Cosmetics and Beauty News (March 2013)

Feeling plucky?
Tweezerman, maker of some of the best tweezers in the industry, has adopted Lindsey Vonn as its brand ambassador, and in celebration, is running a contest to win around £80 of Tweezerman tools. I've already entered - and you should too! Just check out the Tweezerman website for details.

You give me fever
 Hay fever is no joke, and as spring and summer come into view, plenty of people will be getting their supply of clean hankies out - there are more than 10 million UK sufferers seeking relief each year. ESPA's Resistance Oil range, which can be used in the bath, tries to combat hay fever by including tea tree and eucalyptus to boost our natural defences against pollen and other environmental aggressors. Fumakilla's Pollen Face Spray could also be a good investment - its ion polymers reputedly stop pollen from entering the eyes and nose by creating an invisible veil over the face. It can be applied over makeup, and one bottle contains around 160 applications. Sufferers may also wish to investigate The Bakewell Soap Company's Beekeepers' Delight soap, which is aimed at highly sensitive skin and those suffering from skin ailments. Containing goats' milk, oats, jojoba oil, beeswax and organic honey, it could just help to keep you feeling lovely, rather than a snotty and irritated mess - and at £4.95 a bar, it also won't break the bank.



Extra special cosmetics
As someone whose skin tone has always been ludicrously pale, I've often had trouble with high street brands when it comes to finding foundations, concealers and powders that make a reasonable match with my skin. However, those in this situation need look no further than EX1 Cosmetics, which promises to supply those with "Asian and exotic skin tones", thanks to its provision of "bespoke shades from very fair to deep olive". Department store prices may no longer prevent you from purchasing products that actually suit you - and you can buy from a variety of online retailers at present, including Lookfantastic, HQHair, and Beauty Expert.

Spray you love me

Ladies with special birthdays coming up (like myself...cough) may be hoping for a high-quality fragrance as a gift. However, some feel that the art of scent-making has been lost over the years as the industry becomes ever more commercialised. Former VP of Chanel and Manager of Jo Malone, Dom de Vetta, definitely feels this way, and has teamed up with rising perfumer Julie Massé to create Shay and Blue, which has just launched at Harvey Nichols. Made with real flowers, fruits and spices, the perfumes promise to create rich opulent experiences that are made in England with skill and passion. Perfumes will be blended seasonally according to what's growing in the UK, and all will be sold in smoky blue glass bottles. The six scents that are currently available include Atropa Belladonna (incorporating cassis, narcissus and vanilla), Sicilian Limes (containing salt limes, rosemary and moss), and Suffolk Lavender (mixing lavender, melon and pine). And with prices from £30, they cost no more than commercial perfumes either.

Other unique perfume gifts are available from Anna Sui, whose tin houses are just too adorable to pass up. Secret Wish, Flight of Fancy, and Fairy Dance now come in collectable metal boxes that you can keep even when the perfume itself is long gone, transforming into jewellery boxes thanks to the handy hooks inside. For £36, you get a tin box and a 50ml Anna Sui fragrance.

Curl creation
We girls don't always style our hair as often as we'd like, mostly due to the time constraints wrought by over-complicated styles. However, John Frieda has just launched a video in an attempt to help women create curly hair easily - and, in celebration, has also started a competition whereby you can win weekends away, girls' nights out, and luxury meals. You'd be silly not to enter :)

Had enough. Period.
Some women manage to get through the time of the month with ease, but others (as I did when I started) have immobilising pains that make them throw up and keep them off school or work once a month, which not even prescription painkillers (such as mefenamic acid) can always touch. The Bowen Technique aims to combat cramps in a drug-free and non-invasive way thanks to specialised massage with regular rests throughout the 30-60 minute treatment. Knowing how much pain periods can cause, I would try anything to get on with my life, and would encourage any other sufferers to do so as well.

