Cosmetics and Beauty News (September 2012)

Tartan-ing it up

With autumn coming, tartan patterns and berry and forest colours are on their way back in, and with dark greens, burgundies and purples currently rocking the catwalk, there’s plenty of room for Burberry’s new long wear matte lipstick, Lip Velvet, to sneak into our makeup bags. Inspired by opulent English fabrics, the moisturising ingredients help to give a radiant as well as matte and water-resistant finish. The packaging naturally features the iconic Burberry tartan design, and comes in twelve perfect autumn shades, including Redwood and Hawthorn Berry.

Spook your nails

For an original look this Halloween, try pimping your witch outfit with the Halloween Collection by Andrea Fulerton Nail Boutique. Blacks, silvers, oranges, purples and reds all help to create a ghoulish look, as do skull-shaped nail tattoos and crystal gemstones. The even more creative amongst you could also try the Dot and Flick – an eyeliner-style polish that allows you to draw bats, cats and others on your nails. Available now at Superdrug, it’s a surefire and affordable way to jazz up your costume.

Bright eyes

As well as making your nail designs even more eye-catching, you can also take colour coordination to the extreme by trying out some coloured contact lenses. Bianca’s Beauty Blog has already been sent some to test recently thanks to the generosity of Eyesbright - however, there are plenty of options for those who fancy a change, including MesmerEyez, who offer fifty colour choices starting at just £5. Available shades include Velvet Grey, Midnight Blue, and Pacific Turquoise, to name just a few. So whether you’re after a complete colour change or just subtle enhancement, there’s a lens for every look.

Analyse your skin

The other thing to consider with the approach of the festive period is the inevitable number of photos that will be taken. Many of us are concerned about our skin and the thought of looking awful in the camera’s glare is a worry we just don’t need. Luckily, many brands offer free online skin analysis, including Johnson’s, Vichy and Dermalogica. Just answer the questions and get tailored advice on how best to care for your skin, including recommendations of specific products that might help you. You may even find that your skin type is not what you thought: people who suffer with acne, for example, could have a dry skin type (if skin is overly dry, the skin can over-produce oil to make up for it). It’s now just less than 11 weeks until Christmas, so plenty of time to kick any skin problems you may have into touch.

There’s also an app to help with your makeover: Mary Kay has just launched an app that allows you to try out every look from the latest fashion weeks. Upload your own photo, and then add colour to eyes, lips and face to try out the newest looks. Hair and accessories can also be experimented with, and all for free – so a great way to try new things out in a moneysaving way.

Buff your body

I’ve already written recently about how to get your body skin looking good all year round – not just in summer. Ashleigh & Burwood’s Panier des Sens (literally “basket of senses”) bodycare range offers an appealing solution to help with this. Using only organic and ethically-sourced fragrances, they promise to transport you to the south of France with four classic scents, including “Relaxing Lavender” and “Energising Verbena”. You can create a spa experience with their shower gels, and then follow with their natural body lotions. The brand also offers liquid soaps and hand lotions to keep your hands smooth through the winter. As well as essential oils, the products include shea butter and sweet almond for the ultimate in smoothness. Although the packaging won’t be bucking any trends (it looks more suitable for a pensioner’s bathroom than for mine), I can well believe that the products themselves are effective, and their price means they’ll also make perfect Christmas presents.

Making it over

Another perfect gift for the younger beauty fans in your life could come in the form of Bobbi Brown’s Pretty Powerful, which claims to contain beauty stories to inspire confidence. The makeup mogul’s seventh title contains makeover ideas, product recommendations, expert tips, and of course beauty stories from hundreds of ordinary women. With six categories (natural, strong, radiant, bold, classic, and authentic), the book professes to start with who you are, rather than how you look, and each category is matched with a celebrity guide, including singer Estelle and philanthropist Lauren Bush. This should arm anyone with plenty of beauty tips to take them throughout 2013.

In addition, Bobbi Brown has also released a limited edition pink peony set in support of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The Illuminating Pink Peony bronzer and mini face brush together cost £35 and help fund research into breast cancer for the sake of women everywhere, with £5 from each sale being donated. Out October 1^st, and available while stocks last, it could make a beautiful accompaniment to Bobbi’s book to complete the perfect gift.

Time to quit?

With a new year looming on the horizon, plenty of people will also be considering their new year’s resolutions. For me, it’ll be about getting my driving licence so that I can spend that time in the gym instead of behind the wheel. For others, it might be to go on a diet or to stop smoking. For the latter group, they can look to Barcelona’s football club for inspiration, as the club has just partnered with the Ex-Smokers Are Unstoppable campaign. The partnership, christened “Quit Smoking with Barça”, brings together two major campaigns - the pan-EU "Ex-smokers are Unstoppable" and Barça's "Sense Fum" movement as a truly unstoppable combination. You can watch the promotional clip for “Quit Smoking with Barça” here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=7i1mcUOrAoM

 In addition, there’s inevitably an app for this, with the “Ex-Smokers” campaign also launching their iCoach tool recently to help people quit. Available for iOS and Android systems, the app will offer iCoach users ease of access to this valuable digital health coach while they are on the move. The App is available via www.exsmokers.eu/mobile, and in the Apple Store under "Ex-smokers iCoach".

