Cosmetics and Beauty News (August 2012)

Your (new) best friend...

...is perhaps YBF Beauty, which has just launched in the UK thanks to QVC, is already one of the best-selling brands in the USA, Canada and Australia. One of the brand's hottest new products is the Perfect Prep Face Primer, which costs £19: it promises to smooth lines and wrinkles, and to neutralise redness. It also contains vitamins for a bit of extra 'pep', which most skin types are likely to need as the season of sun damage ends and the seasons of cold weather begin. Plus, it has a handy sponge applicator attached, so less mess too. However, what I like the look of even more is its Brighten, Hide & Sculpt Concealer Trio, which could pose a threat to my harder-to-get-hold-of-yet-much-beloved Sonia Kashuk quad. The brand's Custom Cover foundation is also retailing at just under £12 at the moment - a bargain price to say goodbye to summer with.

Autumn/Winter 2012 - Burberry, Tesco

Saying goodbye to summer means hello to autumn and winter, with many makeup brands now rushing out their new collections. Not only has No7 just unveiled theirs, Burberry is referencing its runway collection in its makeup catalogue. Thankfully the looks are something we can all recreate at home: smoky eyes in rich velvety brown shades, matte skin with a soft-focus velvet finish and gently contoured cheeks, and natural dusky pink lips. The brand's Velvet Foundation promises to help us with this look, combining long-lastingness with hydration and protection - and the fact that it's available in 8 shades should mean that most of us are covered. New eye and lip shades are available too, and are out this month - but if you can't quite swing it, just check out these pictures and videos and see if you can't create the Burberry look yourself with the products you already have. Or, for a more moneysaving option than Burberry, Tesco's new BD collection also offers an enticing range of berry and taupe shades for lips starting at just £9.

Celebrate smoky eyes with an e-cigarette

If you're trying to give up smoking, I reckon an e-cigarette (rather than a real one!) would go perfectly with the smoky eye look mentioned above. Electronic smoking (also known as Vaping) uses heat to vaporize solutions for inhalation, meaning smokers who are trying to quit get the feeling of smoking without nearly the number of health risks. Vapestick is one of the UK's leading electronic cigarette brands, and I was kindly offered one as a trial. Not being a smoker myself, or having friends or family that do, I'm passing the offer on to you - try the product, then guest review it for me. I practically never allow guest reviews, so this is a rare opportunity. This offer will be extended to only one person, so if you'd like to try it and review it for me, get in there quickly by commenting on this post or by emailing me at soprano[UNDERSCORE]seraph[AT]hotmail[DOT]com. Vapestick and I would love to help one of you stop smoking. If you're not the lucky recipient of the free trial, it's on sale at top retailers such as Tesco, Argos and Costco. Why not give it a go?

E-smoking in; holiday diets out?

You wouldn't think that people would stop being concerned about how they look in a swimsuit, would you? It's as much a part of summer as getting your barbecue rained off and returning to work looking like a lobster. But according to a recent study carried out by Directline Holidays, the pre-holiday diet is in fact almost dead. Of over 500 people surveyed, fewer than 2% worry about their appearance in a swimming costume, and only 5% are crash dieting before a holiday. This can mean only two things: either Brits are letting themselves go completely, or instead are keeping tabs on their appearance more sensibly and over a longer time period. 

Looking PHAB-ulous...

But there's more to looking good than exercise and healthy eating plans; we need to know that the products we use are safe and that the people we see for the trickier or more gruesome jobs are well-trained and sufficiently regulated. This is where the PHAB Standard comes in - it's a new industry hallmark recognising the importance of customer care in hair and beauty salons today. Launched with the support of hair mogul Trevor Sorbie, the PHAB Standard Exams are now available around the world. If such hallmarks fill people with confidence, ensure good service, and keep customers returning, they can only be a good thing - not just for the economy, but also for helping us look our best (and speaking of which, my nails already need doing AGAIN. Le sigh.).

...from within

Beauty supplements are certainly not new to supermarket and pharmacy shelves - they're more affordable than a series of spa treatments and often promise to do us good while sorting out our ability to tan naturally or the strength of our nails. Dove is the latest brand on the block in this regard, with its supplement, Strength Within, now available at Boots. Created from more than five years' research, and with the help of scientists, nutritionists and dermatologists, it's mainly an anti-ageing product, but with ingredients such as vitamin C and lycopene, it could also help with other skin conditions, such as acne. It's also recognised by the British Skin Foundation and has been featured in New Scientist, meaning there's perhaps less reason with this supplement than with others to give it a wide berth. At £35 for 28 days' supply, though, it doesn't come cheap - although the other Dove Spa products perhaps offer a more affordable alternative - I'm particularly liking the look of their Treasure Collection, for oily skins like mine.

