I'm recommending this shower gel to those searching for a summery body wash. The scent is fresh but very subtle, making it ideal for unisex use (saving space if packing for holidays!). It's a fluid gel formula which doesn't really lather...that'll be the organic aspect making itself known, and is presented in a handy tube. My skin has felt super conditioned since switching from my usual SLS laden brand to this and my eczema has improvely immeasurably.
The range is quickly expanding, suggesting that it's quickly building up a well-deserved fan base.
Yet more evidence that organic can be effective, enjoyable to use and need not break the bank.
£3.99 at www.organicsurge.com
Monday 7 June 2010
Friday 4 June 2010
Product Review: Liz Earle Sun Shade SPF25 Face Protector
I'm absolutely fanatical about wearing SPF on my face every day of the year, even in the depths of winter. For me, aside from not smoking, it's the single most effective thing you can do to maintain a youthful appearance.
I have sensitive skin and my personal preference is towards natural products as a general rule so I was excited to be sent Liz Earle's Sun Shade SPF25 Face Protector to trial. In keeping with the natural ethos of the brand, the SPF is based on physical rather than chemical sunscreens so we're talking ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
We've been having beautiful weather recently lending the perfect conditions to trial this. How disappointed I was. Sorry Liz Earle... the major thumbs down came when I looked in the mirror after applying and was shocked at my ghostly appearance... this stuff is WHITE! I know it's a physical sunscreen but these days, there's no need to see the effects as advances have been made- did someone forget to tell Liz? When I went out into the sun, it felt heavy on my skin and whilst I will admit that it felt as though some moisturising benefits were gained, I don't feel that this even protected my skin that effectively. I was outside for a picnic lunch, not a particularly long time, wearing a hat and sunglasses and still got a worrying flush of colour to my cheeks. Afraid to say, I won't be using this again.
Note: Having passed the rejected sample onto a friend, she agreed with my comments regarding the white shade but liked that it has a firming effect & thought it was ideal for use under make-up.
www.lizearle.co.uk
I have sensitive skin and my personal preference is towards natural products as a general rule so I was excited to be sent Liz Earle's Sun Shade SPF25 Face Protector to trial. In keeping with the natural ethos of the brand, the SPF is based on physical rather than chemical sunscreens so we're talking ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
We've been having beautiful weather recently lending the perfect conditions to trial this. How disappointed I was. Sorry Liz Earle... the major thumbs down came when I looked in the mirror after applying and was shocked at my ghostly appearance... this stuff is WHITE! I know it's a physical sunscreen but these days, there's no need to see the effects as advances have been made- did someone forget to tell Liz? When I went out into the sun, it felt heavy on my skin and whilst I will admit that it felt as though some moisturising benefits were gained, I don't feel that this even protected my skin that effectively. I was outside for a picnic lunch, not a particularly long time, wearing a hat and sunglasses and still got a worrying flush of colour to my cheeks. Afraid to say, I won't be using this again.
Note: Having passed the rejected sample onto a friend, she agreed with my comments regarding the white shade but liked that it has a firming effect & thought it was ideal for use under make-up.
www.lizearle.co.uk
Monday 31 May 2010
Product Review: Whish Shave Crave
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
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
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.
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