RRP: from £13.99/120ml online; also available with SPF15
--What does the promo say?-- "Skin MD Natural shielding lotion makes a great makeup base, soothes unwanted skin conditions and gives us smooth, silky skin with no greasy film. A shielding lotion is unlike any other conventional, artificial moisturizers because it works with the skin to naturally moisturize and heal. Most conventional, artificial moisturizers only add moisture to the surface of the skin, but do little to repair the skin’s natural barrier against moisture robbing irritants. Continued use of artificial moisturizers can cause the skin to actually begin producing less of its own natural oils, thinking that the skin has enough moisture. This can cause skin to form a dependence on the moisturizer for hydration. Skin MD Natural breaks the dry skin cycle by working to help restore skin’s natural protective abilities by bonding to the outer layer of skin, strengthening skins natural barrier against toxins and irritants that can dry the skin, while locking in the skin’s natural oils."
--Packaging-- A white squeezy bottle with red lid. You definitely get the impression of natural ingredients being used (from the picture of the aloe plant on the bottle), but the idea of this being endorsed medically is not successfully conveyed (and nor, indeed, is it in the usual publicity material: you get the impression more of the photographed human saying "hello, I am an actor dressed up as a doctor" rather than of a competent "hello, I am Doctor Zorg"). The lid of the product consists of a flat disc that you push downwards to reveal the aperture out of which the lotion is released. Easier than it sounds, I promise.
--Application-- Squeeze out a pea-sized amount of lotion and rub over freshly cleansed face and neck. The beauty of this product is that it is multiuse and will do your whole body good, so feel free to rub any excess into your hands, arms or feet.
--Scent-- Virtually scentless, despite the presence of aloe vera and arnica.
--Appearance-- An opaque white gel that leaves no visible residue or shininess on the skin.
--Texture/consistency-- As promised, there is no greasy film remaining on the skin after use and the lotion absorbs quickly.
--Effects on the skin-- Immediate softness, although in real problem areas (e.g. the feet) it takes much longer for very dry skin to improve or disappear. I did, however, in conjunction with my use of the Pond's cleanser (also reviewed this month), notice an overall improvement in my acneic skin (soon I'll be able to see how well the lotion works on its own, as one bottle of it lasts much longer than a jar of Pond's cleanser).
--Value for money-- £13.99 might seem a bit steep for something that doesn't exactly display miracle effects, but it's a reasonable price overall for a product that generally maintains a good, healthy skin condition, and I definitely like the fact that it's multi-use.
--What does the promo say?-- "A regular cleansing routine is one of the key steps to keeping facial skin looking young and healthy. Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser is a rich facial cleanser that deep cleans pores to remove stubborn dirt and make up - even waterproof mascara. The special blend of ingredients softens the skin as it cleanses, to leave it feeling soft, smooth and radiantly clean."
--Packaging-- A pleasantly serene-looking and simply designed screw-top glass pot, which also comes in a relatively sturdy white cardboard box with teal-green strips and the Pond's logo. The only drawback is the shape - you have to really bend your fingers to get into the corners of the jar for the last dregs.
--Application-- Smear liberally onto face, and either wash off immediately or leave on for 2 minutes as a mask before rinsing with a damp flannel.
--Appearance-- A very stiff, luxurious-looking cream that bears a resemblance to very well-beaten egg whites. Leaves no visible residue on the face after use.
--Scent-- A very clean, just-hung-out-on-the-washing-line type smell. Very fresh and quite universal (everyone from teens to grans could use this and have no problem with the scent).
--Texture/consistency-- Very rich and quite unlike any cleanser I've used before as someone with oily skin. Absorbs quite well, but there is a slight residue left after rinsing. If you have normal to dry skin you can leave this on to sink in; if, however, you're a bit of a toning junkie or have oily skin, rinsing again or toning as normal will get rid of this easily.
--Effects on skin-- Even though you'd think that this would be quite unsuitable for someone with oily skin, I saw a positive effect on my skin in less than 2 weeks: skin felt immediately softer and over the days and weeks skin seemed calmer and with fewer spots. While it unfortunately cannot withstand the monthly hormonal onslaught on my skin caused by the time of the month, as a general everyday product it works well.
--Value for money-- You can't argue with the price of this surprising success; it's arguably the best 'cheap' cleanser I've ever used. Just make sure, if you're female, that you keep something a bit stronger in the cupboard for the runup to your period.
perfect partner Pond's Light Day Cream, from £2.99 online
Jurlique discount just for you To celebrate the rejuvenation of its website (www.jurlique.com), Australian natural beauty company Jurlique is offering you a 15% discount on its bestselling Rose Hand Cream (available in both full and travel size) until December 31st. As well as rose, it contains loads of other lovely stuff too, such as calendula, sweet violet and echinacea. Enter the code ROSEHAND15 in order to benefit.
Fragrance news Luxury lifestyle brand Bottega Veneta is partnering with Coty for an exclusive fragrance, and while it's not coming out until 2011, the brand's director, Tomas Maier, certainly seems to have some good ideas already, calling the project "an exciting challenge", which is sure to incorporate the elegance and sophistication for which the brand is already known.
New year, new faces Lancôme has signed Julia Roberts to be one of its new faces of the brand as we roll into 2010. Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper will also be crossing the generational divide to front MAC's AIDS Fund campaign, and Diane Kruger has been signed to L'Oréal as its latest spokesperson, to represent hair colour, hair care, and makeup. Limited edition Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper lipsticks will also consequently appear in MAC's range in March.
This ought to straighten things out... VO5 has just released a new and affordable new set of straighteners, with ceramic plates that heat to 230°. At a mere £30, this sounds like a sure competitor against other popular straighteners. REF's Get It Straight styling cream, £12.25, will also protect your hair from heat damage. Cupid & Grace (www.cupidandgrace.com) also offers a wide variety of straighteners and straightening-related brands and products this Christmas, including its £85 Christmas Gift Box for straightening, which contains the FHI Platform Straightener, a heat mat, a paddle brush, and a thermal protector for your hair. For curls, they even have a £49 Gift Box For Curls, containing the Babyliss Pro Conical Wand, heat mat, Pink Head Jog 79 Brush, and Indola Curl Spritz to keep that hair in place.
Mixing it up While the Christmas offers from Bond No 9 and companies like them are simply oozing with style and sparkle, their jaw-dropping price tags mean that many are excluded. Melange Perfume (www.melangeperfume.com), however, offers a still beautiful and yet affordable option, with its solid perfumes retailing at $15 and its roll-on perfumes selling for $18. The website is stacked full of personalisable options, making this a truly creative gift at any time of year.
The best-kept beauty secret Most makeup moguls love preening in front of the mirror or camera lens (ahem). But the Casio EX-S12 seems set to take this to a whole new level: it's not only small enough to fit into your pocket, but also has a special 'makeup mode' to make you look flawless every time, adding a professional finish to your photographs. Retailing at £200, it's not exactly cheap, but if it eliminates all embarrassing photo moments, maybe it's a small price to pay...!
--What does the promo say?-- "Rich, restorative cream improves moisture barrier in the skin and the condition of cuticles and nails. Keep hands moisture rich all day long."
--Packaging-- Not quite as it is in the picture - the Clinique 'C' is silvery, for instance, and the rest of the writing is orange. The lid opens well and closes securely, though, and you don't get cream collecting in the lid like in some flip-top tubes. I do definitely like the orange writing, as it serves to enliven the yellow of the lotion and make the tube stand out.
--Application-- Rub into hands as needed, or use as part of an at-home manicure.
--Appearance-- A pure, soft-looking pale yellow lotion that leaves no visible residue on the hands after use.
--Scent-- The camomile in this cream is certainly detectable, but subtle. However, this cream also contains lots of obscure ingredients, such as gentian root, birch, barley and meadowfoam, which probably also contribute to the overall high-quality and generally pleasing effect.
--Texture-- Perfectly soft, without being stiff, runny or lumpy; rubs in easily and is not greasy or oily.