...and without

Even if beauty does come from within, sometiimes we need a little help with what we have on the outside too, especially when we're busy with work, running a household, pursuing hobbies, having a semblance of a social life, and attempting to fit in the exercise we all need. However, I bet none of us are as busy as Julie Macklowe, who managed a multi-million dollar hedge fund, was a fashion socialite and a mum, achieved “It Girl” status, and lived an on-the-go lifestyle all before the age of 30. Not finding the luxurious yet results-driven skincare she was seeking to suit her multi-tasking needs, she decided to make her own. Her search for the rarest botanicals and most advanced technology led to the creation of VBeauté in partnership with CRB High Performance Lab in Switzerland. Her products use ingredients that include Alpine Rose and BioCellular Peptide, which are supposed to help with anti-ageing and protect against environmental stress. I can't pretend that the whole ensemble is affordable, but the refills for the It Kit are, and they're all available separately. Although it's more widely available in the US at present, stocks are gradually coming to the UK - and plenty of beauty insiders are already abuzz about it.

Buying for breast cancer

OK - I admit it. Buying for ourselves can feel pretty selfish at times. We all have a million reasons to justify why we need this product or that. But charity initiatives linked with our favourite makeup and skincare brands can not only give us a genuine reason to buy, but also a chance to help others, and there are two fabulous charity collections out just now. One is spearheaded by Jane Iredale, whose Cherish Lip Fixation is similar in style to Clinique's latest charity gloss, but comes in two parts, comprising a lip stain and opalescent gloss. It contains soothing botanicals and comes with a diamanté-adorned zip pouch, but the best part is that ALL profits will be donated to Against Breast Cancer (in the UK and Ireland) and Living Beyond Breast Cancer (in the US). This one's available from September onwards while stocks last.

Soap and Glory is also on board the charity wagon with its Proud Mouth campaign, which in the US is supporting leading anti-bullying program Stomp Out Bullying. The punchy skincare brand hopes to encourage its users to be proud of their words and actions, and to this end will be donating $1 from every Sexy Mother Pucker lipgloss to this worthy cause, with a goal of $25,000. Sadly there appears to be no equivalent UK campaign at present - but awareness is always good, and we never know. Perhaps if enough of us lobby Soap and Glory, they'll launch a similar project on British shores too. That really would give us something to be proud of on the back of all those gold medals.

Indulgence Spa Products Microdermabrasion Crystal Exfoliating Body Soap Bar

RRP: £5/65g; £28/225g

--What does the promo say?--

"The Crystal Peel Exfoliating Soap Body Bar delivers the benefits of professional microdermabrasion in the shower with a quick exhilarating lather and is great for men and women. The soap's brisk polishing action helps stimulate new collagen production and buff away dull, dry skin. It also helps to even out hyperpigmentaion. Ideal for use before spray tanning, waxing or shaving. Clinically proven to treat folliculitis (ingrown hair) and helps to prevent keratosis pilaris (KP), eczema, psoriasis, stretchmarks and cellulite."

--Packaging--

My soap came in a cute little blue see-through bag (thanks, Indulgence Spa Products!), with the soap wrapped in a layer of plastic and a blue and white loop of paper, which keeps things very sweet and simple. I see that when you order this online (from www.menareuseless.com, where only the 225g version is available, or from www.indulgencespaproducts.co.uk from September 1st 2012), the soap also comes with a soap dish, which would have been VERY handy for me as I was constantly trying to wedge it in somewhere in the shower where parts of the bar wouldn't be dissolved (and thus wasted).

--Application--

Once you've got your skin wet under the shower, rub the bar slowly over your body skin (note: do not use on face). You don't need to scrub as the bar does the work for you. This is easy to get your head round (and your hands, thanks to the bar's curved ergonomic design). The bar doesn't make much lather when rubbed over the skin, but more can be created when you massage your skin with your hands, going over where the bar has just been. This makes the experience indulgent as well as functional, and it's easy to rinse off afterwards. You can follow with other shower gels or body moisturisers if liked.

--Appearance-- 

The bar itself is a dull grey colour, with small hard particles being visible. On the skin, no coloured residue is left, and the white lather washes off easily too.

--Scent--

Just smells of minerals more than anything else, which in a way shouldn't be surprising given the prevalence of corundum (or alumina) crystals. However, the other main ingredients (olive oil, vitamin E, aloe vera, and shea butter) were not at all detectable.

--Texture and consistency--

Unlike with some body exfoliators, where the effect is underwhelming, Crystal Peel's Body Bar gives a truly satisfying level of exfoliation. Those with sensitive skin may find the bar too hard or harsh, but it ultimately depends on the kinds of treatments you like. With a texture reminiscent of hard sand, it still manages to treat skin gently - used properly, it shouldn't leave skin feeling or looking inflamed or irritated.

--Effects on the skin--

 I seem to suffer permanently with dry feet, and have tried many body bars and exfoliators in the past to combat this, with only limited success. Quite often the artificial 'exfoliating beads' that are present in these products do very little, and when the bars do a bit more, they lose structural integrity far too quickly even in a tin, box or tray, meaning that you waste a lot of product. None of these shortfalls exist with Crystal Peel's bar - you get effective exfoliation that banishes dry skin without everyday use, and even the smallest bar will last many weeks. You are also left with a smooth finish whereby itching is reduced.

