Sunday 30 October 2011

Kleenex Eye Make-Up Removal Wipes Sensitive

RRP: £2.99 for 24

--What does the promo say?--
"Gently and effectively removes eye make-up including waterproof mascara. Made with ecoform natural fibres; lower environmental impact than standard wipe material."

--Packaging--
A slender 'roll' with a sticky peel-back opening that's easy to open and close and protects the wipes well. Wipes don't dry out at all inside the roll, and the image of a masquerade mask gives a distinctly female impression (even though other products in this range, such as the cotton cloths, are equally likely to be used by men). I also love how the ingredients' purposes are explained on the back, in brackets next to the scientific terms. All companies should do this! In short, good-looking, user-friendly, and functional.

--Usage--
Wipe over eyes (or indeed whole face, although they are perhaps a tad small for this) to remove makeup. Simple.

--Appearance--
White wipes that glisten slightly with makeup remover. Makeup remover itself is invisible on the face, leaving no residue.

--Scent--
Like clean washing; not at all chemical or clinical.

--Texture and consistency--
Face feels smoother and calmer after use, and while you could get away with not using moisturiser afterwards, you would probably prefer to use one.

--Effectiveness--
Definitely removes makeup brilliantly without you have to rub too hard or irritate your skin or eyes. Yes, even waterproof mascara as promised! No complaints.

--Value for money--
I don't buy wipes in general as I feel traditional makeup remover represents superior value for money. However, I do take wipes on holiday with me, and would definitely use these again: they're effective, inexpensive, and from a brand you can trust. Could not ask for more; Kleenex is to be applauded for making this (albeit totally natural) move so successfully.

perfect partners
Extra Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes, £2.99 for 24
Cotton Touch Facial Cloths, £1.99 for 30
Shine Absorbing Sheets, £2.99 for 50

Thursday 27 October 2011

Aquafresh Ultimate + Whitening

 RRP: £1.79

--What does the promo say?--
"Keep your family's teeth in good hand with Aquafresh Ultimate Whitening Toothpaste. Aquafresh Ultimate's unique formula helps to strengthen the 30% of visible teeth, as well as helping to protect the 70% that isn't by helping to keep the gum seal tight and healthy. How does Aquafresh Ultimate protect? Above the gumline: Aquafresh Ultimate contains fluoride which helps to strengthen the enamel of the teeth and protect from cavities. Below the gumline: The unique antibacterial formula in Aquafresh Ultimate kills bacteria that can build up along the gum line, helping to keep the gum seal tight and healthy, protecting the tooth below. Not only this, but Aquafresh Ultimate also leaves you with fresh breath and a great clean feeling - now that is something to smile about."

--Packaging--
The blue, white and red is fairly standard among toothpaste brands, but the fact that it stands on its flip-top lid is pretty handy.

--Usage--
As with all other toothpaste: just don't decide to eat the whole tube in one go and you'll be fine. Put some onto your toothbrush and brush away before rinsing and spitting.

--Appearance--
Aquafresh's characteristic blue, white and red stripes are all there and work their way into a bluish-white foam. No visible residue is left on teeth after use.

--Scent and taste--
Very minty! All very usual.

--Texture and consistency--
Foams up well in the mouth without making you feel overloaded.

--Effects on the teeth--
Strangely, even though the whitening aspect of this toothpaste is mentioned on the tube, the promotional material still emphasises protection and strengthening above all other aspects, almost completely bypassing the whitening - making me feel like they've added this version to the range just as an afterthought. While I didn't notice any significant whitening, the blotching on my teeth (thanks to a combination of fluorosis and train tracks) was reduced even further (having already been reduced by two professional whitening treatments), so this was already an improvement. Plus, a visit to my dentist yesterday after not having gone for nearly 2 years (oops) revealed I have no cavities - so maybe this toothpaste helped in that regard too.

--Value for money--
At this price, it's in the average bracket for toothpastes, competing well with other products. I'd recommend it as a normal everyday toothpaste, even if not for whitening per se (perhaps go with a specialist, like Arm&Hammer or Blanx, for this), and perhaps also recommend using with an electric toothbrush for even better results.

