I was delighted to find The Berkeley Square Cosmetic Company (well, ok, my Other Half found them as it happens). Named after the iconic London space that has been uber-fashionable among the elite for centuries, and English in all the best senses of the word, the company produces gorgeous ‘luxury toiletries’ and fragrances in arty packaging that is just about as exquisite.
The BSQ 1920 range, as the name implies, is inspired by the roaring twenties. A complete set of ‘toiletries’ (love that term), to keep you fragrant and sublime from head to toe, the range includes luxurious body lotion, triple milled shea butter soap, bath & shower cream, deeply moisturising shea butter hand cream and fine fragrance perfume in four elegant fragrances. The packaging comes courtesy of an inspired partnership between The Berkeley Square Cosmetics Company and the Illustrated London Evening News, with each of the four fragrances being represented by popular artists of the 1920s, known at the time for their vibrant, chic depictions of the fashions and lifestyles of the day.
I’ve been using the Lime & Clarysage products, whose bottles and boxes display the work of artist Gordon Conway (1894-1956). An accomplished female fashion illustrator, her designs graced The Tatler and Britannia & Eve between 1928 and 1932.
I like that the products have a slightly old-world feel about them – from the subtle art deco lines of the bottles, to the fragrance itself. Unlike the unabashed strong and sexy fragrances that are so de rigeur today (and wonderfully so, I’m not complaining), these are delicately scented products – beautifully subtle. The top note of lime is prominent and fresh – a nice, unusual smell that is summery and uplifting. The Clarysage provides a warm, earthy base with just a touch of spice.
The products feel high quality – the award-winning Lime & Clarysage Hand Cream (£6.95) is a particular pleasure, loaded with Shea Butter Cream it just melts in.
The products are not overly expensive but have a quiet sense of class about them. Perfectly capturing the essence of an elegant and evocative bygone era, BSQ’s 1920 range is perfect for fans of all things retro and vintage. They also make a superb gift idea for Mothers Day or as a gift for Mum.
We Love: The concept; The packaging; The subtle yet zesty fragrance; The indulgent feel of the body lotion and the hand cream.
Not Crazy About: Personally, I can’t really pick a fault here. If you prefer strong, powerful scents as opposed to subtle delicate fragrance and you like your dressing table minimalist, slick and modern then these probably aren’t the products for you.
The BSQ 1920 range available to buy online and from selected stockists. Range from £3.95 – £16.95.
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