--Value for money--

Plenty of brands offer exfoliating bars, from high street giants such as Lush and Soap & Glory to luxury brands such as Molton Brown and Bliss. From the outset, they seem to be better value for money - you can get a lot more than 65g for £5 with the vast majority. However, to me results like Crystal Peel's can't be argued with - I noticed an immediate as well as an ongoing difference, and when you have a constant beauty problem, you are inclined to stick with the one thing that seems to fix it. For that reason I would purchase this product again if I needed it - assuming it hasn't sent the dry skin packing completely.

 perfect partners*

Crystal Peel Microdermabrasion Exfoliator

For Men Microdermabrasion Pre-Shave Formula

Crystal Peel Collection Gift Set

Crystal Peel Lip Lift Plumper

Crystal Peel Vitamin E Lip Therapy

Crystal Peel Lip Renewal Exfoliator

Crystal Peel Lip Care Collection 

*all available from http://www.crystalpeel.org/ecommerce/

Blistex MoistureMax

RRP: £2.49

--What does the promo say?--

"A refreshing and super-hydrating lip balm that contains soft melting moisture beads. Each visible bead contains Shea Butter and Aloe Vera for intensive, long lasting, super-hydration from first application."

--Packaging--

The transparent tube means you can always see how much is left of the pale blue gel, which has dark blue particles suspended in it. The dark blue decoration at one end of the tube is a nice touch and the flat applicator is practical and easy to use.

--Application--

Use whenever your lips need revitalising, say Blistex. No problems here: just twist off the lid, squeeze the tube lightly, and massage the gel onto your lips with your fingers or the tube applicator, or simply by rubbing your lips together.

--Appearance--

The blue of the gel may strike fear into the hearts of some, but there's really no need - this gives a great natural sheen without making you look frostbitten. The dark blue moisture beads also absorb instantly and invisibly for an added hit of hydration.

--Scent--

This lip balm is scented with a blue raspberry flavour, which I love - but then again it always was my favourite Slush Puppy flavour. It's also not too overpowering, meaning it shouldn't put off too many people, but does mean it isn't as unisex as some of Blistex's more medicinal products.

--Texture and consistency--

In spite of my description above of this product as a 'gel', it's silkier and more velvety than this, making it feel like a really luxurious product. It's not at all slimy or sticky, and it sinks into the lips perfectly.

--Effects on the skin--

Rehydrates lips significantly, making them feel smoother for days after use even if the product is not used daily. This means your tube should last longer as a result too - great for moneysavers.

--Value for money--

As mentioned above, this product is terrific value for money. The long-lasting effects of the product combined with the low RRP mean one tube should last anyone a long time, and its utilitarianism (don't forget it has an SPF of 15 too) combined with a hint of luxury make it one of my new faves. Who can resist a product that does it all? Well done, Blistex.

Jane Iredale Powder-Me SPF Dry Sunscreen

RRP: £29.54

available in 3 shades: Translucent, Golden and Tanned

--What does the promo say?--

"Helps prevent sunburn and sun induced skin damage. Powder-Me SPF is an all over face and body powder which protects from UVB and UVA rays. With an SPF 30, it's an essential in the fight against the merciless damage caused by the sun. Because this remarkable sunscreen is a powder, it doesn't run where you don't want it – such as your eyes! It also starts working immediately. No wait for chemicals to be absorbed by the skin. Just layer the light powder on for immediate protection. And it's so easy to use. Powder-Me SPF is packaged in an innovative dispenser that ensures quick and even coverage. Apart from its active ingredient of titanium dioxide, one of the ingredients in this state-of-the-art sunscreen is a natural clay dried in the sun and completely free of contaminants and atmospheric pollutants. The ancient clay also contains minerals that nourish and calm the skin, helping sooth inflammation from too much sun exposure."

--Packaging--

This is a clear plastic pot with a screw-top opening for refills, which leads to a sponge for everyday application. In addition, there is a push-on lid which comes complete with its own mirror in the top. There are several advantages to this type of packaging: the transparent pot means you can see when you're running low, and the sponge is very good for targeted application (Italian makeup brand Pupa makes a similar pot which you can use to apply blusher). The fact that you can refill it is also excellent news and the mirror is very handy. However, I feel that Jane Iredale would do well to sell a brush version alongside this to help cover larger areas of the body, such as the legs, more quickly (Body Shop does something similar to this, and Colorescience's Sunforgettable mineral sunscreen also comes in this format).

--Application--

One is instructed to apply liberally and evenly over face and body, topping up every 2 hours (plus after swimming, perspiring or towel drying). So fairly standard across the sunscreen market. However, as mentioned above, I found that the sponge applicator made this easy only on smaller areas of the body (such as face, arms, hands and feet) and took much longer on larger areas (such as legs, chest and stomach).

