Given my love for tea and red wine (a girl's gotta have some vices), I'm always on the hunt for effective whitening toothpastes that can help to remove surface stains, which can make your teeth look yellow, which, let's be honest, is never a good look!

Janina Ultra White Sensitive Whitening Toothpaste  is a zesty, ultra-whitening toothpaste, that's comprised of a low-abrasive formulation, making it ideal for those who have sensitive teeth.

The 'secret ingredient' in this whitening toothpaste is 
Bromaine Complex, a combination of pineapple and papaya enzymes that safely whiten teeth - without the use of harsh abrasives. This means less sensitivity to cold, heat and acids.  I'm a convert. It's 'sayanora' to my old toothpaste!

Janina Ultra White Sensitive Whitening Toothpaste is available in Boots stores nationwide, Amazon and www.beautyandthebunch.com (RRP’s £11.25-£19.95).  

www.janina.com

A.A. Miln

We recently tried the Natura Bisse Essential Shock Intense Hand Cream, a deeply nourishing unisex hand cream from Spanish luxury skincare brand Natura Bisse, which boasts a bevy of hard-working ingredients to give you silky smooth hands in no time.

So, what's in it you ask? Here's a low-down on the ingredients...

UreaHydrofix (5%): Urea is one of the components in the skin’s Natural Moisturizing Factor (NMF). With its significant ability to retain water, it is also a natural exfoliant that stimulates the skin’s cellular renewal process, thereby helping other active ingredients better penetrate the skin.

Niacinamide: A vitamin in the B group, it is an effective cosmetic ingredient that offers multiple antiaging benefits. It improves the skin’s barrier and prevents dehydration. It also increases the production of collagen and new fibroblasts (skin cells) while helping reduce dark spots and evening out skin tone.

Aminoessence Cocktail: A very rich cocktail of amino acids, a true shock treatment that redensifies and firms the skin. It includes pure amino acids (essential and non-essential), collagen amino acids and elastin amino acids. It is an extraordinary combination that improves elasticity and helps maintain an optimum level of hydration.

Vitamins A, C & E: A powerful combination that provides significant antioxidant action; it prevents the formation of free radicals, protecting skin against damage from the sun’s rays. Vitamin A helps improve the skin’s cellular regeneration process and has been shown to reduce wrinkles when applied topically. Vitamin C improves the appearance of photoaged skin, stimulating the synthesis of collagen and elastin fibers.

Milk thistle: Very rich in vegetable polyphenols and flavonoids, it provides great antioxidant action, helps fight free radicals and the effects of cellular oxidation. · Wheat germ: Highly nourishing wheat germ moisturizes your skin and prevents transepidermal water loss.

Pineapple extract: Its high vitamin C content provides it with exceptional antioxidant properties. It stimulates cellular regeneration and the production of collagen and elastin, has significant moisturizing power and leaves your skin with a satiny finish.

Our verdict: We loved that it provided us with supple skin in no time at all - without the sticky residue that you often get with ultra-emollient hand creams. Definitely one to keep in your handbag for whenever you need a fast-acting, replenishing hand moisturiser.

Available from the most exclusive stores, spas and beauty centres for £40.00 (75ml).

​www.naturabisse.com

A.A. Miln

It’s not often one takes some time out a hectic day to enjoy a bit of 'me' time, which is why we're always on the hunt for products that deliver a bit of R&R quickly and easily.

We recently tried Olverum bath oil, a luxurious aromatic blend of essential oils that helps to ease stresses and strains to help elevate your mind and body. Containing  10 pure essential oils, which are carefully blended to work synergistically, it's an effective way to naturally relieve stress and help you to achieve a great nights' sleep. It's also great for helping to ease aching or sore muscles.

We loved the fabulous eucalyptus scent, which helped turn a boring bath into an uplifting spa-like experience. For the ultimate, cheeky indulgence, we recommend enjoying it with a glass of red and a great book! Available from www.houseoffraser.co.uk  (£26.00 for 125ml - up to 25 baths or £48  for 250ml - up to 50 baths).

A.A. Miln ​