I find that as I get older, I learn to fully appreciate the more luxurious, sensual things in life; long gone are the days when I'd buy the cheapest things because it meant I could have more of them. However, as someone on a modest wage, I usually can't afford the $945 Alexander McQueen dress that I've had my eye on. So in keeping with my budget, I tend to splurge on more affordable beauty products in an effort to feel pampered - this is particularly important when one has a stressful job.
Now, over the last couple of years or so I noticed an odd trend in the types of scents I was buying. I started off with the same old jasmine, rose and lavender scents because I though to be feminine, one had to smell like a plant's reproductive organs. I slowly started going for scents I actually liked, but it wasn't until the other day that I realised (after a shower) that my bathroom smelled like my pantry.
Yes, apparently I like to smell like food.
With that little personal discovery, I decided to share my absolute favourite beauty products with the world. Here you'll find awesome products that actually smell like what the labels describe, but more than that: they actually do the job they're meant to. So, in no particular order:
P & S Pure Glycerin Soap (Lemongrass, Mandarin, Frangipani, Raspberry, Apple, Lemon Myrtle) - $5.00 each
The Perfume & Skin Care Company is based out in Robertson, NSW, but there is also a store in Berrima, which is where I obtained these beautiful soap bars. The single-note scents are pure and strong, and they're incredibly accurate - there's no trace of the usual soapy, astringent scent one normally gets. The soap gives a lovely lather, and doesn't dry out my skin, which is something I always have a problem with.
P & S Ginger Milk 10 mL Roll On Perfume - $23.50
P & S Lemon Myrtle Body Wash - $19.50
The Ginger Milk perfume is my all-time favourite perfume oil - a little dab on each wrist and you're immersed in a spicy mixture of invigorating ginger and soothing, sweet vanilla milk.
MOR Italian Blood Orange Roll-On Perfume - $19.95
MOR Marshmallow Roll-On Perfume - $19.95
These little vials contain the most luxurious scents I possess. The Italian Blood Orange is a stimulating perfume, whilst the Marshmallow variety is soothing and sweet, and actually smells like marshmallow!
The Body Shop Chocomania Body Scrub - $29.95
Banana Shampoo - $17.95
Banana Conditioner - $17.95
Strawberry Body Polish - $16.95
Earth Lovers Watermelon & Eucalyptus Shower Gel - $14.95
I do love a company that supports fair-trade and is against animal testing - and it's always a bonus when the products are amazing too. Special mention for the limited edition Chocomania body scrub - it's really hard not to scoop up a handful and eat it!
Evodia Coconut & Lime Body Mist - $23.95
Evodia Coconut & Lime Hand Lotion - $17.95
Found in Myers and David Jones, one whiff of this body spray and you'll think you're on the beach, sipping a cocktail served in a coconut. The hand cream has the added bonus of leaving your hands beautifully smooth and not at all greasy.
LUSH Flying Fox Shower Gel 250mL - $21.50
LUSH Turkish Delight Shower Smoothie - $32.95
LUSH Ultrabalm - $7.90
LUSH Dragon's Egg Bath Ballistics - $5.95
LUSH products are made from fresh, organic fruit and vegetables, which are bought only from companies with no connections to animal testing, and they use minimal or recyclable packaging. I particularly enjoy the Turkish Delight Shower Smoothie - it smells like I should be stepping out of the shower covered in a dusting of sugar!
Perfume & Skin Care Co.
Shop 4, 74-76 Hoddle
Street
Robertson NSW 2577
Phone: 02.4885 1377
http://www.perfumeandskincare.com.au
MOR Cosmetics
e-boutique: http://www.morcosmetics.com
Enquiries: +61 3 9600 4599
The Body Shop
http://www.thebodyshop.com.au
Evodia Australia
http://www.evodia.com.au
LUSH Fresh Handmade Cosmetics
http://www.lush.com.au
Phone: 1300 587 428
