BEST OF BRITISH

If you live in London, chances are you've probably heard people talking about that Olympics thing. Or the Diamond Jubilee. Or, more likely, what a nightmare the roads are going to be during both events.

So, in celebration of all things British, we've compiled a shortlist of the best products England currently has to offer. God save the Queen....

1. Granted, Moroccan Rose isn't British... but REN most certainly is. The 'clean' brand, born in 2000, was one of the first to use a 'no parabens / synthetics / sulfates etc.' policy as a unique selling point. The idea has since been aped by every other 'conscious' (and careless) brand on the market. Don't be put off by the fact that their hero product range contains roses - this flower is dark, bitter, deep and a far cry from the girly stuff you're probably imagining.

Moroccan Rose Body Wash (£17 for 200ml) and Body Cream (£26 for 200ml) by REN; exclusively from Selfridges 

2. The latest addition to MB's Navigations Through Scent collection, this limited edition fragrance swiftly overrides the brand's hand-wash-in-a-posh-hotel image. Expect a blend of bergamot, berries, myrrh, incense and the glorious smell that permeates every great British institution: aged malt whisky.

Londinium (51° 50’N, 0° 09’W) by MOLTON BROWN 75 for 50ml; moltonbrown.co.uk

3. The latest Brit brand to take the beauty world by storm, Oskia's 'nutritional' formulae are based on  MSM (Methyl Sulphonyl Methane), a compound usually found in food supplements. This gentle cleanser is great for drier, older and sensitive skin.

Perfect Cleanser by OSKIA £32.50 for 125ml; oskiaskincare.com

4. Devised by Espa, the British spa pioneers, this multitasking formula starts off as a deep-cleansing mud mask and, with a little water, magically transforms into a rich shaving lather. Two birds, one stone. Sorted. 

Dual Action Shavemud £19 for 200ml by ESPA; espaonline.com