Cosmetics News - August 2008

Marie Claire and Lancome launch beauty channel
Two of the world's biggest beauty savants are coming together to provide the nation's women with authoritative beauty tips in the form of the Marie Claire Beauty Academy. Lancome has signed a 7-month partnership contract with Marie Claire so that the two together may provide in-depth tips and advice, allowing every woman to formulate her perfect beauty regime. This coincides with Marie Claire's 20th anniversary and the channel on their website (www.marieclaire.co.uk/beauty/academy.html) will include beauty product reviews, video masterclasses, a bespoke beauty diagnosis tool, and the chance to personally ask experts for exclusive tips.

Skincare brand Africology launches in the UK
The South African beauty brand is finally coming to Great Britain. Based in Essex, the brand focuses on Africa's spirit and majesty, healing, and responsibility towards oneself and others (both environmentally and in physical and spiritual terms). They're also big on not using harsh chemicals and on social responsibility, keeping the process of making and using their products therapeutic and ethical. The products focus on bath and body ranges, and hands and feet products, as well as on calming and health-boosting products akin to Bach's Rescue Remedy, such as their Tissue Oil and their infection-fighting Herbal Spray.

Elnett celebrates 50 years
L'Oreal's classic hairspray celebrates 50 years with the release of its brand new addition to the range, Diamond Hold and Shine. Designed to provide hold and shine while still remaining soft, it's easy to brush out and would be a valuable contribution to any girl's collection of hair essentials. Available in 200ml and 400ml sprays, at Tesco, Sainsbury's, Morrison's, and Asda.

Health and beauty cross over at Aveda
With Whittard's tea bags for feet providing an appropriate crossover between beauty and physical well-being, it is perhaps hardly surprising that Aveda, a well-renowned beauty brand, has taken the reverse crossover into teas. They now stock a frankly delicious peppermint and liquorice Comforting Tea to help detox and calm the body as well as satisfy a sweet tooth. It's caffeine-free, sugar-free, 100% organic, and is available in loose leaves (£12.50 for 140g) as well as normal tea bags (£8 for 20).

From Avon With Love
Don't tell anyone, but Avon's bringing out a new James Bond-themed fragrance this October. Coming in a suitably seductive bottle, with added edge in the form of a Bond gadget-style lid, the fragrance itself is pinky gold and packs a punch with its floral sensuality. Gemma Arterton, star of Quantum of Solace, is the face of Bond Girl 007, and says, “I’m thrilled to be working with two such iconic and established brands. The Bond Girl 007 fragrance embodies everything a Bond girl represents – intelligence, sexiness and confidence.”
Available from www.avonshop.co.uk; priced at £16 for 50ml.

Oriflame gets 60s styling
This Swedish brand doesn't get quite enough press, and I'm not really sure why, especially since it's brought out this retro 60s range, comprising an on-trend felt-tip eyeliner, an chunky eyeshadow pencil, a volumising mascara, and a sexy gloss. Get that Winehouse flick and a burst of colour for some ultra glamour. Order via www.oriflame.com





Revlon Custom Creations Foundation
Out on Sept 8, this appears to be the first foundation to solve the problem of what to do with your usual foundation when you have a tan but don't want to shell out for a separate foundation to languish in your makeup box for half the year. Its release date seems slightly untimely, but could still benefit those of you lucky enough to be taking winter hols to sunny destinations. Adjust the dial to customise your shade: paler for winter, darker for summer. The dial allows 5 different settings, and I just hope the packaging won't be too cumbersome. However, it contains SPF15, and I am really impressed by the innovation embodied in this product. Available in 6 shades (fair; light; light/medium; medium; medium/deep; deep), and will cost c.£13.99.