--Appearance--

This will obviously depend on the shade you choose. Pick translucent if you are pale, the brand new Golden if you have an olive skin tone, or Tanned if your skin is darker than this. I found that Golden looked great on my arms, but was too dark for my legs and face. Some of us may need two! The sunscreen also appeared patchy on larger areas of skin due to the design of the applicator.

--Scent--

None. Perhaps a little bit of the sponge, if anything (a new-fabric kind of smell) but generally not chemical or artificially fragranced.

--Texture and consistency--

Being a mineral powder foundation, it's powder-light and you can dab it easily onto the skin. No signs of irritation or clogged pores were experienced while using the product.

--Effects on the skin--

As this product is endorsed by the Skin Cancer Foundation as providing effective UVA and UVB protection, it should come as no surprise that my skin was adequately protected from the sun and did not burn :)  Yay :)

--Value for money--

At nearly £30 this is expensive for a sunscreen, and it doesn't even have the consolation of refills being available (meaning you have to shell out the whole £30 each time you run out. However, the price is in line with other mineral companies - BareMinerals' powder sunscreen, for instance, is £25 (although at least that one comes in brush form). While there are clear advantages - the fact that there are no white streaks or stickiness as with some traditional suncreams, or the fact that its texture and consistency wouldn't change over time in the same way as a cream - it is a time-consuming way of applying sun cream and some people may feel happier sticking to use of this on their face and arms, while using a different sunscreen that's easier to apply to larger areas. It's a high-quality product, but its major design flaws (sponge applicator, no refills) need to be resolved to make it even more appealing to the mass market.

perfect partners

Absence Oil Control Primer SPF15, £32.64

Amazing Base Loose Powder SPF20, £30

Dream Tint SPF15, £28.50

Glow Time BB Cream SPF25, £35.96

Lip Drink SPF15, £12.10

PureMoist Lip Colour SPF18, £14.88

PurePressed Pressed Powders SPF20, £31.95

Dove Maximum Protection Anti-Perspirant Deodorant Cream

RRP: £5.10

available in 3 varieties: Original Clean, Cucumber and Green Tea, and Lemon and Verbena

--What does the promo say?--

"Dove Maximum Protection Anti-Perspirant Deodorant Cream Original gives you the maximum protection ever from Dove.  The strength you need combined with the beauty and care you expect from Dove:

• Provides scientifically proven protection against wetness
• Delivers all-day freshness through odour-fighting technology
• Cares for your skin with Dove 1/4 moisturising cream
• Features a significant fragrance to leave you feeling clean, fresh and beautiful.

The ultimate combination of protection and beauty for women seeking maximum wetness protection, whilst caring for thier underarm skin."

--Packaging--

For the original version (which I was sent by Dove along with the Cucumber and Green Tea version) the box is blue and white, with a couple of silver details (the drop around the "1/4" in "1/4 moisturising cream", as well as the Dove logo itself) and a blue and white band across the box which also gives the impression of sparkles. The dispenser itself is also mainly white with a few blue details. The opaque white plastic lid pulls off easily but closes securely and the click-wheel mechanism is easy to use.

--Application--

Dove suggests applying this to underarms before going to bed so that the technology used in the deodorant cream can be activated during the night, although it can also be applied in the morning, of course. Both methods work fine, with the recommended 2 clicks of the wheel being sufficient for each underarm.

--Appearance--

The white cream leaves no visible residue on skin or clothes. Result.

--Scent--

Original Clean delivers exactly that: a unisex scent that smells of freshly-washed laundry.

--Texture and consistency--

Creamy and absorbs easily. The days of sticky roll-ons and powdery sprays are gone!

--Efficacy--

Works extremely well across the 48 hours stated (discovered when I forgot to apply deodorant one morning because I was too excited about going to Disneyland. Erm...yay?) and all in the heatwave-style temperatures we're experiencing at the moment, as well as in the throes of copious sightseeing. Yay :)

--Value for money--

Once you hit the £5+ mark you really need to work hard to convince people to purchase your deodorant (my usual choice, Mitchum, is only just over half this and is frequently on special offer too). There's no question that Dove's deodorant works very well and that its price point is in line with other deodorants conforming to similar standards and values. However, I do admit to feeling a little flummoxed: this product is basically exactly the same as Sure's Maximum Protection deodorant, which I also tested recently. The design of the dispenser is the same, the boxes are extremely similar, the product itself seems to be made to a similar (if not identical) formula, and even the wording on the boxes has basically been copied and pasted between the two products. This is perhaps unsurprising, since both products are made by Unilever, but I do wonder why Unilever has not tried a little harder to differentiate between the two products. Are the general public really this stupid? I'd like to hope not. In this case, then, I'd recommend you buy Dove's - but only really because it's 20p cheaper than its Sure counterpart. Both are equally effective, and your money goes to the same guys anyway.

