Rituals...

I am a proper beauty product junkie who loves to experiment with new brands and products, as well as stocking up on all sorts of goodies, regardless I may already have a dozen of unused body lotion stashed away for rainy days... as they say, 'It is better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it'!! I first came across this Dutch beauty brand 'Rituals...' a decade ago when I was visiting family in The Netherlands. The shopfront was minimalistic and modern on a busy Amsterdam high street. All their products are inspired by Eastern rituals and there are 5 different rituals, each has its own benefits and properties - Ayurveda, Hammam, Sakura, Tao & Tatsu. The products are made of organic and natural ingredients where possible and safe alternatives are introduced where nature cannot provide. Most importantly, the company does not believe in animal testing but instead, products are tested by volunteers - I'd love to be one! Base on the brand's concepts and ethos, I suppose one can say this is the Dutch version of The Body Shop with a more chic image, marketing towards 20-something onward who shops at certain places, instead of  targeting towards the wider high street audience.

I honestly cannot remembered what were the products I tried on a decade ago, but I do remember my first purchase from 'Rituals...', which was the 'Rice Milk Hand Cream'. The quality was incredible. Lightly scented with a silky smooth texture, only a small amount is enough to rehydrate my hands - not that they were ever awfully dry. It was a 75ml tube size back then, perfect for the handbag (THE most essential item in my handbag after lip balm) and if I remember correctly, it was only €7, very economical for what it was.

'Rituals...' has since spread across the globe, and there are a few shops in the UK, primarily in big cities, and quite a number of counters within big department stores. They used to have a store in Cambridge few years ago and I introduced a friend to the products who has since become a follower of its products. As I have probably vaguely mentioned in a previous post, I visited The Netherlands in early January this year and indeed I did stock up some goodies from its home country. It is true I could have made a purchase in the UK but to me, it feels a little extra special to have bought these from The Netherlands.

From left to right: Infinity Hand Lotion, Mild Eye make-up Remober, Wai Wang Body Exfoliating Cream, Sereni-Tea Foaming Shower Gel and Lip Treat.

This ultra rich hand lotion is scented with refreshing Sweet Orange & Japanese Mint, which is a winter must-have, to protect the hands from the bitterly cold Arctic wind. It has a silky texture so and can be quickly absorbed by the skin, great for those who uses their hands a lot to avoid  leaving grease mark behind on objects or surfaces.

I have used a variety of 2-phase formula eye make-up remover before, and some of them are actually rather greasy and leaves a shine on the eye lids. This eye make-up remover is great, only need a tiny amount to remove eye shadow and eyeliner. I don't wear a lot of make up in general and seldom wear mascara, so I have yet to test this product to the max.

I have used the Wai Wang Body Cream a while ago and I absolutely adore the smell. It is a rich exfoliating cream but when massaging around the body, it feels as light as feather and skin immediately feels smoother (I am quite lazy when it comes to body exfoliation!). It also leaves the skin hydrated enough so I don't necessary feel the need of applying body lotion on after showering.

I have yet started on the shower gel or the lip treat yet, saving them for another time. Nonetheless, I must recommend its other lip treatment - Eve's Kiss. I was given a personalised Rituals... gift set last year and this lip balm was part of it. I carry this wonderful little tube of lip balm everywhere with me, perhaps I should buy one for each of my handbags... The reason why I love this product so much is because it smells (taste!) great (apple and karite), it also works as a lip gloss. It stays on for quite a while and a little amount can go a long way. One stone keeps two birds and a less product having to carry around :)

Ritual... currently have stores in these locations within the UK: Bluewater, Belfast, Brighton, Bromley, Canterbury and Gatwick. It also offers online shopping service for those who doesn't live near these areas, or check and see if there's a counter within your local major department stores.