As one part of London was engulfed with the start of London Fashion Week recently, another part was an ambience of serenity and relaxation, where I was in fact.  To be precise, I had been invited to the internationally reknowned Jane Packer Flower School (a stone’s throw-away from Oxford street) for a spot of afternoon tea and a lesson in flower arranging, courtesy of the ladies of Yardley.

Yardley prides itself on floral scents so nothing could be more appropriate than an activity using the key ingredients that form the basis of their perfumes.

We had our teacher Akira to show us how things should be done by creating a simple hat box with pink English roses, white Gerberas and lavender and then we were left to our own devices.  And do you know what?  I absolutely loved every moment.  There are some images at the end of this post from the flower arranging session.  I have to say, I am kind of proud with what I managed to cobble together…

Any way, it’s almost a year since Helen and I visited Yardley at its home in Windsor when the historical British soap and perfumery business introduced us to its new fragrance, the delicately scented Royal English Daisy.  Inspired by Kate Middleton (sorry, the Duchess of Cambridge) to commemorate her engagement of Prince William and aimed at a more youthful market, Yardley hoped it would re-establish the brand with a new following.  Well this looks to go further as Yardley unveiled their spring advertising campaign for 2012 with Royal English Daisy at the forefront.

Yardley London has also introduced a new addition to their range in the shape and form of Bath & Body Skincare collection to compliment their key scents – English Lavender, Royal English Daisy, English Rose, Lily of the Valley and Peony – which comprise of a luxury body wash, moisturising body lotion and hand and nail cream and are affordably priced at £3.50 for the body wash (200ml), £5.99 for the body lotion (250ml) and £3.99 for the hand and nail cream (100ml).

Out of the five choices, the one I like the most is Royal English Daisy – a light, refreshing scent that’s perfect for everyday wear so I was keen to try its bath and body products.

All of Yardley’s bath and body products contain Q10, which helps to moisturise and nourish the skin, and Shea butter, vitamin E, grapeseed oil and sweet almond oil, natural anti-oxidants that help the skin fight against ageing.

The shower gel is thick, creamy and foams up nicely.  For £3.50 it’s stupendous value for money for a little luxury and perfect for daily use.

body wash ingredients

To accompany it, the body lotion is very light to use (its pump dispenses just the right amount needed) and absorbs into the skin immediately leaving no greasy residue.  It also dries very quickly, so you’re not waiting around to get dressed.

body lotion ingredients

The hand and nail cream, however, is one I could take or leave.  It feels like silicone coating my skin rather than absorbing into it.  My hands get so dry during the cold months like many people will agree so it’s important I can reach for a product that serves its purpose, even if it means paying that little bit extra.

hand and nail cream ingredients

In other news, Yardley London is to launch a new scent, Royal Diamond this year to mark the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee, which will be available to buy from their website next month before its general release through Boots in June.

For more information on Yardley London and its vast range of products, visit www.yardleylondon.co.uk.  Yardley London is also available at www.boots.com and in store.

I’d like to thank Yardley London and the Jane Packer flower school for organising this day.

*PR sample*

...and here's what I ended up with!