For some reason unbeknown to me, I have long held a beauty obsession with figs. Yep - I don't know why, but I love anything that contains that weird, purple, Mediterranean fruit.
Perhaps it's because the products figs are in tend to have a sexy, masculine smell which I associate with trips abroad, or romantic dinners. Or perhaps it's because it appeals to me when companies use natural ingredients in their formulas (who wants to slather on a lotion knee-deep in chemicals or toxic ingredients anyway?)
Whatever the reason, what is true is that figs make for fantastic beauty products! Rich in antioxidants, they help to fight any nasty, damaging effects of the sun and the environment, while also hydrating skin and restoring elasticity. They also act as a great cleanser and can help to soothe away inflammations or pesky spots. Perfect, right?
So, for anyone who wants to join me in my fig obsession, here is my pick of all things yummy...
Sam x
Good Things Deep Pore Anti-Blemish Cleanser
£4.99, exclusively from
Boots
Since being sent this cleanser, it has become one of my staple, fail-safe beauty products. In fact, it is so brilliant that I almost decided to scrap this post altogether so that I could write solely about my love for this cleanser!
Specially formulated for skin that is prone to breakouts and oiliness, this is a two-in-one cleanser and toner. It contains the luscious superfruits fig and wild strawberry to both smooth and soften the skin, while handy liquorice and willow bark extracts help to reduce bacteria.
Gentle enough for even the most sensitive of skins, this is the ideal product for me. It smells like absolute heaven (so much so that I was tempted to eat it!) - so much so that I actually look forward to using it, morning and night.
Just a small squirt of this onto a cottonwool pad will leave your skin looking and feeling squeaky clean, while there will also be a noticeable glow. My pores also seem to have shrunk since using this, which is nothing short of a miracle! On a good day, my pores are the size of dinner plates, while my T-Zone tends towards an oil slick.
Good Things is ideal for those with younger skin. Developed by the award-winning beauty journalist Alice Hart-Davis, the range uses gorgeous, natural products to really boost and make the most of your skin.
I cannot rate this product highly enough. And with all the products in this range super affordable, I will be sure to get testing some more!
Arran Aromatics Parfumeur Ultimate Fig Candle
£19.50 from
here
This candle is absolutely, utterly divine. As soon as I lit it, I fell head over heels in love with the sexy smell which, even now, I can't completely describe. All I can say is that it magically appears to be both musky and sweet at the same time - a complete contradiction in terms.
Anyway, not only does it smell great, but it also managed to scent my entire house. How on earth did that happen?! (yes, yes, I know all about diffusion - I'm just amazed that a candle has the ability to scent every single room!)
It comes in a lovely, elegant glass holder which I'm proud to have perched on my fireplace, and also seems to be lasting me forever. In the winter, I have a habit of burning candles all day long (the flickering from the flame always makes me smile) and I've yet to make a dent in this wax.
This is a great candle for putting on before guests are due to arrive, and I've had numerous people asking me where it is from. If you do like fig, it's worth checking out Arran Aromatics other products in the range - they have room sprays, perfumes and body lotions! All available from here:
http://www.arranaromatics.com/
Korres Body Butter in Fig
£11.50 from
Cult Beauty
Reported fans of this incredibly body butter include the goddess-like Charlize Theron which, to me, makes this worth the purchase alone.
To me, Korres body butters are some of the best on the market. They are luxurious and effective but without that eye-wateringly expensive price tag that would scare so many (me included!) off.
This body is beautifully rich and nourishing and is perfect for using all over the body. It's especially brilliant in pepping up those niggly dry spots on your knees, elbows and heels.
The body butter contains fig extract to both tone and regenerate the skin, while other key ingredients include shea butter, almond and avocado oils to help restore elasticity and smoothness. What else do you need in a body butter?!
Not only does it leave your skin super soft (it is ideal for use in winter months), but its scent is gorgeous and long-lasting, unlike many other scented body lotions. Sorry, you may have gathered by now that I am a bit biased towards the scent of figs.
After using this, my skin feels like a baby's - and, incredibly, it stays that way all day. While this cream is heavier than many body lotions, it absorbs really easily. In fact, it's easy to see why it has become a cult beauty buy!