30 days of fashion and beauty
Boots has organised lots of fabulous offers, competitions, and events for us beauty-obsessives, from 'Win A Movie Star Makeup Bag' to a free body scrub from the Sanctuary Spa, with a series of unmissable events scattered throughout September, including a Swarovski Bridal Evening on Sept 18, Icecool's Fashion Lunch on Sept 12, and a Balance Me event at Boots Kingston from the 19-21 Sept. This is not forgetting, of course, the Best Beauty Awards 2008 on the 22 Sept (for which voting has now closed). You can win tickets to all of these events and more by signing up to the 30 days of fashion and beauty newsletter at http://www.30daysoffashionandbeauty.co.uk/

London Fashion Week
Runs from the 14-19 September, with catwalk appearances from Allegra Hicks, Luella, Aquascutum, Julien Macdonald, Vivienne Westwood Red Label, and Stella McCartney (to name but a few!), it's set to be exciting. Sadly, only big important press people can actually see all the catwalk stuff, but the good news is that the Exhibition (open from 15-18 Sept), next to the Natural History Museum in South Kensington, should be easily accessible to all. Joyful :)

Sources
www.ipcmedia.com/press
www.fashionmonitor.co.uk
www.africology.co.za
Avon PR
www.cosmeticsbusiness.com
www.30daysoffashionandbeauty.co.uk
www.londonfashionweek.co.uk
www.timesonline.co.uk

Words by Bianca Summons

Pantene Smooth and Sleek Shampoo and Conditioner

RRP: £2.87 each for 400ml, or buy both for £4 on promotion at Boots

--What does the promo say?--
"Pantene's cleansing formula is designed to give you the polished, lustrous look you want. The smoothing formula helps control hair frizziness, and is the first step to irresistibly smooth hair. Pantene Pro-V Smooth & Sleek Conditioner is the important second step to beautiful healthy looking smooth hair. Its outstanding formula, enriched with Amino Pro-V Complex transforms damaged, out-of-control, frizzy hair into hair that looks and feels incredibly healthy and ready to style. Hair is left smooth, soft, super healthy-feeling and so under control it makes styling easy."

--Packaging--
A little boring, and I feel that Pantene's more 'basic' variants seem sidelined compared to their more edgy and glamorous products, such as the Ice Shine haircare range, which has a more distinctive advertising campaign, which features Anna Friel, and general packaging design. The bottles for Smooth and Sleek, however, are white, with minimal information and adornment, which instead of being successfully minimalist, are just boring and don't stand out on the shelf. My shampoo lid also didn't close properly. Great.

--Usage instructions--
Proceed as usual - run shampoo through hair, lather up, rinse out, slick hair with conditioner, leave on for 1-2 minutes, then wash out.

--Scent--
Pretty nondescript: both just smell slightly soapy, that's all.

--Texture/consistency--
The shampoo is runnier than the conditioner, and I find the conditioner more pleasing to use, as it is slightly stiffer without being viscous or hard. In the hair, both products feel smooth and non-lumpy.

--Lather--
The shampoo lathers up well, though not as well as some other shampoos that I've tried. However, saying this, I don't believe that lather is necessarily indicative of how good a shampoo is.

--Appearance--
Both of the products are white, slightly pearlescent lotions. On the hair, no residue is left, and the hair looks glossy after use, but not artificially so. The hair also appears smoothened and less frizzy as well as having added shine.

--How does your hair feel afterwards?--
Both short-term and long-term, hair feels much smoother, less damaged, and more manageable. Thanks to Pantene, I was sent a full-size bottle of each for free, and was able to give them a good report after a month's trial.

--Value for money--
I would definitely buy this again, especially on the 2 for £4 deal. My two 400ml bottles were sent to me for the purposes of a month's trial, and there is still loads left in each bottle, so you can be confident that these will last ages. Both products also made a significant difference to my dry, frizzy, damaged hair. I had previously avoided Pantene as I felt that they would be too artificial, and while they're still never going to be the most natural products in the world, I would definitely feel more confident about using them again, as well as trying the intensive conditioner. Good work.

perfect partners
Pantene Smooth and Sleek Intensive Conditioner Leave In Bottle, £3.99 for 300ml
Pantene Smooth and Sleek 2-in-1 Shampoo and Conditioner, £2.87 for 400ml

Liz Earle Deep Cleansing Mask

RRP: £12 for 75ml tube + 2 sponges (also available in a 15ml tube)

--What does the promo say?--
"A highly concentrated clay and botanical mask that draws out impurities and excess oil, leaving your skin looking clean and clear. Specially formulated for combination, oily or problem skin. Not suitable for sensitive skin."