--Longevity-- Has the same miracle effects as my usual choice of Atrixo, banishing dry skin patches with astonishing speed. Equally, so little is needed each time that one tube could last you a couple of winters, even with everyday use.
--Value for money-- This is definitely a great way to add a touch of luxury to your winter routine at a relatively affordable price. While plenty of other everyday hand creams, such as Atrixo, will do the job just as well, sometimes it's just nice to be able to throw a little bit of indulgence into your bag of winter essentials.
perfect partners Deep Comfort Body Wash, £12.50 Deep Comfort Body Lotion, £25
--What does the promo say?-- "Creamy, intense colour in one stroke. Surprisingly lightweight. Ophthalmologist tested for even the most sensitive eyes. Blendable duos bring day/dusk/evening drama. The end of the quiet eye."
--Packaging-- All very pleasing: the silver case, with embossed Clinique logo, is not too heavy and as well as featuring multiple application options, also comes with a plastic tray for protecting the shadows and mixing colours, in addition to a small mirror.
--Application-- The Clinique website counsels as follows: "Apply lighter shade to eyelids, from lash line to brow bone. Use deeper shade in crease, as liner, or all over lids. Blend up and outward to desired intensity level. Clean applicator frequently for smoothest application, coverage. Remove with your favourite Clinique Makeup Remover." No problems here: the shadows are certainly blendable and the colours in the duo are well matched (I have the Blackberry Frost version).
--Texture and consistency-- As previously mentioned, there are no problems blending, and in the box at least, the shadows seem fairly durable (do not crumble or break easily, for example).
--Appearance-- All is as promised in the brief: the shades are easy to build up in order to create a subtle daytime look or a more intense night-time one. There are also colours in the range to suit about everyone while still looking natural, with peaches, pinks, browns and purples available just for starters, to create a sophisticated look for every need.
--Longevity-- This, for me, was the big downside with this product. Despite the lovely looks you are able to create, despite the compliant consistency and despite the convenient box, by lunchtime this creases and needs completely redoing, even with the use of a primer underneath. This may just be due to the oily tendency of my skin, but nevertheless, it was a disappointment in this regard.
--Value for money-- The little time that this lasts on your eyes completely blows the credibility of the £18 price tag, which is a shame, since the rest of the product stands up well and fulfils its brief. My experience of this eyeshadow coincides with my experience of Clinique products so far: while skin and body care products are generally excellent, the makeup products are usually promising but with some fatal flaw. Happily, this hasn't put me off other Clinique products yet, but nevertheless, in this case, for this price, I'd recommend eyeshadows by MAC or Guerlain instead.
perfect partners Quickliner for Eyes, £12 High Impact Mascara, £14.50
Bianca's Beauty Blog's first giveaway Skin MD Natural have kindly offered to give away a full size bottle of their Shielding Lotion, which I have also been sent and will be reviewing soon. It promises to serve as a makeup base and all-over face and body moisturiser to soothe skin conditions and send dry skin packing. Full of good stuff like arnica and camomile, it should moisturise and heal without irritation, especially since it is also free of parabens and is hypoallergenic. And you can win it for free just in time for the harshest winter months :)
To win, go to the Skin MD Naturals website (www.skinmdnaturals.com) and have a look around, and then email me 50 words on why you deserve to win and how this product will benefit you, along with your name and address and with "Skin MD Natural Giveaway" in the subject line. Entries close on December 15th 2009. Good luck!
Be a winter warmer Following its launch in the UK earlier this year, Jergens is now searching for a Winterless Weather Forecaster. By logging onto www.jergens.com, and following their 'enter today' link, you can win daily prizes as well as being in with a chance to win a cash prize when entries close in January. Just upload a video explaining your tips to help keep skin looking soft, beautiful and 'winterless' throughout the year.
Happy Birthday to Nars Makeup brand Nars is celebrating its 15th anniversary with a celebrity portrait book, entitled 15x15. Available exclusively at www.15x15project.com until December 15 as a limited edition, François Nars has made up, styled and photographed 15 celebrity subjects including Marc Jacobs and Naomi Campbell, and is donating all of the book's $80-price-tag proceedings to charities chosen by the celebrities.
Strange and beautiful Liberty is launching a new nail varnish collection in time for Christmas, inspired by a spectrum as varied as Oscar Wilde and dark purple ink. Sold in collections of eight at £45 a collection, this should make a great value present this holiday season.
RRP: £0.85 per sample canister (0.5-1g); £10.99 per full size pot (9-10g) # of shades available: 15 in sample size; 20 in regular size
--What does the promo say?-- "At Elemental Beauty we know that not everyone has the same type of complexion or skin qualities, so we have created a range of Soft Focus and Healing mineral foundations to help meet your skin’s individual needs. Our Healing mineral foundation contains Allantoin to help heal and regenerate damaged or irritated skin and therefore a good choice for those suffering from acne or rosacea. Our Soft Focus mineral foundation contains a much larger content of Silica Microspheres. These have light scattering properties and a silky feel to reflect light away from lines and wrinkles and give a soft focus appearance. Our mineral foundation powders are soft matt in appearance and can be layered and built up effortlessly to give your required coverage."
--Packaging-- The full-size pots are in keeping with the usual pot design used by Elemental Beauty. The sample sizes (of which I was kindly sent four, in an adorable little chiffon bag) come in tiny plastic vials with flip-top lids. The sample sizes are extremely practical for travel, so this is a viable option in many respects, whether you're off on holiday or just want to try out some shades.
--Application-- Load up your brush with a little of the powder and sweep it evenly over the face. Several lighter layers will look better than one heavy one. The Elemental Beauty site also suggests applying them with a damp brush or sponge to give fuller, complete coverage of blemishes and dark circles, meaning that in fact you have a dual-use product (foundation and concealer) all in one pot. Nice.
--Appearance-- As mentioned, I was sent four shades: Luminous (Soft Focus), English Rose (Soft Focus), Nude (Healing) and Barley (Healing). Barley was a tad too dark for my liking and Luminous almost made me look ghostly (rare in a foundation! But nevertheless, it's probably fine for me for the winter months). In terms of colour match, English Rose and Nude were probably the best for me. Truthfully, I did not notice any difference in the finish between the Soft Focus and Healing variations: both finished soft and matte as promised.
--Texture and consistency-- As with all of the Elemental Beauty products that I have tried so far, my foundations were non-irritating and were pleasant to use on the skin. All good things.
--Coverage-- Excellent; I couldn't wish for better.
--Longevity-- Use of a finishing powder of some description is advised just for general hold (for the sake of the foundation itself as well as to help the company's mineral concealer along a bit). However, the results were generally good.
--Effects on the skin-- My skin has improved lately, but I can never tell what has affected it, especially since I have also been using a few different skincare products, so I don't feel that I can attribute any improvement solely to the foundation, but I'm sure that it didn't do any harm either (particularly since the Soft Focus versions also contain kaolin, a healing clay, which would have also helped any skin recovery).
--Value for money-- Marginally cheaper than Lily Lolo's foundations, which are £12 for the same amount of foundation, so the price is certainly competitive. You need such a tiny amount each time that I'm sure one full-size pot would last months (I've used each of my vials several times and it barely seems like I've made a dent in them). This, combined with generally good coverage and durability, would make this a sound choice for any skin-conscious female.
--What does the promo say?-- "Our Mineral Eyeshadows come in a range of 40 pretty, wearable colours that are crease free loose powder minerals and last all day long. Each eyeshadow can also be used as an eyeliner, simply put a bit of powder into the lid and mix with a damp eyeliner brush into a paste and apply."
--Packaging-- Visibly part of the Elemental Beauty range, using the same packaging as all of the other products. As such, it has the same advantages and suffers the same pitfalls (see my other Elemental Beauty posts for more information).
--Application-- Carefully load an eyeshadow brush with a very small amount of the eye dust and sweep over your eyelids, starting at the crease/in the middle of the eyelid and working down to your lashes as the amount of powder in the brush is lessened (thus preventing you from getting eye dust in your eyes, hopefully). This stage of application, where there is less powder in the brush, is also helpful for when you want to apply just a little shadow to the brow bone.
