Back to School Routine - Easy Bath-time with Sakare

Sakare Shower Oil is perfect for kids and mums alike!

So my little munchkins headed back to school today, bags packed, sparkling new uniform on (won't stay like that for long), eyes wide open and ready for another year of learning and more importantly, fun. After all of the preparations last night I slumped into bed not long after them, anxious about how their fist day was going to go.

Bath-time can often be a stressful part of my everyday life as a mother. One can't wait to get in the tub while the other hides anywhere possible in order to avoid it. One is sensitive to almost all bath products, while the other constantly demands the biggest, brightest bubbles possible. Over the years I have tried a range of different products but not managed to find something that works for everyone.

That was until my youngest grabbed my bottle of Sakare Shower Oil and started pouring it into the bath. My immediate reaction was to grab it..."that's mummy's special stuff" (and mummy paid enough for it that she should be able to use it exclusively), but it was too late, a decent amount had already been added to the tub. Great, I thought, now I'll have to deal with all sorts of rashes and irritations.

A few days later and we're still all clear...in fact the kids' skin was soft and perfectly clean. Even my most sensitive little flower was completely fine. I decided to let them use it again and haven't gone back since. They love the bubbles and it washes even the muddiest marks off, leaving skin hydrated without having to apply any kind of cream post-wash.

I personally swear by the stuff myself, perfect for baths or showers and doesn't fail to leave you feeling pampered. Now if we go on a family trip I only need to take one bath-time product and we're sorted. Amazing! Thank's Sakare.

Post Workout Survival Kit (& Sakare Product Review)

Sakare products are not just made for pampering...they are also perfect for everyday efficiency. Whether run off your feet on the school run, dashing to an important meeting, or  getting in a killer workout at the gym, there are still ways to enjoy the amazing benefits of this luxury brand.

Recently I have started going to Xtend Barre classes and I absolutely love it. The gym always feels like a chore to me but I have finally found a method of exercise that I actually enjoy! Anyone can join a class but don't underestimate it...you will come out sweating and rather worse for wear.

I often have to run straight to my next venture and so a post workout survival kit is imperative. Here's what I take with me for instant refreshment:

Apres Super Absorbent Towel

Unbelievably compact and amazingly absorbent...everything you need for your post workout shower without having to carry around a bulky towel with you all day. Also perfect for a mid workout sweat pat down.

Sakare Soothing Shower Oil

When rushing out to the gym you don't want to have to stuff a range of products in your bag but at the same time you don't want to compromise on your usual beauty regime. Make sure you have this Shower Oil and you will be set...it cleanses and moisturises at the same time and is even gentle enough to be used on your face. Fuss free, time efficient and still leaves you feeling like a smooth goddess! Just what you need after all that sweating.

Sakare Anti Wrinkle Eye Serum

After all that perspiration and then the hot shower your pores are left open. Slapping on moisturiser and loads of makeup to hide the redness is actually really bad for your skin as you can be rubbing dirt into your complexion. I find that applying a small amount of serum just to the eye area helps me look more awake and diminishes any puffiness. Perfect for those morning classes where your body may have woken up but your face is telling a different story.

TOP TIP: Make sure to drink plenty of water to restore hydration levels and eat a small protein-rich snack straight after your session. This will help to refuel your body and in turn restore your complexion to pre-workout appearance!

Shopping Experience Comparison: L'Occitane vs Sakare

Today I am pitching Sakare (my new favourite beauty care brand) against L'Occitane (an old time favourite) in terms of shopping experience. I am taking into consideration speed and quality of service, layout of store and value for money. Check out my verdict:

Customer Service 

Sakare - As soon as you even walk past this store there are people outside welcoming you in and offering you demonstrations of the products. The staff are not simply trying to get you to spend a fortune in the store, they genuinely understand the customer and offer them products specifically. For example they know that as a beauty blogger, I am always looking to try the very top end range of anti-ageing products, but they realise that that isn't what everyone is looking for. All staff are highly trained on the ingredients and can offer expertise knowledge as to what will work best with your skin. I have never once walked into the shop and been ignored by the staff. They straight away welcome you and help you to find what you are looking for. Some people find this a bit overpowering but as a mystery shopper with years of experience I know that this is the benchmark for good customer service.

L'Occitane - While staff are not generally out in the street to engage customers, I have always been welcomed on entrance to L'Occitane. They pretty much operate with the same procedure as Sakare...asking how you are and how they can help. Staff are knowledgable about the products but sometimes if they don't have what I am looking for then they don't offer a similar product which is a bit frustrating.

Layout

Sakare - Window displays are always immaculate and representative of the brand...luxurious and opulent. Inside the products are displayed simply and in keeping with the style of the widow displays. There is a feel of 1940s cruise liner glamour that transports you to another world.

L'Occitane - As soon as you walk in you feel as if you are in a French beauty boutique of the finest handmade products. Countryside feel with a touch of luxury. Slight overload of products for the eye which I find very off-putting.

Value For Money

Sakare - No top end luxury brand with use of the latest research is going to be cheap. By taking a look at the website you could say that Sakare cosmetics are expensive, although the trick is to strike a deal with the staff as they are usually willing to do you a discount or special offer if you ask. Considering the quality of the products the prices are good value.

L'Occitane - French luxury and cheap will never be found in the same sentence together. If you decide you want a L'Occitane bathroom then it is going to cost you. Don't think of trying to strike a deal in this store as that just won't fly. Prices are not always readily displayed...'if you have to ask it's too expensive' comes to mind.

My Winner: Sakare - just shows that it is possible for new brands to break into the luxury beauty product market which is so often set in it's ways.