--Packaging--
A calm pale yellow tube with the trademark Liz Earle logo decorating it in dark brown. Plastic screw-top lid. However, you have to remember to shake this up a bit before using it, as a clear liquid tends to collect towards the neck of the tube.

--Usage instructions--
"Apply after cleansing skin. Smooth a generous layer of the mask over face and neck, avoiding eyes, lips and hairline. Leave on for 5 - 10 minutes. Wipe away residue with thoroughly rinsed sponges. Splash face with cool water. Use as often as needed: either as an all over face treatment, or to target specific blemishes or problem areas. For best results follow with Instant Boost Skin Tonic and Skin Repair Moisturiser."

--Appearance--
A dark grey-brown colour, which comfortingly really does look like runny mud rather than looking artificial. On the face, it looks patchy as it is difficult to apply evenly (mainly, I think, because it's absorbed so quickly by the skin). After use, skin looks softer and refreshed, pores and blackheads appear finer, and small patches of dry skin are made to disappear.

--Texture/consistency--
Creamy yet light, and runny but not ridiculously so.

--Scent--
Not really much discernible here.

--How does your skin feel afterwards?--
Like all the nasties have been lifted right out. I'm still left with some blackheads, but I'm seeing an improvement day on day and am confident that things will continue to improve over time. There's also no irritation - only softness (even with everyday use).

--Value for money--
Pretty good - the product is effective and very little needs to be used each time (even though it might not seem that way initially as the product sinks into the skin so quickly). It's also easy to wash off. However, you'll get an even better deal if you buy this as part of the Try-Me Treatment Kit, which contains everything you'll ever need for a variety of skincare emergencies (Spot-On Blemish Treatment Gel, Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask, Gentle Exfoliator, Brightening Treatment Mask, and Superskin Concentrate, as well as the Deep Cleansing Mask itself and some sponges and muslin cloths) for a mere £17.50. Or, if you're after an even sweeter deal, at Cowes Week this year, at which Liz Earle has been the official skincare sponsor for the past two years, they were giving these away for free.

No7 Colour Calming Makeup Base

RRP: £9.75

--What does the promo say?--
"No7 Colour Calming Make-Up Base calms and neutralises rosy skin tones. Calm overly-rosy complexions with this clever colour corrector. Cool, sea-green tones neutralise unwanted blushes all day long, leaving your skin looking beautifully even. With caring, conditioning ingredients to help build skin's natural defences against the elements without blocking pores. Hypo-allergenic."

--Packaging--
Virtually identical to its anti-shine cousin: slim tube with the No7 logo and product name gracing the front in metallic writing. The tube itself is a suitably zen-like pale green colour, and it has a plastic screw-top lid that clicks closed.

--Application--
After moisturising, rub a small amount all over the face, avoiding the eye area.

--Appearance--
The lotion is exactly the same colour as the bottle, but luckily the skin absorbs it perfectly and no green residue is left on the face. Skin appears more matte, softer, and redness is visibly reduced.

--Texture/consistency--
It's quite runny, which I was a little disappointed about when I first bought it (having used No7's anti-shine equivalent, which is stiffer, I was expecting it to be more like that), and it took me a long time to get used to it. However, it's still relatively controllable and easy to use. Skin feels softer after use.

--How does it feel on the skin?--
That lotion feels like it's full of good stuff (though you'll have to wait until I can get home and look at mine before I can tell you exactly what - the Boots website is useless), with the skin feeling soothed and calmed all day as a result of use.

--Value for money--
It is a tad expensive, but it's still affordable, it works, and one tube lasts ages. Top.

Nivea Visage Young Smooth It! Mild Exfoliating Scrub

RRP: £4.65 for 75ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Is NIVEA VISAGE YOUNG smooth it! Mild Exfoliating Scrub the right product for me?

* yes, if you have normal or combination young skin
* yes, if you want a gentle scrub for peachy-soft skin

How does it work?