Wednesday 26 October 2011

Radox Bath Smoothies

RRP: £2.99/250ml
available in 3 variants: Spirit Booster (pomegranate, yoghurt and elderberry), Soul Soother (cranberry, blackcurrant, camomile), and Tropical Tranquility (myrrh, coconut and almonds)

--What does the promo say?--
"Radox Bath Smoothies Spirit Booster will allow you to relax in the sumptuous bubbles whilst super fruits like natural pomegranate and elderberries, blended with yoghurt, comfort your skin. Packed with berry goodness to leave you feeling totally pampered. Your skin will thank you."

--Packaging--
While clearly distinguished from its squeezy-tube Shower Smoothie counterparts, the "handwritten" effect, Radox logo and sumptuous illustrations all identify the product clearly with its brand. Strangely, the bottle is not in the least impractical, and pours and travels well.

--Application--
Even though no instructions are given on the bottle, it's probably fairly self-explanatory for most: pour a couple of capfuls into a bath until the required bubble quotient is reached. Then just relax! (Can also be used in a shower situation: just rub over wet skin like you would with a normal shower gel, then rinse off.)

--Appearance--
The Spirit Booster variant (kindly sent to me by Radox) is a runny purple creamy liquid that's similar to a blackcurrant or elderberry colour. This froths into fine white bubbles and leaves no residue on the skin.

--Scent--
Very fruity and very natural; it's also a very strong smell that lingers on the skin for hours (unlike that of the Shower Smoothies that came before it). The pomegranate and elderberry are detectable in the scent, while the yoghurt isn't (I'm guessing the latter is there mainly for texture though).

--Texture and consistency--
Very creamy and luxurious - just what Radox is famed for. Its runniness means you obviously have to make sure you don't get too enthusiastic about pouring it out of the bottle, though, but not in any serious though.

--Effects on the skin--
Softens the skin, but no more than any other bath or shower product. Saying this, though, my body skin is normal to oily, so tends to regulate itself pretty well; this means I don't see nourishing effects perhaps as much as some people.

--Value for money--
Surprisingly few companies are offering this quantity of shower gel, for this price, at this level of luxury. The closest companies that come towards filling the gap are Original Source and Dove, but neither of them fulfil the consumer needs that Radox do. In addition, as it's an effective and enjoyable product, I would thoroughly recommend it.

--Other comments--
My complaint with the Shower Smoothies was that they apparently had little in the way of practical function, when what I really like it to combine pampering with practicality. The Bath Smoothie, however, does do both: as well as being a pleasing experience, I can also see how it would nourish, and its strong natural smell has quite an aromatherapeutic effect too. Lovely bubbly.

Tuesday 25 October 2011

Bath and Body Works Plum Potion Body Lotion

RRP: $5/88ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Our exclusive Signature Body Lotion formula, fortified with powerful ingredients like super conditioning Shea Butter, fast absorbing Jojoba Oil and protective Vitamin E, hydrates skin with moisture that lasts all day. Our non-greasy formula absorbs quickly and completely to leave skin feeling incredibly soft, smooth and nourished, making it the perfect daily moisturizer. Our exclusive Plum Potion is an enticing blend sweet plum, blood orange and black raspberry."

--Packaging--
Capitalising on the Halloween theme with black and glitter and plenty of scary-looking lettering, this bottle fits the bill perfectly. Its ergonomic shape and secure push-down lid are also characteristic of the brand and make the product enjoyable and easy to use.

--Application--
Smooth over clean, dry skin to moisturise and fragrance skin.

--Appearance--
Surprisingly, the cream is white. For the Plum Potion variant, a deep purple perhaps would have been more what we expected.

--Scent--
Incredibly sweet, fruity and intense. While the blend is as enticing as the promotional material promises (someone said it reminded them of a car air freshener - I disagree), it's also not a light scent - it is heavy, lingers for hours on skin and night clothes, and may be offputting to some as a result. Not me though :D

--Texture and consistency--
It is fast-absorbing as promised, and is light without being runny. It's also definitely luxurious: nothing everyday about this lotion.

--Value for money--
For the strength of scent and effectiveness of moisturisation, $5 is already very good for a travel size, but in the runup to Halloween, it's been discounted further to a mere $1.25 a bottle, so I'd encourage all US readers to get their mitts on it (or, if not on this variant, on the other Halloween scents, such as Black Candy Apple or Scream-A-Colada). If UK readers are lucky, Amazon or Ebay may also yield fruit. Yet another excellent product from an excellent brand.

Monday 24 October 2011

Kleenex Extra Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes

RRP: £2.99 for 24

--What does the promo say?--
"These soft, quilted wipes contain natural fibres and provide a gentle and effective cleanse, removing your "mask" at the end of the day. They are suitable even for sensitive skin. You can also feel good about using them as they have a lower environmental impact than a standard wipe material."

