Eco Fragrance: Tous H20

Ever felt a bit selfish and self absorbed dousing yourself in perfume, making up your face, fancifying yourself in all manner of the word when you know there are others suffering in the world?

I know I do.  Sometimes we need to remind ourselves how lucky we are living in the Western world, despite recession, we still have running water, clothes, food ... even when times are tough, we are still in a much more privileged position than countless others on this planet.

That's why I was really pleased to find out about a fragrance by Tous called H20 branded as an 'ecochic' perfume inspired by the brands jewellery collection.  The gorgeous blue gem shaped bottle is made from 25% recycled glass and was packaged by the Arco Iris Foundation, a special employment centre that helps integrate disabled people into the workplace using cardboard that is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council.

From each bottle of TOUS H20 sold a percentage of the profit will be donated to Oxfam.  Each sale will provide 15 litres of drinking water for people around the world who need it most.

The fragrance itself has top notes of lemon and lavender and is infused with rose, ginger and woody bottom notes.  It is a delightfully fresh, clean fragrance.  It is reminiscent of Davidoff Cool Water and is a lovely day time scent. 


Tous H20 is available from Boots and comes in 30ml, 50ml and 100ml starting at £26. 


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Iris

I woke up to a lovely surprise package last week, something I hadn't expected at all.

It was a bottle of Crabtree & Evelyn's new fragrance, Iris. This is my first ever dabble with this brand and I have to say so far it's been a very pleasant one.

Iris (Eau de toilette) comes in a rather chunky 100ml bottle which surprisingly only costs £24. What a bargain ... however it's only a bargain if it smells good. And it does. I have been wearing everyday with compliments aplenty.

Iris has a vintage feel about it from the design of the bottle to the artwork to the fragrance itself. With top notes of natural Italian bergamot and cassis and base notes of exotic sandalwood, patchouli, fresh vetiver, natural cedarwood and creamy musk it sounds like a busy concoction but works very well to deliver a sensuous, fresh but subtle scent.

The artwork for Iris was designed by Bella Towse, a graduate of Central St Martin's whose inspiration came from her parents garden. A simple and delicate illustration of an Iris is etched on the bottle, an attractive addition to the dressing table.

Crabtree & Evelyn's Iris is also available in body and home products. Why don't you try before you buy and request a sample here.

Now that I have been introduced to this brand, I think I'd like to look further. Does anyone have any Crabtree & Evelyn recommendations?

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