Boots Botanics Radiant Youth Protecting Day Cream SPF15

RRP: £5.33/50ml

--What does the promo say?--

"This youth-defending moisturiser instantly hydrates and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in 4 weeks with advanced protection from the damaging effects of UVA/UVB rays. The unique anti-ageing complex includes provitamin A and targeted hyaluronic acid technology to help boost collagen production and effectively fight the visible signs of ageing. Innovative plant stem cell technology works to enhance skin's radiance to reveal its youthful glow. Ginkgo is one of nature's most trusted protectors. Environmental stresses can cause free radicals that degrade collagen and elastin, which give skin its youthful structure. Ginkgo leaves are packed with antioxidants that work to protect from this damage, helping skin look younger for longer. Our beauty scientists use active plant extracts approved by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, to bring you beautiful skincare that's proven to work. 5* UVA Protection (***** Ultra)."

--Packaging--

This day cream carries Botanics' trademark new green, white and purple colour scheme, and makes for an attractive sight. It comes in a screw-top pot, which would be OK were it not for the fact that the cream is quite runny. Be careful when opening to avoid spillage! Cream also collects in the lid easily as a result of the combination of design and cream consistency.

--Application--

 Apply over face and neck after cleansing, morning and night. Simples :)

--Appearance--

Does not have quite the same orange sheen as the serum, but still leans that way in its off-white, slightly translucent appearance. Absorbs into skin invisibly.

--Scent--

Some reviewers have complained about this, but I don't find the scent overbearing. Flowery, fruity, and slightly sugary - yes; but overpowering? Not at all.

--Texture and consistency--

Too runny for my taste, but this doesn't impede application. Arguably needs to be slightly heavier (even though it is a day cream) just to retain structural integrity - or, failing this, it should come in a pump dispenser like the serum.

--Effects on the skin--

As with the serum, I noticed a small increase in radiance. In addition, skin seemed calmer with redness being reduced. However, I will be passing this product to another tester who is in the product's target age range.

--Value for money--

Super value - doesn't even break the £6 barrier and uses high-quality ingredients. Would be interested to use their oily skin range on the back of what I've experienced.

 perfect partners

Radiant Youth Microdermabrasion Polish, £5.33

Radiant Youth Replenishing Night Cream, £5.33

Radiant Youth Super Serum, £6.66

Radiant Youth Hydrating Eye Cream, £5.99 

Boots Botanics Radiant Youth Super Serum

RRP: £6.66/30ml

--What does the promo say?--

"This intensive serum is scientifically proven to boost luminosity in just 2 weeks. It contains the highest levels of our unique anti-ageing complex, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Innovative plant stem cell technology contains radiance-boosting active flavonoids and acts as a beauty guard for youth by supporting skin's own defences against visible ageing. Ginkgo is one of nature's most trusted protectors. Environmental stresses can cause free radicals that degrade collagen and elastin, which give skin its youthful structure. Ginkgo leaves are packed with antioxidants that work to protect from this damage, helping skin look younger for longer. Our beauty scientists use active plant extracts approved by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, to bring you beautiful skincare that's proven to work."

--Packaging--

The white and purple colour scheme is unusual but works well. This serum comes in a pump which is very good at dispensing product in a controlled manner. The tube is also very slender and graceful, making it a sleek addition to any bathroom. The only thing lacking, perhaps, is a transparent strip across the back so that you can see when you are running low on the serum.

--Application--

Boots recommends that you apply the serum every morning and evening before moisturising, taking care to use upward movements. This is standard advice for serum and moisturiser application, so it should be easy to incorporate into your current routine.

--Appearance--

An off-white (perhaps slightly orange) serum which verges on translucence. This is absorbed into skin invisibly.

--Scent--

The serum has a sweet, fruity smell that isn't too sugary. It's possible that this comes from the sweet almond oil or the southern cone marigold used in the product, but is also likely enhanced by the extra fragrance used.

--Texture and consistency--

This rubs into skin easily and doesn't feel heavy or sticky, even once moisturiser is added as a second layer. Light and luxurious.

--Effects on the skin--

I did notice a small increase in radiance and calmness during my 2-week trial of this product. However, as I suspect I am not really in the target audience for an anti-ageing range at the age of 26, I have passed this on to another tester who is perhaps closer to the target age range to see if different results are noted.

--Value for money--

At under £7 this is a surprisingly affordable price tag for what seems to me to be a high-quality product. I would therefore recommend it to others, but also be interested in trying the Botanics range for oily skin to see if the product quality proves consistent across the brand.

perfect partners

Radiant Youth Microdermabrasion Polish, £5.33

Radiant Youth Protecting Day Cream SPF15, £5.33

Radiant Youth Replenishing Night Cream, £5.33

Radiant Youth Hydrating Eye Cream, £5.99

And the winner of the fake tan tights giveaway is...