--Appearance-- The shade I was sent, Silver Lining, is great for blue-grey eyes like mine, but ultimately should suit most eye colours and general complexions. A shimmery silver-grey that's subtle enough for work but could be built up for a more dramatic look.
--Texture/consistency-- No irritation was experienced around the eye area during the use of this shadow. The eye dust is of a very fine consistency and the shimmer particles are of a good size too.
--Longevity-- Really excellent; arguably a market leader in this category. These shadows are real winners - you won't need to reapply all day.
--Value for money-- The durability of this product once applied is arguably down to the format of the shadow: other eye dusts such as the ones by Stargazer and MAC also perform flawlessly. However, neither of the above mentioned brands are mineral brands, and MAC is considerably more expensive than both Stargazer and Elemental Beauty. Elemental Beauty also trumps its other mineral competitors, with its prices coming in more modestly than the mineral market leaders. In short: choose this and win.
RRP: £3.99 for 2-2.5g; £6.99 for 5-6g # of shades available: 6, including one marine-colour for colour correction
--What does the promo say?-- "Our healing mineral concealers contain Allantoin to heal damaged skin and promote skin regeneration which makes them perfect for use on blemishes too. You can also use them to control oil and they are particularly effective if brushed onto the T-zone before applying foundation and will keep your complexion matt and shine free all day. You can also mix them with foundation for heavier coverage. They can be applied dry in powder form or used with a damp brush or sponge to give heavy coverage that will last and protect all day[...]Our concealers easily mix with foundation to give heavier coverage or with each other to achieve different shades for an exact skin match. You should be able to achive most shades with a mixture of Fairly Light and Buff in varying quantities."
--Packaging-- My comments are largely the same as for the blusher; there needs to be holes actually in the protective tray (rather than blocked dents) so that it's easier to shake the concealer into the lid for use as a palette, and I definitely prefer the font that's used on the website to the one that's used on the product lids.
--Application-- The Elemental Beauty website recommends mixing the concealer with a little moisturiser to create a healing and concealing cream. While I haven't attempted this technique yet, it sounds like it could be a good idea to make application more controllable: in its usual form, there's no way you could apply this on the move as the powder does tend to 'fly' a bit during application if you put too much on the brush (though using a slightly damp brush could help to remedy this as well).
--Appearance-- The shade I was sent, Bright Eyes, struck me as having a rather sandy colour that appeared a little patchy on my skin, although this was no longer the case once it had been blended with foundation and finishing powder. Pale types would be best with this or with Fairly Light (or, if you suffer with redness, the colour-correcting shade).
--Texture/consistency-- Smooth, light, and non-irritating.
--Coverage-- Clings to dry patches somewhat, so won't be helpful if you have any blemishes in these areas. You also definitely need to apply before foundation to allow the colour to blend and so that it can be set in place with the foundation and with any finishing powder that you wish to use. If these guidelines are followed, though, there should be no problems with coverage.
--Longevity-- Not the best concealer I've used in this respect and definitely not the worst, though I found that this concealer's durability was weakest around my nose. Prepare to top up once or twice a day.
--Value for money-- This is a very affordable concealer that easily beats many of its high street competitors on price; bear in mind that you are also getting a concealer from a specialist mineral company that should be perfect for sensitive skin. However, I'd really like to see them expand their range of concealer shades and perhaps also work on the long-wearing nature of the product before I bought this.
RRP: £6.99 for 5-6g; £3.99 for 1.5-2.5g # of shades available: 10
--About the brand-- "At Elemental Beauty we are passionate about mineral makeup and its beneficial properties to your skin. Our goal is to bring more affordable mineral makeup to women in the UK and Europe, but, we do ship worldwide. We want to offer a healthy alternative to the conventional high street brands of makeup through our hand crafted range of mineral cosmetics. As our makeup is designed with the best health of your skin in mind, we do not use Talc, Bismuth Oxychloride or fillers in any of our makeup. We are a manufacturer so all our products truly are hand crafted and we can offer a bespoke service creating tailor made colours exclusively for you. If you are finding it difficult to get the shade you want please contact us and we will be delighted to make something especially for you. We want to preserve our planet, so our choice of packaging is easily recyclable and pretty and practical enough for you to hopefully re-use rather than throw away. So, please continue the good work. Our gorgeous jute gift bags are stylish and practical - they can even be re-used as a cute handbag! Our love for animals means that we could never test our products on them.... All our products are tested on humans (consenting of course!) and made from natural ingredients approved for cosmetic use."
--What does the promo say?-- "Mineral makeup is so much more than mineral foundation on its own. Our Mineral blushers, mineral bronzers and mineral highlighters can be used however you like to add colour and definition to your face. They can also be used as eyeshadows or mixed with your mineral foundation or finishing powders to give endless different looks.
Ingredients: Sericite Mica, Zinc Oxide, Iron Oxides, Mica, may contain Ultramarine."
--Packaging-- Even the sample products (which I was kindly sent for free by Elemental Beauty) are beautifully packaged (lab samples are often sent out in very plain packaging which is nothing like the finished product) - my tiny foundation samples were held together in a cute chiffony bag and the blusher, concealer and eyeshadow were all housed in separate screw-top white plastic pots, with lids bearing a see-through window and the Elemental Beauty logo, all presented in a white box with pink ribbon. The flower logo is a really nice idea to sum up the notion of natural beauty and it's always good to be able to see the product through the lid. The only two (minor!) criticisms I'd make are that the tray that comes inside the pot is engraved with dents, which means that the minerals collect inside them and serve no practical purpose there, as it's quite messy to try and get them out (a smooth tray would be better for use as a palette). I also don't especially like the font used on the lids of the products for the company logo; I much prefer the font used on the website. Nevertheless, neither of these issues cause any real problems.
--Application-- Elemental Beauty gives some application tips on its website, but you can just tip some of the blusher into the lid of its pot, work some of the mineral powder into a blusher brush, and sweep over cheeks, gradually building up the layers.
--Appearance-- The shade I was sent - Candy Floss - is undoubtedly the most natural-looking blusher shade I have ever used, and the easiest to make look 'balanced' on the skin. No clown moments with this one. Doesn't look too heavy or obviously powdery; looks seamlessly blended with skin tone rather than sitting on top.
--Texture and consistency-- Powdery and light; not cloying or irritating.
--Longevity-- Not fantastic; will not last five hours. Expect to reapply once or twice during the day.
--Value for money-- I don't think anyone can complain much at a maximum of £6.99 a jar. While you can get cheaper blushers (by Bourjois, Max Factor, Rimmel and Maybelline to name just a few), many are more expensive, and they may not all produce such a flattering colour and such kindness to your skin as this does. An excellent buy.
--What does the promo say?-- "This alcohol-free lotion enriched with soothing plant extracts is the perfect finishing touch to makeup removal for dehydrated skin. It gently tones and refines the skin, removing any remaining impurities, without depleting its natural oils. Leaves skin feeling clean, soft and refreshed and ready for your daily treatments."
--Packaging-- Modern, sophisticated and subtly voluptuous, the Lancôme flower logo is carved into the curved blue bottle, and the brand name can be seen adorning the clear lid. Would be a perfect match for any modern bathroom.
--Application-- After cleansing, pour a small amount of toner onto a cotton wool ball and sweep over your face. Your skin is then ready for a face mask or your usual moisturiser.
--Appearance-- A transparent liquid. Nothing too unusual here.
--Scent-- While this contains papaya to hydrate, and pineapple to heal, my first impression of this was actually of violets. However, now that I'm aware of the description, I'd definitely say that it's the papaya that comes across more strongly.
--Texture and consistency-- Refreshing and non-irritating; just what you need to wake you up in the morning.
--Effects on the skin-- Again, this was just a sample trial, so any effects that I saw will have been highly limited. However, while it was pleasant to use, I think most of the legwork had already been done by Lancôme's Exfoliance Clarté exfoliator, so use of this toner lacked the wow-factor for me that my Clinique Anti-Blemish toner provides.
