Expert reviews: 4 nourishing new favourites

It’s tempting to want to spend the whole of winter in hibernation, curled up next to the fire and tucked in tight with an electric blanket, but the negative effects it has on our skin and hair aren’t so crash hot. To keep these things on track, we’ve reviewed some of the most nourishing and soothing products around. 

From the best sleep you’ll ever have to scaly skin that’s restored back to life, these products are bound to help you through the winter chill. 

bh’s Sam says:

NIVEA Gentle Caring Micellar Water - Sensitive Skin

I was yet to jump on the micellar water bandwagon, I'm usually an 'unless it can be done in the shower I can't be bothered' kind of gal, but I finally gave in and have been trying NIVEA's for the last three weeks. And I've got to say, I've changed my tune. I thought it would be a time-consuming extra step, but it literally takes me a minute to remove every trace of make-up when I combine it with a cotton pad. It means I can use less cleanser and be gentler with my skin care once I'm in the shower, because I've already removed the majority of the dirt and make-up residue. It's also extremely handy after a night out to give my face a quick clean before I plop into bed. While I don't have sensitive skin, face wipes occasionally sting the skin around my eyes, but I definitely don't have that problem with this micellar water – it's really gentle and quite soothing. I haven't noticed much of a smell to it, so if you prefer things fragrance-free, I think it would fit the brief. I don't like clutter, so it's a pretty big deal that this is now a permanent addition on my vanity. 

bh’s Astrid says:

Essano Coconut Milk Hydrating Shampoo and Conditioner

From the moment I first opened the lid on this shampoo, I was completely hooked. It’s got this incredibly addictive smell – a combination of coconut milk, frangipani and the undeniable scent of paw paw that instantly transports me to a tropical island. I just love it. My second favourite thing about it is the shimmer. In your hand, you can literally see little flecks of gold, which makes me feel like I’m giving my locks the royal treatment. Plus it’s not too heavy on my hair, which is a big thing for me. The conditioner really helps to add that last little bit of moisture my hair needs, especially since I am guilty of turning the water up to a scorching temperature. That’s totally justified, right? 

One thing to note: since Essano is an all-natural brand, you’re not going to get that almost-slippery feeling you might be used to with some other shampoos and conditioners. Believe me when I say this is a good thing. It means there are no nasty chemicals that have been deliberately added to give you that super soft wash. It might take some adjusting to get used to the fact that your hair shouldn’t feel this way, but you and your locks will be better off in the long run. 

bh’s Rosie says:

Lilysilk 19 Momme Terse Silk Pillowcase 

I'll start off by saying that now that I've slept on this seriously smooth, silk pillowcase by Lilysilk, I will never go back to sleeping on cotton. I'd heard that silk pillowcases were great for keeping your hair smooth and skin crease-free come morning, but the benefits of this pillowcase have really amazed me. I have sensitive skin and rosacea, so when I'm sleeping, my skin tends to get quite hot and red, however this silk pillowcase actually keeps my skin very cool when I lay on my side and doesn't heat up under my skin. As a result, I've been waking up with very calm, smooth and refreshed skin. Also, my hair can be quite unmanageable in the mornings, but the silk helps to keep my strands tangle-free and smooth out my frizz. This pillowcase is also really simple to care for – I just throw it in my regular wash. I'd definitely recommend this pillowcase to anyone who wants their skin to feel more comfortable as they sleep and their hair more manageable when they wake. And anyone who likes a touch of luxury, really!

bh’s Anna says:

Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion - Deep Restore

My skin is pretty prone to dryness. I try my best to keep the flaking and scaliness at bay by exfoliating on the reg and moisturising after every shower, but I can't quite manage to get my skin looking as smooth and hydrated as I'd like (probably because I fake tan ALL the time and tanning foam can dry out the skin). I gave Vaseline Intensive Care Lotion - Deep Restore a go and I must say, it has certainly improved the appearance of my skin. It's a nice, lightweight formula and it absorbs pretty easily into the skin. I had to wait a little while before dressing after applying because it didn't absorb instantly, but it certainly wasn't greasy. I noticed a reduction in the visible scaliness of my legs and I also noticed that my tan came off more evenly than usual (it tends to fade in patches, especially on my arms, but it was much less patchy when I used this lotion). All in all this gets the thumbs up from me!

Have you got your eye on any of these?