The world of organics is full of well-intentioned people, and I have the highest regard for their efforts. Buying ethically certainly makes me feel eco good, but the products themselves don’t often float my boat. The problem starts with the packaging. Recycling is all very well, but I find it difficult to get excited about the contents of a box resembling something a four-year-old would make at playschool from an old egg box.
For me, beauty and pampering should be an indulgent experience, a view shared by Nicola Elliott, founder of Neom Luxury Organics. After seven years as a glossy magazine editor, Nicola was well-used to the luxurious side of the industry, but also had a “green” streak which took her consciously to the health shop to stock up on chemical-free creams. This interest led her to qualifying as a nutritionist and aromatherapist, and the Neom range was born. Starting with just 10 candles, the range soon garnered fans with its combination of high-end essential oils and chemical-free credentials.
A new capsule collection of body oils (€35) are perfect for summer use – so light, they are absorbed quickly, leaving a subtle but lingering scent. (087-04604677, www.neomorganics.com.)
Scentsational bronze
Fragrance is one of the key ingredients that determine a product's success, so full marks to the Bronze Goddess Collection from Estée Lauder. I was instantly transported to a sun-drenched beach when I first encountered the scented body lotion (€41) with its notes of amber, coconut and sandalwood. The range is extensive so you can keep the mood going with sun protection (SPF 30), gradual and self-tanners. The Decadent Moisture Tan Enhancer (€28) is the perfect way to treat your body after a day at the beach.
All Greek to me
If you can't make it to the Greek islands this year, go there in spirit with these exotic-sounding fragrances.
Dedicated to the gods of the Mediterranean, Giorgio Armani has combined the scent of sun-drenched trees of Mount Olympus with spicy Tonka bean, and the result, Cedre Olympe (€105), is as you'd expect – woody and exotic. The man in your life could take a serious fancy to it, too.
In Greek mythology, the Hesperides were nymphs who tended their beautiful gardens in the Arcadian mountains. French brand Diptyque mixes citrus notes with herbs and it all adds up to a delicate and elegant scent, L'Eau des Hesperides (€110).
Blissful bod
Are you in need of some skin-smoothing, circulation-stimulating body exfoliation? Coming right up, with fatgirlscrub from Bliss. Smooth skin allows more even coverage of self-tanners and makes skin feel wonderfully soft. Made with Himalayan pink salt (€33 from Brown Thomas), it sloughs off dead cells, and grapefruit and peppermint release a refreshing sensation.