--Packaging--
Standard face wipe size pack with standard peely-back opening. Everything works as it should: the peel-back opens and closes correctly and wipes don't dry out inside the pack. The purple mask is also a beautiful illustration that appeals to me, and as mentioned in my other Kleenex reviews, I love the fact that Kleenex explains on the pack why they have used every single ingredient in a way that's concise and understandable.

--Usage--
Wipe across face to cleanse; can also be used to remove makeup.

--Appearance--
A plain white wipe whose cleansing liquid cannot be seen either on the wipe or on the face. Nonetheless, it does its job.

--Scent--
A clean, refreshing, unisex smell.

--Texture and consistency--
Moist without being sticky or overly wet.

--Effects on the skin--
Makes your skin feel really clean, although you'll probably still want to use moisturiser afterwards. It also removes makeup really effectively despite not claiming to be able to do this. Feel the multitasking love.

--Value for money--
The price is right for a strong, user-friendly and environmentally friendly product that really works. Brava!

perfect partners
Sensitive Eye Makeup Removal Wipes, £2.99 for 24
Cotton Touch Facial Cloths, £1.99 for 30
Shine Absorbing Sheets, £2.99 for 50

Sunday 23 October 2011

Kleenex Cotton Touch Facial Cloths

RRP: £1.99 for 30

--What does the promo say?--
"These gentle, cotton sheets are not only larger but softer, and are designed to be more effective at cleansing than cotton wool due to their quilted texture and natural fibres. They are soft and strong when wet or dry, so you can use them not only while applying cleanser and toner, but also while removing facemasks and even nail varnish."

--Packaging--
Not as robust as the packaging used for the wipes and blotting sheets: this cardboard box was falling apart by the time it reached me in France (although to be fair, I suspect that this was La Poste's fault, and not Kleenex's). Nonetheless, the setup seems both handy (with openings on various sides for easy access) and attractive (with the same masquerade mask theme being used here as on other products).

--Usage--
As mentioned in the promotional material, this is a very multi-functional product. I used them to remove makeup by soaking them in my usual makeup remover, and my husband and I both used them to apply toner after cleansing. However, the notion of being able to use them to remove cleansers, face masks and nail varnish is equally believable.

--Appearance--
Each cloth looks like a very thick standard white tissue that's folded over a couple of times. In short, it's not quite a tissue, flannel or wipe, but something in between. 

--Scent--
None...it is basically a tissue, after all.

--Texture and consistency--
Soft, thick and luxurious; not at all irritating. They hold liquids well without absorbing them so quickly that they're gone before you're able to get them to your face. In short, perfect for the purpose.

--Effects on the skin--
The cloths perform multiple tasks without irritating skin in the least. However, they are passive facilitators rather than active agents, so don't have an effect on the skin per se in the way that the wipes in the same range do.

--Value for money--
May seem initially expensive, but are so soft, strong and large that they can be used not only for loads of things but also over a day or two if you desire (use one side for toner in the morning and evening, then the other edge for makeup removal at night for instance). So even though you only get 30 in a pack, you could easily make it last more than 30 days. Would definitely consider buying again.

perfect partners
Extra Gentle Facial Cleansing Wipes, £2.99 for 24
Sensitive Eye Makeup Removal Wipes, £2.99 for 24
Shine Absorbing Sheets, £2.99 for 50

Sunday 16 October 2011

Blistex Lip Brilliance

RRP: £2.49

--What does the promo say?--
"Blistex Lip Brilliance is an exciting multi-benefit lip balm with real silk extracts to condition your lips, along with a touch of subtle colour and shimmer to keep them looking beautiful. The addition of Hyaluronic Filling Spheres provides a natural fuller lip effect, and SPF 15 protects from sun damage. Lip Brilliance is the only lip product you will need to ensure your lips are feeling and looking their best."

--Packaging--
Nothing radical about the dark baby pink colour, plastic pull-off lid and twist-up mechanism. Lid stays on when you want it to, comes off easily when you don't. Simples, as they say.

--Application--
Apply to lips regularly to combat dryness and protect from sunlight. Nothing hard about that.

--Appearance--
Despite the dark pink colour of the stick, on the lips a very natural, non-glittery sheen is given. Great for men, women and children.