STEFANIE HURRELL

Congratulations Stefanie! Please leave a comment below, or email me via soprano_seraph[AT]hotmail[DOT]com with your address so that I can send you your fake tan tights. Well done :)

Dashing for diamond

SPONSORED CONTENT

It's Olympic time, and the nation is going for gold. But here at Bianca's Beauty Blog we're dashing for diamond - a classic trend which proves ever-popular. In spite of the market's bad press in recent years due to conflict diamonds, diamond sales jumped 53% in 2010, going up a further 26% in 2011. So it would seem that girls still love diamonds, and this is reflected everywhere in the fashion and beauty industries. Diamond rings remain at the top of the tree when it comes to engagements, Nails Inc released an amazing limited edition nail varnish in celebration of the Diamond Jubilee (encrusted with diamond-style stones; left), tiaras and sparkly silver eyeshadow continue to appear on the catwalk, and the Queen and Kate Middleton rocked the cameras with their Diamond Jubilee fashions. 

But with the passing of the Jubilee and the collection of silver, bronze and gold medals at this year's Games does not come the passing of diamond trends and treatments. Even the very word 'diamond' is continually used as shorthand for glamour and high quality - just Google, and you'll see a whole wealth of salons containing 'diamond' in the name (even when diamond-based treatments are not offered there). It suggests the customer will have a high-end experience, and the proliferation of the word in association with fashion and beauty implies that consumers continue to find the idea alluring.

But if you want to have diamonds on your face, and not just in an engagement ring, this too is possible. The new kid on the microdermabrasion block is diamond microdermabrasion (as opposed to crystal microdermabrasion). The diamond version acts more as a 'sandpaper' for the skin, using the diamond's hard surface to abrade uneven surfaces. Crystal microdermabrasion, however, shoots tiny crystals across your face, making the technique more like using a sandblaster. There are other differences too: the diamond treatment depends more on the skill of the operator, while the crystal option is more dependent on the machine (for example, how efficiently the equipment can shoot them across your face and how well the vacuum cleans up the debris afterwards). Naturally, both forms of treatment have their pros and cons: the diamond tips allow for greater precision in delicate areas, such as around the lips and eyes, and don't have to be replaced as often as the crystals. However, they cannot always fit the exact irregularities of skin, despite the existence of different wands for different skin types and depths of resurfacing. There is also the risk of transferring bacteria across the face via the wand.  

If all of that sounds a bit scary, plenty of beauty products that you can use at home give the diamond touch more effortlessly and less expensively. Judith Williams' diamond day and night creams retail for around £32 each on QVC, and include diamond powder for radiance. Even more affordable is Leighton Denny's Diamond Hand and Nail Scrub, which at £11 promises to invigorate and smooth (and all for less than the cost of a round of drinks). Finally, for bling at your fingertips, there's Swarovski's nail wraps, which come with strips of Swarovski crystals for you to make up your own nail art look. 

Diamonds are therefore definitely not going away - so take your marks and dash for diamond this summer.

Fushi Total Repair Herbal Shampoo

RRP: £15.26/250ml

--What does the promo say?--

"A nourishing shampoo for normal to dry, damaged hair types. Generously medicated with the soothing and healing properties of Calendula and the tonifying and rejuvenating action of Frankincense and Neroli, these actions are combined with the nourishing attributes of Sandalwood and Avocado oil and dull hair is lifted and refreshed with orange essential oil."

--Packaging--

The plastic bottle is transparent, so it's easy to see how much you have left at any given time. The black, white and pink label is decorated with flowers, creating a calming Asiatic feel, and writing is kept minimal. The lid is a push-down top, which closes flat and opens at an angle, revealing the aperture through which you squeeze the shampoo. Very secure and easy to use.

--Application--

Lather into wet hair before rinsing. Repeat if necessary and follow with Fushi's Repair and Soothe hair conditioner.

--Appearance--

A translucent dark yellow colour (isn't actually as gross as it sounds, really), which foams into a white lather on contact with water. Leaves no visible residue.

--Scent--

The citric notes from the orange, calendula and neroli are clearly detectable, but are given extra dimension by the musky sandalwood and frankincense. Not too sweet or too masculine, so ideal for all the family. It lingers really nicely in the hair after use, too, without interfering with perfume.

--Texture and consistency--

Strikes the perfect balance between viscous and liquid, and the foam it lathers into is abundant and luxurious. Make sure you rinse well though as you risk weighing your hair down if you don't.

--Effects on the hair--

Hair is left volumised, silky and in control thanks to the shampoo's ace detangling qualities. Once fully brushed through hair is tamed and feels cared for. Definitely palpable and positive results.

