For My Shopping Trolley this week, I have decided to switch it up and do a beauty review. My hands get really dry during winter so decided to review five hand creams suitable for Afro-Caribbean skin and all under £20 that will keep your skin protected from the harsh winter weather and won’t break the bank.
1. Essential Care Organic Hand and Body Lotion, £15 (150ml) Rating: 3/5 *
Essential Care is an award winning organic skincare range handmade in Suffolk. The hand and body lotion claims to quickly absorb and moisture most dry, chapped or sun parched skin. The lotion is chemical free, vegan friendly, toxic free and free from artificial fragrances. The packaging is simple and well designed and gives off that earthy and natural feel to it. The 150ml size is a generous amount for hand cream and will surely last you a long time. The key ingredients include Shea butter and aloe vera. The cream is watery so had to apply twice to get my hands fully moisturised. I wasn’t too keen on the smell but I do love the fact that the company is environmentally friendly. The cream is expensive but great for those who don’t want to put harsh chemicals on their skin.
2. Crystal Spring Natural Hand Cream £15 (200ml) Rating 4/5 *
If you’re looking for a natural hand cream for winter then Crystal Springs should be right up your street. The packaging is very posh and luxurious. It would be something that you wouldn’t store away but keep out on your dressing table or bathroom. The lotion has a blend of natural oils and flower essences that really work well together so you get the best of both worlds. I really do love the fact that it moistures and makes your skin smell gorgeous with the lavender scent. My hands still smelt after an hour of applying! A very good cream and would recommend it for winter. The only downside I have with the cream is I wish it came in a travel size so that I can take it along with me where ever I go.
3. Sanctuary Spa Convent Garden Hand Cream £4.25 (250ml) Rating: 4/5 *
PZ Cussons Beauty kindly sent me the pump version of the Sanctuary hand cream. I’ve been a fan of Sanctuary Spa ever since I purchased the hot body scrub. The hand cream is velvety and enriched with Shea butter, aloe vera and lotus oil. The packaging is minimalistic with no fuss. The cream is watery and moisturises your skin immediately with one appliance. I love the fragrance as it’s subtle and not overpowering. I really like the cream and would definitely continue using it and would last you a very long time!
4. Simple Kind to Skin Intensive Hand Cream £2.55 (100ml) 4/5 *
Simple products are a popular beauty brand amongst bloggers. I’ve never used Simple before so decided to request a sample to try. After trying the cream, I’m not disappointed. The fact that it’s not perfumed and still smells good is amazing. My hands felt smooth and soft. The hand cream is enriched with Shea Butter and vitamins and suitable for those with sensitive skin. At £2.55 it’s a bargain price for those who can’t afford the mid market and high end hand creams but still want a cream that moisturises their hands.
5. Akamuti Organic Shea & Olive Body Butter £11 (100ml) 5/5 *
Akamuti is 100% natural organic and ethical skincare range that I wish I discovered sooner! This hands down has to be my favourite hand cream out of the bunch. The body butter is just heaven with the Shea butter and organic extra virgin oil. As soon as I applied it on my hands, the cream just melted like butter. It was creamy, rich and smooth and you could really smell the aroma the Shea butter. The cream is also good for sensitive skin and eczema. A Pop Goes Fashion favourite so I’ve awarded Akamuti full marks!







1 comment
Simcoe says:
Feb 1, 2013
I completely agree that the Simple intensive hand cream is great, but I can no longer find it anywhere! Such a shame.