It's that time of year again when the focus is upon hair removal, anti-cellulite and all the other "not-so indulgent & pampering yet essential beauty items".
As a general rule, I shave my legs- it's quick, cheap and easy to maintain a groomed appearance without the dreaded in-between weeks.
I was sent Whish Shave Crave to trial and have to say, I've been impressed with the results. The PR sent me both the Lemongrass and Pomegranate scents (there is also an Almond version) to try, although so far I've only trialled the exotic Lemongrass version.
Hailing from the US, Whish avoids chemical ingredients, opting instead for organic and natural alternatives which is great for me, always trying to choose natural where possible.
My first impression was how cute the packaging is, with black and contrasting bright colours setting it apart from the standard drugstore brands. I really liked that the pump bottle was transparent so that I could see how much was remaining. Cans of shaving foam always seem to be tweeked versions of the male targeted product but I really felt that the packaging of this had been carefully considered and created with women's beauty as well as functionality in mind.
It's as easy to use as any shaving foam product but has a rich, cream formula which aims to care for skin rather than having a drying effect, as with many foams. It sits on the skin so it's easy to see where has been shaved and I haven't (touch wood) experienced any nicks since incorporating this into my routine. You do need to wash the area thoroughly afterwards, using soap, to avoid a white build-up of product staying on the legs but otherwise, I found it mess-free and will give it a thumbs up.
The only downside? The initial outlay is pricey at £17.17 for 150ml. This is a big jump from the likes of Gilette, etc.. and a lot to spend on a beauty "essential". It does add a sense of indulgence to shaving but the act in itself is never going to be as pampering as say, a face mask or rich body cream. Having said that, if you're accustomed to waxing or salon treatments you'll be making a saving and I have been impressed with how long the bottle has lasted.
www.touchmyface.co.uk
Monday, 31 May 2010
Saturday, 29 May 2010
Product Review: Lush Brimstone
I know I keep banging on about Lush- the press office are very generous to me, hence the high volume of products to review! Hopefully it'll prove helpful...
This week I was sent a sample of Brimstone, their new body exfoliator.
As with all Lush products, packaging is kept to a minimum so this arrived in one of their yellow compostable bags. It's a bar style product, resembling a soap which is quite different to the usual salt & oil or balm styles which I am accustomed to.
The bar needs to be applied to wet skin so I jumped in the shower and was surprized when the bar started fizzing away as soon as it came into contact with water. Prior to using this, I hadn't realised that it's intended for single use but I actually quite liked that about it. It fizzes away to nothing meaning that this is the mess-free route to exfoliation! I was impressed with how much it lathers up and enjoyed using this in my morning shower- I found it to have quite a strong, traditional soapy scent with hints of jasmine which was really uplifting. I had heard that it has quite an eggy, sulphuric smell but I didn't find this at all.
The major downside of this product is that although it works to exfoliate, it's TOO thorough. In fact, it's so abrasive that I was left with scratches on my skin. Admittedly, I had scrubbed away and didn't have any of these scratches in areas where I had applied less pressure but a quick glance at the reviews on their website prove that I'm not the only one to have had this problem. My skin did feel softened and quickly absorbed my moisturiser but I'm afraid this is simply too abrasive for me to give it the seal of approval. If you're desperate to try it, stick to using it as a foot scrub- red scratches are soooo not a good look!
www.lush.co.uk
This week I was sent a sample of Brimstone, their new body exfoliator.
As with all Lush products, packaging is kept to a minimum so this arrived in one of their yellow compostable bags. It's a bar style product, resembling a soap which is quite different to the usual salt & oil or balm styles which I am accustomed to.
The bar needs to be applied to wet skin so I jumped in the shower and was surprized when the bar started fizzing away as soon as it came into contact with water. Prior to using this, I hadn't realised that it's intended for single use but I actually quite liked that about it. It fizzes away to nothing meaning that this is the mess-free route to exfoliation! I was impressed with how much it lathers up and enjoyed using this in my morning shower- I found it to have quite a strong, traditional soapy scent with hints of jasmine which was really uplifting. I had heard that it has quite an eggy, sulphuric smell but I didn't find this at all.
