Several years ago when I lived in London I took my new flatmate Kiesha shopping on the world famous Oxford Street. She had just arrived from Barbados and wanted to see what all the fuss was about. We walked out of the clothes shops empty-handed after perusing racks of clothes that were only ever going to fit a five year old and made our way to South Molton Street, so we could visit Molton Brown.
Keisha and I ended up staying for ages, smelling shower gels, playing with make-up and spraying perfume. She turned to me at one point and said, “You know what I love about shopping here — no matter how big or small I am, everything fits.”
I think what we all love about reading Karen’s blog is that it gives us inspiration. Inspiration that no matter what we look like — big, small, tall, short, or somewhere in-between — we can all look and feel beautiful. Beauty products have the power to transform our mood instantaneously, and the best part? There’s something for everyone! Somewhere out there is your Chantecaille eye shadow palette waiting to be opened.

My love affair with Molton Brown started over nine years ago, when I had the pleasure of working for them. I answered a job advert through an agency that wanted someone with customer service experience to work at a cosmetics supplier. I had no idea who they were or what amazing products I was about to discover.
I’ve been to the factory in Hertfordshire, and to this day that is still one of the best days of my life. My time at Molton Brown has made me a life-long fan. If you’re unfamiliar with the brand, then here’s a little taster…


Ultrasmooth Coco De Mer Bath & Shower Gel ($28)
In my opinion, Molton Brown shower gels are the best that money can buy. They’re of superior quality, delicately scented, and highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way. I’m always using a least six different ranges at any one time.
Ultrasmooth Coco De Mer started life as a body lotion and has been a long standing bestseller, so it only seemed natural to release a matching shower gel.
Your skin will thank you the moment this luxurious gel touches it, thanks to soothing coconut fruit extract and wild honey. The scent will transport you to a white sand tropical beach, and if it’s used regularly you’ll see an improvement in the texture of your skin. It leaves a veil of softness that you wouldn’t think possible from just using a shower gel. It’s a fantastic everyday product.


Celestial Maracuja Sugar Polish ($60)
There are a lot of sugar polishes out there on the beauty market now; what differentiates Celestial Maracuja Sugar Polish from the others is the maracuja passion flower oil, sourced responsibly from the Amazon rainforest. Organic raw sugar is also suspended in the oil, which must be stirred each time it’s used.
I love that it’s water-soluble because oily scrubs can be a hazard in the bathroom and clog drains, but that’s not a worry with this. I can get about four uses from each tub, however others may be able to get more. I buff myself literally from my head, starting with the back of my ears, to the spaces between my toes. As with all Molton Brown products, the scent is subtle but gorgeous. I’ve used this scrub on both wet and dry skin, and both work very well. I tend to prefer my body scrubs on the rougher side, however this gives me the exfoliation I want without being abrasive. I love this body scrub as it makes my skin feel polished and refined.


Rosé Granati and Naran Ji Fine Liquid Hand Wash ($25 each)
The first Molton Brown hand wash I had the pleasure of using was from the Naran Ji range. I was quite mystified about the notion of hand wash being anything other than for the mundane task of washing my hands! I didn’t realise it could be another self-indulgent beauty experience. I’ve always taken great care of my hands as they give away your age. Molton Brown started the luxury hand wash revolution. Most people in the UK have only ever used Carex (similar to Softsoap) hand wash or the ordinary bar of soap.
Molton Brown hand wash transforms a routine and necessary task into something luxurious and decadent. I keep the exotic Rosé Granati in my bathroom and the uplifting Naran Ji in my kitchen. If you love to cook with garlic, onions, and ginger, this is the perfect hand wash for you. It doesn’t strip or dry the skin, and gets rids of strong food smells. My silly mum rarely uses her Molton Brown hand wash as she wants to save it for something special. I use mine every day!
Molton Brown is made in England by people who care enough to make the best beauty products they can by using responsibly sourced ingredients from around the world. The company doesn’t churn out products for the sake of it; they never follow the latest trends. Instead they’re trendsetters.
As much as I would love to see a new shower gel from them every few months, it will never happen. Too much time and care goes into making each new product, and they would never compromise on quality.
It shows. Molton Brown makes me feel beautiful every day.
Amber says
The only Molton Brown stuff I’ve gotten a chance to try was the room toiletry set at a hotel in Portland, Oregon. It smelled delicious and exotic! I should make it a point to treat myself next time I’m someplace that carries it.
.-= Amber’s last blog post… Come on Friday =-.
Liza says
Ooh! I’ve liked what I’ve tried of Molton Brown, especially the scent of the ambrusca purify products. I’ve heard good things about the Celestial Maracuja Bathing Nectar (what a name!). $68 for a bath oil seems like a lot, but what do you think about it?
Nina says
Those sound like they smell absolutely heavenly! 🙂
Karen says
Thanks Anabella!
I really want to try one of the hand soaps now!
Annabella Freeman says
Hello Everyone! I’m in the states now for my holiday. The volcano delayed my flight by seven hours but thankfully I’m here now in Tennessee. I hear what you are saying about the price. MB can be quite pricey but I do think it’s worth it. I would recommend trying some of the less expensive products first and always ask for samples. The hand soaps are a good place to start.
I’m off to Target today to see what all the fuss is about! : )
.-= Annabella Freeman’s last blog post… Review – Clinique Redness Solutions Soothing Cleanser =-.