Celebrities - the products they like, and the brands they create

Yes, I know, it seems a bit shallow to be writing about what celebrities like. But, I'll admit, although I wouldn't buy something because, say, Jennifer Aniston, said she liked it, it's still interesting to hear what beauty products the rich and famous use.

Liv Tyler and Elijah Wood both like New Zealand brand Hema, which, I'm guessing, they tried when they were over here for the filming of Lord of the Rings.

Quite a few celebrities like Lush products. They have a gift pack called You're a Star, $99, and it has eight products in it, all of which have been bought by celebrities. The products are:

Therapy Massage Bar 65g - Julia Roberts

Sea Vegetable Soap 100g - Jude Law

Dreamtime 30g - Madonna

Ceridwen's Cauldron Luxury Bath Melt 80g - Gwyneth Paltrow

Lush Aqua Mirabilis Underwater Massage Bar 95g - Kylie Minogue

Dream Cream 240g - Halle Berry

Tisty Toasty 90g - Liv Tyler

Kylie's sister Danii likes Trilogy products, and Jennifer Aniston likes Dr Hauschka products.

Then there are celebrities who start up their own natural beauty product brands. Quite a few celebrities have done this (or are in the process of doing it), such as Stella McCartney, Josie Maran, and Kate Hudson. Most of these brands aren't available in New Zealand, but I have come across a couple which are.

SUNDARI was co-created by model Christy Turlington, along with Ayla Hussain and Cavan Mahony. Meaning 'a beautiful woman' in Sanskrit, SUNDARI is an Ayurvedic based skincare range.

Duchy Originals is an organic company created by Prince Charles. The company makes food, but they also have body care products. Good to hear that the future king is concerned about the enviroment!

Hand creams

I'm slightly paranoid about hygiene, which leads to a lot of hand washing, which leads to dry hands, which leads to needing a really good moisturising hand cream. I use Sukin Hand & Nail Cream, $12 for 125ml, and it's a really good cream, but have also tried and others, like A'kin Lavender, Geranium & Jojoba Hand, Nail Creme 75ml $15.20, and Natural Instinct Hand Cream 125ml $12. A'kin also makes Unscented Intensive Hand, Nail & Cuticle, also 75ml and $15.20.

I used to use Ecostore Baby Moisturiser (125ml, $13.95) as a hand cream, and found it works well. I also really like House of Herbs Organic Hand Repair Cream with Vanilla 120ml. It smells amazing, and it has an awesome, mousse-like texture. I got when I was on holiday in Sydney last year, and unfortunately, I don't think there are any shops over here which sell it. However, you can buy it online from their website, http://www.houseofherbs.com.au/. It's $22.75 in Australian dollars.

Some other options:

$20 and under: Organic Surge Hand Lotion 250ml $16.90 (available in Citus Mint, Lavender Geranium, and Orange Blossom), Apicare Therapy Handcreme 125g $18.90, Aveda Hand Relief 40ml $20

$25 and under: Evolu Nourishing Hand and Cuticle 125ml $23, Duchy Originals Hand Moisturiser 250ml $24.90 (available in Rose & Mandarin, Bergamot & Lime, and Lavender)

$30 and under: Tebe Hand Moisturising Cream 75ml $25.80, Trilogy Rose Hand Cream 100ml $27

$35 and under: Dr Hauschka Hand Cream 50ml $30.35, Antipodes Deliverance Kowhai Flower Hand Cream 75ml $31.50

Hand washes

If you want to use a natural hand wash, there are plenty to choose from. The most affordable one I know of is Viola Organics Liquid Hand Soap, $6.50 for 250ml, and $9.95 for a 500ml refill bottle. It's available in Lavender, Summer Fresh, and Unscented Mild/Baby. I have tried it in the Unscented, and I like it, though the texture of it is very thin, about the consistency of water. It takes a bit of getting used to, but it foams up really well.

I also like Sukin Cleansing Hand Wash, $12 for 250ml, and $27 for a 1 litre refill bottle. This is a lot thicker than the Viola Organics hand wash.

Some other options:

$15 and under: Natural Instinct Hand Wash 250ml $12, Aveda Rosemary Mint Hand and Body Wash 50ml $13, Living Nature Purifying Hand Wash 250ml $14, A'kin Hand Wash 240ml $14.90, available in Eucalyptus & Tea Tree, and Lemon Myrtle

$20 and under: Blue Earth Flowing Soap 300ml $15.50, available in Oranges & Lemons, and Lavender & Rosemary, Tebe Hand Liquid Soap 280ml $15.80

$25 and under: Duchy Originals Liquid Soap 250ml $24.90, available in Rose & Mandarin, Bergamot & Lime, and Lavender

$30 and under: Natural Instinct Hand Wash Refill 1 litre $27

$35 and under: Emma Green Pohutakawa & Kanuka Hand Wash 500ml $33

$40 and under: Aveda Rosemary Mint Hand and Body Wash 250ml $40