On test: body scrubs for summer

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

 

Creme Brulee Sugar Scrub by Laura Mercier

£37.69, www.spacenk.co.uk

First off, I liked this body scrub. But if you're not a fan of sweet-smelling beauty products, read no further this one's not for you! Part of the Patisserie range, ‘Crème Brulee' really does smell like a dessert, and, it being Laura Mercier and ingredients being more expensive than the norm, the fragrance is powerful and really does linger.

As a scrub it works exactly as it should; with a heavy gel-like consistency, it feels nicely grainy as it does its job some scrubs are a bit too wishy-washy to feel like they are making a difference. It feels like a pampering product and it looks the part too, the stylish jar will cut a dash on your bathroom shelf. Which is how it justifies its high price tag this is Laura Mercier after all. I would recommend it as a treat-yourself buy or as a much-valued gift, rather than your everyday scrub.

Berni, 7/10

 

 

 

Extracts Mango Sugar Scrub

£7.34, www.boots.com

The first thing that hit me when I used this bright and summery scrub was its amazing fruity smell, helped by the natural scrub particles, which took me right back to my last holiday. Unlike most other scrubs which usually contain lots of oil this scrub is quite solid so it's mess-free to use but still leaves skin so moisturised I didn't need to use a moisturiser afterwards. This is a real treat especially as it's pretty inexpensive.

Becky, 9/10

 

 

 

Jo Malone Vitamin E Body Treatment scrub

£61, www.jomalone.co.uk

It's been a few weeks now since I've started using this delicious scrub and I'm beginning to wonder how on earth I managed without it! I know it's a splurge, a pretty big splurge at that but I promise you will want to keep investing in this one. The golden yellow scrub with its creamy fragrance is applied using a handy applicator and only a small amount is required for maximum body buffing results. The texture is reassuringly coarse yet the scrub almost melts into your skin leaving you feeling like you've smothered yourself in moisturiser immediately after use. I've never had smoother-feeling skin and I love that using this product feels as pampering as a spa treatment in the comfort of my own bathroom. Indulge and enjoy, you'll never look back!

Natalie, 10/10

 

 

 

Ren Moroccan Rose Otto Sugar Body Polish

£29.36, www.spacenk.co.uk

Rose has to be one of the most sublime scents on the planet, so even just inhaling this scrub at my desk, I'm swooning. Rose otto, in case you're wondering, is the essential oil that's extracted from the flower by steam distillation, rather than solvents.

When I open the tub before my shower, the top layer seems a little dry, so I stir up the sugar with my finger to mix in the almond oil and essential oils of palmarosa and rose, which enhances the sensory experience by strengthening the scent. Mmm...

The label suggests using the body polish on dry skin for a more vigorous exfoliation, or on wet skin for a gentler experience. I go for the dry option. The sugar gently scours away at dry, rough areas, with the ratio of oil to sugar ensuring it's not at all scratchy, just stimulating. I take it everywhere including my hands and feet. Now to rub it off under the shower... and here's the only snag with this product: I have to call for assistance to turn the water on as my hands are oily! The running water emulsifies the oils to become a milky body wash and rinsing away the last of the sugar crystals, my skin is super-smooth and beautifully moisturised. I waft off to bed in a haze of rose fragrance where I'm sure the relaxing properties of the essential oil help me drift off.

Adrienne, 9/10

 

 

 

AAY Reader Review

Bliss Lemon and Sage body scrub

£28, www.blisslondon.co.uk

First there was excitement at receiving the envelope of what looked to be a very big pot of body scrub, then there was disappointment on opening the envelope to find what looked to be something you would buy in the supermarket for approx £8. The packaging does not have the 'wow' factor of a premium product although it is very practical, being wipe clean and a clinical white. Then the moment came when I could try it - the smell hits you first, the lemon and the sage - so uplifting and refreshing.  Now you can tell it is a premium product, it obviously contains premium ingredients.

I used it on my lower legs the first day and found it really easy to use but there is no way I could rub it in for the recommended minimum 5 minutes, after 3 minutes my palms were really tingling with the granules - the skin was very smooth afterwards though.

My other half rubbed it on my back and within a couple of minutes I had to ask him to move on to a different part as it was starting to get sore.

Having now used it 3 days in a row there is no more dry skin on my elbows or shins, the skin has a sheen and looks nourished.

Would I buy it again?  I would, before holidays especially, but if I hadn't had it to test first, on the looks of the packaging alone I wouldn't consider it.

Would I recommend it to a friend?  Yes.

Christine, 8/10

 

 

Click here for more of our body scrub reviews

 

Want to take part in our product reviews?

Every month we invite readers to join the panel of AAY reviewers to test a different product. We post details on the Beauty & hair forum here, so keep an eye on this if you would like to get involved. Summer haircare products coming soon ...

 

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