--Value for money-- If given the choice, I'd definitely plump for this over Molton Brown's toner, which at roughly the same price was extremely average. It also has the advantage of keeping your skin soft and supple without the tightness that comes immediately after using Kiehl's Blue Astringent Lotion. However, I'd need to see some seriously impressive results for me to opt for this over Clinique's Anti-Blemish Solutions Clarifying Lotion and Liz Earle's Instant Boost Skin Tonic (both of which are cheaper and deliver stellar results).
--What does the promo say?-- "Brighten up lacklustre skin with this refreshing gel formula for normal and combination skin. Formulated with white wax micro-beads, ultra-fine exfoliating grains and a cocktail of Pineapple and Papaya extracts to gently slough off dull skin layers and remove impurities. Leaves the skin clean, smooth and toned for a simply radiant complexion."
--Packaging-- The pale blue squeezy tube combines Lancôme's usual sophistication with practicality and prettiness, with the dark blue dots in the background proving a nice contrast to the brand's trademark flower logo. The brand name is also embossed onto the opaque white screw-top lid, and the overall effect is very pleasing.
--Application-- Mix a little of this in your palms with your cleanser and some tepid water, and rub gently over your face with your fingertips. Remove with a damp face cloth, gently buffing as you go.
--Appearance-- Slightly unusual: as well as artificial blue exfoliating beads, the clear gel is also populated by white lumps (the wax beads that contain spot-busting salicylic acid), which don't seem to stick to the skin after you've finished using the exfoliator (sometimes exfoliating agents can be difficult to be completely washed off the skin, but it wasn't problematic here).
--Scent-- Strangely, none: I was surprised to read of the presence of pineapple and papaya, since I couldn't smell them at all.
--Texture/consistency-- While the gel is mild, refined and comforting, you also simultaneously feel that the exfoliants are really doing their job (and all with no discomfort whatsoever). It washes off easily and there is no greasy, oily or otherwise unpleasant residue left on the skin after use.
--How does your skin feel afterwards?-- Squeaky clean! Really like all excess dirt and oil has been properly penetrated and removed without harshness. Smoothened and retextured.
--How does your skin look afterwards?-- Having only tried this on the basis of a tiny sample, it's tricky to tell, but given the depth of cleaning mentioned above and given the inclusion of salicylic acid, it's highly probable that visible improvements would be seen over time. Dry patches are also quickly banished, and this is something that can be seen more immediately.
--Value for money-- This is a tad pricey, yes. It's the most expensive exfoliator I've ever used, clearing the next most expensive (L'Occitane Almond Apple Sweet Peel) by about £6. While its efficacy is undoubted, it's a bit expensive for me to be able to use all the time, so I'd have to make do with it as a treat. Nevertheless, this is definitely one for the Christmas wish list.
perfect partner Hydra Intense Hydrating Gel Mask, £29.50
Another month, another closure Following the announcement of the closure of Prescriptives last month, B Never Too Busy To Be Beautiful is the next victim of the crunch. While they haven't gone bust, Lush has taken the decision to close, citing a sheer inability to make a profit, and will be absorbing the business. This strikes me as being a sensible pre-emptive decision which looks and sounds an awful lot better than having to call in administrators. But unlike Prescriptives' closure, this piece of news is much less surprising: the combination of a lack of catchy brand name, and the fact that the brand always did play second fiddle to Lush (especially given its similar philosophy, branding and products), means that this move is perhaps for the best.
Liz Earle guest edits Top Santé November's issue of Top Santé is the Beautiful Skin issue, so it seems more than fitting to have Liz Earle, a former beauty journalist and now pillar of the eponymous skincare company, return as guest editor for the issue to offer skincare tips and advice. Liz Earle is also releasing the brand's first fragrance this month, with top notes of orange bigarade and cardamom, heart notes of lavender and nutmeg, and with base notes of cedarwood, patchouli, and tonka bean absolute.
Fragrance news As Christmas approaches, and boys the world over panic about what to get for their wives and girlfriends, many new fragrances are landing on the market to exploit this little male weakness, with many brands taking to the perfume scene for the first time in anticipation. At the most affordable end of the spectrum comes Accessorize, which is releasing its debut scent in celebration of the brand's 25th birthday (£17.50), and Avon, who is teaming up with the Black Eyed Peas' Fergie for its latest blend (although this one's not out until August 2010). L'Occitane is also rolling out its winter fragrances, and for those with satisyfingly deep wallets, Jimmy Choo has just signed a 12-year-fragrance deal. There's also Dolce & Gabbana's new fragrance Rose The One (containing traces of lychee, rose, Madonna lily, ambrette seed, and many other flowers, it starts from £32 for 30ml), and Helena Rubinstein's All You've Ever Wanted, inspired and launched by Demi Moore. Plenty of choice, then...so no excuses :p
Chanel presents Vanessa Paradis Another range sure to be on many women's 2010 wish lists this year is Chanel's new lipstick line, created with Vanessa Paradis and entitled Rouge Coco de Chanel. If, however, you can't wait that long, and want to get your greasy mitts on something just as expert, you could always buy Alex Box's book, which celebrates her work as a leading makeup artist (she has collaborated with Karl Lagerfeld and Alexander McQueen, among others) and is published by Turnaround. At £50 it's still quite expensive, though (even if you buy it on Amazon.co.uk, it's still £40 for the hardback), but there's always the exhibition of the same name instead, which is running at the Annroy Gallery, 110-114 Grafton Road, Kentish Town, from the 23rd Oct – 22nd Dec.
Be squeaky clean in time for Christmas As well as Sex & The City's Chris Noth being lately unveiled as the new spokesperson for Biotherm Homme, there are plenty of other skincare companies currently on the offensive to make sure you're looking your best. Neutrogena's new Deep Moisture range, for example, starts at a mere £4.99, and with its two body lotions (one for dry and one for sensitive skins) and its multi-use Comfort Balm, it promises to keep skin soft and supple for 24 hours with just one application. Soap and Glory tries to get the men on board with its new range, which comes in retro red and with its trademark tongue-in-cheek names (such as Dry Hard deodorant and the Man O'Phwoar gift set), and is also kind to the wallet with starting prices of just £3.49. But those of you looking for something a little more unusual also won't be dissatisfied: Green & Spring has just brought out its first range of skincare too, including face masks, skin refiners and lip balms as well as the more traditional cleansers, toners and moisturisers (though prices are a little more steep, the lip balm is just £7.50 and so would make a delightful stocking filler).
In the media Being launched on November 6th, Absolute Cosmetics was launched as the first ever free consumer magazine to be produced by professionals in the cosmetics industry. Aimed at giving real insight into the industry, the quarterly will offer product news and real life stories, and will deal with cosmetic and beauty myths and misconceptions. Equally exciting is the creation of new website The Skinny, which plays on the new sample sales craze (of which Gilt Groupe and RueLaLa are examples), takes the concept, and applies it to skincare, giving site users the chance to get the high-end skincare treatments they love at a fraction of the cost. The site, located at www.shoptheskinny.com, also provides video tutorials and personalised recommendations - sounds good to me.
National Skincare Month November is National Skincare Month, so it seems like a good time to stand back, take stock, and make sure you're doing everything right for your skin. This includes drinking plenty of water, getting plenty of sleep, not smoking, eating well, not getting too much sun (and definitely NO SUNBEDS!), removing makeup thoroughly each night, having a few makeup-free days per week, and having a good solid skincare routine, using products that are right for your skin, remembering to account for any changes in your skin condition as you go through life. Have a happy and healthy November :)
--What does the promo say?-- "Dermalogica Treatment Foundation No.5 has natural, non-sensitizing pigments that maintain true color and texture all day without irritating the skin. Includes two hypoallergenic application sponges. Contains no artificial fragrance or colour."
--Packaging-- Having only trialled this on a sample basis, I'm not in a position to comment fully. However, the screw-top lid looks secure and the design concept both belongs confidently to the Dermalogica brand and clearly identifies itself as a foundation. All good :)
--Application-- The website instructs: "1. Dot on each area of the face. 2. Blend with provided application sponge or with fingertips. Do not rub. 3. Wait one minute before applying powder or blush."
