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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To ask why everyone on MN seems to hate Baylis & Harding?

148 replies

Hearmeout · 21/12/2022 21:14

Is it just a snobbery thing?

I've just smelled a few of them in the supermarket and they were lush to be fair, so what's it all about??

OP posts:
TotallyOP · 21/12/2022 21:43

It makes my hands crack and bleed.

TabithaTittlemouse · 21/12/2022 21:46

I voted yabu because there’s so many posts about this.

If you like it then use it. I don’t so won’t. It’s not because of ‘snobbery’ it’s because I don’t like it.

NewToWoo · 21/12/2022 21:48

I really like it and so does DS. The lavender handwash smells natural and is one of the few that doesn't dry out my skin. The rose and geranium bath gel is lovely and strong. the men's oud and sandalwood one is a bit weak but nice. I definitely don't think MB are superior or that the snobs could tell the difference in a blind test.

NeverEnoughCake2 · 21/12/2022 21:50

The hand wash badly triggers my eczema, so I'm not keen on trying their other products!

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 21/12/2022 21:51

I was given some of their bubble bath/body wash once. It gave me a horrible allergic reaction in a place that a lady would not wish for an allergic reaction to occur. So sore!

Enbite · 21/12/2022 21:55

I always liked sanctuary best out of the two.

I’d personally rather one nice, small L’Occitane item than a B&H set, because the quality of B&H isn’t as good imo.

I only buy the nicer brands for close friends / family as I couldn’t afford it for everyone I buy presents for!

Anything cosmetics related from a supermarket from a partner who can afford something nicer just says lack of thought / effort to me.

PinkBuffalo · 21/12/2022 21:56

Round my way Baylis and Harding is the posh stuff and lots of people gets a set for xmas. I happy with it anyway if someone gets it for me as a present 🎁

Blondeshavemorefun · 21/12/2022 21:59

Smells ok. I’ve been given a few sets over the years and agree it’s a no thought gift

but agree showed gel is runny /doesn’t foam well

Badger1970 · 21/12/2022 21:59

It's all a bit fur coat and no knickers.

britespark1 · 21/12/2022 21:59

Hate the stuff as I have very sensitive skin. Was very disappointed to get some off my DSIL for my recent birthday (she’s been my SIL for over a decade and I always get her thoughtful presents I know she likes).

Charlize43 · 21/12/2022 22:01

I'm more of a Gin & Tonic type...

Thepeopleversuswork · 21/12/2022 22:01

FuckoffeeBeforeCoffee · 21/12/2022 21:21

It's not that there's anything wrong with B&H, it's just a present that shows a lack of thought and effort.

This. I buy the hand wash and it’s fine as part of a family shop but as a gift it would be pretty naff. Nothing distinctive or remotely interesting about it.

Puppers · 21/12/2022 22:06

It's pretending to be "posh" when it's really just cheap and artificial. And as per PP it's a zero thought gift.

I'm not a snob and certainly don't fit the stereotype described upthread. I don't have money to burn. Which is exactly why I don't like spending mine on something that's not what it is marketed as.

FlyingPandas · 21/12/2022 22:07

Thepeopleversuswork · 21/12/2022 22:01

This. I buy the hand wash and it’s fine as part of a family shop but as a gift it would be pretty naff. Nothing distinctive or remotely interesting about it.

Show quote history

I'd agree with this tbh. I actually like most of the Baylis & Harding stuff and we have several of the different handwashes in bathrooms, downstairs loo etc for day to day use. But I'd feel a bit meh about being presented with a gift set of it.

FrostyFifi · 21/12/2022 22:07

Not a fan and I can't stand Molton Brown either.
I'm a sucker for organic stuff.

LolaSmiles · 21/12/2022 22:08

Isn't the issue that they're a cheap, not very good, knock-off of Molton Brown?

There are other nicer soaps of a similar price point that aren't trying to mimic a more higher end brand. B&H feels like a generic, not very thoughtful gift that's pretending to be something it isn't.

hotdiggetydog · 21/12/2022 22:10

It's really nice. Looks posh. Don't understand the snobbery.

StrychnineInTheSandwiches · 21/12/2022 22:12

I quite like the Goodness range they have that's meant to look a bit like Aesop.

Pelo22 · 21/12/2022 22:13

SavoirFlair · 21/12/2022 21:18

People on Mumsnet are all earning six figure salaries, using La Mer moisturising cream, debating which private blend of Tom Ford is the best scent, claiming diptyque candles are “played out”…

The fantasists and projections in here are great fun.

In the real world, Baylis and Harding ? Nothing much wrong with them, but they are ubiquitous and in every chemist, department store and supermarket. This is why some may not like receiving it because it’s considered a bit universal, default, everywhere.

but yeah the smells are ok!

I definitely don't fit this Grin but I don't like it as it makes my skin dry and it doesn't seem to lather

The new imperial leather shower range however is great, and I love those stupid scented carex hand washes using a popcorn one now

AllOfThemWitches · 21/12/2022 22:13

It's just lazy. I said this on another thread because I feel SO strongly; do not buy toiletries as gifts unless they're expensive. Most people don't buy themselves expensive toiletries so it's an actual 'treat' to receive them as a gift.

Ocrumbs · 21/12/2022 22:16

AllOfThemWitches · 21/12/2022 22:13

It's just lazy. I said this on another thread because I feel SO strongly; do not buy toiletries as gifts unless they're expensive. Most people don't buy themselves expensive toiletries so it's an actual 'treat' to receive them as a gift.

Yes unless they are luxury pricey things I can buy them myself!

Katypp · 21/12/2022 22:18

It's because posters on MN like to prove their exquisite taste by looking down on products that other, less tasteful, people might regard as an upgrade from standard products. See also Yankee Candles, hotel chocolat, Dulex paint etc etc

antelopevalley · 21/12/2022 22:19

If you don't like it and get given it, send it to me!

Whatafielddayfortheheat · 21/12/2022 22:22

Maybe not the point of the thread but their new 'goodness' range- at a slightly higher but still affordable price point - is much better. I have the rose and geranium bath soak, it's lovely, smells more expensive and good longlasting bubbles and scent.

Sage396 · 21/12/2022 22:25

I was given some of the shower gel last year and it smelled really nice so I was going to use it, but then the texture was bizzare and so gloopy... I ended up throwing it out.

I've used the hand soaps at my MIL's and they seem fine.