Magic matrixyl
Another chronically female concern is anti-ageing, and the beauty world has gone mad with the news that magic ingredient matrixyl is the only one to really have any effect. How far this is really the case can probably only be ascertained through detailed examination of the research involved; however, should anyone wish to capitalise on this discovery, several high street brands already contain matrixyl, such as the ranges by No7's Protect and Perfect, Sarah Chapman, Erno Laszlo, Docteur Renaud, Marks and Spencer, and Olay's Regenerist. Online shopping also offers up a wealth of possibilities: try Dr Lewinn, Medik8, NeoStrata, Skin Doctors, and DuWop.

Weight and see

Weight management is an equally perennial problem for the fairer sex. The latest product to help with this is the Malory Band, acting like a belt that you wear around your waist, underneath your clothes, to help remind you of your target weight and stop you from eating so much that you'll spend the rest of the afternoon feeling like a beached whale on the sofa. The belt's fabric is washable, durable, and can even be worn in the shower. It also comes with a unique buttonhole system, meaning the belt can be tightened as you lose weight - and by continuing to wear the band, you can maintain your weight once you've reached your target. Of course, you also use it in conjunction with eating well and regular exercise, making it one of the healthiest systems out there. 

Along Came Betty
Benefit's coy vintage style has been aped by several brands over the years, including The Vintage Cosmetic Company, Too Faced, Hard Candy, and Betty Hula. Another 'Betty', in the form of Along Came Betty, tries to appeal in the same way and is now available at Tesco, but manages to stand out on the shelf thanks to its deliberately over-dramatic black and white photographs on the pack, and lower price points (prices start from £4.99). You never know when a cheaper alternative might be better than your usual product - and you haven't got much to lose by trying this cute brand.

We're off to see the wizard
With the recent release of Oz The Great and Powerful, OPI has released a line of nail polishes inspired by the film, all with Oz-like names: Lights of Emerald City, When Monkeys Fly, and Which is Witch? are just a few of them. All are priced at £11.50, but you can get a special set of 4 mini polishes for £13.95, which is a great way to test-drive a few at a lower price (specifically I Theodora You, Don't Burst My Bubble, Glints of Glinda, and What Wizardry Is This?). All together now: there's no place like home... 

Also on the nail varnish scene are gel polishes, with brands like COLLECTION leading the way. Hopefully a long-lasting high-shine finish is now available even for ladies who don't want to ruin their nails! COLLECTION's range of 15 colours is out in May and will cost just £3.20 per bottle. 

Our darling dads
While all of the above would make great gifts for mums, it's important to not forget our dads (especially with Fathers' Day on the approach in June). If your dad is into male grooming, you could try Crabtree and Evelyn's new sets, which contain shaving essentials and muscle soaks to name just a few and start from £8. The scents available are Sandalwood, Nomad, and West Indian Lime - not to mention the classic Gardeners range, providing gifts for surely every lifestyle.

Also available is ManCave Natural Grooming, which prices its vegan products (which all contain at least 12 essential oils) from a mere £3.99. With borage to moisturise, caffeine to energise, and willow bark to fight bacteria, high-quality products such as these will with luck ensure that our dads are kept in tip-top condition, and therefore there for us for a long time yet.

Be Zen
One of the most important things in life is surely to "keep calm and carry on". Naturally there are a host of products offering to help us do this, such as the recently-launched B/Attitude natural skincare products for face and body, which promise to fuse ancient traditions with sensory experiences thanks to ingredients such as ginseng, passion flower, juniper and green tea. Another brand, Caldrea, tries a similar tack with its aromatherapeutic line, which uses botanicals that include linden flower, angelica, and chia. These essential oils hopefully work on our minds as well as our bodies - as when our looks decay, it's only our minds we're left with. Wishing you a peaceful April :)

Kiss Haute Couture Lashes

 RRP: £4.49 for a single pack; £7.49 for a duo pack; £16.99 for a pack of five
# of varieties: 4 (Lust, Flirt, Coy, Wink)

--What does the promo say?--
"Kiss Haute Couture lightweight lashes not only look natural but feel natural. When used with the included applicator, you'll be amazed at just how easy applying lashes can really be."