This is all fairly simple. However, I would discourage the use of any sort of sponge, as they are undoubtedly the most unnhygienic application method around. Go for your fingers or a foundation brush instead.
--Appearance-- As with the Rimmel, the sample shade that I had managed to procure was a tad too dark for my skin. However, unlike with the Rimmel shade, I still wasn't 100% happy with it once it was blended, so olive-skinned people should have no problems with this brand at all. Whether or not it was my imagination, though, I did find it had a slightly shinier finish than I would normally be happy with, too.
--Texture/consistency-- Lovely and creamy, but not too rich or comedogenic.
--Coverage-- Initially good, but wore off quickly. Reapplications of concealer and/or powder are definitely needed during the day.
--Effects on the skin-- One of the supremely positive aspects of this product: this is the main point of the product and thankfully it does deliver. I did definitely notice a difference in skin condition even in the few days of use that I had from my sample, with skin seeming more balanced and with fewer spots and dry patches.
--Value for money-- While there are websites offering this for less than the RRP, and while the foundation does help to reduce acne, I'd still say that it was pretty expensive, and that I'd really like to see Dermalogica improve the overall formulation so that it stays on for longer and gives a more matte finish before I commit to buying it with any sort of regularity. For now, opt for Rimmel's Renew and Lift instead.
perfect partners Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, £22.49/75g from www.beautycow.com Dermalogica Total Eye Care, £22.20/15ml from www.beautysupply4less.net Dermalogica Solar Defense Booster, from £19.51/30ml from www.skincaredirect2u.co.uk
--What does the promo say?--
"The portrait of a woman incredibly free. Free to think, free to act. She was not born in Paris, but Paris adopts her, because she conveys the joy of living and loving in the moment. A precious flacon, intricately carved like the labyrinth of Parisian streets, as soft as the sheets she has just left behind, as pink as an early morning sky, as couture as the YSL label on black leather. A grand floral with a woody structure, luminous even in its mystery, PARISIENNE is the perfume of ultra femininity, warmed by the touch of the man who embraced her. The top note adds the shine of vinyl, an ultra modern wink to gloss, varnish or the metal of a spike heel, before the tartness of cranberry adds a point of bitter sharpness - the evocation of a certain impertinence softened by sparkling, succulent, fruity blackberry, symbol of an epicurean PARISIENNE. The floral heart beats wildly with the absolute femininity of the Damask rose, which harmonizes perfectly with the powdery violet, sensual and carnal like leather worn by Kate Moss. In contrast, the peony gives a breath of PARISIENNE youth and a hint of morning freshness. The base note brings tumult and intensity in its woody wake. First with patchouli, the ultimate in mystery. And when the masculinity of vetiver flirts with the feminine eroticism of musk and sandalwood, one knows that this PARISIENNE knew a 'night of love'."
--Packaging--
With echoes of Viktor and Rolf, it's unusual while still being romantic as the lilac liquid shines through the glass bottle. This is set off by a high-shine gold top that you simply pull off, and with the trademark YSL label stuck to the front in black and gold.
--Application--
Spritz onto pulse points, and go.
--Appearance--
While the liquid appears purplish in the bottle, nothing is visible on the skin.
--Scent--
The overriding smell is of violets, so this definitely takes some getting used to. Some of the scents described in the brief are virtually undetectable (cranberry, for instance), while some of the others emerge later on (such as patchouli). I personally don't hate it, but this is definitely a personal thing: many people will find it too sweet and I certainly wouldn't call it a classic fragrance that will live forever.
--Longevity--
About average, I'm afraid. Expect to reapply at least once or twice a day.
--Value for money--
A nice enough fragrance (absolutely not down there with the horror of Sisley's fragrances) but for the money I'd expect something more timeless and something that lasted longer on your skin. As an English girl living in Paris, the concept of the perfume definitely appeals to me, but it's debatable as to whether the quality of the fragrance truly lives up to the vision. Go for Viktor and Rolf's Flowerbomb instead.
perfect partners
Parisienne Eau de Toilette, from £32 for 30ml
Parisienne Body Lotion, £28 for 200ml
Parisienne Shower Gel, £27 for 200ml
--What does the promo say?-- "Powerful Time Reverse Complex with peptides and ceramides helps lift and regenerate skin. SPF15 and natural minerals protect the skin. Even, flawless coverage. Look up to 8 years younger in just 12 days."
--Packaging-- I only trialled this on a sample basis, so can't comment on how the packaging is to use or travel with, but it looks nice: it's a good departure from the squarer, more plasticky bottles that we're used to seeing, instead materialising in a cylindrical glass container, with a deep, sophisticated dark lid. I like the circular logo, too. Nice.
--Application-- Fifteen minutes after moisturising, apply onto face before adding concealer and finishing powder of your choice. Blend into skin using a brush or clean fingers.
--Appearance-- Initially worrying: the shade that I had in my sample (soft beige) seemed like it would be far too dark for my skin tone. However, things went far better than expected, resulting in a sheer finish that did match my skin tone after all. This hopefully means that pale-skinned people should have a wide range of choices when it comes to choosing shades (below soft beige, you have true ivory, ivory, and porcelain). However, the flip side of this is that people with more olive or dark skin tones may find the choice of shades available to be limiting.
--Texture and consistency-- Not as creamy as, say, No7's Essential Mmoisture, but definitely not as runny as some foundations I've tried. Of a generally consistent and reliable quality; blends easily.
--Coverage-- Generally good; I did have to retouch one particularly bad spot a few times, though.
--Effects on skin-- Very moisturising, so I could believe that you would see positive effects on skin over time in terms of rehydrating the skin and making it appear rejuvenated. However, this sadly can't be achieved in 2-3 days' worth of sample.
--Value for money-- This is a high quality foundation, providing great coverage within a reasonable price bracket, and the inclusion of an SPF (and possibly other anti-ageing qualities) is always a bonus. I would definitely buy this, particularly later into my twenties and in my early thirties when even more concerned about wrinkles. perfect partners Renew and Lift Concealer, £4.99 Renew and Lift Pressed Powder, £5.87
--What does the promo say?-- "Oil-free formula helps clear and prevent breakouts everywhere — back, chest, shoulders. Helps control oil, reduce the look of redness. Convenient 360-degree spray even works upside down. Perfect for hard-to-reach places. Non-staining formula."
--Packaging-- The big C clearly designates it as part of the Clinique brand, and the colour scheme of eucalyptus greens ensures that it integrates well with the rest of the Anti-Blemish range. The spray function is pretty good, working at all angles as promised, and the lid stays on securely without being too difficult to remove when you do want to use the product. The whole ensemble is made of plastic, so it's very lightweight.
--Application-- The Clinique website instructs that you should start using the product once a day initially, increasing to twice a day if required. You should spray over the affected area after cleansing (ideally with the Clinique Anti-Blemish face and body soap) and leave it to dry, and this is pretty easy to do. No problems here. Just make sure that you use this product before using any other creams or lotions as the spray can be tricky to use when your hands are on the slippery side.
--Scent-- It does unfortunately smell a little bit like bug spray, but this is not too overbearing and can easily be covered by use of a neutral-smelling body cream if it bothers you. I would still prefer a eucalyptus, aloe vera or tea tree smell though.
--Appearance-- No visible residue is left, and the spray itself is virtually invisible anyway.
--Texture/consistency-- Not sticky or greasy; just pleasant and light. I wouldn't say it's such a light mist that you could just spray it and leave it - I did feel the urge to rub it in - but it definitely doesn't take long to sink in.
--Effects on the skin-- I experienced no dryness while using this spray; indeed, skin just felt smooth and balanced. The best part is that it actually worked, too - I don't know if it's just the same toner from the range but in a spray bottle, but either way, I saw much more significant improvements on my body than on my face. The spots on my arms and shoulders have gone away and stayed away; my chest is taking longer to catch up, but I have confidence that it will follow.