The major downside of this product is that although it works to exfoliate, it's TOO thorough. In fact, it's so abrasive that I was left with scratches on my skin. Admittedly, I had scrubbed away and didn't have any of these scratches in areas where I had applied less pressure but a quick glance at the reviews on their website prove that I'm not the only one to have had this problem. My skin did feel softened and quickly absorbed my moisturiser but I'm afraid this is simply too abrasive for me to give it the seal of approval. If you're desperate to try it, stick to using it as a foot scrub- red scratches are soooo not a good look!
www.lush.co.uk
Friday, 28 May 2010
Revlon Nail Polish in Minted... My Thoughts
I'm relatively classic in my taste when it comes to nail colours, tending towards a French manicure, red or vampish shades. I like the current crop of greige shades but as a general rule, I'm not one for fashion colours.
However, I was sent a bottle of Revlon Minted (028) and decided to bite the bullet & paint my fingernails with it. I'm normally a big fan of Revlon polishes... they are very reasonably priced, offer smooth application and long-lasting intense colour, so figured this was as good as any to be brave with. I have to admit to being a tad disappointed with the formula, I found it quite thick and gloopy and I definately needed to paint on 2 coats in order to get a smooth, rather than streaky effect. Having said that, once topped with my beloved Seche Vite, the colour lasted well.
The colour is a creamy, pale green. It lent a fashion edge to my look and I was surprised at the amount of compliments, particularly from other girls, which the shade drew. There was just something about it which I didn't like. This is one which is definately down to my personal taste so please don't be put off if you're tempted to try a green shade. I think it could look fab and refreshing for summer but on me, I just kept looking at my nails feeling like I was trying to be a teenager again and simply couldn't get accustomed to seeing my nails this shade. Back to the trusty Rouge Noir for me!
However, I was sent a bottle of Revlon Minted (028) and decided to bite the bullet & paint my fingernails with it. I'm normally a big fan of Revlon polishes... they are very reasonably priced, offer smooth application and long-lasting intense colour, so figured this was as good as any to be brave with. I have to admit to being a tad disappointed with the formula, I found it quite thick and gloopy and I definately needed to paint on 2 coats in order to get a smooth, rather than streaky effect. Having said that, once topped with my beloved Seche Vite, the colour lasted well.
The colour is a creamy, pale green. It lent a fashion edge to my look and I was surprised at the amount of compliments, particularly from other girls, which the shade drew. There was just something about it which I didn't like. This is one which is definately down to my personal taste so please don't be put off if you're tempted to try a green shade. I think it could look fab and refreshing for summer but on me, I just kept looking at my nails feeling like I was trying to be a teenager again and simply couldn't get accustomed to seeing my nails this shade. Back to the trusty Rouge Noir for me!
Product Review: Elizabeth's Daughter The Eye Make-up Remover
Elizabeth's Daughter is a relatively unknown skincare brand which was originally developed by Elizabeth, who had grown up suffering with skincare problems and wanted to put her knowledge into a range of products aimed at young girls like her daughter who might be faced with similar problems and be overwhelmed by the wide range of brands aimed at them. The brand is a simple line with clear, self-explanatory product names. I was sent The Eye Make-up Remover to try (£14 for 100ml) which, like the rest of the range, is presented in minimalist packaging.
My first thought was that £14 seems a little expensive considering the target market.. I know teens have high disposable income but I find it hard to believe that they would spend £14 on an eye make-up remover... good chance that I'm out of touch though! Although I don't have the young skin which this range is aimed at, I have to say that I really liked this product. As promised, it is gentle- essential for the delicate eye area- and yet effective (I tend to wear quite heavy, although not waterproof, eye make-up). It contains extracts of antioxidant pomegranate so it does give some sense that it will be of some benefit to older skins or those exposed to free radicals such as pollution. By far the best thing about this product, however, is the functional packaging, a push down pump (similar to those you see at the nail salon when dispensing polish remover)... I love it! Simple to use, even when in a hurry!
