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The 5 best mint beauty products
Mint's invigorating aspect makes it perfect for morning usage, whether in a shower gel or scalp-tingling shampoo
I adore mint, not least because it seems almost impossible to kill in planted form, which is handy as my enthusiasm for balcony horticulture is erratic at best. Mint tea brewed with fresh leaves rather than mentholated dust is a virtuous pleasure for its digestion-aiding properties; a few scoops of mint-choc-chip ice cream is a decidedly more decadent and, let's be honest, delicious one.
Mint is great in beauty formulations too – its invigorating aspect makes it perfect for morning usage, whether in a shower gel or scalp-tingling shampoo. I'm terrible in the mornings, especially at this time of year, and tend to be almost neanderthal in my grogginess until I've stepped into a hot shower. The addition of something bracing and fresh to the start of the day tends to put me in a good mood, and combined with steam helps open up the lungs as well as the mind. Don't leave it in the bathroom though – a hint of mint throughout the day can add a bit of pep when you start to flag.
Clear head shampoo
£16, origins.co.uk
Brazilian mint, spearmint and peppermint combine to create a seriously tingly shampoo, but this won't strip your scalp. Pair it with the lightweight conditioning rinse.
The 5 best mint beauty products
Show all 5Peppermint foot lotion
£12.99, burtsbees.co.uk
My feet are currently furious at being trussed up in hard winter shoes, but an evening application of this cooling lotion tends to win them round.
Lip balm
£4.99, Balmi, boots.com
Vitamin E, shea butter and jojoba oil are combined with peppermint oil in this dinky little lip balm with added SPF 15.
Nourish-Mint smoothing lip colour in Pink Peppertree
£15, aveda.co.uk
If lipstick seems too drying at this time of year, opt for a moisture-rich formula like this poppy pink shade which provides a welcome flash of colour.
Hand sanitiser
£7, jurlique.co.uk
Anti-bac doesn't have to stink or strip your skin. Witch hazel, nettle, lavender and sage join peppermint in this fragrant take on a modern essential.
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