Rejuvenating over Christmas

It’s true that when most of us think of Christmas we don’t exactly think of rejuvenation. When it comes to me, I’m all about damage limitation in the months leading up to my favourite season, because I just know that come December, I’ll be keeping the mince pie industry afloat almost single-handedly. But a spa break is appealing at all times of year, especially at Christmas, when getting away from the hustle and bustle can be difficult. Ragdale Hall spa’s Bring A Friend Offer is a great value way of getting together with your nearest and dearest for a special treat during the festive season. All meals, treatments, use of spa facilities and exercise and relaxation classes are included for a Christmas break within the UK of exceptional value.

Going organic

But even if a spa break is not possible, it’s certainly possible to recreate parts of the experience at home. Get Ashleigh and Burwood’s organic products in (see above) and with some Organic Pharmacy face masks you’ll be well on your way to a Zen-filled state of bliss. In Selfridges’ Beauty Workshop, the Organic Pharmacy offers its full range, including its three latest masks: the enzyme peel mask with vitamin C and papaya, the honey and jasmine mask, and the purifying seaweed clay mask. These masks promise to improve skin, tone, deeply cleanse, and hydrate, leaving you with a healthy, radiant complexion and ready for the new season.

So once you’ve got your spa-style treatments, how else can you make your own spa day? Look out for an article on this very soon.

Five-star fabulous

Once you’ve prepped your skin to perfection, what about your makeup? Look no further than QVC, who have just launched bareMinerals’ Five Star Fabulous collection on the UK’s favourite shopping channel. Exclusive to QVC, the set of five eyeshadow shades costs £36, and includes two brand-new shades, as well as those that are already best-sellers in the UK, US and Japan. It encompasses neutral shades for daytime and glittering shades at night, and the five can be combined and tailored to suit your mood, meaning you can go from work to the Christmas party in no time.

Wild About Beauty’s newest palette, Divine Night, is also out now. Formulated by Louise Redknapp and Kim Jacob, it embraces a range of berry colours for the perfect autumn and winter look. Costing £29, it has shades for eyes, lips and face to suit all skin tones, from apricots to roses, via smoky, dusky purples. Available at House of Fraser and Debenhams now, to me it sounds like an excellent travel investment, without an overabundance of products for just one area of your face.

From madness to mindfulness

Some people love Christmas and adore nothing more than getting organised months in advance (like me). For others, it’s a seemingly unending delirium of crowds, cooking, and buying gifts for others that you don’t know they’ll like. Those people might like to try the Mindfulness Massage, which is offered by The Third Space Medicine in Soho, an exclusive fitness and lifestyle hub. The massage is an hour-long treatment designed to engender physical and mental tranquillity through meditation and physical manipulation. Developed by experts in yoga, cognitive behavioural therapy and complementary health care, the massage can also be followed by extra mindfulness coaching. Sounds like a great way to work smarter, be more focused, and increase emotional stability all year round – not just in what for some can feel like the most stressful season of the year.

Going for gold

Even though the Olympics are over, you can still go for gold with the world’s first 24-carat gold shapewear, whose nanoparticles promise youthful skin. British brand Peachy Pink London have outsourced production of this innovative shapewear to Italy, where the central technology, Nylgold, is used to offer anti-oxidant and moisturising benefits. In each item (you can opt for shaping leggings or high-rise shorts, both available in gold or black) there are more than four billion gold nanoparticles per square centimetre, which, when combined with hyaluronic acid molecules, promise to combat ageing. Available from www.peachy-pink.com, the products also give the appearance of a more sculpted body in the short-term, with sizes 8-22 currently in existence. However, given the starting price of £70, they might be one for your letter to Santa.

Cult brand Anatomicals now available at Tesco

The brand beloved by so many is now made available to even more people thanks to its recent deal with Tesco. Known for their tongue-in-cheek names and beautiful fragrances, Anatomicals is also affordable, with their body cleaners priced at £2.99 and hand products starting from £2.49. There’s even the Manatomicals line for the fella in your life, which could make great stocking fillers. Shop now, and avoid queues at the beauty counter later…

Smoothing your skin into winter wonderment

SPONSORED CONTENT

just one of the brands of body lotion lurking by my bedside

 If you're anything like me, you've got a whole host of body lotions by your bed (and in a big box under it...and stuffed into the bathroom cabinet...) in a quest to find the best one to keep you from turning into a lizard. From Molton Brown to Bath & Body Works, and from Villainess to Body Shop - you'll probably find it all within arm's reach at any given time at my place. Heck, my collection probably deserves its own postcode.