--Value for money-- My spray lasted me two months, with me using it once a day some days, twice a day on others, and not at all on others. This therefore makes about £6.50 a month, which I'd say is exemplary value for money for something that is so easy to use and which works so well. I'd really like them to improve on the scent, and I'd quite like some sort of body cream to use in conjunction with it too, in order to augment the already promising results even further. perfect partner Anti-Blemish Solutions Cleansing Bar for Face and Body, £12.50
RRP: €32.50/$39/£32 for 50ml Retails at Sephora, Harvey Nichols, www.beautyexpert.com, and many other locations
--What does the promo say?-- "This lightweight moisturiser helps control oil and contains a synergetic mix of citrus, honey, betaine - a natural aminoacid - and lemon pectin that regulates skin hydration."
--Packaging-- I like, I like. The drawings on the box are immediately reminscent of old botany textbooks and the old-style typeface on the white tube immediately sends the sound of typewriters clattering through your head. The choice of colours is unisex and the tube seems to be of solid, durable quality.
--Usage instructions-- "After daily cleansing, apply to face and neck, avoiding the eye area." No problems here.
--Appearance-- No visible residue is left on the skin after use, and the cream itself has a translucent, creamy off-white (slightly yellow) appearance.
--Scent-- Perhaps oddly, I was not struck by any sort of citrus or honey scent at all, but rather was confronted with a pleasantly overwhelming smell of sage. I really could not detect any of the main ingredients at all.
--Texture/consistency-- Takes some time to sink into the skin, which I don't really like, but certainly once it has been absorbed your skin does stay silky smooth all day long. Be careful, though, to ensure that your toner has completely dried before moisturising, as otherwise the cream can almost break up on your face and come away from the skin in bits rather than being absorbed properly.
--Effects on the skin-- You certainly do get day-long silky softness and shine is reduced throughout the day. However, I felt that the shine factor was increased immediately after application and took some time to settle down; in addition to this, the product did not deliver on the main hope that I had for it: I had been hoping that it would improve the overall condition of my acneic skin, and it did not do this. Admittedly it doesn't promise to, but at this price, and with these ingredients, I did nevertheless expect that it might.
--Value for money-- If this cream were the same price as Korres' usual moisturisers (under £20) then this would definitely be an acceptable addition to the bathroom cupboard. However, when you double the figure, I start to expect miracles (or at least discernible results - or maybe that's just the "student budget" part of my brain that's still talking). While this was pleasant to use, though, I just didn't get that wow-factor feeling, either in terms of general use or in terms of overall results. A shame - but I'm still not put off trying some of Korres' other products, as they just sound divine: the gift sets in particular, as well as the pomegranate and complexion-clearing ranges, sound just irresistible.
--What does the promo say?-- "Absolutely smooth, sheer, silken lather."
--Packaging-- The packaging consists of an olde-worlde paper label wrapped around the soap, encased in a plastic wrapping which is rather difficult to tear open. I'd prefer fully paper packaging myself; even cardboard would work well with this brand. Apart from that, things are all good, with the soap packaging design fitting in consistently with the Villainess brand as a whole.
--Usage-- Lather up over your body during a shower or bath. Rub the bar over arms, legs, chest and stomach area to make bubbles before rinsing off.
--Appearance-- Again, the colour descriptions on the website are slightly out: rather than being a "frothy bog green", I'd say that this was more of a distinguished pale brown, even though the lather that's created is pale white. No visible residue is left on the body after use.
--Lather, texture and consistency-- As described: not as obviously foamy as bath bubbles, but a definite, pleasing, sophisticated sheen of lather. Washes off easily when you want it to, but doesn't slide off the body seconds after application. I found it a real pleasure and treat to use. My fiancé was not so sure: he didn't find it luxurious enough and is more used to using shower gels rather than body bars. Equally, I found that it washed off well, but he said that his skin felt 'sticky' after use.
--Scent-- I have to say that I wasn't keen: the vetiver is quite overpowering and packs a serious masculine punch. This might be a better present for your boyfriend than for you. However, saying that, even my man didn't like it: he found it just too 'soap-smelling' and has preferred other samples that I've stuck into the shower in the past.
--How does your skin feel afterwards?-- Smooth and lovely. No objections.
--Value for money-- This is a great value body bar that I can see lasting me a long time; after a few uses it still looks brand new, and I would definitely choose it over Lush's Buffy in terms of refinement, efficacy and identity. Even though I wasn't too keen on the scent, Villainess luckily offers a really good range of variants so that there's bound to be something that suits me (Ginger Snapped? Yes please!).
perfect partners Grundy Smooch! Body Scrub, £7/$10 Grundy Whipped! Body Cream, £7/$10 Grundy Mud Face Mask, £7/$12 Grundy Perfume Oil, £10/$16 Grundy Kaboom! Bath Bomb, $8.50 (available only through Villainess website)
--What does the promo say?-- "L'Oréal Paris Double Extension Renewal Serum Inside Mascara combines The Renewal Lash Serum inside a spectacular mascara. The new L'Oréal Paris Double Extension Renewal Serum Inside Mascara is a 2-step mascara that gives a multiplied lash effect and up to 80% longer-looking lashes.
Step 1: A serum enriched base coat with arginine and centella. Lashes feel fortified and nourished. Step 2: An ultra-lengthening mascara for a lash extension effect. Up to 80% longer-looking lashes. Spectacular lashes!"
--Packaging-- The packaging is gold and royal blue, with each side being embossed with text in the reverse colour. This is not to be confused with the red version, the Double Extension Beauty Tubes, although you have to sit with the products for a while to work out the true difference between the versions. The original Beauty Tubes contain a sort of primer for the lashes, whose primary purpose is to make the lashes appear longer; however, the new Double Extension variants have a serum, which is not only designed to make the lashes look longer in the short term but is also supposed to make your lashes longer on a long-term scale. The writing on the tube is a little bit cheap-feeling and prone to rubbing off even when the tube is new; I definitely like the use of the two colours either way, though.
--Application-- Apply the serum to your lashes on one eye, and then add the mascara immediately afterwards. Repeat the process with the other eye. I do it this way because if my experiences with Lancôme's equivalent are anything to go by, if the serum is allowed to dry before the mascara is applied then there is a risk of the serum clumping or looking more obvious on the lashes (see below regarding appearance). Otherwise, this is fairly simple stuff.
--Appearance-- The serum is white (sob - maybe one day the mascara companies will work out how to make it clear/transparent), which I suppose does distinguish from all those clear mascaras on the market. You therefore couldn't just put this on and then go out as it actually does make you look albino. However, once the mascara is applied over it, no white is visible at all. The mascara is of a good colour and the two used together deliver real showgirl lashes.
--Texture/consistency-- Arguably better than Lancôme's equivalent - overall application and results are smoother and with better separation and definity.
--Effects on lashes-- Now, this is where L'Oréal loses out to Lancôme. I'm a firm believer that the vibrating technology used for Lancôme's serum really helps to stimulate the lashes' roots for visible long-term growth results. While L'Oréal's version does definitely provide an excellent base and gives extra length and separation to the mascara (so good results on a day-to-day basis), I'm afraid I didn't notice the same degree of results when it came to long-term lash improvement. One of L'Oréal's key ingredients of the serum, arginine, is an amino acid that has been reported to boost growth hormones, but as yet there is no proof. I prefer the sound of the serum's other key ingredient, centella, which has been traditionally used in medicine and is thought to maintain youthfulness and aid healing. I did definitely see an improvement in just a few days of use - maybe just not as significant an improvement as with the Lancôme equivalent.
--Value for money-- Ultimately, despite Lancôme's winning stakes in the lash growth department, I still think I'd plump for this product instead: it is cheaper, has far fewer clumps, and comes in a handy travel format instead of two separate tubes. Following L'Oréal's copy of Givenchy's Phenomen'Eyes in the form of their Telescopic Explosion mascara, this is another successful replication of the higher-end market.