Alongside ranges such as Young & Pure and Amie, Elizabeth's Daughter has joined the growing number of skincare collections aimed at providing gentle yet effective products for young skin... a refreshingly far cry from the skin-stripping likes of Clearisil and Clean & Clear which I grew up with!
www.elizabethsdaughter.co.uk
My first thought was that £14 seems a little expensive considering the target market.. I know teens have high disposable income but I find it hard to believe that they would spend £14 on an eye make-up remover... good chance that I'm out of touch though! Although I don't have the young skin which this range is aimed at, I have to say that I really liked this product. As promised, it is gentle- essential for the delicate eye area- and yet effective (I tend to wear quite heavy, although not waterproof, eye make-up). It contains extracts of antioxidant pomegranate so it does give some sense that it will be of some benefit to older skins or those exposed to free radicals such as pollution. By far the best thing about this product, however, is the functional packaging, a push down pump (similar to those you see at the nail salon when dispensing polish remover)... I love it! Simple to use, even when in a hurry!
Alongside ranges such as Young & Pure and Amie, Elizabeth's Daughter has joined the growing number of skincare collections aimed at providing gentle yet effective products for young skin... a refreshingly far cry from the skin-stripping likes of Clearisil and Clean & Clear which I grew up with!
www.elizabethsdaughter.co.uk
Can't live without...
Aromatherapy Associates Bath & Shower Oils (£34.75 for 55ml)
I absolutely adore these luxurious oils from Aromatherapy Associates... they really work! Themed by name depending upon the desired result, e.g. Revive, De-Stress or Relax (these being the 3 which I have tried & been highly impressed with), the oils can be used whether you prefer baths or showers. My personal preference is for showers so I simply slather my body in the oil before jumping in the shower and inhale the powerful, yet pleasant aromas. Revive truly helps to get me moving in those dreaded mornings- I literally can't get through winter without this & it's also great for hungover days, whilst De-Stress would be a fab gift for anyone taking exams & Relax as a bedtime wind-down. What's more, they leave skin feeling nourished.
They are pricey, there's no disputing that but I'd recommend these oils either as a great introduction to those who are cynical about the powers of aromatherapy or for anyone looking to add an element of indulgence to their bathing routine.
I absolutely adore these luxurious oils from Aromatherapy Associates... they really work! Themed by name depending upon the desired result, e.g. Revive, De-Stress or Relax (these being the 3 which I have tried & been highly impressed with), the oils can be used whether you prefer baths or showers. My personal preference is for showers so I simply slather my body in the oil before jumping in the shower and inhale the powerful, yet pleasant aromas. Revive truly helps to get me moving in those dreaded mornings- I literally can't get through winter without this & it's also great for hungover days, whilst De-Stress would be a fab gift for anyone taking exams & Relax as a bedtime wind-down. What's more, they leave skin feeling nourished.
They are pricey, there's no disputing that but I'd recommend these oils either as a great introduction to those who are cynical about the powers of aromatherapy or for anyone looking to add an element of indulgence to their bathing routine.
Sunday, 16 May 2010
Product Review: Lush Ocean Salt Facial Scrub
I'm normally one for chemical, as opposed to physical, exfoliants but in the name of research, I decided to give this pot, sent to me from Lush, a go.
It's recommended for daily use on oily skin or once weekly use on dry (my skin type). I had a look on their website, which is filled with glowing reviews for this product so I had high expectations.
It's presented in one of their signature black tubs- these do the job but I do feel that the packaging is in need of a revamp, it simply doesn't sell itself compared with the bright colours of the bath bombs & soaps in store.
There are definately pros & cons to this product. The citrus scent is mild & uplifting, making it ideal for morning use and I really liked the creamy formula which the granules are suspended in. However, the salt grains are very abrasive and I was worried for my sensitive skin- they seemed to be scratching the surface and I did have reddened areas, despite not having used much force. Seriously Lush, what's with the abrasiveness?! (see Brimstone review) Admittedly, my skin felt deeply cleaned following use with no visible dry patches and was perfectly prepped for me to apply a mask afterwards. It's also not as messy as I envisaged, however, due to the abrasiveness this is one which I won't be using again. Not for me I'm afraid.
