Lush Christmas

I was excited when I saw the new Hottie massage bar on the Lush site a little while ago as it said it was good for poor blood circulation, because of the ginger and black pepper oils in it. I went to try it out in-store and the slightly crazy face-mask wearing lady there gave me a hand massage to demonstrate it. She melted loads on, leaving me with very greasy hands, but then added talc to soak it up. If you don't go over the top, you can get just enough to leave yourself nicely moisturised.

I like the smell (it's quite subtle I think, cocoa butter with a hint of ginger), and the bumpy Lego-like side feels great while it lasts, but does unfortunately wear down quite quickly, especially when used for a back massage.
The problem I find with it is that when your hands and feet are like blocks of ice (as mine always are at this time of year), the bar doesn't melt! I used it after a warm shower the other day though and it felt lovely to melt the oils into my legs and feet, and by doing so, getting my hands warmed up.

I also got a block of the new Christmas Snow Globe soap. Oh my GOSH this smells so good. I usually prefer warmer scents in winter but I can make an exception for this. It contains lemon myrtle and grapefruit oils, and kind of smells like sherbet. I've only used it on my hands so far, but it leaves them feeling quite soft so I'll try it in the shower too.

As a quick update...
the Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Lip Protectant Stick continues to be a disappointment, but the classic Eight Hour Cream Skin Protectant continues to be a god-send in this weather. The boyfriend has even been asking for it to cope with his man-cold.
I've been putting some Dream Cream on my hands before bed and before going out in the cold and it protects them so well. I now understand why people rave about the Angels on Bare Skin cleanser. (Argh forgot! Mental note: must pick up a Baby Face cleanser before they disappear!)