The Body Shop Breathe Purifying Hair & Body Wash 200ml RRP £13 / Breathe Calm Balm 15g RRP £11

 

The new year is supposed to conjure up images of of a new start, healthy regimes and focussed minds etc. However, for many of us it is also the time where our bodies and mind say 'enough', from the burn out of a busy Christmas to the coughs and colds that come with the cold winter months. It's a shock to the system when the early mornings start again after a few days break, and even more so when it's cold, icy and of little daylight. In fact I'm all for hibernation, though sadly this isn't a choice!

The Body Shop Breathe range is formulated to give your senses and well-being a nudge of motivation, as well as being 'medicinal' in clearing a foggy head and blocked up sinuses! I was sent the Breathe Purifying Hair & Body Wash and Breathe Calm Balm to review, apt for this time of year.

The Breathe Purifying Hair & Body Wash gives your body that new lease of life. I tested it in my local swimming pool showers and the gentle, but undeniable smell of Eucalyptus drew in many comments from fellow bathers (as do many of their products). Formulated with 100% natural essential oils and ingredients that aid in skin health such as:-

• Rosemary - naturally deodorizing, refining, tightening, exfoliates, helps reduce the appearance of cellulite, is anti-inflammatory and helps fight acne bacteria.
• Eucalyptus - helps reduce puffy skin and redness, can ease eczema due to it's anti-inflammatory properties, acts as a disinfectant and can even help ease joint pain. 
• Organic Olive Oil - skin hydrating, smoothing, nourishing and will keep skin feeling soft and supple.

Under a warm shower, the steam combined with the essential oils help clear sinuses and reduce mucus, making this ideal for anyone who has that dreaded lurgy.

The Breathe Calm Balm contains similar ingredients but formulated as a balm, in a small tin that you can carry with you everywhere, be it in your pocket, school bag, work bag, car etc and is ideal for when you feel the start of a tension headache and need an instant focus. I like to keep it in the car, especially if I feel tired and need a wake-up call, or by my computer. Just a smidgeon massaged with my fingertips onto my temples, pulse points and breathed in deeply through my nose, is enough to clear the head without being too overpowering. 

Both products are vegan, using recyclable packaging and made with 99% ingredients of natural origin. You can check out the rest of the range here at The Body Shop