Whenever I’ve been slacking on the blog, I seem to end up creating a new page out of guilt. My recent hiatus is no exception.

So….<drum roll>…here is my new ‘Heros’ page.

I try a lot of products. Many are really good and I would happily recommend them to others. But only a very select few make it onto my repurchase list. Even fewer stay there indefinitely. There are just so many shiny new things out there. And each one might just be the miracle product that will transform my life and my skin and make me happy for happily ever after. (Unrealistic expectations much?)

All of which is a lengthy way of saying that if a product is on my heros page, I think it’s really really really good. And then some. However, it’s worth noting that making the list is about more than just performance. Price IS a factor. I absolutely don’t mind paying a bit more for something that’s truly amazing but paying loads more for good or even very good doesn’t quite work with my budget. How much use I’ll get out of the product for the price paid is also relevant. I’ve not put current prices on here because they do change but I’ve used a starring system for pricing to give you a rough idea. I like to try and keep a spread of options across all budgets for those months when I’m down to the coppers.

I’ll keep the Heros page updated whenever something new makes the cut. For now, here’s the rundown (complete with super topical Olympics theme…just in time for the Closing ceremony). Feet in starting blocks. Set. GO!

[Pricing: * = under £10, ** = £10-19, *** = £20-29, **** = £30+]

Cleansers (oil or cream):

Gold – Sophyto Purifying Silken Cleanser** (review here)

Silver – Pai Camellia & Rose Gentle Hydrating Cleanser*** (review here)

Bronze – Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish**/*** (review here)

Cleansers (wash or water):

Gold – Evolve Gentle Cleansing Melt** (review here)

Silver – BioDerma Sensibio H20** (if you can get hold of it without going to France…)

Bronze – (empty podium, probably disqualified for running out of their lane…)

Toners: Some team events here…

Gold – Naturally Thinking floral waters*, Raw Gaia floral waters*/**

Silver – Liz Earle Instant Boost Skin Tonic** (reviews here and here), Spieza Organic Floral Skin Toner** (review coming soon)

Bronze – Sophyto pH Optimizing Restorative Toner* (review here)

Moisturisers:

Gold – Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser**, Cupcake Organics creams** (review here)

Silver – Pai Chamomile & Rosehip Moisturiser*** (review here), Organic Surge Super Intensive Daily Moisturiser* (review here)

Bronze – L’Occitane Ultra Rich Face Cream**** (review here)

Facial oil:

Gold – Pai Rosehip Oil***

Silver – Trilogy Rosehip Oil**/*** (reviews here)

Bronze – Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate****

Facial sunscreen: Currently blowing the competition out of the water (although still looking for some more budget alternatives…) – Neal’s Yard Wild Rose Daily Moisture SPF30***

Exfoliator:

Gold – Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator**

Silver – Trilogy Gentle Face Exfoliant** (review here)

Bronze – (Another empy podium, this one disqualified for an ‘illegal move’…ooer)

Masks:

Gold – Liz Earle Brightening Treatment Mask**

Silver – Balance Me Radiance Face Mask** (review here)

Bronze – Liz Earle Nourishing mask**

 

Multipurpose balms:

Gold – Figs & Rouge Balms* (review here)

Silver – Balmology Calendula & Chamomile Comfort Balm** (review here)

Bronze – (Yet another empty podium. This one’s a no-show. Having too much post-race fun in the Olympic village.)

 

Lip balms:

Gold – Lanolips LemonAid lip balm* (review here)

Silver – Body shop Born Lippy lip balms* (review coming soon)

Bronze – Antipodes Cocoa Butter & Lime lip balm*(review here)

 

Eye stuff (notably missing a hero eye cream as yet):

Gold – Liz Earle Eyebright Soothing Eye Lotion*/**

Silver – The Body Shop Chamomile Gentle Eye Make-up Remover*

Bronze – Living Nature Gentle Make-up Remover** (review here)

 

Shower gel:

Gold – Naked body washes* (review here and here); Australian Organics body washes*

Silver – Balance Me Shea Butter & Yarrow Super Moisturising Body Wash**; Weleda Creamy Body Washes*

Bronze – Faith In Nature Chocolate Shower Gel* (review here); Wild Planet body washes**

 

Body lotions and oils:

Gold – Dr Organic Body lotions*

Silver – Barefoot Botanicals Daily Rich Body Lotion**/*** (review here), Body Shop Polynesia Monoi Miracle Oil**

Bronze – Australian Organics Evening Primrose moisturising body lotion*, Wonder Oil** (review here)

 

Body sunscreen and aftersun:

Gold – Liz Earle Botanical After Sun Gel**

Silver – Lavera After Sun Care w/Shimmer Effect* (review here)

Bronze – Clinique SPF40 sun protection** (a bit of a cheat here cause this ‘ain’t natural. But I haven’t found a natural one I like as much just yet. Think of this as the athlete that will be found to be taking illegal substances at the next check…)

Body scrubs:

Gold – Weleda Birch body scrub* (review here)

Silver – Body Shop Body scrubs** (review here)

Bronze – (empty podium – stretchered out with last minute injury…)

Bath (therapeutic and indulgent!):

Gold – Better You Magnesium flakes* (review here), Weleda Pine Bath Milk**

Silver – Dead Sea Spa Magik bath salts* Dr Hauschka bath oils** (review here)

Bronze – Epsom salts* (available at Boots for about a pound…!), Pure Lochside Calm & Soothe bath oil*** (review here)

Hands:

Gold – Australian Organics Sweet Almond Oil Hand Cream*

Silver - Wild Planet hand washes** (review here)

Bronze – (empty podium – still waving at their mum after the victory lap)

Hair stuff:

Gold – Klorane Dry Shampoo*

Silver – Liz Earle Shampoo*, Liz Earle Conditioner*

Bronze – John Masters Rosemary & Peppermint detangler** (review coming soon)

 

Storecupboard: */**/*** (depending on size and product)

Aloe vera gel (try Holland & Barrett (including Dr Organic), Aubrey Organics)
Arnica gel or balm – for bruising and muscle pain (try Spieza)
Calendula infused oil (Try Fushi, Quinessence)
Coconut oil (Try Viridian, Pukka, Fushi, Akamuti, Dr Organic)
Jojoba oil (Try Fushi, Quinessence)
Shea butter (Try Melvita)