* extra fine exfoliators effectively remove dead skin cells to smooth the complexion
* cleanses gently without drying out the skin
* enriched with Peach Extracts, the mild formula softens the skin

The result:
Your complexion looks beautifully radiant and feels smooth & peachy-soft."

--Packaging--
A very attractive yellow and white flowery squeezy tube. It's easily identifiable as being part of the Nivea Young range, of which all the products are similarly styled. It's translucent too, so that the product is visible through the tube.

--Usage instructions--
Squeeze out a little of the exfoliator, rub onto slightly damp face, and then wash off.

--Appearance--
It's not really rough-looking like most exfoliators: it's a white lotion with tiny pink beads embedded. It's attractive to look at, and doesn't leave any residue on the face after use.

--Texture/consistency--
Really smooth - as I said, it's more like a lotion than an exfoliator. However, you can feel the beads, and after use, you do feel like the exfoliator has worked effectively, even though it's also very gentle.

--Overall effects--
Effective smoothness and reduction of dry patches.

--Longevity--
I've only trialled this on a sample basis, but I got about 3 usages from one tiny sachet, indicating that one tube would last quite a long time.

--Value for money--
I have to admit that the price is a little higher than I was expecting. However, it's not expensive by any stretch of the imagination, and for something that's easy and pleasant to use, that actually works (though it may not reduce acne, it doesn't claim to do this), it's worth every penny. An excellent choice for young first-time exfoliant buyers.

perfect partners
Nivea Visage Young Wash Off! Mild Cleansing Gel, £4.65
Nivea Visage Young Stay Clear! Purifying Toner, £4.65
Nivea Visage Young Control Shine! Mattifying Gel Cream, £4.65*

*£4.65 is the RRP; however, www.gordons-chemists.com has these products retailing at between £3.18 and £3.49.

Bulgari Omnia (Crystalline)

RRP: £22 for 65ml @ Fragrance Direct (also available in 40ml and 25ml)

--What does the promo say?--
"Omnia Crystalline Perfume by Bvlgari for Women was introduced in 2005. Omnia Crystalline is a delicate, sensual, sparkling fragrance. A floral woody eau de toilette.

FRAGRANCE NOTES
Bamboo, Japanese Pear, Lotus Flower, Balsa Wood."

--Packaging--
The white box stands out on the shelf as it's simple and not overadorned. Just has the Bulgari logo and the name of the perfume on it in bronze, in a refreshing and uncomplicated design. The bottle itself is circular, but a sort of 'raised' or 'inflated' circle rather than a sphere. Half (the lid) is silvery and engraved with the Bulgari logo; the other half is transparent so that you can see the clear perfume. It's a really nice, simple, unusual and striking design that's easy to use and protects against leakage and wastage.

--Application--
Spritz wherever desired.

--Scent--
It's one that people immediately react to: I was complimented on it instantly after spritzing it on at work. It really piques your interest: it's floral, but it's got depth, and as the description says, it has a slight 'woodiness' to it. However, despite its clearly beguiling effect, it isn't overpowering and it quickly becomes subtler. There is also definitely something unusual about it, and I can't think of any other fragrance to which it can be compared.

--Longevity--
Average. Needs to be reapplied every 3-5 hours, so it's not one to stay the distance. However, one bottle does seem to last ages: I've had mine for about two years and there's still loads left.

--Value for money--
The price quoted from Fragrance Direct is so low because it's an ex-tester (which doesn't mean it's been used, probably just that it was intended for distribution to the press or retail outlets but then either never was or was simply never opened). If you feel uneasy about that, you're talking approximately £45 for the largest size, £33 for the medium, and £24 for the small, which is no better or worse than most other fragrances on the market. It's probably worth the money for its unusual scent and the fact that one bottle lasts such a long time. Buy from reputable online retailers to maximise the value-for-money factor.

perfect partners
Bulgari Omnia Crystalline Bath and Shower Gel, £18 for 200ml from www.escentual.com
Bulgari Omnia Crystalline Body Lotion, £23 for 200ml from www.escentual.com

*Bulgari's Omnia is also available in its original incarnation (left) and in its newest version, Amethyste (right).

