Hello, my name is Beatrice and I'm a self-confessed shower gel hoarder on the mend. For ages I've been guilty of constantly purchasing new ones and shamelessly beginning fresh bottles, leaving behind a trail of sad looking, half-empty left overs. That was until I decided as a New Year resolution to put myself on a bath products ban and work my way through the pitiful, dusty pile and de-clutter my cabinet before it got out of hand. As it turns out, my timing was absolutely perfect and when I heard that Garnier was about to release a new range of heavenly scented shower gels, my freshly de-cluttered shower shelf and I were ready to give them a whirl.
Garnier have just launched a bunch of exciting additions to the Ultimate blends body line, in the form of 6 shower gels and two moisturizers, enriched with natural, cold-pressed ingredients to fulfill different skin needs. They all leave a delicate lingering scent on the skin and leave it silky soft and hydrated in no time, although I can assure you'll be tempted to make your shower last forever with these.
The shower gels have a dreamy, gentle formula that works up a nice lather and lightly cleanses without stripping or leaving the skin feeling tight or itchy. Scent wise, the selection is seriously fabulous and picking up just one favourite is going to be tough business.
Marvelous Oils* is the one I've been constantly reaching for in the morning to kick start the day, as the stunning mix of camellia extract and argan oil feels incredibly energizing and turns your shower into aromatherapy heaven - this one is highly recommended after yoga or a workout. The one that feels the most unisex of the bunch is Mythic Olive* with its musky notes and lots of olive oil to nourish and repair the skin. This fragrance is truly beautiful and unlike anything I've ever smelt before; it's a walk in an olive groove on a sunny day. I adore it.
If you have a sweet tooth, you'll love the Honey Treasure* number, it's so creamy and delicious, and smells like a jar of peaches soaked in honey. It's unbelievably yummy, trust me on this one.
Finally, my personal favourite is Delicate Oat* - I really can't resist the combination of almond, vanilla and oat milk. This feels wonderful on my sensitive skin and it's perfect in the evening, right before bed.
A lemon and elder flower option that sounds lovely, and one enriched with rose oils complete the lineup.
The oat range is supposed to be the dehydrated skin hero, and the two moisturizing options for sure don't disappoint. The Ultra Blends Delicate Oat Soothing Balm (£5.99)* is a multi-purpose gem that makes quick work of rough patches on elbows, knees and heels. I feel like this will be amazing during the colder months, when my skin gets uber flakey and dry, but it's also a good one to use now before fake tanning, to keep everything streak free. The Soothing Hydrating Lotion (£4.49)* is equally effective but with a slightly lighter texture. This one has been living on my night stand for the past two weeks, as a little goes a long way and sinks in quickly, so it's the perfect last step to keep my limbs soft and moisturized before jumping into bed.
Have you tried the Ultimate Blends range before? What's your favourite scent?
*Press Samples
**Post in collaboration with Garnier Italy
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