Molton Brown

Since interviewing Olympic swimming champion Emily Seebohm, we've got Olympics fever. With less than nine weeks to go until they kick off in London, we're starting to get into the green and gold spirit and also the gold, silver and bronze one, too! Molton Brown is the latest beauty brand to announce plans to launch a special Olympics line, marking the occasion with its Limited Edition Olympics MMXII collection: Naran Ji Hand Wash (gold), Paradisiac Pink Pepperpod Bath & Shower Gel (silver) and Re-Charge Black Pepper Bodywash (bronze). Whether you're a fan of the luxury brand, the Olympics or a good body wash, we're sure you'll appreciate the sentiment.

Molton Brown Limited Edition Olympics MMXII collection ($39 each) will be available from June 18. Stockists: www.moltonbrow.com.au.

By now, you may already have heard about argan, quercetin and maracuja. After all, they're three of the hottest skin care and makeup ingredients around these days. But what about the stuff you'll be hearing about in six months or a year's time? We've gathered 10 of the buzzed-about ingredients that are just making their way into products. So get ahead of the game, and start using them before they get exxy.

1. Pracaxi oil – This oil of Amazonian extraction has high levels of behenic acid, so it's antiseptic and moisturising at the same time. It's supposed to help with acne and it also makes hair more hydrated and shiny. If you're in the market for an inexpensive way to gloss up your hair, you'll find pracaxi in The Body Shop Rainforest Radiance Hair Butter ($26.95).

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I love me some Molton Brown goodies. Always have. Always, always, always will. The latest mini-range is no exception. Molton Brown Paradisiac Pink Pepperpod is divine. Gorgeous. Sensual. Sumptuous. And any other heavenly word you can think of. The femme fatale of the range, it's got a deep, spicy scent at its core. Featuring an exotic blend Brazilian pink pepperpods, African ginger oil and patchouli, the Paradisiac Pink Pepperpod Body and Shower Gel ($39) and Body Lotion ($39) are the perfect indulgence every morning. But more than just an aromatic treat, the Brazilian pink peppertree is also known for its skin conditioning and antioxidant benefits.  Love, love, 1,000 times love. Get it before it goes . . .

Pssst. Did you know that pink pepper was traditionally called "grains of paradise" and was thought to only be found in Eden? You had to collect your share as they floated down the rivers of paradise. Sigh. No wonder it smells so blissful.

If Christmas present shopping and endless parties have left your purse strings a little tight, you’ll be pleased to hear that Molton Brown has some summer savings action planned for December 26 – January 20.

The cult brand is releasing six limited edition summer duo sets that'll allow you to save anywhere between $16 and $25. The sets (all priced at $55 each) include: Blu maquis hand wash and hand lotion duo; Bracing silverbirch body wash and moisture rich karite & aloe bar duo; Enlivening toko yuzu body wash and body lotion duo (love, love, love, LOVE these); Blissful templetree body wash and body balm duo; Ultrasmooth coco de mer body wash and body lotion duo; Rosella hairwash and haircondition duo.

The sets are only available while stocks last. Stockists: Molton Brown (02 9150 0590)

I love a Balm Off. OK, I love the idea of a Balm Off, I’ve never actually done one before but basically I was thinking I’d just put them through various obstacle courses and report back my findings. Like who couldn’t make it over the big wall. You were thinking the same? Great minds or what.

The Contenders (Balms): Trilogy Everything Balm (from $18) and Molton Brown desert bloom ultrabalm ($55).

Trilogy Everything Balm Pros: can be used for absolutely anything (as a cure for dry skin, to make your nails healthy, for massage, to make your lips kissable . . .); all-natural formula; comes with a spatula and little cloth bag; smells very nice; easy portable size so you never have to be without it; set to last you forever.

Trilogy Everything Balm Cons: comes with a spatula that I now can’t find; slightly greasy but very nourishing all the same; its solid formula makes it slightly hard to get lots out for a larger area.

Molton desert bloom ultrabalm Pros: can be used for absolutely anything (as a cure for dry, chapped skin, to make elbows smooth, to make your lips kissable . . .); has no spatula (a plus in my book); its tube packaging makes it easy to control the exact amount you want so it’ll last you a long time; perfect size to pop in your handbag; contains lots of natural goodness like lotus complex and African desert plant; more fluid formula making it easy to apply.

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