The best Summer Fragrances part 24651 - Aerin Gardenia Rattan

Back at the end of July I was invited to a breakfast with Aerin Lauder. The PR very foolishly bravely kindly sat me next to her - and she was a delight. Completely normal, not stuffy and we discussed amongst other things, the joys of raising boys. Best we leave that conversation there.

The breakfast was to showcase the upcoming launch of both her new fragrances and the *wait for it* body creams to match. My favourite, Gardenia Rattan - I'm nothing if not predictable - now has an accompanying body cream and it is insane. Insane.

A body cream is always a more affordable way of enjoying fragrance if you are watching the pennies. They are nearly always much, much cheaper. This is £40.00 for a whopping 150ml. And if you only ever use it on your upper limbs and decollete as I do it will last you years. 

There are also two new fragrances joining the stable at the same time as the body creams.

Waterlily Sun and Iris Meadow bring the total collection to 7 and launch at the beginning of October in Aerin stockists nationwide.

More details can be found here - www.aerin.com - do yourself a favour, don't look at the website if you have things to do. You'll be there for hours.

SWEET MOTHER OF GOD. Estee Lauder Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia Body Creme

I try a lot of products. LOTS. I know I'm still in the right business because I regularly try something and say 'OH SWEET MOTHER OF GOD!' which, to the uninitiated into the 'Hirons' household of film comments' is taken from 'Just Friends' - a family favourite. See also: 'I'm going to start drinking.'

I digress.

THIS: is the Body Creme of the divine Private Collection Tuberose Gardenia, which, if you like those scents and haven't tried, you are missing a very large trick.

It has THE most beautiful texture and absorbs beautifully. It's not completely overpowering like some fragrances in the same vein, but it was enough to make Mr Hirons seek me out and say 'What's that smell?' - in a good way. That literally never happens. It comes in those wonderful heavy, chunky perfect-for-dressing-tables jars of old and is just lushness personified.

See also: would make a gorgeous gift for upcoming Mother's Day (USA) - and if any of my kids are reading this - would always make a great gift for me.

Available at selected Estee Lauder counters and online here for £55.00.

Happy Friday!

My Staple Diet - Body Lotions/Creams/Butters/Balms

My collection of body products borders on insanity.  Well, to some people anyway, to me it's just good sense.  My family has skin that genetically tends to verge on the dry to very dry depending on surroundings and weather so I have been slathering for nearly 30 years. Wow.  *taking a moment to feel my age*

A few of my recent faves here:

Now I know I harp on about a lot of things - and consider myself an expert in most areas of skincare - but you may officially consider this a peek inside an obsessive's cupboard.

So in a little more detail - this current batch contains:

Sanctuary Ultra Rich Body Butter, Decleor Aromaessence Sculpt Balm, Garnier Summerbody, Nude Smoothing Complex, Jo Malone Tuberose, Burt's Bees Body Lotion, Gatineau Body Lotion with AHA, Soap and Glory The Righteous Butter, all for eve Body Lotion, Clarins Eau Dynamisante Lait Hydratant

And then....

Chantecaille Darby Rose Body Cream, Yes to Carrots Hand to Elbow Moisturising Cream, Soap and Glory The Daily Smooth, Erbaviva Body Lotion, Chanel Coco Body Cream x 2, all for eve Body Butter, Jo Malone Vintage Gardenia Body Cream, Jergens Age Defying and Ultra Hydrating Body Moisturiser, Fresh Rice Dry Oil

So breaking it down my absolute must-haves? Ooh.. first up:

Jergens Naturals Body Moisturisers *The Mouth Recommends - Staple
If you haven't tried Jergens products - you should. Jergens have been on the shelves in our house for as long as I can remember.  Although they only came to the UK recently - they are the best selling bodycare range in the States and have been going since 1882. Under a fiver and as they are sold in Boots - hello 3 for 2! They are 95% natural, contain no parabens and do not test on animals. And lots of flavours for you to try! Have a look: here!

Soap and Glory Righteous Butter  *The Mouth Recommends - Staple
Oh I love a little Soap and Glory.  At some point I swear I have tried everything in the range. But this is my staple. I love it. It's thick, goopy and smells of the signature fruity amber vanilla that I love. It leaves no residue and you can get dressed immediately. Ten pounds for a fat, deep tub that you can scoop your hands right into. And again - 3 for 2! Main ingredient is shea butter - it does contain parabens so if you prefer not to use them it's not for you - although personally they don't bother me and to be fair S&G make no 'natural' claims - more power to them.  Love. Read all about it here.

Garnier Summerbody and Body Repair
I guess you can tell I don't spend the big bucks on body products (exceptions below) - I like to use them liberally - no I mean really liberally.  Hence most things below the waist can be found for under a fiver.  This is moisturising, absorbs easily and smells lovely. Another winner.  And call me really shallow but I love the red packaging.  Have a look.

Chanel Coco Body Cream
Oh Lord.  This is the birthday/Christmas standard.  Chanel Coco is not only my signature fragrance but layered with the perfume, this body cream is just beyond.  I won't linger on the description as perfume is so personal and well, it's Chanel -   bit I do have a little tip for expensive products such as this. Just use it sparingly on your arms and decollete. Use the cheaper lot down under. You'll still get the smell as your body heats up and the fragrance releases but you'll be using less than half that you would if you were using it all over.

What are your favourites? I am always looking for new ones!?