Many thanks to the Fab and Fragrant Jenni from Your Beauty Industry Blog (Click HERE to read more by her), who kindly answered my request for guest posts during my recent bloggy break. Jenni is one of the many lovely people I’ve met through blogging, and she has always been a pleasure to deal with! Enjoy!

So many body moisturisers, so little time…

For many years I’ve read about the virtues of daily all-over body moisturising. Heck, I even used to preach this to my own readers back in my beauty journalism days. But did I go home and practice what I preached? Unfortunately… no. Mornings seemed hectic enough without trying to force another daily routine in the mix. Basically, I couldn’t be bothered.

But a little while ago when I was going through my (huge) beauty stash, I decided to go on a little mission with all my different body moisturisers, to see which one was best. Mission completed, I was like… ‘errrrm, shame I can’t share this with anyone really!’ Then a blog post by the lovely Mizz Worthy popped into my inbox offering people to guest-post on her blog, so I told her about my little mish – and here it is!

Nivea Creme

I have carried the little metal pot version of Nivea Creme in my handbag for many years – it is so handy to slick onto any dry patches on the move, and is also great for unplanned days in the sun where you suddenly feel yourself starting to burn.

The big tub of Nivea Creme is classic Nivea – the simple plastic blue tub and white Nivea logo makes you feel like you’re in safe, pharmaceutical hands. The cream also has a lovely, familiar smell. I found it was particularly good for dry, flaky skin, and rough areas such as elbows, feet or knees. I didn’t get on with it as a daily moisturiser though; it is too thick for all-over, daily use as it took loads of time and effort to rub into my skin properly and it felt quite sticky under my clothes during the day.

Best for: Targeting problem areas of dry or rough skin

Not for: Daily all-over use

Buy here: http://www.superdrug.com/moisturiser/nivea-creme-200ml/invt/207571/

Johnson’s 24 hour Moisture Body Cream

I love this cream; it is so light with a beautiful, fresh smell. It is super-easy to rub into the skin and lasts all day. It even managed to cope well with my dry skin. A big thumbs up from me and this will definitely be a beauty staple on my bathroom shelf from now on.

Best for: All-day moisturising with minimum effort!

Not for: Treating problem areas – it’s too thin for that

Buy here: http://www.boots.com/en/Johnsons-24-hour-Moisture-Body-Cream-
200ml_982360/

Yes to Carrots C Through the Dry Spell Deliciously Rich Body Butter

Catchy name, no?! I got bored half way through writing it! I have heard a lot of good things about Yes to Carrots – the range boasts lots of natural ingredients that are nourishing to the skin. This particular cream is touted especially for ‘very dry skin’ so I was pleasantly surprised when, although quite thick in texture, it absorbed into the skin quickly and easily.

It is super-moisturising so definitely one for those of you with drier skin. I’m not sure about the smell though – it reminds me of a Magic Tree hanging in a cabbie’s car. Nice.

Best for: Daily moisturising for drier skin

Not for: Those of you who like your products with luxury scents

Buy here: http://www.beautybay.com/skincare/yesto/carrotscthroughthedryspelldeliciouslyrichbodybutter/

Jergens Naturals Cocoa Butter Body Moisturiser

This was the last one I tried and I had already decided that the Johnson’s 24 Hour was my cream of choice, so I faced a conundrum (it’s a hard life) when I tried Jergens because I really liked it!

Cocoa butter reminds me of the really thick versions of yesteryear which were meant for really dry skin – they did an amazing job, but had a really distinct smell that I hated, so I was reluctant to try this one. But the smell was very subtle while the cocoa butter still worked its moisturising magic. It isn’t as light as the Johnson’s version, but it is a great daily moisturiser that sinks into the skin easily.

A key point about this Jergens body moisturiser is that it uses 96% natural ingredients, so it’s good for you natural-lovers out there.

Best for: A natural formulation that works hard

Not for: People who like ultra-light formulations

Buy here: http://www.ocado.com/webshop/product/Jergens-Naturals-Cocoa-Butter-Body-Lotion-Moisturiser/54682011

Thank Again Jenni!

Just a reminder about the Nivea/ASOS contest which launches tonight!

All you need to do to enter is click on this link —> http://www.asos.com/nivea

Then click on “enter”, accessorize the outfits using ASOS’s new accessory tool, and submit your dresses to have a chance of winning the Timeless Collection…

Here’s an example from my sister and I having a play before…

You can also find out all about the new Nivea Black and White deodorant range HERE, which is designed to be non staining on white clothes, and not to leave white patches on black clothes…

Disclaimer – Part 2 of a sponsored post.

As a Northern blogger who can’t just “pop” to London for PR events and launches at the drop of a hat I often get a bit frustrated with having to turn down loads of fab events… Nivea and ASOS have teamed up to do an at home event with a bit of a twist which everyone can enjoy.

