
Thank you x
DeleteGreat post dear! Very interessting products :)
ReplyDeleteI prefer soaps too :)
http://lexisslittleworld.blogspot.com/
Thank you x
DeleteThat body scrub looks so good! I'm a massive fan of body scrubs, I love using them. I definitely need to check that one out!
ReplyDeletewww.themakeupaficionado.com
It works so well, and it smells divine!
DeleteI haven't used a soap in years and associate it with something quite stripping but I you're right...they must be more effective at ridding the skin of excess oils. Its a shame they reformulated your fave though. And how did I not know that a Back Spray existed??? xxx
ReplyDeleteUmmBabyBeauty
I think with soaps you do think stripping, but both of these are actually really gentle, the black mud soap was actually formulated for dry skin conditions so it used to work amazingly before. I didn't either, until I read Hannah's post :)
DeleteThe Body Shop Strawberry is amazing! I'm enjoying their Pina Colada these days and when thats finished I'll go back to my Korres Cherry shower gel. Korres products are really good, I love their range and a lot of my bath/shower products are from them.
ReplyDeletewww.rougenapples.com
I've heard good things about them, but haven't tried them yet xx
DeleteI've been loving the oils from Kneipp! Especially the one for sore muscles, it great to use after the gym.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds amazing x
DeleteI'm seeing some dettol soap love in your comments, but I don't think we even have that brand in my country - seems like it's great to have on hand though! I must say that body scrub also looks so amazing to use! I'm such a body scrub junkie so I'm going to see if I can get that here!
ReplyDeleteStacey, thebambieyes.com