Earlier this year, I posted a review of Pattern Body Washes, a simple-but-smart line of multi-purpose cleansers that happen to have wonderful fragrances. Pattern recently added two new body washes and a body lotion to its range, and (believe it or not) I've actually been running low on body products in my bathroom, so this week was the perfect time to try them.
Sage Body Wash and Body Lotion, in particular, suit my mood perfectly right now. The Sage fragrance, which would be suitable for men or women, is a fresh, herbaceous scent that makes me feel a little more alert in the morning and a little calmer in the evening. It includes "essential oils of sage, star anise, grapefruit and cotton flower." When I use the body wash — which lathers nicely, by the way — I notice the leafy sage note most of all. Pattern's fragrances are more complex than you might expect from a body product line, and they often seem to include notes not mentioned on the label; in this case, I'm picking up a hint of something woody beneath the sage, perhaps cedar or a bit of sandalwood. In the body lotion, there's a stronger citrus presence, and something brighter and greener, like geranium, mixed into the sage-y heart of the blend. And, like Pattern's previous products, these new items incorporate "anti-oxidants and Vitamin E to protect the skin from environmental damage" while excluding sodium lauryl sulfate and sodium laureth sulfate, parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrance, and petrochemicals.
Pattern isn't exactly a bargain line, but the products are good quality, effective, and eco-conscious, and they certainly smell good. I'd choose Pattern's body washes and this new lotion over anything from the overrated Molton Brown, for example, or most of the high-priced "green" lines available at upscale department stores. Especially at this time of year, when it's easy to get overwhelmed by too many deadlines, too many appointments and, heaven knows, too much shopping pressure, it's a relief to find and use products like these.
Pattern Sage Body Wash ($20 for 240 ml) and Body Lotion ($26 for 240 ml) are available through the Pattern website.
Note: top center image is Sage - Salvia officinalis via Wikimedia Commons.
Aw geez, thanks a bunch. Now you’ve turned me onto something else I’d love to try! I’ve been on a leafy kick lately and this sounds lovely.
Oh, sorry, Wondermelmo! But it *is* leafy goodness. 😉
Hi Jessica! When you reviewed the first batch–I dashed out and bought some of each! (you dangerous woman, you) and you were absolutely right—these are great body washes and they are scented just right (I especially like the black pepper) . Looks like I’m due for another trip over to the Pattern website for some Sage body wash now…. well, at least y’all know I’m clean 🙂
Ahh… Black Pepper! That might be my favorite… but I also love Cucumber. And the new Nutmeg is really interesting… rich and warm and a bit more “masculine.”
Ooo, Black Pepper! Nutmeg! I happen to be a bit low on body wash–I’m going to have to try these. Thanks for this perfectly-timed review. 🙂
I think you would really enjoy these scents! Also, the formulas are non-drying to the skin, even in winter weather. I’ve been coping with dry indoor heat and chilly outdoor wind lately, so I appreciate that factor!
Daisy got me hooked on that Black Pepper wash with a sample… I may need to cave and place an order, even though these are a little more pricey than my usual “$10 max” shower gel price cap! I do love some nice bath products and do agree with what you said about so-called “green” lines you see everywhere, and other overrated lines.
Sage & Nutmeg sound good. Thanks for the review!
Hi, Joe! So true, not all $20 body washes are not created equal. It’s amazing how expensive some body-product lines have gotten, when they’re not very high quality nor as “green/natural” as they seem to be. (Origins comes to mind, as well as some more niche lines.) I’d rather splurge on something from a small, conscientious company like this one.