£11.20 for 250g at http://www.lush.co.uk/
Friday, 14 May 2010
Product Review: The Body Shop Spa Wisdom Polynesia Monoi Body Balm
Like many, I've long been a fan of The Body Shop's thick, nourishing body butters and have a number of different scents in my bathroom kit so when I was sent a tub of their new Spa Wisdom Monoi Body Balm to try, I had high expectations. Admittedly this is a balm, rather than their regular butters although I failed to see the distinction. The packaging and thick formula are both pretty similar.
I love love love monoi- a distinctively scented oil which is produced by infusing Tahitian gardenia flowers (Tiare) with wax-like coconut oil. It comes in many guises- pure monoi is solid at room temperature and must be melted in hot water before application. It's wonderfully soothing and softening to dehydrated skin.
The Body Shop's Monoi Balm maintains a distinctive, tropical scent although as is my bugbear with many of their products, the ingredients list is longer and more complex than is necessary.
This isn't a bad product- it certainly moisturises the skin thoroughly and leaves it with a tempting fragrance (in fact, personally, I found this overwhelming for my taste) but there's just something about it that I couldn't fall in love with. Give me Elemis Exotic Frangipani Monoi Moisture Melt any day...
£12 for 200ml at http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/
I love love love monoi- a distinctively scented oil which is produced by infusing Tahitian gardenia flowers (Tiare) with wax-like coconut oil. It comes in many guises- pure monoi is solid at room temperature and must be melted in hot water before application. It's wonderfully soothing and softening to dehydrated skin.
The Body Shop's Monoi Balm maintains a distinctive, tropical scent although as is my bugbear with many of their products, the ingredients list is longer and more complex than is necessary.
This isn't a bad product- it certainly moisturises the skin thoroughly and leaves it with a tempting fragrance (in fact, personally, I found this overwhelming for my taste) but there's just something about it that I couldn't fall in love with. Give me Elemis Exotic Frangipani Monoi Moisture Melt any day...
£12 for 200ml at http://www.thebodyshop.co.uk/
This Week I'm Loving...
Daniel Galvin Junior Crowning Glory Anti-Frizz Gloss Serum, £4.99 for 50ml
For the longest while, I've been using what I suspect to be the country's bestselling hair serum, John Frida's cult Frizz Ease. I was sent a bottle of this to trial and although I don't normally enjoy testing hair products (9 times out of 10 I'll pass them onto trusted friends & family to review), this came from one of my favourite PRs so I made an exception.
My first impression was that the bottle was fun with a young, Brit rock & roll vibe which appealed to me. Unlike FrizzEase, the pump bottle has a cap to avoid mess, rather than a twist on/off function so it already scored points from me, being a frequent traveller. On the downside, the bottle isn't transparent so it's difficult to tell how much is remaining. So far, I've been trialling this for a good 3 months and it's still going strong. In my opinion, this makes the fair price even better!
I prefer to use natural or organic products where possible and one of the areas where this is most difficult is haircare so I was thrilled to discover that this contains certified organic ingredients and has been recognised by the Natural Health Beauty Awards. The serum is much more lightweight than my usual brand, yet still effective at taming frizz. It has a delicate melon scent (it contains cucumber and melon extracts) which is refreshing and didn't irritate my sensitive scalp.
Overall, I'm impressed- it takes a lot to sway me from my tried & trusted favourites but this has pushed FrizzEase off the shelf.
http://www.danielgalvinjunior.co.uk/
For the longest while, I've been using what I suspect to be the country's bestselling hair serum, John Frida's cult Frizz Ease. I was sent a bottle of this to trial and although I don't normally enjoy testing hair products (9 times out of 10 I'll pass them onto trusted friends & family to review), this came from one of my favourite PRs so I made an exception.
My first impression was that the bottle was fun with a young, Brit rock & roll vibe which appealed to me. Unlike FrizzEase, the pump bottle has a cap to avoid mess, rather than a twist on/off function so it already scored points from me, being a frequent traveller. On the downside, the bottle isn't transparent so it's difficult to tell how much is remaining. So far, I've been trialling this for a good 3 months and it's still going strong. In my opinion, this makes the fair price even better!
