Tested for you: body scrubs

Now that summer has officially arrived, its time to buff up your body with the best body scrubs around. We've tested them out and here's the verdict

Philosophy Coconut Frosting scrub

£20, available from John Lewis stores nationwide

I'm a fan of Philosophy's sweet-smelling products and this new scrub didn't let the side done. The smell is incredible, cupcakes covered in coconut icing spring to mind whenever I opened it and fortunately the fragrance lasted all day on my skin. This is a dry scrub which I have never tried before, and while the small amount needed left my skin feeling revitalised and smoother, I did feel that I needed to moisturise afterwards as it was a tad drying, despite claiming to be moisturising. I will definitely keep using this though, I love having a routine for my body as well as my face.

Nadine, 7/10

Gently exfoliating body scrub, Grapefruit

£20.55, Kiehl's, 0207 240 2411

Fantastic stuff! I would buy this and recommend it. Very fine particles and a gentle citrus smell left my skin feeling soft and me feeling refreshed.

As well as liking the 'zing' I liked the fact that it wasn't too abrasive and yet worked wonders on grubby sandal feet. Plus I only used a small amount each time - I have a feeling that it'll last me a while and that I'll miss it when it runs out.

Carol, 8/10

AAY Reader Review

Celestial Maracuja sugar polish by Molton Brown

£35, www.moltonbrown.co.uk

I was really looking forward to trying out this product, however I was disappointed, as the only good point I can make is it left my skin nice and soft. The scrub was very thick and it needed a quick stir each time I used it as all the oil had settled on top. I didn't like the scent of this particular product, and even if it was in different scents I don't believe I would buy it.

All in all, I think the product was ok, my skin is nice and soft, but the smell and the price tag would put me off buying it or recommending it to a friend.

Deborah, 3/10

AAY Reader Review

No7 Total Renewal Micro-dermabrasion body exfoliator

£10, www.boots.com

I was delighted to be chosen to test a body scrub. Boots No 7 Total Renewal is a Micro-dermabrasion Body Exfoliator that contains Aluminium Oxide crystals. It also comes with a warning not to use it on sensitive areas like your neck, bust or sore or sun damaged skin and also says you should follow it with an SPF 15 moisturiser if exposing treated areas to the sun. As a fan of natural beauty products I found this a little off putting. On the plus side the product is hypo-allergenic. It is also unperfumed so isn't going to clash with your choice of shower gel.
 
When I tried the product (taking care to avoid my sensitive areas) I found it wasn't as gritty as some body scrubs I've used but it was just as effective. I've only had the product a week so can't really comment on the claims that 'within 4 weeks, skin goes back in time as fine lines and sun damage appear faded' Although I do wonder why anyone would want the rest of their body to look young when their neck doesn't.
 
Would I buy the product? I think you might have already guessed the answer is 'No'.
 
Maureen, 6/10
 

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