To celebrate the launch of their new “Black and White” deodorant, Nivea have teamed up with ASOS for a contest in which you can win a capsule collection of dresses on the ASOS website between 18th April and 31st May. ASOS have created a “Timeless Collection” of black and white outfits, and to win the collection, all you have to do is use their new styling tool which they are trialling during the contest.

Nivea’s new deodorant is called black and white because it is not only designed to minimise white marks on black clothing, but also yellow staining on white clothing. Its available in two fragances – Clear and Fresh, and comes in spray and roll on versions.

To enter the contest simply go to www.asos.com/nivea and accessorise the outfit according to the scenario, and thats about it!

The contest launches tomorrow and I have my sister coming over for a pamper session with me – Nivea have also kindly sent us a bottle of fizzy and some lovely cake to munch on. No doubt Domino’s will recieve a call too… Yum.

Disclaimer – This is a sponsored post to publicise the launch of Nivea’s new deodorant, as well as the launch of the Nivea/ASOS contest.

And the winner of this lovely Manuka Honey face and body set…..

…. As gerated by Random.Org….

……Is….. JEMMA Who told us that she prefers more natural skincare because…

I look for more natural ingredients in my skin care because I feel it’s simply better for you. Who wants to smother their skin in zillions of chemicals they can barely pronounce let alone be knowledgeable about what action they’ll have on the skin. Simplicity is the key.

Well done Jemma – please email me your full name and address at jennifer.worthington1979@gmail.com so I can get your set posted to you ASAP!

This is a great one for sensitive types, and having tried the face cream myself, I can tell you that fans of Oilatum Natural Repair and Avene rescue cream will be in love with it. I’ve been using it on and off for the past few weeks and can categorically give it the thumbs up for dry/sensitive skin types. It sinks in quickly, hydrates thoroughly but leaves no trace of residue on my skin. Whats more, a little goes a long way.

The facial cream does initially have a very very light honey scent, however this fades fast. I also picked the skin lotion up after having been so impressed with the facial lotion – that has a stronger honey scent, which I personally find quite pleasant. It’s a great one for using after shaving or exfoliating the legs when they may be a little more sensitive, as it sinks in fast, but is thick and luxurious enough to make skin feel both soothed and pampered.

Picture showing texture of the facial cream

As with all of the Dr Organic range the Manuka Honey line is free from Parabens, SLS, Artificial Colours and harsh chemicals fragrances or preservatives.

I have one Organic Manuka Honey Soothe and Restore Nourishing Skin Therapy Rescue Pack for a reader giveaway. The pack is worth over £20 and contains a cleansing glove, Manuka Honey Hand & Nail cream, Manuka Honey facial emollient rescue cream, and Daily skin Body Moisturiser.

Fancy trying this? Then please leave me a comment telling me why you look for more natural ingredients in your skincare! The winner will be announced here on Friday 25th March 2011. Please have all your comments in by Thursday 24th March at Midnight – UK entrants only please due to postal/customs charges.

Disclaimer – The facial cream and giveaway prize were provided by PR for the purposes of review/giveaway. This post contains my honest opinions based on MY experiences with this product. Please be aware that you may react differently, and I would always recommend checking as many reviews as possible prior to purchasing.

I had a lovely surprise when I looked at my email inbox yesterday, to be told that I’ve been chosen as the Blog of the week by beauty retailer Escentual. This was a lovely surprise as I do feel like I’ve fallen off the radar blog wise recently due to the personal stuff I’ve had going on, as well as switching to the new site, so this put a big fat smile on my face!

Check out the “Escentuals News” blog, where you can see regular updates as well as features on other Blog of the Week recipients HERE.  The Escentuals site is well worth a look for lots of bargains from brands like Bare Minerals, Too Faced and Clarins to name a few

For an age we’ve been hearing about the wonders of this stuff, and previously the only place to get it was from French pharmacy site Le Guide Sante, where a ridiculous shipping fee was whacked onto the price…

However the genius’s (Genii?) at Zuneta have finally managed to bring it to the UK…

Available now for £14 per bottle… still pricey but apparently this stuff is worth every penny… Have you tried this?

Following on from the “Works With Water” Hero campaign, Help a Heart are now looking for their Mum of the Year…

The winning Mummy will recieve a lovely Swarovski heart pendant necklace, while five runners up will recieve a “You’re a Hero” teapot and cup set for their lovely Mammy…

You can nominate your mum for Mum of the Year by Works with Water in the following ways (stating why your mum deserves to win):

• Leave a comment on the dedicated campaign blog at www.workswithwater.co.uk/HelpaHeart
• Email  HelpaHeart@workswithwater.co.uk with your nomination
• Tweet your nomination on Twitter at @HelpaHeart, using the hash tag #MumoftheYear

The closing date for entries is 31st March 2011!