BODY BRUSH
This is the first time we’ve trialled body brushes in the ‘gadgets/accessories’ category of the Awards, and we’re delighted to bring you a winner with a solid score that also – whoop, whoop! – happens to be really affordable.
We’re fans of body brushes for revving up circulation, exfoliating away rough skin and prepping it for oils and creams, and for getting lymph flowing. Experts in treating cellulite swear by body brushing – always in the direction of the heart, and lightly rather than viciously. We do feel that in the current, more body positive climate, women are much less worried about their lumps and bumps (which literally nobody else notices) – and that’s got to be a good thing. But they offer serious feel-good benefits, in our experience – even more so, we reckon, when it’s priced so reasonably.
GOLD AWARD, BEST NATURAL and BEAUTY STEAL Boots Botanics Natural Bristle Brush
This brush has a long handle to make it easy to access areas like shoulders and back, created from plant bristles. The wooden element is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), and the brush can be used on wet or dry skin; for hygiene, it should be hung to dry, if used in the shower or bath, via the cotton loop.
£6.50 - click to buy
OUR TESTERS’ COMMENTS:
‘Skin felt immediately smoother especially over hips, shins and upper arms. It gave my skin a glow and I felt I was at a Turkish spa! Body moisturiser was very quickly absorbed after use’ • ‘I have really loved using this – far more than I thought I would, as it is used wet with soap on dry skin. I have really noticed the difference in my skin's condition; skin tone of my arms and legs has definitely improved. I have fewer areas of dry skin and any flare-ups have been quickly dealt with’ • ‘I really liked this brush. I have never seen one quite so strong and robust. All my previous brushes have either broken, or the bristles started to come out. I thought this was well-made and looked and felt like a quality product that would be a good investment – far superior to my usual brush’ • ‘After prolonged use I noticed my ingrown hairs were almost totally gone. Skin tone was more even, and circulation was improved. My legs felt lighter and less painful (the pressure from fluid retention can make it feel like a weight is around them, and the skin is stretched like sausage skin!). Dimples and cellulite became less obvious and swelling of feet decreased’ • ‘It provided a light exfoliating effect, so I didn't need to use so much of my usual body butter to get the same result’ • ‘Until I read the instructions on the Botanics body brush, I didn't realise brushes like these could be used anything other than dry – previously I’d find myself in the shower before I realised I'd forgotten to dry body brush. Discovering that wet brushing was a “thing”, I found I was far more likely to remember to body brush in the shower; I used it with a tea tree wash and found this added to the fresh sensation and also kept the brush hygienic and clean. After use, I simply hung the brush up on the bathroom heated towel rail for it to dry off between uses.’
£6.50 - click to buy