One of the perks of blogging is that I get sent quite a few different kinds to try. One of them is Deep Heat's latest version - great for easing physical and mental stress thanks to its aromatherapeutic qualities, and its warming sensation means it's great for autumn and winter too. People tend to go into overdrive in the summer, moisturising and buffing their bodies to a state of perfection so that they're ready for the beach, but come winter they tend to let themselves go. Not I: I'm constantly basting myself not just to combat dry skin and ageing generally, but also in pursuit of a luxurious experience that will make me smell lovely. 

Some creams and oils are extremely effective - such as Astral's body lotion and Johnson's baby oil, both of which I was also sent this year by generous PRs. However, they err more on the side of functional than spa-tacular, and when I get to choose, I'm looking for a product that not only leaves me smooth and strokable (sort of like one of those hairless cats) but also feeling like a million dollars - all year round.

The Japanese Cherry Blossom body butter...one of my undying favourites

Consequently, the Body Shop bodycare collection is one that I keep going back to. Catering for every possible need (including aromatherapy, massage, deodorants, and intensive foot rescues), they also don't forget the classics that people love them for while still adding new stuff. Their body butters are one such classic (and there's 50% off them online at the moment with the code 50BUTTER, woo!), and looking at the array of scents available, it's easy to see why one is sold every two seconds. There really is something for everyone, from the summery pink grapefruit to their typically spicy and fruity winter collections (candied ginger, anyone?). 

But for those of you who don't like the thick-and-creamy feeling so much, the Body Shop's fantastic body lotion offers a lighter option, without losing that sumptuous feeling. Browsing the website makes me marvel at and fall in love with their innovative concepts all over again. The classic yet creative Dewberry and Satsuma scents that I've loved since teenagehood is still there, but there are plenty of new ideas too. You can bet your bottom dollar that once I come back from this week's business trip to the south of France (OH isn't life awful?!), you'll find me down my local branch discovering their Love Etc body lotion (which contains babassu oil and grape seed oil), as well as their Dreams Unlimited lotion (its ingredients include sesame, brazil nut, shea, coumarin, lemon and geranium).

The Body Shop's 2008 winter collection

That should certainly tide me over until the Body Shop's newest winter collection (of which no word yet, sadly). It's great to know that there are ranges you can always rely on for efficacy and luxury - come rain or shine - and that thanks to this, none of us should have no trouble keeping our smooth summer skin in a state of winter wonder.

Deep Heat Neck and Shoulder Cream

  RRP: £5.99

--What does the promo say?--

"Deep Heat Muscle Rescue Neck and Shoulder Cream has a rosemary and vanilla fragrance. It eases everyday stresses and tensions. The applicator allows for specific areas to be targeted."

--Packaging--

The screw-top lid and built-in sponge applicator means this product is not going to get away with leaking all over your stuff when you travel. I initially felt dubious about the efficacy of the sponge applicator, but my fears were soon allayed - it allows even application even on the parts of the shoulder that are the most awkward to reach, and can also be removed if required. The combination of red, orange and purple imposed on the white tube means it should appeal to everyone and it seems to be clearly part of the Deep Heat range without the logo being overpowering.

--Application--

Squeeze the tube until some lotion appears on the sponge, then rub evenly over your back and shoulders until absorbed. No need to get in there with your fingers - the sponge applicator does the job all on its own, so this is totally mess-free.

--Appearance--

The lotion is smooth and white, and doesn't leave any visible residue on the skin or on bedclothes or bedsheets.

--Scent--

The rosemary is the most obvious scent, with the vanilla being barely detectable, but it's not overpowering and should appeal to males and females equally. A good, strong, natural smell.

--Texture and consistency--

As mentioned, this absorbs easily and is not runny or sticky. Even though it's intended to target muscle pain, it feels luxurious rather than medicinal thanks to its creaminess.

--Sensation--

The warming sensation promised is not immediately obvious, with it initially seeming more like a cooling sensation. However, things gradually heat up and the result is a lovely, warming, satisfying feeling akin to an electric blanket or hot water bottle. No burning or stinging sensations were experienced and it does a great deal to chase away muscle pain and stress. It's fabulous when you're feeling ill too. 