--Texture and consistency--
Slides on easily without being slippery or sticky. Moisturises more than satisfyingly.

--Scent--
My only major bugbear with this product! It has a very artificial strawberry smell which reminds me of a Haribo product that's sold in France (not in the UK, though) which I dislike (if any of you are familiar with the Tagada sweets, you'll know what I mean). Very disappointing. Girls under 10 would probably like it, but I think it counts out just about anyone else.

--Effects on the lips--
As mentioned, it moisturises, soothes and protects adequately for those who don't require a more heavy-duty product, like some of the other more medicated options from the Blistex range. I can't say I noticed any extra-special plumping effect, though. To have SPF in a product is always nice :)

--Value for money--
There are lots of choices in this price bracket, including other high street favourites such as Carmex, but I think Blistex remains competitive thanks to its stick format: many of the other products for this price are in tins/pots or squeezy tubes. However, I would ultimately not purchase this product - the smell, for me, just makes it far too off-putting. A shame, as it has a lot to offer in other areas.

perfect partners
Blistex Intensive Moisturiser Lip Cream, £2.59
Blistex MedPlus Balm, £2.59
Blistex Relief Cream, £2.85

Sunday 9 October 2011

Beauty Book Review: Branded Beauty (Mark Tungate)

--The blurb--
"Beauty is a multi-billion dollar global industry embracing makeup, skincare, hair care, fragrances, cosmetic surgery, and even tattooing and piercing. Over the years it has used flattery, seduction, science and shame to persuade consumers that they have to invest if they want to look their best. In Branded Beauty, Mark Tungate delves into the history and evolution of the beauty business. From luxury boutiques in Paris to tattoo parlours in Brooklyn, he talks to the people who've made skin their trade."

--The review--
As a book and beauty blogger I was pleased to receive a complimentary copy of Branded Beauty from Kogan Page for review, as I don't tend to be asked to review many books on my beauty site (the last was an American coffee-table style publication, Be...A Woman, back in 2008), and my book site is still only a baby (so offers of books for review are hardly forthcoming). I was wary, though, of the "self-published" impression I had of the publisher, as I feel that this industry still has a lot of work to do to build its credibility (although as it turned out I was mistaken - Kogan Page is a small independent publishing house, not a company for those wishing to self-publish). Nonetheless, the author's credentials (work published in The Times, Stratégies, and The Independent, among others), filled me with enough confidence to pick up the book and begin reading. 

In spite of its initially specialist-seeming premises and topic, the style in which the book is written is extremely accessible without being patronising, meaning that marketing professionals and beauty aficionados alike should have no difficulty in enjoying it (although the summary of each chapter at its end - Beauty Tips - seems a little too dumbed-down in its style, even for amateurs). The stories from times past, anecdotes from industry insiders and peeks behind the scenes, alongside history and statistics, all contribute to making Branded Beauty an enjoyable and intriguing read. Illustrations would have been nice, but the reality is that the majority of the stories are sufficiently compelling on their own.

The writer's chronological approach makes it clear how the rise and rise of marketing has changed the way we not only look, but also look at ourselves. From this point of view, too, he is at risk of being led astray from his original purpose: from about halfway through the book, it is less and less about analysing how marketing has changed our appearance but more about exposing the controversies behind brands, such as the airbrushing scandals that have plagued certain very large brands, and the fact that not all brands marketing themselves as ethical are as squeaky clean as they may first appear. Nevertheless, even if Tungate does not perhaps 100% achieve his original goal, it makes interesting reading as we try to get past the suspiciously small samples of women on which products have been tested, and get back to the personal histories of what can now all too often seem like faceless global corporations.

But there was one deviation I could not tolerate. Part of Tungate's digression consists of repeatedly taking cheap swipes at the integrity of beauty bloggers. It is suggested and stated strongly throughout that beauty bloggers (along with beauty ediotrs) are traitors, propagandiists, straitjacketed, commercial, and untrustworthy. While I can see how Tungate may have reached this conclusion - I know that I for one have been frustrated at far too many magazines where features on products are as far from honest reviews as possible and are closer to being infomercials - it is far too sweeping to speak of beauty bloggers in the same breath as the magazines that do this. Equally, even though I cannot speak for other beauty bloggers, I wonder how many Tungate himself has actually spoken to: as well as trying to do this myself, I have met many other beauty bloggers who are concerned primarily with transparency, providing honest opinions, and allowing readers to make informed choices - not with glossily providing perfect impressions of a brand or product (regardless of how much the free products we are sent may happen to be worth). Such statements cast gross slurs on community journalists who are just trying to do a good job - and, more to the point, often do it voluntarily alongside more mundane day jobs. In addition, alongside the various assumptions delineated above, there are blatant errors, such as saying that Stri-Vectin SD is a Sephora own-brand product (it isn't).