I prefer to use natural or organic products where possible and one of the areas where this is most difficult is haircare so I was thrilled to discover that this contains certified organic ingredients and has been recognised by the Natural Health Beauty Awards. The serum is much more lightweight than my usual brand, yet still effective at taming frizz. It has a delicate melon scent (it contains cucumber and melon extracts) which is refreshing and didn't irritate my sensitive scalp.
Overall, I'm impressed- it takes a lot to sway me from my tried & trusted favourites but this has pushed FrizzEase off the shelf.
http://www.danielgalvinjunior.co.uk/
Saturday, 8 May 2010
Product Review: Eve Lom Rescue Mask
I was sent a tube of Eve Lom's Rescue Mask to trial. I've long been a fan of their cult cleanser but had never before tried the mask.
The mask is presented in Eve Lom's signature minimalist packaging. There is a larger size, in a tub, available but personally, I was pleased to be sent the tube to try. It means that the mask is easier to dispense with no mess and seems more hygenic also.
For a clay-based mask, it's actually quite a fluid formula- a pleasure to apply smoothly over the face, unlike very thick masks which I've had difficulty working with before. There is a strong medicinal scent of camphor and I found that it tingled slightly upon application- nothing uncomfortable, more of a reminder that it's working it's magic!
I found 20mins to be a long time to sit with a mask on, although it does start to set after a while so it's easy to move about & carry on with chores if you're a fidget, like me!
Be warned: Removal is messy- you need to rub off with upward movements (by this time the mask has set so it flakes off) and then remove any remainder with a muslin cloth (not provided but luckily I've bought the cleanser enough times to have a healthy stockpile of these).
£28 seems expensive for a clay-based mask when you can buy much cheaper versions but once trialled, I'd happily spend this as the mask delivers such impressive results. I occasionally suffer from sensitive skin, with red blotchiness as well as recently having had a hormonal breakout. The mask immediately balances, removing redness. I don't have oily skin, which clay-based masks tend to be targeted at but I didn't find that this had a drying effect as it also contains soothing honey and almond extract and what's more, after a week, I still hadn't suffered any breakouts as a result of the detox action of the product. My other products were absorbed better- not surprising as the mask boasts exfoliating actions. Apparently, it can also be used as an emergency morning-after treatment under the eyes although I haven't trialled this aspect as yet so can't comment.
All I can say is that this does what it is- great rescue product to have on standby...Recommended.
£28 for 50ml at http://www.evelom.com/
Monday, 3 May 2010
Product Review: Lush Turkish Delight Body Polish
This week I've been testing Lush's new Turkish Delight Body Polish. 
www.lush.co.uk
Now, before you begin to think that this Blog is sponsored by Lush, let me explain. When Lush first launched, I enjoyed the novelty value of the brand with it's bright colours and pick 'n' mix style layout making it a beauty lover's dream. However, I soon became disillusioned with the brand, feeling that there wasn't much for me- I take showers, not baths and use shower gel, not soap. In the past year, I've rediscovered the brand and realised that there's far more to it than that. In fact, the products are excellent value and in the majority of cases, really work. I love that they are responsible in terms of minimal packaging and supportive of charities, although I feel that they still have a long way to go before they can brand themselves "natural".
So, anyway... back to the product. When I first opened the pot, I have to admit that I was disappointed. The name suggests that this is a gentle body scrub but it is in fact, a thick shower cream. Once I'd realligned my expectations, I thought the following:
The scent is strong, of old-fashioned rose products. Personally, I liked it but I'm not sure that the slightly musty fragrance would appeal to everyone.
The tub style packaging wouldn't be my first choice for a shower product but is suited to the thick formula... we'll have to wait & see how easy it is to dispense once more of the product is used up.
One of the customer reviews on Lush's site suggested that this was a good alternative to a shaving cream & of course, curiosity got the better of me. I have to agree- it is excellent for this purpose.
The cream is highly nourishing to skin- when followed with a rich body cream, skin feels incredibly soft.
I think £15 is pretty pricey for this product & had I not been sent a free sample, I'm not sure I'd be willing to spend that. I'll be using it with exfoliating gloves to make it go further & add extra benefits.
However, having tried there's just SOMETHING about this product which I really like.
www.lush.co.uk
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