--Value for money--

I've never encountered a product like this and find this one to be extremely innovative and effective. Even though I was sent this one for free, I would gladly cough up the £5.99 for a replacement when it runs out. Super stuff.

perfect partner

Muscle Rescue Bath Soak, £5.49

Bobbi Brown BB Cream SPF 35

RRP: £28
# of shades available: 5

--What does the promo say?--
"Moisturise, perfect and protect-instantly and over time. Now it's easier than ever to get great skin with Bobbi Brown's new BB Cream SPF 35. Inspired by a skincare/makeup hybrid that's a cult favorite in Asia, this formula combines moisturiser, treatment, SPF and a lightweight foundation in one. Plus, it's available in five skin tone correct shades carefully formulated by Bobbi herself. Consider it your skin's new best friend. The secret to its multitasking magic: Water-attracting molecules boost hydration; light reflective pearls brighten dull skin; botanical extracts and caffeine reduce discolouration and redness; pore-reducing peptides minimise fine lines; and finally, broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection and antioxidants fend off future damage."

--Packaging--
The black and white design keeps things minimalist and simple, and the dispensation of product is well controlled. Bobbi Brown also has the advantage on its side that BB stands not only for Blemish Balm but also for Bobbi Brown - so half of the brand's work seems to already be done.

--Application--
BB creams often require more of a "slapping" motion as you put them on, rather than a "stroking" motion, so that they blend into the skin correctly and don't just sit on top in a cakey layer. This is no exception. After primer, "slap" this on, and then add concealer and powder if necessary.

--Appearance--
A very thick, luxurious cream, which on the skin provides a perfect match for my skin tone (Bobbi Brown's PR team sent me a free tube of Extra Light) and boosts radiance. It also really covers blemishes well: once I'd put it on, I'd often find myself reaching straight for the face powder rather than bothering with extra concealer.

--Scent--
Nothing discernible; no need to worry about chalky, chemical or overly-perfumed smells.

--Texture and consistency--
As mentioned, this is thick and luxurious and yet blends easily.

--Effects on the skin--
Sadly, I didn't notice much healing going on throughout my use of this cream, which is supposed to be part of the effects of BB creams.

--Longevity--
Lasts quite well, but tends to come off more easily around the chin area (which is possibly the area of my face that I touch the most, so it's probably more likely my fault than Bobbi Brown's).

--Value for money--
At £28, this is expensive, but a high-quality product in terms of the finish provided and the high SPF is a great advantage. However, I'd perhaps expect its short-term healing powers to be greater, in line with more traditional BB creams (although this product does have other traditional BB cream qualities). In the same price bracket, this compares favourably to Clinique's BB cream, and I'd also be interested to try versions by Dr Brandt and Smashbox to see how they match up.

perfect partner
Long Wear Gel Eyeliner, £17 

Johnson's Face Care Oil Balancing Light Day Fluid

RRP: £4.07

--What does the promo say?--

"JOHNSON'S® Oil Balancing Light Day Fluid with UV filters is enriched with essential skin loving minerals and vitamins and helps to enhance your skin's natural moisture balance whilst caring for combination skin. Skin is left feeling beautifully soft and smooth."

--Packaging--

The mixture of pink and green is very unusual and makes the product stand out in a positive way., and the image of the feather also makes the product recognisable as being part of Johnson's. In addition, the plastic tube proves both practical and sturdy.

--Application--

Apply every morning after cleansing once skin has had a chance to dry off.

--Appearance--

A translucent white gel that is absorbed invisibly into the skin.

--Scent--

The same as across the rest of the Johnson's range: like fresh laundry.

--Texture and consistency--

Light and fluid without being watery; sinks into skin easily without feeling greasy.

--Effects on the skin--

This couldn't quite banish some persistent dry patches, but I did see a small improvement during the period of testing. I've kept hold of this one to see if the effects on my acne are even greater over a longer time period.

--Value for money--

This £4 cream compares favourably with other creams in its price bracket for this skin type: I would easily choose it over the creams by Simple, Clean & Clear, and Witch. However, I'd also like to test it against Garnier's similarly-priced serum-regulating moisturiser, Doctor Brand's Oil-Free Soothing Lotion, and creams by Neph Aromatics to get an even stronger sense of its identity within this price range.

perfect partners

Oil Balancing Facial Cleansing Wipes, £3.05 for 25

Oil Balancing Gel Wash, £3.05

Johnson's Face Care Refreshing Gel Wash

RRP: £3.05

--What does the promo say?--

"JOHNSON'S® Refreshing Gel Wash with gentle cleansing agents is enriched with skin loving minerals and vitamins and leaves the skin feeling soft and refreshed."

--Packaging--

The pink tube is very girly, but the feather motif (spread across the entire Johnson's range at present) is a nice touch. Text is minimal and the flip-top plastic lid is relatively sturdy. However, the nozzle is too flat for me, meaning some product is wasted every time you squeeze some out.

--Application-

 Work into a lather in damp hands before rubbing onto the face. Rinse with a flannel that's been soaked in hot water, then follow with the moisturiser of your choice.

--Appearance--

A translucent white gel-cream that foams up into a luxurious white lather. No visible residue is left after rinsing.

--Scent--

This cleanser has the characteristic Johnson's smell that we all know from their baby oil: a cotton-fresh smell that all ages should find pleasant.