--What does the promo say?-- "Distinguishing Features: Extra-decadent cherry kernel oil, antioxidant rich grapeseed oil, light coconut oil, and our favourite luxury mango butter.
Characteristic Scent: An intoxicating blend of crisp, regal gardenia, sweet frangipani, verdant tuberose, and soft, beguiling pikaki lani.
Wanted For: Moisture restoration, gentle emollience, and velvety texturising."
--Packaging-- As with the body scrub, all very vintagey and artificially-aged looking. I love screw-top pots - they enable you to get the very last drops of the product rather than leaving loads trapped in a tube at the end.
--Application-- Rub onto clean dry body skin once or twice a day. No problems with this - it soaked in well and quickly.
--Appearance-- Described on the Villainess website as being the colour of soft clotted cream, I'm quick to disagree with them: I spent enough time serving tea and scones to toffs at Henley Regatta to know that clotted cream is a very creamy yellow colour, rather than being white, as this is. Methinks they meant whipped cream, which would be a more accurate assessment (both in terms of colour and in texture). In any case, no visible residue is left on the skin once this white, moussy cream is rubbed in.
--Scent-- I wished I could have smelt more of the oils and mango butter in the Datura version of this body lotion - while the crisp floralness was nice, I felt that being able to smell some of the fruit would have given it more of an unusual lift when combined with the flowers. My fiancé also said that the scent was slightly overpowering. While the smell is perhaps a little strong, it is nevertheless a pleasant scent.
--Texture/consistency-- I absolutely loved the unusual mousse-like consistency of this body lotion. Most body creams are of the runnier lotion type, so a change was definitely good. Luxurious and light without being overbearing.
--Effects on the skin-- Certainly seems to soften skin and do what it says it will.
--Value for money-- Definitely an affordable treat to help you pamper yourself on these cool autumn evenings (and your friends and family, if you can bear to give any away).
perfect partners Datura Smooch! Body Scrub, £7/$10 Datura Body Soap, £4/$5 Datura Slick! Cleanser and Makeup Remover*, £7/$10 Datura Perfume Oil, £10/$16
"Homer: Not a bear in sight. The Bear Patrol must be working like a charm. Lisa: That’s specious reasoning, Dad. Homer: Thank you, honey. Lisa: By your logic I could claim that this rock keeps tigers away. Homer: Oh, how does it work? Lisa: It doesn’t work. Homer: Uh-huh. Lisa: It’s just a stupid rock. Homer: Uh-huh. Lisa: But I don’t see any tigers around here, do you? Homer: Lisa, I want to buy your rock." The Simpsons, Season 7, Episode 23 (Much Apu About Nothing)
I, like many other men and women, use anti-ageing products, chiefly around my eyes and on my neck and hands. However, I rarely review anti-ageing products on my blog, principally because of the above analogy, which states that if something is not there, how can you tell if a product is really helping to prevent its existence, or whether the thing you want to avoid in question is just not there due to luck. This is especially true of young anti-ageing product users such as myself (if we read 'young' in this instance as being under 35).
I have rarely reviewed any anti-ageing product in the capacity for which it was intended, preferring instead to concentrate on other qualities, such as hydration. This is usually because I cannot ever see any effect on existing lines, and this therefore implies one of two results. One is that such products do not work at all. Another option is that the anti-ageing creams serve as prevention rather than cure. The paradox of this is that rather like Homer and Lisa's rock, for it to show that it works, nothing has to happen. No visible improvement, and no obvious degeneration - just a maintenance of current skin conditions.
So what would the skincare companies like us to believe? The most evident best-case scenario for them is that we believe that such creams actively reduce existing wrinkles. My own experience tells me that this is not the case. The next best-case scenario would be the tiger-repellent rock analogy detailed above by Lisa and Homer. This is probably what keeps people buying the lotions and potions more than anything else: people would rather believe that they can at least prevent further wrinkles, even if they can't diminish those that are already there; and they would rather believe that they can prevent future wrinkles than that they can do nothing at all. Skincare companies therefore arguably capitalise on the human desire for control over themselves, meaning that despite all the expensive advertising and sponsors, they actually ultimately have to do very little to persuade the buying masses - even if the buying masses know that all they are getting is 'just a stupid rock'.
Lots of news this month...and not all of it good... Estée Lauder to shut down Prescriptives This is probably the worst cosmetics and beauty news that I've heard this year - if, indeed, ever. They've essentially decided to concentrate on more profitable Estée Lauder companies, and they're winding up sales of Prescriptives as of now (once stocks are gone they presumably won't be renewed), with sales expected to cease entirely in January or February. While I'm sad (it's a great brand that provides something really unique to consumers), I'm also baffled by the brand managers' general stupidity: does marketing mean nothing to these people? Not only does the brand never advertise, they also don't really sell in mainstream outlets (the principal one is probably House of Fraser), so not everyone is even able to get to a counter. If they just upped the ante with their advertising, and started selling in Debenhams, maybe they would be able to save the brand - but they're probably not going to. Sad times :(
Bare Escentuals opens first UK store In better news, popular mineral makeup brand Bare Escentuals has just opened its first stand-alone boutique (having traded up to now only at department store counters and via QVC). Allowing prospective buyers to test products and seek advice from beauty consultants, this is arguably a key moment for the mineral makeup industry: many only retail as franchises or online, rather than having their own store. Sounds to me like a great way to move forward. The shop is located at 40 Neal Street, London WC2H 9PS.
On the quest for best-price beautyThis month, Bright Light Station is launching Beauty Quest - the first ever comparison site dedicated to health and beauty. This is great news for bargain hunters like me - I'm always trying to get the latest limited-edition compact at the best possible price. The site will also contain makeup and beauty tips, video tutorials, an online community, a news section and a special offers section. I am so there when this goes live. Makeup artist Tricia Woolston has also unveiled her new website at www.triciawoolston.com - a site which looks extremely professional, slick and easy to use, as well as featuring some gorgeous photography.
Bourjois makes skincare debut On a more affordable level, Bourjois is now finally taking its skincare range across the Channel and into Britain. Having been available on the continent for some time, the Bourjois skincare range includes cleansing wipes for when you're on the go as well as normal cleansing and makeup-removing products. All products are priced at under £5 each, too, and are available now - just in time for half-term travels.
Natural help for feet this Christmas After all the Christmas shopping and partying, your tired, worn and suffering feet are sure to be in need of a little TLC. The limited edition Pampermint gift set from Arbonne is the perfect gift or self indulgence and will cool and repair feet and relax and reinvigorate you. You can start with the fresh foot work foot scrub, and finish off with creamy solemate foot cream and delightful cosy socks. You’ll have your toes back in shape in no time. Beautifully packaged gift sets are a cool £31 each, and can be ordered via www.arbonneinternational.co.uk.
Losing our breaths The celebrity fragrance market is quite obviously already gearing up for the Christmas rush, and for those who don't fancy some of the fragrance industry's other new arrivals, such as YSL's Parisienne and La Perla's J'aime La Nuit, Beyoncé is bringing out her first scent in association with Coty. There aren't really many details yet (she had wanted to call it Sasha Fierce, but was promptly threatened with legal action by Abercrombie, who want to protect their Fierce fragrance), but I bet she'll be trying her best to outdo J-Lo's hugely successful Glow. “For me, fragrance reflects a woman’s attitude and unique sense of style,” said Beyoncé. “While I love various perfumes, I haven’t found a scent that truly personifies me as a woman. Working with Coty, I was able to turn my ideal fragrance into a reality by creating an alluring and sophisticated fragrance; one that’s reflective of my inner power. It’s a true privilege to be working with Coty and I can’t wait to share this personal side of me with fans all across the world.”
NuBo launches first men's skincare range The men's skincare market just keeps growing and growing, and now that NuBo wants a piece of the action, it seems that it's getting more and more luxurious too. Exclusive to Harrods, the brand has just brought out three new men's products: an SPF20 moisturiser intended for after shaving, a serum called The Essence, and Perfectionist (to mattify skin; basically a cooler-looking version of the women's product without the foundation additive). And DAMN does that packaging look fine. Sadly, the price tag also matches it, with prices starting at £80 and soaring as high as £200. Do not fear, though: men who want to come back down to earth and still take care of their skin can also content themselves with Molton Brown's range for men, which has just relaunched.
