In The Betty Buff

I am a little bit obsessed with body scrubs. I like a good lotion, a shower gel here and there, but i'm a sucker for a grainy, sugary scrub.

I have expressed my love of Soap and Glory scrubs in the past and just thought i'd share with you my latest scrub discovery which I am very excited about!

Behold, Betty Buff.

If, like me, you are a scrub-fiend you will literally be in paradise when you head to Betty Buff's website. The nicest thing is that these heavy duty body polishes are in fact formulated for sensitive skins, so shouldn't be leaving me all red and patchy (as most scrubs do... pretty.)

Reading through all the variations of completely natural body scrubs you will be spoilt for choice- most sound good enough to eat! From zesty Lime and ginger to cooling peppermint, these kitch scrubs are a must-have.

I was lucky enough to try a trio of scrubs and I am glad to say that they did not disappoint. They each smell absolutely divine- the chocolate is my favourite!- and they do exactly what they do on the tin.

The Scrummy Choco scrub initially appears to be quite a dry scrub, but applied to damp skin it transforms into the perfect consistency to banish dry skin and give a much-needed glow. The Zesty Besty scrub smells just like marmalade and is a slightly more liquid scrub, perfect for waking you up in the morning, and the Rosie-Posy Jubilee scrub is a perfectly sugary texture which is ideal for tanning prep.

I love everything about these scrubs and I would 100% recommend a purchase- they are a total bargain, and very kind to your skin.

Betty Buff also offer scrubs for men (Gunky Monkey) as well as shea-butter enriched scrubs for super-sensitive skin types.

The lovely little catalogue that comes with your order contains some great tips on getting the most out of your scrub. I personally would recommend using once or twice a week on damp skin and scrubbing away until your heart's content! Follow with a rich body moisturiser or gradual tan to keep that glow in tact.

I will certainly be making a purchase at Betty Buff in the future and am excited to try the new Sweetie collection made with freeze dried fruits (Candy Floss, Lemon Sherbet and Banoffee- mmm!)

Have you tried Betty Buff or any other great beauty brands? Let me know! 

Pursuit of Prettiness #5

It is an unwritten rule that all good beauty products should smell nice. Okay, perhaps that is stretching it a little, but how much more enjoyable is applying a beautifully scented lotion than slathering on an unscented cream. As much as Keihl's Creme de Corps is a cult product, I find it infinitely boring and find myself crying for Laura Mercier or Nip+Fab as I can't bear a body cream without a decadent sweet scent.

The same goes for foundation (Bourjois foundation smells like make-up should!), for fake tan (I hate, hate, hate that biscuity smell- click here for a tan that's almost odourless) and for hair products (next POP piece? Totally Baked by Tigi Bedhead.. Mmm). It is all about the smell for me, and if a product ticks that box, as well as all the others, it's a keeper.

This week's favourite is my new big fat pot of The Breakfast Scrub by Soap and Glory. Boots enticed me in with a 3 for 2 offer across bodycare, skincare and fake tan, and I spent ages working out which wittily titled scrub to plump for. I certainly, 100% made the right choice.

I have always been a lover of Soap & Glory- and for years it was the only beauty brand that I was truly obsessed with. Every Christmas and Birthday I would receive numerous gift set, often accumulating three or four of the same product, and managing to use every last morsel. I just love everything about the brand. The packaging is kitsch and fun, the products smell beautiful, the bodycare and skincare products are superlative and it is amazingly good value. No wonder it's such a success and has even expanded into make-up (I am eager to try some!)

I used to go through a pot of Flake Away every month, but got out of this habit on moving to uni, no longer able to slip numerous beauty products into Mum's Boots basket. This week, though, I decided that the time had come to get a little glow back for summer, and work on getting well and truly rid of that horrible winter dry skin. I am spoilt for choice with Soap & Glory scrubs, but I HAD to try the Breakfast Scrub and I am more than happy with it.

Soap and Glory scrubs are so good because they are not overly liquid. They are sugary and balmy and do exactly what they say on the tin. Nothing makes my skin smoother, and nothing I have ever used has smelled better. If I could find a perfume that smelled like The Breakfast Scrub i'd buy a gallon. The oaty scrub is enriched with bananas, almond and honey, it smells like pancakes dripping in glossy maple syrup... It is truly divine and I Soap & Glory to make a full range involving a body souffle, a body spray and a massive candle so I can stop constantly sniffing the tub.

It also works miraculously. If you scrub it in before stepping in the shower- all over your body in circular motions- your skin will be enviably smooth and beach ready.

The sweetest product around and my new favourite indulgence! (£9.45 here)

Right Bonnie Beauty

Last week's holiday, to the remote Scottish isle of Arran, was a lovely and relaxing trip. All we did was eat and go on the occasional walk, but it was certainly a breath of fresh air from the hustle and bustle of London. 

The week was supposed to be a bit of a detox but was, in fact, a retox fuelled by Creme Eggs and greasy Lorne sausages (google 'em if you're not Scottish- the square sausage is quite the marvel...). However, this week shall be my return to healthy eating, and I have kickstarted it with a mammoth pamper session with my new beauty treats.

Arran Aromatics is a Scottish company that is mostly known for staid soaps and candles, but they do offer so much more than that! I stocked up on some gorgeous beauty booty, including hand creams, scrubs and a sweet and syrupy honey shower gel. Here, however are my two favourite picks which I had to share with you! 

The Sea Mud Mask

Anyone else who is unfortunate enough to suffer from acne will know how horrible it is. No matter how hard you try to cover up unsightly pimples and scarring, those pesky spots will always reek havoc with your beauty regime. 

After some advice from the lovely Harriet- a budding beauty journalist and fellow blogger (read her beauty blog here), I have turned to Canadian make-up brand Cover FX to correct my problem skin. The foundation and medicated primer have left my skin in tip-top condition, and I am keen to keep it up!

Skincare is super important, and a weekly face mask is a treat that every girl needs. This natural and gentle sea mud mask is one of my new favourites. It is purifying and leaves skin smooth, bright and clear. The perfect accompaniment to a luxurious bubble bath and a stack of new magazines!

The Mineral Salt Scrub

Bikini season is just around the corner (sorry to remind you!) so why not start getting your skin smooth and supple a few months in advance? This soothing and balmy scrub is the perfect way to get your skin looking good as new. 

I used it today and my skin feels so velvety and glowing! The perfect base for my favourite Laura Mercier body souffle- oh, the delights of being back home!

Just get yourself to www.arranaromatics.com quick as all products are 3 for 2 until the 11th of April!