Cold-Pressed Oil with Lavender Extract, 60 ml

A natural oil with lavender extract, sold under the El Nile Horas name. The front of the box calls the oil natural and cold-pressed, names lavender extract and gives the size, 60 ml. It comes in a black box printed in gold, with the brand's triangle and Eye of Horus at the top and a spray of lavender flowers below the name.

What it is for: the front of the box lists no uses, so these are the usual ways a lavender-scented oil is used. It moisturises dry skin on the body, above all hands, elbows and feet; it makes a light massage oil with the scent of lavender; and it smooths dry, frizzy hair ends. Many people keep it for an evening hand, foot or shoulder rub.

Use a little at a time. Warm two or three drops between your palms and smooth them over skin that is still slightly damp after a shower. For a massage, pour a small amount into your hand, warm it and work it in with slow strokes, adding more only if the skin takes it in. For dry hair ends, one or two drops are enough.

The difference from an unlabelled bottle in a bazaar is what you can see for yourself: a brand name and a printed box with the size on the front. It reaches you unopened, at the price on this page, with nothing to haggle over.

It is for external use only. Try a drop on the inner arm first and wait a day before using it more widely, because lavender can irritate sensitive skin. The front of the box does not name the base oil, so if you have a nut allergy, read the label on the bottle before you use it. It is not a sunscreen and has no SPF. Keep it out of the eyes and away from small children, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, ask a doctor first.

Close the cap after each use and keep the bottle out of direct sun and heat. Oil can mark fabric and makes floors slippery, so let it sink in before you dress. At 60 ml it is under the 100 ml cabin limit and can fly in hand luggage inside the clear liquids bag; screw the cap down tight before you pack it, and in checked baggage seal it in a zip bag.

Who it suits: anyone who likes the scent of lavender and wants one simple oil for dry skin and massage, and anyone looking for a small, useful present from Egypt that packs easily. Skip it if lavender irritates your skin or you dislike the feel of oil on your skin.