From girl power to berry power Harnessing the power of all those superfoods that Gillian McKeith always talks about, you can rub goji berries, acai berries, bilberries and blueberries directly into your skin with Neal's Yard's new Power Berry range. Prices start at just £13, and you can take your pick from face washes, face masks, and moisturisers. Sounds delicious to me.
This is not just any beauty range...this is a Tess Daly beauty range Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly is launching her first beauty range in Marks and Spencer this October. With the Daly Body range including shimmering body lotions and bath soaks that contain jasmine, vanilla and sandalwood scents, and with a makeup range to follow, it's sure to be a heady hit this Christmas. Available from October 19th.
Mama Mio Boob Tube supports Breast Cancer Awareness Mama Mio's bust firming cream not only promises to do what it says on the tin, but also offers an even more valuable service - women are encouraged during use to examine their breasts, allowing them to detect any changes more quickly. And, especially for Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, £1 from every tube sold at www.mamamio.com will go to a cancer research charity. Containing evening primrose oil and shea butter, it already boasts celebrity fans such as Lindsay Lohan and Jessica Alba, and is priced at £28.50.
Stand up for science - stand up for research On September 26th, L'Oreal launched their new Young Scientist Centre in London so that state school pupils could make their science lessons more hands-on and get more interested in scientific research. Students will participate in activities such as making their own shampoo and extracting their DNA, and if this serves to make science more interesting and relevant to them, and brings the world more scientific researchers, this can only be a good thing.
All things bright and beautiful TotalBeauty has recently launched a new application to bring beauty to the interested at all times of day via Yahoo's new homepage. All Things Beauty will enable users to identify the latest and best beauty samples and deals available, discover the most buzzed beauty products that everyone’s talking about, and get beauty tips and how-tos. The All Things Beauty app can be found at http://my.yahoo.com/atm?yapid=q7FleV32.
Win an A-list weekend Genuinely. Thanks to John Frieda, we all have a chance to win a weekend of pampering, including a haircut from Nicola Clarke, dinner at a Michelin star restaurant, accommodation in a five-star London hotel, two hours of shopping with a personal stylist (and £1000 to blow to boot), and after all of that shopping, afternoon tea at another exclusive hotel. I'm already otherwise engaged on the weekend of the prize (October 24th-25th), so there's not much point in me entering (sob), but that doesn't mean you can't. Sit back, relax, enter your details at www.johnfriedacompetition.co.uk, and watch this lovely video :) Enjoy!
--What does the promo say?-- "New Sheer Blonde® go blonder shampoo and conditioner, with citrus, chamomile and no harsh chemicals, gradually lightens hair to achieve a magical sun-kissed sparkle all year round."
--Packaging-- A bright yellow fades to white on both bottles, which are made of plastic and have a flip-top lid. The bottle stands easily on the lid in the shower and the lids close securely too.
--Usage-- As usual - massage shampoo through wet hair, rinse out, apply conditioner, and leave to rest for a few minutes before rinsing. Repeat if desired.
--Scent-- Subtle and natural, and slightly reminiscent of that 'salon' smell, which gives great confidence that the product will be of salon quality too.
--Appearance-- Delicious lemon-yellow lotion, with the conditioner having a bit more of a 'sheen' to it.
--Texture/consistency-- Not lumpy or sticky; extremely pleasant to use and easy to wash out.
--How does your hair feel afterwards?-- Smooth and manageable with added volume.
--How does your hair look afterwards?-- In immediate terms, as mentioned above, hair is definitely more voluminous and seems to have gained added lightness. Long-term, though, I suspect patience is required: I've been using this set now for a couple of weeks and haven't noticed any difference in the colour of my hair. You'll definitely need to wait longer for results than you would with a commercial, chemical hair dye.
--Value for money-- The bottles are substantial and do provide high quality results in terms of general hair condition. However, this probably isn't the product for you if colour is your number one concern.
RRP: £7 retails at: www.poshbrats.com (for UK buyers). The Villainess website, www.villainess.net, also ships worldwide.
--What does the promo say?-- "Teasing touches of revitalising mints - spearmint, cornmint, peppermint - grounded with a rich base note of black tea, and barely sweetened with soft vanilla."
--About the brand-- "Our catchphrase is "redefining bad." We're also taking significant steps to redefine the way skincare is formulated, manufactured and marketed. We love gentle, environmentally conscious, and animal-friendly components as much as anyone. But we're not interested in helping perpetuate false dichotomies or marketing ploys. A few premises:
*Ease of pronunciation is not a quality of a skincare component. We will not condescend to our customers by assuming they lack dictionary access or basic linguistic skills. *Technically, all substances are chemicals and all materials originate from nature. The word "chemical" has been loaded with connotations that are not necessarily warranted. We refuse to exploit legitimate fears of the unknown by using emotionally charged language. *Even some "natural" components have been processed and compromised; extracted with solvents, grown with pesticides, over-processed at high temperatures, homogenized, hydrogenated and several-steps removed from the "natural" materials they're derived from. These processes aren't always unnecessary, but they should be acknowledge as such and not sanitized with the "natural" label. *Companies that do not animal test often use components which were animal tested. Most animal testing takes place long before body-care components are made available to small-formulators. Small-formulators don't usually have the budgets for the "ground-breaking new developments in skincare" where most testing is deemed necessary.
We approach things a little differently at Villainess. Our customers are educated regarding their skincare needs, and informed about the issues. Rather than sell the latest market-trends, we're meeting them on equal ground and frankly discussing the challenges we face."
--Packaging-- Love, love, love. This is old apothecary style meeting Pirates of the Carribean. It's the sort of thing that wouldn't be out of place lying around the sets of Thunder Mountain and the Indiana Jones rides at Disneyland. The body scrub is a simple screw-top plastic pot. It does take in some water, but not much, and the lid and label seem durable.
--Application-- Scrub all over body during your shower or bath, and then rinse off.
--Appearance-- While the website promises a mint green colour in this body scrub (Scintillating!), I found mine to be more of a mucus yellow. However, this can often occur due to natural colour variations that are a normal fallout of using natural ingredients, so I wasn't too bothered by it. The sugar crystals are clearly visible. On the skin, afterwards, it is not detectable by the eye.
--Texture/consistency-- Satisfyingly scrubby - you feel like it's really working. After use, a light and slightly oily sheen is left, but this sinks into skin quickly and is very moisturising. While this part of the proceedings is reminiscent of Lush's Buffy, UNLIKE Buffy it is not gritty and does not leave bits of beach all over your shower floor.
--Scent-- Blindingly correlative with the information given. It's incredibly satisfying when a product ticks all of the boxes that it claims to. Minty freshness? Check. Vanilla? Check. Black tea? It's there too. The resulting fragrance is really unique and is fresh enough to wake you up in the morning while still leaving a sophisticated perfume on your body. Beautiful. Although I do wish that Villainess wouldn't follow Philosophy's path and have 'fragrance' as one of the ingredients on its label. Yes, but WHICH fragrance? Keep your consumers informed.
--Effects on skin-- As well as the surprisingly moisturising element after use, it also does a good job of getting rid of dry skin all over your body, including on my usually persistently dry feet (although the dryness does return if you stop using the product).
--Value for money-- This range strikes me as being an excellent, affordable, unusual Christmas gift - not just for any fan of piratey stuff, but also for anyone who wants something that's just a bit different. Beyond that, it's also effective and pleasant to use. What more could you ask for?
perfect partners Scintillating Soap, £4 from Posh Brats Scintillating Whipped! Body Lotion, £7 from Posh Brats Scintillating Mud Mask, £7 from Posh Brats Scintillating Perfume Oil, £10 from Posh Brats Scintillating Kaboom! Bath Bomb, $8.50 from Villainess
RRP: from £13.99/120ml online; also available with SPF15
