Le Couvent des Minimes Gardener's Hand Collection

Out in the garden a lot at the moment? Hacking back at your perennials, sweeping up leaves, plunging your hands into compost? (Probably without gloves, if you're anything like us. And yes, we know, we know.) This affordable collection from L'Occitane's 'sister' range, Le Couvent des Minimes, is helping save our hands from the worst ravages. First, get hands super-clean (but not 'tight-feeling') with the Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser, which brings them up a treat. (Brush may be called for, to get the compost out from under your nails, nevertheless.)

We're then slathering on Gardener's Hand Healer - which comes in a useful 25 ml size (also great for trialling), and at night keeping up the good work with Nail and Cuticle Fortifying Salve.

Just now, though, two new products have entered the collection: Gardener's Ultra Cleansing Gel and sea-butter-packed Gardener's Smooth Hand & Body Lotion. Keep them by the kitchen sink, or wherever you scrub up, post-potting-up. (This is also available as a duo for a limited period, price £15 - a saving of £3.)

What we especially love is the scent of this ('twas ever thus): a wonderful blend of citrus and geranium - the smell that Jo will forever associate with her grandmother, who introduced her (aged about two) to this wonderful scent by rubbing Jo's fingers on a plant in the greenhouse and getting her to sniff them. And just like that, a love of gardening (not to mention aroma) was born...

We may never get jobs as hand models, but Le Couvent des Minimes Gardeners Hand Collection is sure helping.

Le Couvent des Minimes Gardener's Hand Collection/£4.75 - 9.50 at uk.lecouventdesminimes.com