As mentioned, the book is enthralling for its highly visual sense of history, its amusing and well-chosen anecdotes, and its extremely ambitious and up-to-date scope. Exploring the positives and negatives of the beauty industry, it is bound to be of interest to many. However, it fundamentally fails in its mission thanks to its deviations from its original topic, occasional factual errors, and near-libellous slurs against people like myself, whom the book's publishers so badly want good reviews from in approaching us. Should Tungate wish for this book to be published by a mainstream publisher, I fear that it would lamentably require significant revisions in order to be up to standard (a shame; I was hoping that this book would restore my faith in the credulity of independent/self-publishing houses). For Tungate's intriguing content, I could possibly forgive him and delve into his other books on this subject. For certain aspects of his professional conduct within these pages, though, I may need to think twice.

Other works by Mark Tungate
Luxury World: The Past, Present and Future of Luxury Brands (2009)
Branded Male: Marketing to Men (2008)
Fashion Brands: Branding Style from Armani to Zara (2008)
Adland: A Global History of Advertising (2007)
Media Monoliths: How Great Media Brands Thrive and Survive (2005)

cross-posted to Bianca's Book Blog

Sunday 2 October 2011

Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint SPF15

RRP: £21/40ml
# of shades available: 3

--What does the promo say?--
"The perfect way to enhance your skin. Our rich and creamy, yet lightweight formula leaves all skin types looking naturally dewy, even and radiant. With mineral UV SPF15, it’s enriched with our own blend of natural source vitamin E, borage and avocado, specially selected to work in harmony with our skincare range."

--Packaging--
The dark blue shiny tube is a big departure from the matte pastel colours that we usually see Liz Earle's products packaged in, and yet somehow it still seems to fit well with the brand. The lid is easy to open when you need it (it just twists), and closes securely when you don't. I didn't receive these, as I was able to request the shade I wanted from the PR department, but for every first order of this product from the website, you also get a mini sample of each shade available: this enables you to test them out to see if you've got your shade choice right the first time, and, if you haven't, to return the full size product unopened. This means the full size tube can be sold on to someone else, avoiding the eventuality of sending perfectly good unused product to landfill. Nice manoeuvre.

--Application--
The Liz Earle website states: "Apply a little Sheer Skin Tint onto forehead, nose, cheeks and chin, then blend with fingertips over your face." All fairly simple stuff. You can of course, also use other products under or over the Sheer Skin Tint, such as primer, concealer or powder.

--Appearance--
A shiny, stiff cream that gives a dewy finish on the skin. The colour match was not bad at all, but maybe I was just lucky - with only 3 shades available, not everyone will be. However, as this is Liz Earle's first foray into colour, I suppose they can be forgiven (for now).

--Coverage--
Not great at all, even with the use of a heavy-duty concealer. However, I appreciate that most of Liz Earle's target audience won't be buying this for coverage purposes.

--Scent--
There are complaints online about the smell of the product, stating that it smelt overwhelmingly of potatoes. While this is detectable, it is only there in trace amounts; the overall earthiness is not unpleasant, and, to me, far from offputting.

--Texture and consistency--
This was really my biggest bugbear. I found that while the product sat okay on the skin once applied, in the fingers it was far too sticky for my liking. I much prefer the creamier consistency offered by other tinted moisturisers that I've tried, such as the one made by Arbonne.

--Longevity--
No better or worse than other products that I've tried - but by this stage it would have taken something stellar to redeem the product in my eyes.

--Value for money--
I sadly can't say that I would pay the requisite £21 for this product. Perhaps it works for some people, but for me the consistency and lack of coverage really killed it. Even in general, though, I'd say the price is a bit too high: £21 for 40ml also buys you tinted moisturisers from Dermalogica and MAC, which I could understand others going for over this for sheer efficacy alone. Casting the net more widely, for your same £21 you get 50ml of product from Elizabeth Arden, Stila and Benefit - all of whom have proven their expertise and popularity in the field of cosmetics. Overall a disappointing product from Liz Earle which does not meet their usually high standards.