My Essentials: Shampoo and Conditioner

I have tried many shampoos and conditioners and my all-time favourites remain Aveda's Shampure shampoo and conditioner, in litre bottles with pumps they are at their most cost effective. They leave hair tangle-free, shiny and gloriously scented and I've found nothing else as lovely to use. The fragrance comes as a scented candle as well, and can be added to Aveda's custom blends.

I defect regularly: to try other products recommended in magazines, or to try something cheaper. So I've spent more and I've spent less but I'm always disappointed and tell myself never to stray again. Most recently I've tried Natural Locks and I won't be buying these products again because they did not properly cleanse my hair and the conditioner has not been very effective at detangling. Recently,snowed-in in Hampshire I've bought Boots Botanics locally and have yet to form a conclusion.

My Essentials: Bath Oil

Bath oil is perfect for mornings when I lie in the bath coming round - the ultimate transistion from bed to waking. I'm not a morning person and I've not time for soap and body cream on a working morning, so bath oil gives me time to wallow and keep my skin moisturised. I used to use baby oil but now my preference is for aromatherapeutic dispersable oils and I'm planning to start making my own when I run out of purchased ones. I do like big imposing bottles lined up by the bath and I dream of a colossal glass flacons containing my own personal, perfect ones.