--Texture and consistency--

More of a creamy wash than a gel, this delivers a luxurious bathroom experience. A little goes a long way, too, without becoming insipid or watery.

--Effects on the skin--

Sadly, I didn't find this did anything for me. Dry patches increased and my acne was still prominent. However, I clearly don't have "normal" skin, so will be turning my tube over to other testers in my family to see if it works better for them. If it does, I'll be sure to update this page.

--Value for money--

£3.05 is definitely a bargain if this works for you. By this token, along with the corresponding day and night creams you can easily have a full face regimen for under £15 - great for those on tighter budgets.

 perfect partners

Refreshing Facial Cleansing Wipes, £3.05 for 25

Hydrating 24 Hour Day Cream, £4.07 for 50ml

Rehydrating Night Cream, £4.07 for 50ml

Johnson's Face Care Rehydrating Night Cream

RRP: £4.07

--What does the promo say?--

"JOHNSON'S® Rehydrating Night Cream is enriched with skin loving minerals and vitamins to restore skin vitality and glycerine to help support your skin's rehydration overnight."

--Packaging--

While I like the glass pot (brands where you pay much more sometimes still only supply plastic, which is far less luxurious and less easily recyclable), the lid doesn't seem like it would prove too robust during travel: on its journey from the PR company to my door, the lid on this shattered, although luckily, thanks to the foil lid inside, this didn't lead to any loss of product. Always great to be able to view the product from the outside so that you know when to restock, and jars mean you can get out every last bit, too (it's for this reason that I prefer them to tubes, despite the potential hygiene implications).

--Application--

Apply at night after cleansing, once the skin has had a chance to dry.

--Appearance--

An almost nacreous cream whose blendability is belied by its stiff appearance. Sinks in invisibly.

--Scent--

 Smells of cotton and fresh air. Should not interfere with any perfume.

--Texture and consistency--

Thick, luxurious, and creamy, yet blendable. A pleasure to use.

--Effects on the skin--

I know oily skin needs hydration still, but I'm not sure my skin needs the extra hydration provided by a night cream. I'll be passing this on to testers with more normal skin than I have so that they can hopefully report better results.

--Value for money--

At a little over £4 it's certainly inexpensive - but in this price bracket I'd be more likely to try a hemp night cream (£4.90), Clear Essence's lemon and vitamin C cream (which, at £5.49, is doubly good value as it's designed for day and night use), or a comfrey cream (£4.98), all of which would seem to be more appropriate for my skin type. However, there will be some people for whom it works well, and if it works for you, it's undoubtedly a bargain.

perfect partners

Refreshing Facial Cleansing Wipes, £3.05 for 25

Refreshing Gel Wash, £3.05

Rehydrating Night Cream, £4.07 for 50ml

OXY Clearlight Light Device

 

RRP: £39.99

--What does the promo say?--

"A proven technology called blue light therapy has been used extensively for years by dermatologists for the successful treatment of spots, acne and blemishes. It has been scientifically proven that blue light at the specific wavelength of 415nm kills spot-causing bacteria. OXY Clearlight harnesses the healing power of blue-light technology in a safe, convenient and hygienic device for home use. OXY Clearlight penetrates to the root of P. acnes, killing spot-causing bacteria and helping prevent spots from erupting. The light emits NO heat, and NO harmful UV rays. It does NOT cause drying, peeling or discomfort, either."

--Packaging--

Surprisingly small! The white-grey device blasts all of the enormous, hideously expensive light-emitting devices that are currently available to home users into the shade: it's no longer than your own hand, meaning it's perfect for neat bathroom storage or for travel. At one end of the device is a series of small lights within an indented circle. This is the part that you press against your face wherever you want its rays to target. There's just one simple button that slides and clicks into place to turn the device on, and it turns itself off automatically when you're done too. This product runs on batteries, but they seem to last a very long time before replacement is required.

--Application--

OXY's instructions read as follows: "Press the power button and place the Clearlight device over the spot. Listen for the beep indicating that the therapeutic light is at work. The device will automatically switch itself off at the end of the 3-minute treatment cycle. Use twice daily, morning and evening, for 3 minutes until your spot has cleared." There's nothing difficult about this, although it's obviously quicker if you just have one or two spots, as opposed to having a full face of them.

--Appearance--

The design of the device is clearly functional rather than decorative, but there's nothing wrong with that. It's ergonomically designed, from how it feels in your hand to how it feels against your face, so there's certainly no discomfort involved. The blue lights are only visible if you're not pressing the device against your skin correctly (but it's so easy to use that this should be an unlikely scenario).

--Sensation--

Having used at-home hair removal devices and also had professional electrolysis, where your skin often tingles in a way that almost breaches on pain thanks to the heat involved, I was expecting to feel something while I used this device. Happily, it's completely pain-free to the point that you feel absolutely nothing - you can quite easily clean your teeth, chat to your partner, or just have a little uninterrupted thinking time while you use the device until it turns itself off at the end of the cycle. Brill.