Gillette Venus Breeze Razor

RRP: £7.99 (includes razor and 4 blades)

--What does the promo say?--
"Venus Breeze is the only razor with built-in shave gel bars! Just wet and shave. Theres no need for separate shave cream or soap. With Venus Breeze you'll love the senationally smooth shave that you have come to expect from Venus. Shaving is now a breeze."

--Packaging--
Purple, swirly and luxurious (all made of course from genuine plastic). The razor comes with its own little platform to rest on, which not only fixes to your shower wall or to the inside of your bathroom cabinet but also opens up for a convenient place to keep your blades. The blades are also conveniently packaged, meaning they are easy to change; and to remove an old blade, just press a button on the razor near the blade for it to go pinging straight into the bin.

--Usage--
Just wet the razor, and shave. Pretty simple.

--Scent--
No discernible scent.

--Lather--
Not very much lather is generated, but it's more than adequate.

--Razor-cut potential--
I found the gel bars attached to the blades somewhat slippery, and I seemed to cut myself much more than usual while using this.

--How does your skin feel afterwards?--
Itchy. Be prepared to get your moisturiser out.

--How does your skin look afterwards?--
The only visible signs of your battle with the razor blade on your legs are any cuts you might have sustained. If, like me, you have PCOS/hirsutism and occasionally have to use the razor on places other than your legs and underarms, you may find (as I did) that this razor doesn't really fulfil its moisturising potential. Along with the itchiness, I found that incidences of dry patches increased, which I wasn't too happy with.

--Does it de-fuzz adequately?--
Yes - and if you manage to not cut yourself, smooth sexy legs can indeed be yours (helped along, of course, with a post-shave moisturising session).

--Longevity--
These blades don't seem to provide any closer a shave than normal razors. However, the blades themselves last a long time before they need changing - going by when the gel bars run out provides a good indication of when you should chuck that blade out and clip a new one on.

--Value for money--
I cannot understand for the life of me why you would fork out an extra £1 for 4 blades when for £1 less you can not only have the four blades but also a brand new razor and platform. So as well as this slightly dodgy marketing strategy, we also have an overpackaged product that if it doesn't cut you to oblivion will certainly have you reaching for the moisturiser after shaving. It is vaguely convenient, I'll grant you, and I would consider using these for travel (I'm guessing the £7.99 pack of razor + platform + blades would see anyone through their summer holiday), but as for everyday use? No way. I'm just not prepared to put up with that itchiness.

perfect partner
Gillette Venus Breeze Blades 4-pack, £8.99

No7 Sheer Temptation Lipstick

RRP: £9.50
no. of shades available: 6

--What does the promo say?--
"No7 Sheer Temptation Lipstick provides sheer, glossy, moisturising colour with SPF15. Hypo-allergenic and fragrance-free."

--Packaging--
A sleek, silver, slightly curvy package, with the No7 logo at the top of the lid in black. It's discreet, subtle and chic, and at 3-4 inches tall, a convenient size too.

--Application--
Apply to the lips straight from the stick. You can use a brush if you so desire, but the consistency of the lipstick (see below) means that this is probably unnecessary.

--Texture/consistency--
To me, this lipstick is the Holy Grail of both a lipstick and a gloss in one easy stick. I think that No7's marketing executives have missed a trick there, with there being no mention of this lipstick's unique consistency in its promotional material. It has the colour and intensity of a lipstick, but with the high shine and the smoothness of a gloss, which is just an absolute joy to wear.

--Appearance--
Shiny, but with a depth of colour not usually seen in lipglosses. There is also a very fine shimmer to this product.

--Longevity--
Sadly not great - it is this product's one downfall.

--Value for money--
I would buy this again in an instance for its amazing texture and natural wetness and colour, especially as part of one of No7's deals.

ELF All Over Color Stick

RRP: £1.50
no. of shades available: 4

--What does the promo say?--
"3 in 1 color for your eyes, lips, and or face! Get the color that illuminates for a healthy glow, and instantly soothes and conditions the skin for fresh and natural color all day long."