 --Application-- On the back of the box there are helpful drawings of how to apply the lashes using the pink applicator they've included in the pack, as well as a booklet with more detailed instructions. I'm not exactly a false lash aficionado and it did take me a couple of goes to get them in the right place and not poke myself in the eye but all in all they're pretty straightforward. The glue was easy to apply although I didn't use mascara before applying the lashes, so I don't know if the glue would react with  mascara if you did. 

Instructions: 1) If needed, trim lash size to fit your eyes. 2) Apply Kiss adhesive to lash band: wait 30 seconds for adhesive to become slightly clear and tacky. 3) Using the applicator, apply lashes along natural lash line. Hold, allowing adhesive to dry completely.

--Appearance-- As you can see from the photos, these lashes are quite 'BIG' and they are definitely for if you want to make a statement. They fit the eye pretty well but as mentioned, you can trim them down if you need to. Having worn them, I would suggest that you wear mascara on your normal lashes just so the colour is the same. These are unmistakably false lashes - I would only ever wear them for a big event like a prom or a dressy occasion as they basically take up half of my face, but they do have a nice look to them. Saying that, I would definitely be up for trying other styles of lashes in this range. 

 

--Longevity--

These stay on for as long as you want them to, and they were easy to remove when required (though as always with these things, it depends on how much adhesive you put on).
--Value for money-- 

These are in line with other market values, and it's definitely good that you can use them more than once, thus increasing product value.

by Eye and Eye Makeup Correspondent, Gemma Summons

Cosmetics Contemplations: Summertime, and the living ain't easy

As the days get lighter and the nights get shorter, we're reminded that summer is almost upon us. Not that you'd know it from the snow/wind/rain/general coldness we've been having, but I know deep down that before I can say "school's out for summer" the IGCSE and IB exams will be underway and I'll be trying to teach and control my sweat patches at the same time, while simultaneously wondering just how to stop my makeup sliding off my face and my students skipping school.

The truth is that I really don't like summer, which is basically like saying you don't like dolphins or Crunchies or teddy bears (thanks, Marian Keyes, for that analogy). I prefer winter fashions and winter food. I don't like being hot, or being woken up by birdsong at 5.00 in the morning when I know my alarm is not due to go off for another hour and a half. And, as mentioned, summer brings its own specific set of beauty bugbears, such as the ongoing attempt to keep excess body hair at bay. 

So since being a hermit for the summer months is not an option, how can we limit feeling and looking like hot sticky messes, knowing that we'll never look like those girls in catalogues who frolic flawlessly on beautiful beaches while sporting the latest fashions? Here's a few of my tips now, so that you can start investing before it gets too hot:

1. Get yourself a decent deodorant. Mitchum, plus those 48-hour ones, are generally reliable. Hit the pound shops for savings, or wait until other retailers have their own deals on.
2. Go for sleeveless tops. This will help to keep sweat patches to a minimum. If you must cover up later (to protect you from the sun, or to keep warm in the evening), go for a shawl, or for a shirt made from a sheer fabric so that sweat patches will be less visible or avoided completely.
3. Go for long-lasting makeup so that you can go all day without touching up, whether you're at a pool party, the beach, or work (ew). Especially recommended are 17 Tattoo Me liquid eyeliner, Benefit's Stay Don't Stray primer, and Clinique's BB cream.
4. Set with bronzer. Helps with making your makeup last longer, and can be used all over your body to give a sun-kissed glow from day one. I like Agnes B's offerings, but other more experienced bronzer aficionados will undoubtedly be able to offer more suggestions that are more readily available.
5. Buff your body. Exfoliators will get rid of impurities, such as sweat, that may be sitting on the top layer of the skin just waiting to clog pores. Plus, it creates a smoother base for makeup and body lotions, prevents ingrown hairs, and makes waxing less painful. Those by Purity Organic and Lush are good value.
6. Moisturise. This not only (like exfoliating) helps to create a smoother surface for makeup to cling to and improves conditions for waxing, but also helps prevent sun damage - especially if you choose a moisturiser containing a sun protection factor. Try products by Neutrogena and Oxy for face, and products by Jergens and Astral for body.
7. Avoid heat styling. Hairdryers and straighteners are bad enough for your hair as it is, but the sun, sea and chlorine in the summer could make your hair even worse. So lay off the heat styling tools, and either towel dry your hair or leave it to dry naturally after washing. If you really can't resist, make sure you use heat defense sprays to offset some of the damage.
8. Go to the salon for a wax. While shaving is cheap and painless, and bleach can hide darker hair growth, these methods require repeated use, sometimes daily. Even though waxing means you might have to grit your teeth, it's worth it to know that you'll get through your beach holiday without the fuzz creeping up on you before you've had time to blink.
9. Get down to the gym, or out to your local park for a run, or to your nearest pool for a swim. There's a chance you'll look better by the summer if you do (at best) - and at worst, you'll feel better and will have used your time productively.
10. Protect your eyes. Use sunglasses, even if you're just on your way to work. You only get one set of eyes and squinting is never a good look. If you wear glasses regularly anyway, and like me you can't stand contacts, invest in a prescription pair.
11. Get a pedicure - feet are the hardest body parts to keep looking lovely. They're also better value than a manicure, as we do less with our feet and so the polish tends to stay on the nails longer. Better yet, to save cash, have a friend or family member do yours, and then return the favour!
12. Use sunscreen - sunburn is not a good look and skin cancer won't be either in years to come. My faves are lotions by Piz Buin and Vichy; shop online for the best deals.

Melvita Fresh Micellar Water

Our Southern France correspondent, Sarah Cross, reviews this product from quintessentially Ardèche brand Melvita.
 
RRP: £15

--What does the promo say?--
"This fresh and delicately perfumed 3-in-1 formula removes make-up, cleanses and tones, thanks to the action of micelles, which trap impurities. Enriched with wild rose petal extract (derived from roses that grow at high altitudes) and moisturizing rose floral water, the Fresh Micellar Water cleanses skin perfectly without any drying effect. Within moments, skin is soft, fresh and radiant. In a single, simple step, skin is free of make-up, perfectly clean and fresh!"

--Packaging--
The bottle is clear and slightly frosted, showing the level of micellar water as you use it. It has a white screw top lid. The bottle has the green MELVITA logo with the words ‘Eau Fraiche Micellaire’ in pretty pink (translated underneath into English) and, new for Melvita, a lovely scattered arrangement of photographs in varying sizes with some very attractive pictures of roses, wild and garden varieties, petals, bees collecting nectar etc. There is a pink line traced around the bottle towards the bottom, giving a very pretty ‘girly’ effect. It is a lovely addition to the array of lotions and potions women normally have on their bathroom shelves.

--Application--
Apply morning and evening to face and eyes in circular motion, using a cotton pad. No need to rinse.

--Scent--
If you like roses, and I do, then it is divine!

--Appearance--
A completely clear liquid.

--Effects on the skin--
It removes make-up very efficiently and smells lovely afterwards. Nice going to bed smelling of roses! I tend to use this only at night to remove make-up but the smell is a bit addictive, and I could see myself using it in the morning as well to simply freshen up the skin before putting moisturizer on.

--Value for money--
Seems to be lasting quite well so far. Can’t say yet how long a
bottle will last but I have been using it for at least two weeks non-stop and only a quarter of the liquid has been used. Would repurchase.

perfect partners
Argan Oil, £18
Hydrating Facial Gel, £25
Moisturising Rose Nectar, £25 

Green People Cooling Hydrating Mist

RRP: £13.99

--What does the promo say?--
"A cooling spritz for face and body. An instant hydration booster offering skin cooling relief. Keep in the fridge to use as a cooling mist on ‘sun-kissed’ skin in the summer. Instant hydration in a light mist, with a gentle toning effect. Soothes, refreshes and balances. Chill in the fridge or take travelling to 'cool as you go'. Also great for hot flushes (neck/décolletage)."