--Effects on the skin--

If you press too hard you'll get a little pressure ring on your skin where you've used the device, so be careful! This is just inconvenient, not painful, but just remember that there's no need to press the device against your skin for it to work effectively. I definitely found that spot size and redness was reduced much more quickly than normal while using this product. Top stuff!

--Value for money--

I can understand why consumers may baulk a little at the nearly-£40 price tag, especially as a lot of acne sufferers are going to be students with little spare cash. However, I'd definitely say it's worth the investment. It gets rid of the spot quickly, that's true - but the peace of mind and confidence this also affords you is invaluable.   

perfect partners

Seaweed Power Fresh Skin Wash, £5.99

Seaweed Power Clear Pore Exfoliant, £5.99

Seaweed Power Deep Calm Balm, £5.99 

Emergency Spot Treatment Gel, £6.99

All 5 OXY products are also available as a special bundle from OXY's website at a promotional price of £54.95, saving you £10 of the full retail price.
For the 4 skin care products alone (minus the Clearlight device), another special package is available at the price of £19.99 (instead of £24.96).   

OXY Emergency Spot Treatment Gel

RRP: £6.99

--What does the promo say?--

"Oxy Emergency Spot Treatment Gel is an anti spot gel that reduces the size and redness of spots in just 4-hours."

--Packaging--

The small tube comes encased in hard plastic (the kind often seen protecting Easter eggs, that you sometimes need a chainsaw or similar to crack), but once you've opened it, this convenient little tube can be carried in your handbag or pocket, or kept in the bathroom (lain down or stood up), all without risk of leakage. While it sticks to the blue and green colour scheme of OXY's new Seaweed range, the tube itself doesn't feature the seaweed design like the other products do.

--Application--
OXY say you can apply this directly to any spots that are troubling you as often as 6 times a day, but I didn't find it was needed this frequently (see below for notes on efficacy).

--Appearance--

A completely clear gel with just the right amount of viscosity, which leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--

Sports the seaweed scent like the other products, but perhaps less so than they do.

--Texture and consistency--

Possibly the nicest of the products to use. Offers a pleasing cooling sensation on application, which can make you feel like it's really working, rubs in beautifully, and leaves no sticky or tacky residue either.

--Effects on the skin--

I found that the time scale varied with this one. Even if it didn't always reduce spot severity within 4 hours as promised, it definitely acted within 12 hours on a consistent basis - and that's without applying the gel 6 times a day as directed, so perhaps if you did, you'd see even faster results. And even if you can't be bothered with all that messing around, just one application should mean that if you wake up with something the size of Mount Olympus on your face and begin worrying, it should be significantly smaller by the time of that important meeting or party come later.

--Value for money--

At £6.99 this is the most expensive of all four OXY Seaweed skincare products, but I would definitely buy this when my current tube runs out. Delivers a wow-factor results at affordable prices.

perfect partners

Seaweed Power Fresh Skin Wash, £5.99

Seaweed Power Clear Pore Exfoliant, £5.99

Seaweed Power Deep Calm Balm, £5.99
Clearlight, £39.99

All 5 OXY products are also available as a special bundle from OXY's website at a promotional price of £54.95, saving you £10 of the full retail price.
For the 4 skin care products alone (minus the Clearlight device), another special package is available at the price of £19.99 (instead of £24.96).   

OXY Seaweed Power Deep Calm Balm

RRP: £5.99

--What does the promo say?--

"Proven to reduce the number of spots and blackheads when used daily with OXY Fresh Skin Wash. OXY Deep Calm Balm is an oil-free moisturiser. It harnesses the power of natural seaweed to keep skin soft and hydrated, whilst helping to prevent oily skin, spots and blackheads. Apply OXY Deep Calm Balm liberally to the face after cleansing with OXY Fresh Skin Wash. As well as being effective against spots, OXY Deep Calm Balm is also naturally kind to skin. Dermatologically tested, it is suitable for sensitive skin, and contains no alcohol, parabens or SLS.

--Packaging--

Smaller than the other tubes in the range, other than this the moisturiser is essentially the same: plastic, flip-top lid, secure closure, eye-catching design.

--Application--

Use morning and night after cleansing, without rinsing off. No problems here bar what I outline under "Texture and consistency" below.

--Appearance--

This moisturiser is almost pure white, with what I assume to be white silica beads suspended in it. The beads do unfortunately have a tendency to stick to the face, so make sure you take a last look in the mirror before leaving the house!

--Scent--

Smells authentically of seaweed, but is not overpowering.

--Texture and consistency--

Can leave a slightly sticky film on the face after application, but not enough for it to be too unpleasant. The silica beads sticking to the face is a bit more of a problem, as unlike with the exfoliator, you obviously don't want to rub too hard with a towel or flannel after you've put it on, or else you risk rubbing away all the good stuff too.