--Packaging--
Short, sweet, simple, and oh so dinky. White twisty bottom with ELF logo and product name adorning it in silver text; see-through pull-off protective lid. And that's it! Measuring at a mere two inches tall, you might even be able to fit this one in your purse.

--Application--
Be prepared for this to get messy. Using your fingers (unless you want to cack up all your brushes, you just can't win here), carefully smear this stuff onto your eyes and lips, though you can get liberal with the stick itself on your cheeks before blending. After blending, prepare to wash your hands...
Simple, but messy.

--Appearance--
The stick itself is virtually indistinguishable from its more expensive counterparts at NARS: shimmery, soft, and with a very natural colour. On the face, you can easily fashion for yourself a natural rosy glow for daytime, or vamp up for evening. It's also surprising how good having the same colour all over your face actually looks: sophisticated, effortless and unified.

--Texture/consistency--
Unlike its NARS rivals, this stick is quite soft. While this means the colour blends easily, it also means it's easy to overdo (which can be easily rectified by blending, but still leads to wastage).

--Scent--
The website promises 'sugar orange', and sugar orange is what you get. Deeeeeelicious (though don't hold me responsible if you actually are stupid enough to eat it).

--Longevity--
You shouldn't need to touch this one up all day for your cheeks, but on your eyelids you may struggle with the creases. You may also wish to apply this with lip balm on your lips, as it can feel dry and powdery on its own.

--Value for money--
As with most cream-based formulas, there are more troubles associated with the multi-use concept than there may initially seem. However, this is still an excellent value product that can easily give its higher-end competitors a run for their money.

Clinique Pore Minimising Thermal-Active Skin Refiner

RRP: £22 for 75ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Heats on contact with water to open pores, dislodge debris. Then polish away skin-dulling flakes with an exclusive complex of six gentle, effective exfoliants.
Skin feels wonderfully smooth, incredibly clean. And pores look noticeably smaller—instantly, and over time."

--Packaging--
My sample is in a pink squeezy tube with a green plastic lid, but the real thing is even more promising: a daring purple tube with a classy metal screw-top lid. It fits in nicely with the Clinique brand, adorned of course with the huge trademark Clinique logo in black.

--Usage instructions--
You only need minimal moisture for this to do its job - I found that if you use it in the shower it almost melts away! So - over the sink, dampen your face using cleanser or a flannel. Squeeze out a small amount of the pore minimiser and rub into the areas that need the most attention (usually the cheeks and nose, but sometimes also the chin). Wash off using a damp flannel.

--Appearance--
The pore minimiser is a sort of duck-egg colour, and appears slightly grainy from the exfoliating beads. It's also very stiff, which can make it difficult to squeeze from the tube. On the face, no visible residue is left.

--Sensation--
It does heat up quite rapidly on contact with moisture, and it can feel slightly prickly. I wouldn't recommend using this if your skin is feeling a bit sensitive or raw for whatever reason, as it can almost hurt if you're feeling a bit fragile! However, most people shouldn't experience discomfort, and the skin feels very smooth and clean after exfoliation.

--Short-term effects--
Pores do appear visibly reduced and smoothened almost immediately after use.

--Long-term effects--
However, despite the impressive short-term results, long-term I noticed no real difference, despite using this every morning for weeks. My pores are still quite visible, both with and without makeup.

--Value for money--
The lack of long-term effects mean that I wouldn't buy this again; however, knowing the high quality of and generally excellent results provided by Clinique's products usually, I wouldn't rule out trying other products from the Pore Minimising range.

perfect partners
Clinique Pore Minimising Refining Serum, £15.50 for 40ml
Clinique Pore Minimising Instant Perfector, £12.50 for 15ml

Lancome Naturelle Seduction

RRP: $42 USD from www.evecare.com; $60 NZD

--What does the promo say?--
"Naturelle Seduction contains 1 x Blush Subtil, 1 x Rouge Absolue, and 4 x Color Focus Eyeshadows. The perfect kit for a natural look. A universal range of colours to suit all complexions."

