Liz Earle Gentle Face Exfoliator

RRP: £12 for 70ml; £4.50 for 15ml

--What does the promo say?--
"This kind, yet effective facial polisher is ideal for gently buffing away dead skin cells and impurities to leave all skin types (except sensitive) brighter, smoother and fresher."

--Packaging--
Can only speak for the full-size package, which comes in a pale yellow pump-mechanism tube made from hard plastic. The lid is translucent with a silver band around the bottom and the Liz Earle logo is also silver, with the brand name in a darker yellow. All other product information is in a tiny black font. All very sophisticated and calm.

--Application--
From the website: "Apply 2 pumps to clean skin after using Cleanse & Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser. Gently massage in with your fingertips using light, circular movements. Concentrate on the most commonly congested areas of skin such as the forehead, nose, chin and jawline but avoid your eye area. Fingertip pressure and the gentle friction of the beads will stimulate blood flow and slough away dead skin cells helping to unblock pores. Rinse off with warm water and pat your face dry with a towel." If you have normal skin exfoliating once every 1-2 weeks is fine, but you may want to exfoliate more often if you have problematic skin.

--Appearance--
A white, stiff creamy substance. The jojoba beads aren't really visible and the consistency is just perfect. No residue is left on the face after use.

--Scent--
Pretty neutral and barely-there, though you can pick up the eucalyptus scent slightly.

--Consistency/texture--
The exfoliator itself is creamy and light and lathers up a little as well. On the face you can definitely feel the jojoba beads - they're very tiny and fine though.

--Longevity--
The effects of this aren't any more long-lasting than any other exfoliators I've used, unfortunately (although the face still feels smooth after use). Pretty average.

--Value for money--
I think this is nice to use, but expensive for what it is. It may be better value if you buy it as part of a set, as I did, but I wouldn't pay £12 for it. I also thought it was best suited to normal skin (rather than, as claimed on the tube, 'every skin type except sensitive') - I have quite oily skin and while this product wasn't damaging to my skin, it didn't really improve my skin either and I can only conclude from this that the product isn't specialist enough for my skin type (which I guess I already knew). It also didn't smoothen my skin any more than any other exfoliator I've used. I'd therefore recommend making sure you've got an exfoliator that's definitely suited to your skin type, and if you want uber-smoothness from the Liz Earle range, try their intensive moisturiser instead.

perfect partners
Cleanse and Polish Hot Cloth Cleanser, £10.75
Instant Boost Skin Tonic, £10.50
Skin Repair Moisturiser, £15.50