--Effects on the skin--

Works well to reduce spots and redness while keeping dry skin at bay. Nice work, OXY!

--Value for money--

I would definitely replenish my stocks of this along with the other OXY Seaweed Power products once my current supplies (kindly sent to me by OXY's PR) run out; it sinks into skin nicely and offers acne sufferers a welcome reprieve.

perfect partners

Seaweed Power Fresh Skin Wash, £5.99

Seaweed Power Clear Pore Exfoliant, £5.99
Emergency Spot Treatment Gel, £6.99
Clearlight, £39.99

All 5 OXY products are also available as a special bundle from OXY's website at a promotional price of £54.95, saving you £10 of the full retail price.
For the 4 skin care products alone (minus the Clearlight device), another special package is available at the price of £19.99 (instead of £24.96).   

Spa Review: Sabai Leela

Bianca's Beauty Blog's Spa Correspondent, Gillian, reviews the Sabai Leela Spa in London.

I arrived at Sabai Leela (282 Old Brompton Road; SW5 9HR) on a damp dreary afternoon in August.

The shop frontage of this spa belies the interior which waits within. If you had spent a day at Earls Court, this escape would be just perfect. Open the door and a fantastic aroma & soft music welcomes you inside, along with the offer of a beverage. I chose water…as one should before a massage.

The reception area offers comfortable chairs and pleasing dark wooden shelves, displaying the products neatly arranged. I was soon greeted by my therapist and led down a set of spiral stairs to an ever-expanding cavernous range of facilities. The lighting was low, immediately relaxing you; make sure, however, to watch your step on the spiral staircase as your eyes adjust to the lower light.

Sabai Leela provided relaxing, pleasing on the eye, but above all clean facilities…a must. Showers were available, and beautifully decked-out rooms, named after oriental flowers, added to the ambience. There was even a treatment room for his & her (or her & her/his & his) treatments, although as my husband wasn’t with me I did not explore this option.

Onto my treatment, in which I embarked upon my first Thai Combination Massage, a bargain at £55 for 60 minutes. I have never had the courage to have a massage in Thailand during holidays there, mostly because I know masseurs are firm, and this made me worry about my communication skills. Having had a back operation more than 10 years ago, I would have wanted to be able to express my specific needs, but disputed my ability to do this in a foreign language. On this note please take the time to tell the staff at Sabai Leela if you are aware of any injury or long term health issues prior to your treatment.

All the important things were in place: a warm candle-lit room, and questions asked as to how firm I liked my massage. Above all I was given the privacy and time to change and get ready for my treatment. As I lay down on the massage bed, with its face hole, a bowl with flowers & aroma greeted me - a nice touch.
 

I like a very firm Swedish massage, but having experienced my first Thai massage, would I say I wanted the same intensity next time? Possibly not - this was powerful, but good, matching the deep muscle massage of my ex-Army sports therapist! Perhaps next time I might ask for medium rather than firm pressure, but no harm was done - in fact, having asked for the firm touch, my therapist identified that an existing ankle injury spreads right up into my calf. Tiger Balm was offered, and this welcome offer was accepted, helping to ease problems the next day.

This massage offered a complete body experience: feet, hands, arms, legs, neck, head and body. This massage did not disappoint and I left totally relaxed and moisturised from head to foot. Do remember to take a hairbrush though; you will need one if you don’t want to get the tube looking like you have been dragged thought a hedge backwards! A brush is offered by Sabai Leela, but you may prefer to bring your own nonetheless.

What’s more, you are advised to arrive at least 30 minutes before your appointment, to give you time to take advantage of the herbal steam and sauna rooms, which are truly blissful. Robes & slippers are provided and personal lockers are available.

On departure I was offered another drink, and herbal tea, biscuits and purified water soon arrived, all served on a delightful tailor-made Eastern wooden block. A good visit; I’d return.

Gillian was a guest of Sabai Leela. To book your treatment, call 0207 373 7763 or request an appointment online at www.sabaileela.co.uk, where you will also be able to view a full list of treatments available.

Oxy Seaweed Power Clear Pore Exfoliant

RRP: £5.99

--What does the promo say?--

"Proven to reduce the number of spots within 48 hours. OXY Clear Pore Exfoliant harnesses the power of natural seaweed to cleanse deep into your pores. It cuts through grease and oil, removing dead skin, clearing spots, blackheads and oily skin. As well as being effective against spots, OXY Clear Pore Exfoliant is also naturally kind to skin. Dermatologically tested, it is suitable for sensitive skin, and contains no alcohol, parabens or SLS."

--Packaging--

Clearly part of a unified range concept, the seaweed image is unisex and instantly recognisable as being part of OXY's latest initiative. The packaging is reasonably durable although some of the exfoliant does leak inside the plastic flip-top lid at times.