--Packaging--
Comes in its own black velvet pouch, which picks up dust quite easily, but in doing so keeps the palette itself clean and undamaged. The palette is made from shiny black plastic, and has a very small gold Lancome logo at the point where the palette opens. It's easy to open and close, and everything is laid out very nicely inside, including three different applicators, one of which is double-ended. It also has a very generously-sized mirror.

--Application--
The blush and lipstick are easy enough to use, but the four eyeshadows provided can make things more overwhelming. You can of course use them separately; if you wish to use them all together, however, the best course of action seems to be to use the yellow up to the brow bone, the pink up to the eyelid crease, the brown as a liner along the top lashes, and the white as a highlighter just at the outer corner of the brow.

--Appearance--
All of the colours combine beautifully to create a really natural look, no matter what your skin tone. In the palette, the colours are really shown at their best against the jet-black packaging. Depth is created around the eyes, a healthy rosy glow is given at the cheeks, and the lip colour is a very natural pinky red.

--Texture/consistency--
The blusher is not too powdery, which is good, as it means mess is minimised. The lipstick is really lovely and soft without being glossy. The pink and yellow eyeshadows are more powdery, but the liner and highlighter are more difficult to describe: they seem denser and less powdery, and travel across the skin much more smoothly (though they are more difficult to pick up with the brush).

--Longevity--
The lipstick puts up a good fight, but will need to be reapplied by lunchtime. However, the blusher lasts ages and the eyeshadow stays flawless all day.

--Value for money--
This is mostly available in airport duty-free areas, so is bound to be at a fairly attractive price (must be: it's how I got mine!). However, this is worth purchase alone for its top-notch eyeshadow and to-die-for soft lipstick.

Radox Shower Smoothies

RRP: £2.49 for 200ml
types available: natural balance (yoghurt, honey and almond), energy therapy (ginseng, guarana and lemongrass), and soul soother (blackcurrant, camomile and cranberry)

--What does the promo say?--
"Wake up with our energising shower smoothie. It’s a luxurious blend of natural herbs and minerals that are good for your body and mind. Like ginseng and guarana to help recharge your tired body and real lemongrass for some extra zing. Just what you need to kickstart the day.

Our shower smoothies may smell good enough to drink, but please don’t. If you get some in your eyes, just rinse them well with clean water.."

--Packaging--
The clear squeezy plastic bottle with flip-top lid, is, if we're honest, pretty average. But then again, just how many ways are there to design a shower gel bottle? It's functional, easy to use, and non-leaky, so there's really no grounds for complaint. Plus, the cuddly-looking brightly-coloured Shower Smoothie logo and motif jazzes things up slightly. The only thing striking me as being slightly dubious is the 'DO NOT EAT' warning in big letters on the front label. On the back label I could understand its presence, but to have it on the front is really patronising. Frankly, if you're stupid enough to eat this, you probably deserve to die.

--Usage--
Rub all over body in shower, and rinse off. Nothing out of the ordinary here.

--Scent--
Very fruity (I have the blackcurrant one) and natural. I'd imagine that the others would be less tart and perhaps slightly sweeter. However, the scent sadly doesn't linger after showering, which surprised me.

--Texture/consistency--
The gel is creamy (although slightly watery), smooth, and a little bit gloopy without being lumpy. The blackcurrant one also contains cranberry seeds, which you'd think would provide some exfoliating power, but you can barely feel them.

--Appearance--
Brightly coloured, but not freakishly so; vaguely translucent too. On the skin, you really have to work to lather it up, and afterwards there is no visible residue.

--Longevity--
Unfortunately, the scent doesn't linger, and while it makes your skin feel soft enough, I didn't notice any other effects to differentiate this from other shower gels.

--Value for money--
This shower gel doesn't deliver anything special, which is rather a shame for Radox given all the media attention this product has received. At this price, for the same fruity goodness, I'd rather go for Original Source.

Avon Clearskin Deep Cleansing Cloths

RRP: £3.50 for 25 cloths; currently on promotion at £1.50 a pack

--What does the promo say?--
"Speedy wipes remove makeup, oil and pore-clogging impurities in an instant. A refreshing, purifying, and revitalising experience! 25 wipes per pack."