--Packaging--
A white and blue spray bottle that's perfect for all ages and genders. The cap pulls off easily whenever you need it, but stays on firmly when you don't.

--Application--
Spray onto face or body whenever needed. This is simple enough, but the force with which the spray is propelled out of the bottle means that obviously you shouldn't be aiming directly at your eyes. Make sure also that you remove your glasses or sunglasses, as even though the force of the spray is strong, it's not that targeted, so you will get some splashback on your lenses even if you are careful.

--Appearance--
A completely clear liquid.

--Scent--
Unfortunately, I found the blend to be unbalanced, and even though I like the scent of orange flower water (and the taste! It's great for baking :) ), in this spray it was far too overpowering, with the other scents not getting a look-in.

--Texture and consistency--
Completely non-sticky and non-greasy. A great formula to refresh and revive.

--Effects on the skin--
Quite refreshing when sprayed on, but if the force of the spray was not so strong this effect would be heightened. Even more refreshing if kept in the fridge! Non-irritating.

--Value for money--
The retail price of £13.99 was a little more expensive than I had anticipated (luckily mine was sent through for free by Green People). However, a little research reveals that this is in line with other brands that are of similar esteem, including Bath and Body Works and Pure Fiji. Plus, when you consider the high quality of the ingredients (organic essential oils don't come cheap) and the product's general versatility (perfect after a day in the summer sun or a winter morning at the gym), it seems more and more reasonable. It all just comes down to whether the scent is for you - perhaps Green People should consider making a range of different scents? Nonetheless, theoretically a good standby all year round.

perfect partners
Hydrating After Sun, £12.95
Sun Lotion SPF15 with Tan Accelerator, £17.95

Creme de la Mer Oil Absorbing Tonic

RRP: £55 for 200ml

--What does the promo say?--
"The Oil Absorbing Tonic is the vital transition between cleansing and treatment. Infused with Colloidal Mineral Water, the topical benefits of this soothing tonic are readily apparent. Creme de la Mer's exclusive Deconstructed Waters™ within the tonic revitalize and enliven the skin with no signs of dehydration. Anti-irritants delivered through these negatively charged waters soothe and tone the skin, preparing it to readily receive the maximum benefits of skincare to follow. The Oil Absorbing Tonic, formulated for oily or problem skins, is infused with algae extracts to significantly reduce excess sebum that can lead to adult breakouts."

--Packaging--
A translucent turquoise bottle that's topped with a plastic turquoise screw cap. Gently complemented by the pale coral logo, it keeps information to a minimum. The bottle's translucency means you can always see how much is left, which is nice, and the colour scheme ties in well with the brand theme of "la mer".

--Application--
The Creme de la Mer website says that you should "shake gently to activate tonic. After cleansing, moisten a cotton pad and gently apply all over face and neck, dabbing in a gentle press and release motion. Repeat until cotton pad comes away clean." Nothing tricky about this.

--Appearance--
Even though the bottle makes the toner seem blue, it doesn't come out blue on the cotton pad, so must be clear. No visible residue is left on the skin.

--Scent--
Smells like it has a high alcohol content. However, it does smell refreshing and this is also reflected in how it feels on your skin on application.

--Texture and consistency--
Even though there is a definite sediment in the bottle before shaking, the toner does not feel grainy in any way, and as stated, feels refreshing. 

--Effects on the skin--
Lamentably, I saw no real improvement in my skin as a result of using this product, despite the fact that oiliness was reduced slightly. However, the skin was not irritated in any way and I didn't experience any extra breakouts.

