I tend to get excited by things pretty easily. Sometimes, this enthusiasm makes perfect sense, as in the case of my love for feminist science fiction, biathlon and single malt whiskey. Who wouldn’t adore these things, right? Sometimes, however, it can be puzzling. Exhibit A: tubes.

I cannot resist tubes – you could probably sell me homeopathic medicine if you put it in a pretty tube. Not any tube will do, though. It has to be metal, not plastic, and either minimal in design or slightly retro. As in:

1. Bal d’Afrique hand cream by Byredo. At Byredo, they certainly know how not to make ugly packaging. It is not the best hand cream in the world, but it’s decent, the size is perfect and the exotic fruit scent is uplifting. And then there’s the packaging.

2. Jasmin Mint toothpaste by Marvis. In this case, the tube is simply a bonus, as Marvis toothpaste is the best in the world and their jasmine toothpaste is the best of the flavours they offer. This is a scientific fact. I occasionally use their licorice and mint versions and they are good, but I always come back to jasmine. I can assure you, the taste is very mild and will not feel like perfume in your mouth.

3. Parsley Seed Cleansing Masque by Aesop. Oh, Aesop, the Queen of Minimalist Early Hipster Aesthetic. Everything they do is so tasteful it’s abit difficult to stand. I don’t love all their products (I can feel the quality, but they are often too heavy for me), but this clay mask is good. If you have combination skin, do check it out. Smell it first, though, as the strong herby scent is not everyone’s … tube of mask.

4. Violet Shaving Cream by Geo F. Trumper. I first learned about this shaving cream via the excellent Now Smell This, years ago. If I have any say in the matter, this is the only shaving cream I will ever use. It performs beautifully, it looks great, it is made by a slightly obscure old British company – of course I like it. Also, VIOLETS (more on that in the future).

As you can see, I’m quite particular about the tubes I like. Sometimes, however, substance does win over style, the case in point:

5. Condensed milk by Nestle. Yes, it’s an ugly plastic tube with an ugly picture of a cyclist on it. But it’s also condensed milk. I rest my case.