--Application--

The OXY website instructs: "Wet your face with warm water. Massage OXY Clear Pore Exfoliant into your skin, then rinse thoroughly. For best results, repeat this process 2 to 3 times a week in conjunction with daily use of OXY Fresh Skin Wash and OXY Deep Calm Balm." There's nothing difficult about this and it generally helps to keep dry skin at bay, meaning you shouldn't need to use it more than the recommended weekly frequency.

--Appearance--

An opaque gel which has obvious particles in it. These seem to be natural sandy particles that are unfortunately quite difficult to rinse fully off the face. Towel dry well to be sure that you're rid of them, or use a toner that's suitable for oily skin to pick up the excess.

--Scent--

Like the rest of the range, a naturally salty seaweed smell is evident but shouldn't bother anyone or interfere with perfume.

--Texture and consistency--

The particles may feel too harsh for some (they really are quite hard; very different to the silica beads that a lot of supposed "exfoliators" contain, which apparently have the same exfoliating efficacy as butter), but are effective in sloughing away dry skin. However, like a couple of other products in the range, a slightly sticky residue can occasionally be felt from the gel itself. Perhaps rinse twice to avoid this.

--Effects on the skin--

Does not aggravate skin and does help to keep dry skin patches down, making it perfect for combination skin types, but I did notice a persistently dry patch between my eyebrows that I had to concentrate on more, with extra use of the exfoliant and moisturiser. It also works well with the rest of the range in terms of reducing spot numbers (and yes, it really does do this within 48 hours as stated).

--Value for money--

£5.99 can seem a bit much for a range that you'd perhaps expect to be under £5 per product, but it seems to me that OXY has really upped its ante in recent years. It's effective and not unpleasant to use; I would therefore buy it again and recommend it to others.

perfect partners

Seaweed Power Fresh Skin Wash, £5.99
Seaweed Power Fresh Deep Calm Balm, £5.99
Emergency Spot Treatment Gel, £6.99
Clearlight, £39.99

All 5 OXY products are also available as a special bundle from OXY's website at a promotional price of £54.95, saving you £10 of the full retail price.
For the 4 skin care products alone (minus the Clearlight device), another special package is available at the price of £19.99 (instead of £24.96).     

Oxy Seaweed Power Fresh Skin Wash

RRP: £5.99

--What does the promo say?--

"Proven to reduce the number of spots within 48 hours. A refreshing, lightly fragrant, everyday wash with jojoba micro beads, OXY Fresh Skin Wash harnesses the power of natural seaweed to reduce spots, redness and blackheads. As well as being effective against spots, OXY Fresh Skin Wash is also naturally kind to skin. Dermatologically tested, it is suitable for sensitive skin, and contains no alcohol, parabens or SLS."

--Packaging--

The dark blue, dark green, and white colour scheme of this plastic flip-top tube means it's nicely unisex and very practical to use. Clearly conveys the concept of seaweed as the main active ingredient.

--Application--

The OXY website recommends massaging the gel into wet skin before rinsing thoroughly, with twice-daily use being recommended.

--Appearance--

The gel is a mostly clear, slightly off-yellow colour, with red beads suspended in it. The beads can be a little difficult to rinse off, but beyond this there is no visible residue.

--Scent--

The salty seaweed smell is prominent. Definitely no overly sweet, fragrant or clinical smells here.

--Texture and consistency--

The texture of the gel itself is nice - it lathers up well into a white foam and generally rinses off easily. However, a slightly 'gritty' residue is left on the face afterwards which takes some time to subside, and this I found to be true of the entire range (which I was kindly sent by OXY's PR team).

--Effects on the skin--

 While the range of products can be slightly drying at times, ultimately this does live up to the claim of the number of spots you have being reduced within 48 hours. I was pleasantly surprised. However, this dramatically positive effect does plateau after between 2 and 3 weeks of use, so depending on the severity of your acne, you perhaps can't expect complete elimination.

--Value for money--

At £5.99 this is a little more expensive than I had anticipated. However, it's a lot more effective than some products that are a lot more expensive, and is great for people like me who are time-poor and impatient - short-term results are basically guaranteed, and that is definitely worth the money paid. I would definitely consider replenishing stocks once my current supply runs out - even if it isn't the most luxurious product to use, it's certainly incredibly effective.

perfect partners
Seaweed Power Fresh Deep Pore Exfoliant, £5.99
Seaweed Power Fresh Deep Calm Balm, £5.99
Emergency Spot Treatment Gel, £6.99
Clearlight, £39.99

All 5 OXY products are also available as a special bundle from OXY's website at a promotional price of £54.95, saving you £10 of the full retail price.
For the 4 skin care products alone (minus the Clearlight device), another special package is available at the price of £19.99 (instead of £24.96).