--Value for money--

Organic or natural products which work as well as their commercial equivalents can be difficult to find, but Fushi ticks a lot of boxes here. The only thing holding back some people is perhaps the cost, as £15 for a shampoo can seem a high initial outlay. However, with this putting Fushi in the same price bracket as high-end salon brands such as Aveda, Rene Furterer and Bumble and Bumble, I'd say it's wholly reasonable - especially given that one bottle will last you ages. A great everyday organic option and a lovely gift for others.

perfect partners

Repair and Soothe Herbal Conditioner, £18.34

Total Repair Dry Hair Balm, £17.32

Molton Brown Global Heroes

--What does the promo say?--

"London via the World
Our star performers return from exotic climes to celebrate in London, our home. Including five of our bath & shower gel stars all wrapped up in the colours they deserve.
Unite. Energise. Celebrate.
Contains 100ml sizes of:
Re-charge Black Pepper Bodywash
Relaxing Yuan Zhi Bath & Shower
Vitalising Vitamin AB+C Bath & Shower
Paradisiac Pink Pepperpod Bath & Shower
Warming Eucalyptus Bath & Shower"

--Packaging--

Each of the shower gels comes in a hard transparent plastic bottle, with a raised design towards the top of the bottle. Writing on the bottle is kept minimal, with the shade varied according to the shower gel colour. The screw-top lid is decorated with a nice silver effect that's sure to add a touch of sophistication to any bathroom. The 100ml sizes are perfect for travel - you can voyage safe in the knowledge that they won't leak on the way. They are together presented in a gold, silver and bronze gift box (although the set I was sent by Molton Brown's PR didn't come with this).

--Usage instructions--

Lather onto wet skin under the shower, or run under a flow of hot water for a sumptuous bubble bath. Relax, then rinse.

--Appearance--

Each of the gels is a different colour in keeping with its theme and ingredients. Harmoniously, the Vitamin AB+C gel is a cheerful yellow, while the pepper version is a dark brown, almost verging on black. The pink pepperpod version speaks for itself, while the eucalyptus shower gel is green. None of these leave any visible residue on the skin after rinsing off the white lather that's created.

--Scent--

The gels smell exactly as would be expected from their ingredients, and are rich, high-quality, and natural incarnations of these to boot. The only perhaps less known scent - the yuan zhi root, for the "London via China" shower gel - smells, rest assured, deliciously fragrant, striking an ideal balance between sweet and musky, and is more intense than its body cream counterpart, which I also tested recently. The Vitamin AB+C gel and eucalyptus gel are to be commended for their vibrancy, and the pepper gels for their spice. With the exception of the black pepper gel, which smells decidedly masculine, all are quite unisex and can be used by the whole family.

--Texture and consistency--

I have already mentioned the fine yet luxurious white foam that's created by lathering up under the shower (I don't have a bath enabling me to test it in this form, though - boo hiss). Neither too runny nor too viscous, and definitely not sticky, the gels make it easy to get a good lather going and deliver a consistently pleasant performance as a result. Easy to rinse.

--Value for money--

At £36 for 5 shower gels, you have a convenient travel product that allows you to try out 5 different scents for £7.20 each. Such prices are on a par with high-end brands as diverse as Hugo Boss, Green People and Korres, which I feel is a good price point in the sense of reflecting the quality of the ingredients used and overall product result. However, as all of these gels are available in 300ml formats at £18 each, it's clear that the full sizes are better value (at the travel/gift rate of £7.20 per 100ml, you'd be paying around £21.50 for a 300ml bottle instead). It's easy, though, to see why the premium is there: the extra packaging involved in gift or travel sets has to be paid for somehow, and consumers are usually willing to pay extra for the luxury of choice or convenience. This kit fulfils those functions easily - but once you've chosen the scent you prefer, definitely go for the full-size bottle for optimal value and keep your eyes open for Molton Brown's sales.

perfect partners

Women's Stowaway 2012, £46

Women's Traveller 2012, £40 

Frequent Traveller 2012, £40

Radiant Lili-pili Hairwash, currently £9 in the sale

Anti-age with your whole body

 SPONSORED CONTENT

It's fairly well-known that when it comes to anti-ageing prevention is better than cure, and there are many approaches we can take on a day-to-day basis to combat the ravages of time, all of which are basic and fairly well-documented: drink lots of water, exercise, moisturise, eat well, use sunscreen, don't smoke...

Given all of that, it's all very well for us young 'uns to be virtuous and say we'd never go under the knife. But how are we to know until we get there? One of my neighbours looks great in her late 50s/early 60s, but I wouldn't have known she'd had fillers if a little birdy hadn't told me (which just proves that cosmetic surgery doesn't have to make you look like you've been the wrong way through a vacuum). I know other ladies of a similar age who are considering treatments, and one of my colleagues in her early sixties certainly looks amazing after a few procedures (and you can tell these have been well done, for it took me a while to work it out, and she definitely doesn't wear a permanent expression of surprise on her face either).

And ladies considering plastic surgery are spoilt for choice. As well as the famous Botox, there are several other options, such as the more invasive nose job or facelift, fillers, or blepharoplasty (that's eyelid surgery to you and me). But what about more 'natural' options? After all, Botox is the most acutely toxic substance known to man, and some medical professionals have already responded to this concern through treatments such as Evolence, which uses pig collagen due to it being the closest possible to human collagen. 

