Sanctuary Review...

Just before Christmas you may have seen my entry about my 'Secret Santa' present - a Boots Sanctuary set. Well, after using the products for a good few weeks now, I thought it an appropriate time to start reviewing my loot...

And that's exactly what I did. First up, the 'Body Lotion'.

First of all, for those who don’t know, ‘Sanctuary’ is Boots’ slightly more upmarket bath and body line. Included in this line you will find everything for the body, body and skin care. With prices starting from £9.50 for a 300ml tub of the body butter it isn’t exactly for those on a budget. The idea of the line is so that people everywhere can create that ‘spa luxury feeling’ at home. (Just to let you know, I’m reviewing the travel sized bottle - £2.50 for 75ml)

The packaging is clean looking, with the distinctive orange and cream colours that fans will associate with the Sanctuary brand. The bottle is a cylinder shape with a screw top, and not a dispensing pump. The screw top means that it is easy to tip it upside down when the bottle starts to come to an end. After all, you do want your money’s worth. I like this about the bottle's design; it is practical as well as stylish.

The smell is the typical orangey, citrus like Sanctuary smell. It reminds me of sun tan lotion, and holidays abroad. But, as it sinks into your skin, the smell becomes spicier, like the type of aroma you typically get after lighting a scented cinnamon candle. I like the fact it smells like scents I associate with both summer and winter. The only thing I would say is that the application and consistency of the lotion isn't as smooth as others that I've tried.

Once on it does sink in quite quickly, but I did notice that my skin looked as if it had a greasy film to it. I wasn't by any means 'over applying' so I couldn't quite understand why. My skin did feel moisturised, but not as much as it has done, compared to other body lotions I use on a regular basis. I'm going to put this down to the extreme cold weather we've been having! (My dry prone skin needs a lot of moisturising this time of year) If you suffer from the same problem as me, I'd suggest using this lotion when the weather is slightly warmer, well, when there isn't the threat of snow every two minutes!

Final Verdict?

I'm going to give this lotion a very well deserved 7/10. Whilst it isn't as moisturising, or as smooth as I'd like, I do love the smell, and the lotion's scent was something I could still smell a good couple of hours after application. 

I don't think I would rush out and buy more of this, but it is nice for those times when I fancy a change from my usual. I may also save the application of this for the warmer months of the year, when my skin doesn't need such a massive injection of body lotion! Plus, the sleek and stylish little bottle looks very cute sat on my dressing table. 

Until next time lovelies x

Summer Ready Skin...

Now I'm a huge huge fan of Palmer's body lotion. But, as the weather gets warmer (well, for the UK I guess this is pretty warm!) I'm finding that I don't need such a heavy moisturiser. So, I went in search of a new one, something a little lighter and fresher.

And I found one - Superdrug’s own 'Cranberry & Pomegranate' body lotion. There are other flavour combinations available to buy, and you can view some of the collection here. Alternatively, visit your nearest store. That way you can smell all of them and decide which one you want! I always find that the fun part. However, at times I can be so indecisive so it can equally be a nightmare! After using the lotion for about two weeks I decided it was high time to do a review of it.

First Impressions...

I was quite impressed with the packaging, simple and clean looking. It's the kind of packaging/bottle that would look nice perched on a bedroom dressing table. There's no dispensing pump but that works for me as the bottle can be tipped upside down to get the remainder of the lotion out when it starts to come to an end.

A decent sized bottle (300ml) means good value for money

One thing I was slightly disappointed with was the fact that I don't think it smelt like cranberries or pomegranate, nor like the two had been mixed together. I thought it smelt more like summer fruits (think raspberries, strawberries and blackberries) mixed with candy floss. Don't get me wrong, I like the smell but I don't think it reflects what’s written on the packaging.

At £2.99 I can't fault the price. Beauty products don't have to be expensive, and I'm a big fan of 'beauty on a budget'. Plus, it earnt me some 'beauty card' points at the same time, so I left the store a very happy shopper indeed!

The simple and clean packaging looks very effective

After Use...


The lotion went on nice and smoothly, and was thus easy to apply. It was quite a thin consistency, but I found that was a plus. It sunk into my skin quickly and dried quickly. Great if you haven't got a lot of time in the morning! I also found that after application my skin wasn't sticky from the lotion, so it absorbs in very well.

It's also a light pink in colour - very girly!

    

The smell of the lotion is very sweet and it lingers long after you've applied it. I could smell it on me long after the original application, and I'm sure others could too! However, if you aren't a huge fan of sweet smells, especially because the smell will be covering the majority of your body, I'd say go for one of the other less sweet smelling flavour combinations.  

I've got sensitive skin and eczema, and it passed the 'initial' test. I had no reaction or flare up to it so it can be used by all skin types. 

My skin feels moisturised and I haven't had any dry patches even if I don't apply religiously every day. I'd say it’s moisturising enough for an even application every other day. 

Final Verdict...

- Despite the smell issue, overall, I'm very happy with this product. I'd definitely recommend this product if (like me) your after a change for summer! Or even a change in general. When I run out of this one, I've got my eye on the 'Plum & Red Cherry' version! 

- It gives good even coverage and keeps even the driest of skin hydrated so I'm going to give this product a well deserved 8/10.

Until next time lovelies x