My current obsession with Lush’s new body polish Turkish Delight, combined with the impending arrival of Valentines Day, has seriously put me in the mood for all things rose.

Rose is undoubtedly one of my favourite scents. Although, and let me make this perfectly clear, I’m talking about TRUE rose fragrance derived from actual roses, not the hideous synthetic version touted by many a cosmetic retailer (Boots, Crabtree & Evelyn… I’m talking to you).

I’m a strong believer in aromatherapy (I used it a great deal during both my pregnancies and labours) and rose is certainly one of my favourite, and most used, essential oils. Not only do I adore the smell but I’m also grateful for the effect it has on my skin. It instantly soothes and calms, reduces redness and leaves my skin glowing. It’s thought to be an antidepressant and I certainly find it helps to lift my mood. Moreover, the fragrance instantly makes me feel more sensual and feminine. This can only be considered a good thing, especially in light of the fact that I spend most of the day ‘keeping house’ and caring for small children. Glamorous I aint.

Here are a trio of rose products that I use consistently and would repurchase in a heartbeat.1. Neals Yard rose everything! In my opinion Neals Yard get rose right. Really right.

In particular, I have been very impressed by the Nurturing Rose shampoo and conditioner for dry/damaged hair. It really does seem to improve the condition of my hair and it hasn’t irritated my temperamental scalp at all either. I found this shampoo to be so detangling that I still use it to wash my daughter’s hair. Anything that can help me avoid hair brushing induced tears at bedtime is a winner!

If you love rose as much as I do I’d really recommend having a sniff of the Rose Body Cream. It smells amazing but at £27.30 for 150g it can only ever be an incredibly rare treat! The only rose product that has failed to impress me was the Rose Facial Wash. I switched to this towards the end of my pregnancy when my usual cleanser seemed to become too astringent, but all it did was break me out. I also buy most of my essential oils (including Rose Absolute) from NY as I really trust the quality.
2. Lush Amandapondo bubble bar. This is one of my favourite bubble bars. It’s scented with rose absolute and a twist of lemon and orange oil, so it’s floral but warming and uplifting too. I adore the smell and I also think they look pretty in my bathroom! I used to create the ultimate bathing cocktail by throwing a bit of this in with the Sicilian bath ballistic (a wonderful citrus bomb that they stupidly discontinued but can still be purchased online from Retro Lush). 3. Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb. I simply couldn’t live without this perfume! I’d describe it as a sweetened rose scent I think (but I’m pretty awful at describing perfumes and I haven’t got a clue about top notes etc.). Just seek this out and have a spritz. It’s fabulous!

Do you adore rose too?! I’d love to hear some recommendations for products you think I should have a peek at.

Loveaudrey xxx