little white truths

I mentioned recently that I've happily been given the green light to test and review some of my mum and sister's products while we're camping out at my parents' house before moving into our new place.

Payment has been a bundle of fun stuff for them to play with that I don't need, as well as makeover services and product advice, so it's been a happy trade all round!

Anyhoo. Next up on the list is this Clarins Relax Bath & Shower Concentrate, and I can see why it's been sitting at the back of the bathroom cabinet and not getting used - it's not a great product, nor is it one that either of them would have much use for.

Let's have a look.

Verdict

This is totally off-topic, but I mentioned yesterday that I'm planning to get more creative with my photos and have a crack at shooting some interesting beauty flatlays. This will happen, but I do have a bundle of photos sitting in my draft posts, so I will keep using those for now since I don't have much time to dedicate to this blog at the moment (the whole having a baby and moving house thing ; )).

Anyhoo. The product. At first I really didn't like this because I'm not a fan of the smell. It's not horrible, it's just so herbal that it almost smells like cough syrup. It kind of looks like cough syrup too when you pour it out: it's a viscous but runny gel that totally reminds me of medicine in both look and texture.

To start with, when I poured that deep blue gel onto my shower sponge, the look of it almost made me not want to use it on my body. I did try it in the bath too, and I didn't find the smell at all relaxing - more like some potent liquor (Jagermeister-ish?) that I certainly didn't want to fill the bathroom. I would much prefer something that smells gently floral and fresh, but of course, that's all personal opinion and I've seen some reviewers say they love the scent.

The product does lather well and cleans well enough, but I have body products that do a better job so I wouldn't buy this for its cleansing abilities either.

The good news is that it doesn't strip the skin, but it also doesn't leave it feeling soft, supple or hydrated.

On the claims I haven't mentioned yet: I don't find it relaxing or soothing; I do think it's gentle enough for sensitive skin; and I don't find the scent calming either.

All in all, this isn't a great product but I don't hate it. I'm glad I've tested it, but it's not one I would buy - particularly at that price.

Ok.