--Packaging--
The packaging is perhaps slightly dated, and while this is an Avon mainstay (most of their products don't survive for 2 years+, as they are constantly changing the range), the company really needs to move with the times - if they could change the packaging of this so that it is more easily linked with their more modern, edgy Clearskin Professional line that's just been released, then that might be an improvement. The wipes packet is white, with a blue, white and purple logo at the top of the packet. The protective screen that you pull off the front of the packet each time is clear and white, and effectively keeps the wipes moist. The protective screen also closes easily and remains easy to open every time.

--Usage--
Pull back the protective screen, pull out one wipe, rub over face and neck, and then discard. Remember to stick the protective screen back down afterwards so that the remaining wipes keep their moisture.

--Scent--
Quite clinical, which in a way I almost prefer to something flowery: it makes you feel like the wipes are doing something.

--Appearance--
The wipes are white, but the liquid in which they are soaked is not visible.

--Short-term effects--
Makeup and excess oil is removed effectively; skin feels soft and like it has been treated to improve skin condition.

--Long-term effects--
Skin condition is maintained at the very least; improved at the very most.

--Value for money--
I'd be loath to pay full price for these, even though I do quite like them: this is a 'value' brand, and it shows. However, when on offer these wipes are an excellent buy and an essential for keeping skin healthy.

perfect partners
Avon Clearskin Dual Action Cleanser with Microbeads, £4
Avon Clearskin Immediate Response Blemish Treatment, £3.50
Avon Clearskin Clarifying Cover SPF 15, £5
Avon Clearskin Concealing Blemish Stick, £3

Body Shop Seaweed Purifying Facial Cleanser

RRP: £6.50 for 200ml

--What does the promo say?--
"A mild oil-free and soap-free milky cleansing lotion. Effectively removes make-up, impurities and daily grime,without drying the skin. Leaves the skin feeling cleansed, soft and supple with a shine-free, matte finish."

--Packaging--
A clear, hard plastic bottle with an opaque plastic flip-top lid. The label is simple and evocative of the sea, with its white, light blue and dark blue colour scheme, and the bottle itself is secure, with little risk of leakage, as the lid closes firmly.

--Application--
This one is best used out of the shower. Over the sink, rub a 50p-sized amount of the lotion between your palms and smooth over clean, dry face. Leave on skin for 2-3 minutes if desired so that the skin may benefit maximally from the ingredients, and then wash off with a damp flannel, or wipe off with a dry tissue or cotton pad. More like a moisturiser to use than a cleanser.

--Scent--
This product is virtually scent-free, with perhaps a slight salty tinge but not a lot else.

--Appearance--
The cream is slightly watery and translucent, and is an off-white colour. Not really luxurious, but at the price, you can't really complain. Rubbed between the hands and onto the face, the cream becomes even more translucent, and there is no visible residue left on the skin.

--Immediate effects--
The skin appears slightly mattified (but nothing miraculous) and a smooth, fresh feeling is quickly apparent, which is a Godsend on waking up or when scraping off your makeup. It does also effectively remove makeup, though I don't really use it for this.

--Long-term effects--
I bought this as a temporary fix when I was too short of money to buy my usual Clinique, and while it's OK, in that my skin didn't break out and I didn't experience any total skin disasters while using the Seaweed range, I definitely didn't see the same level of improvement as I saw with the Clinique, and nor did I see the excellency of the overall results that the Clinique range delivers.

--Value for money--
It's perhaps unfair to compare the effectiveness of the range to Clinique's skincare regimes given the obvious differences in price. However, while as a long-term acne sufferer I clearly require something more specialised, I would imagine that this would be suitable for the majority of the general public who don't need to bring things quite so much under control. It's nice enough to use, and the price tag is certainly attractive; however, the lack of long-term effects for me mean that I'll soon be running back to my Clinique.

perfect partners
Body Shop Seaweed Clarifying Toner, £6.50
Body Shop Seaweed Mattifying Moisture Lotion SPF 15, £10
Body Shop Seaweed Clarifying Night Treatment, £10