Clarins Tonic Bath and Shower Concentrate

Clarins make three different "Aroma-Phyto-Soins" products for the bath and shower. Although all their products traditionally have a high concentration of natural plant extracts this particular range has both aromatic and beauty benefits. The range includes Tonic (the yellow one), Relax (the blue one) and Contour (the green one), with each having their own unique properties. This review is on the Tonic Bath and Shower Concentrate.
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...open cap with the usual Clarins gold rim around the base of the cap. The product is an orangey yellow colour of moderate consistency. On the back of the bottle are some basic instructions and also a huge list of ingredients which takes up about half the bottle.

The Properties.
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This product is said to have the following properties
- Invigorates the mind and body through its aromatic properties
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Clarins make three different "Aroma-Phyto-Soins" products for the bath and shower. Although all their products traditionally have a high concentration of natural plant extracts this particular range has both aromatic and beauty benefits. The range includes Tonic (the yellow one), Relax (the blue one) and Contour (the green one), with each having their own unique properties. This review is on the Tonic Bath and Shower Concentrate.

The Product
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The name is slightly confusing being called a bath and shower concentrate. It basically has a double use being able to be used as either a bubble bath or a shower gel. It comes in a clear bottle with a white flip open cap with the usual Clarins gold rim around the base of the cap. The product is an orangey yellow colour of moderate consistency. On the back of the bottle are some basic instructions and also a huge list of ingredients which takes up about half the bottle.

The Properties.
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This product is said to have the following properties
- Invigorates the mind and body through its aromatic properties
- Gently cleanses the skin through a rich but lightweight foam
- Tones the skin
- Neutralises effects of hard water

Ingredients
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This product is packed full of plant extracts each chosen for their individual properties. This includes:-

Arnica - Known in France as the boo-boo plant! Traditionally used for treating bruises is used in this product as it is a decongestive, anti-dehydrating, toning and invigorating.
Balm Mint - Used for its essential oils from the leaves which have a sweet smell and a sedative action helping to relax and calm people.
Big Black root - This is a good plant for healing wounds having been used since the 1st century. It is included in this product for its stimulating properties.
Gentian - This is a flowering plant used in many cosmetic products for its skin-toning properties.
Geranium - A common garden flower which contains lots of essential oils and has a soothing and astringent effect on skin.
Hops - Again rich in essential oils this time having calming properties and used to treat depression and anxiety.
Juniper - Widely used both in medicine and in alcohol. Has wide uses including disinfectant and diuretic properties (makes you pee!). Not sure why it has been included in this particular product!
Mint - Used widely in cooking it has also been used for many centuries for its medicinal properties including its soothing and antiseptic properties.
Rosemary - A fragrant plant which is used in cooking but also has de-stressing and revitalising properties.
Witch hazel - Named because it looks similar to a hazel tree and has healing properties. Has astringent qualities and also is said to strengthen the blood vessels.

Instructions.
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As mentioned above this product can be used as both a bubble bath or as a shower gel. When using in the bath Clarins recommends pouring a capful under running water. I add a small drop and it foams up really well. You should inhale deeply to experience the aroma of the essential oils and relax for 10-15 minutes.

When using the product as a shower gel just use a sponge, facecloth or your put some into your hands and wash in your usual way.

Clarins recommends using this product in the morning this is because of its revitalising properties. I however tend to have a bath at night and have used this and still feel it is good.

The Smell
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This product has a very unique smell. It's really quite hard to describe, it's a combination of all of the above ingredients, it's quite strong but I really like it. Having read all the ingredients I couldn't pick out what one thing it smells like but it has a natural smell, not floral, perhaps a little fruity. It's a scent which either a man or a woman could use.

The Cost
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It is a Clarins product so it is no big surprise that it's not cheap. A 200ml bottle retails for around £13.50 in the shops although you can get it cheaper through many sites on the internet. You only use a small amount so it does last longer than ordinary shower gels or bubble baths but it is quite expensive for everyday use. I have a few of the discovery size bottle which are 100ml and are free when Clarins have special offers so you buy 2 skincare products and get two discovery sizes free. This means you can treat yourself without worrying about the cost.

My Thoughts.
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I really like this product it is a little bit of luxury and a lovely way to treat yourself. I like the Tonic product just as much as I like the Relax one. They have different smells and supposedly different properties but they both smell lovely and make me feel relaxed and pampered.

You only need to use a small amount under running water and you get a bath full of bubbles. The smell fills the room and is wonderful. Even after washing and drying the scent stays on you skin, many cheaper products don't have this lasting scent.
Using it as a shower gel leaves your skin clean and fresh. My skin feel soft but I would still use a moisturiser afterwards. Again the scent stays on your skin even after you have dried yourself.
It's not a product I would buy regularly but is nice to receive as a present and use in between my cheaper bubble baths and shower gels.

 

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