But now there's a new kid on the block (well...kind of...it has been around since 1975, after all, which is longer than even I have been *cough*). Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy, or PRP, has also picked up a few more gruesome names in the mass media, such as 'Dracula therapy' or 'the vampire facelift'. However, all it does is take Evolence's idea a step further: instead of using pig collagen to plump up faces and reduce the appearance of lines, your own plasma from your body is used. And this treatment isn't just for older ladies, which the St Andrews-trained founder of La Maison de l'Esthetique, Dr Vincent Wong, also recommending the treatment for those who suffer with acneic skin, or have cellulite, sun damage or scarring.

The first treatment in the world to be 100% autologous (meaning the treatment is derived from the same person who's receiving the treatment - meaning it's closer to a skin graft than a blood transfusion), it's also perhaps up there with the quickest of them - from start to finish, Dr Wong promises that this only takes one hour. He also seems to be realistic, commenting that "heavy smokers and those who drink beyond the recommended limits are less likely to benefit from the treatment" and that like with most treatments a series of sessions is needed for the best results.

So how does it work? Here comes the science. Our blood is composed of two parts: the cellular part (with red and white blood cells) and the liquid (i.e., the plasma). In plasma, platelets are found, which release several healing-associated growth factors. During the treatment, a small amount of blood is taken and then separated so that the platelet-rich plasma can be extracted. This is then mixed with a calcium solution, which acts as an activator and stimulates wound healing and collagen production when injected back into the face. 

This more natural approach to beauty and skin repair can definitely seem appealing in the face of various chemical assailants found in other treatments and off-the-shelf skincare products (did you know, for instance, that some products contain caustic soda, which is also used in the home to strip paint and clear drains? Yep.). And this promising method of using DNA to repair skin also could have even greater consequences in, for instance, the world of athletics, where it is already being used as a treatment for injury.

With 3 sessions of PRP costing £1200 at Dr Wong's flagship Harley Street clinic, this isn't a cheap option in itself, but competes well with other methods of cosmetic surgery: fillers can cost up to £750 a session, for instance, while procedures such as a facelift can run into thousands of pounds. Even though I can't see myself having cosmetic surgery - mainly due to my chronic fear of needles - who knows what the future holds? And, either way, I'm all for newer and more advanced procedures like this one which rely less on artificial stuff and more on what our own bodies can achieve.

Astral Light and Creamy

RRP: £4.28/200ml

--What does the promo say?--

"Astral Light & Creamy, with antioxidant-rich Vitamin E and Soothing Aloe Vera, is an all over moisturiser that hydrates and conditions your skin, leaving it soft and supple. Its light, non-greasy formulation has a gentle fragrance and is ideal for sensitive or ageing skin.

Uncover the Truth… Astral works."

--Packaging--
The light blue and white concept gives a peaceful and responsible feel with the aloe vera leaf design clearly visible without being obtrusive. The screw-top pot is practical and functional, and the fact of it being a pot means it's very easy to get every last bit out at the end of the product's life. It would be nice if it came in a smaller travel size, though.

--Application--
Massage into clean dry skin as needed. Can be used on the face as well as the body. It can be a bit messy to dunk your fingers into a pot, compared with the cleanliness of a tube, but this doesn't impede application in any serious way.

--Appearance--
A thick white cream which is more in fact like a dense mousse (the kind of dense which means Astral couldn't exactly sell this in a spray can). Not very liquid. In short, you get a lot of bang for your buck. This rubs invisibly into skin.

--Scent--
Like baby powder. The aloe vera included in the product is not detectable scent-wise.

--Texture and consistency--
The dense mousse-like texture surprisingly rubs into skin like a dream. Does not have the stiffness of sun cream or the liquid qualities of many other body creams. Feels smooth, soft and light to the touch.

--Effects on the skin--
Does away with dry patches and makes skin feel extraordinarily smooth. The staff at the beauty salon I go to did not mention anything about my legs being dry when I went for a wax the other day (which they did say when I had been using Caudalie body lotion, which is at least three times as expensive) and you can feel the added smoothness all day. Top stuff.

However, I have not yet had a chance to trial this on my face, firstly due to currently trialling another product (which needs at least another week from today before I can properly assess it), and secondly due to me needing to overcome my slight fear that it will be unsuitable for my skin (my oily skin type means it's unfortunately quite sensitive and reactive). In time, my friends, in time. I'm hoping it will turn out to be some sort of multi-use wonder product, but even if it doesn't, I'd probably still buy it (see below).

--Value for money--
Even though I was sent this for free by Astral's PR, I would still buy it with my own money: the results on dry body skin are undeniable and at under a fiver for a not insubstantial pot size, it's recession-busting too and suitable for the whole family (no girly fragrances to scare your husband away!). Super value all year round.

perfect partners
Astral Original All-Over Moisturiser (500ml), £7.99
Astral Original All-Over Moisturiser (200ml), £2.99