--Value for money--
I bought this toner in the US, where you can pay significantly less depending on the exchange rate (it's $65, which today comes to around £43). However, I expect far better results from a product in this price bracket and would point you to Clinique's anti-blemish solutions toner for a better result and a less ouchy moment at the till.

perfect partners
The Radiant Serum, £450
The Eye Concentrate, £125
Crème de la Mer Moisturising Cream, £100

Benefit Stay Don't Stray Primer

RRP: £19.50
# of shades available: 2

--What does the promo say?--
"This dual-action power primer works 360 degrees around the eyes to make concealers AND eyeshadows STAY PUT. Concealers don't crease, eyeshadows stay vibrant & true. Sodium hyaluronate hydrates while Vitamins C & E help fight signs of aging."

--Packaging--
The neutral and black colour scheme reflects the product purpose while remaining edgy. Product info is minimal while the image of the closed eye triumphs. The light/medium shade is a pump-action bottle while, interestingly, the medium/deep shade has a wand applicator.

--Application--
If you have the light/medium shade, pump out a very small amount (about the size of a pinhead. Be careful not to waste any - you do not need to push all the way down!) and dab this on your eyelids and under your eyes. If you have the medium/deep shade you can get straight to the dabbing before rubbing in. Probably easier with the wand than with the pump action if you want to reduce wastage.

--Appearance--
A skin-coloured, slightly lumpy (but not gritty) cream. For me, the light/medium shade works well, but with only 2 shades available, I suspect that many people would not find a shade to suit them.

--Texture and consistency--
Quite thick, but blends well onto the skin with whatever concealer, foundation and/or powder you're using. No irritation was experienced while using this product.

--Longevity--
Stays put as promised, ensuring that eyeshadows etc do too. No creasing, no caking, no fuss. BRAVA.

--Value for money--
At £19.50, it seems a little steep, but is a high-quality product that delivers on what it promises. My only complaint would be that for this money, they NEED to offer more than two shades. Definitely pop into a shop first and see if either of the shades are right for you before splashing out (whether in store or online).

perfect partners
It's Potent! Eye Cream, £23.50
Big Beautiful Eyes, £24.50
Erase Paste, £19.50
BADGal Waterproof Liner, £14  

Nail Bar Review: Hollywood Nails, Maidenhead

I love getting my nails done (is there any girl that doesn't?) but this hardly ever happens for a few reasons. Number one: the expense. This is a common problem in many establishments, and one of the reasons I practically never get my nails done at the beauty salon where I'm actually a member, where even at the members' rate, a manicure and pedicure would set me back nearly €50 a time. Secondly, there's the pain. I've also tried another chain that's close to where I live, and the girls that work there are so rough with you that it makes me wince just thinking of it. Definitely not what you want when you're paying for something that's supposed to relax you and make you feel beautiful! Finally, on a more frivolous note, there's the fact that my nail colour never seems to last. I know this is down to me and my bad habit of basically being orally fixated and constantly having my fingers in my mouth - but if it isn't going to last, I may as well not bother paying for it.

However, at Hollywood Nails, which is a salon round the corner from my parents' home in Maidenhead, Berkshire, those first two problems are definitely eliminated. There you can have a manicure and pedicure for £35, which at today's exchange rate comes to €40 - a good saving compared to the €50 I would normally have to pay for the same. Obviously the amount you save depends on the exchange rate, but I find it good value primarily for the second reason I mentioned above. The treatments are always so gentle, yet effective: not a single suck-your-teeth-in moment to be had. You also get to sit in their massage chair and read trashy magazines while they turn your lizard feet into perfect paws, so it's a relaxing experience in more ways than one.

There are also other reasons I choose this salon. Staff are friendly and discreet as well as being professional, and they also offer a range of other services that I'm yet to try, such as their maxi facial (also £35). The array of nail colours available for manicure and pedicure is mind-boggling (well over 200) and the addition of colour is included in the price of the treatment (which it isn't at my usual salon), which makes a huge difference psychologically. The salon itself is also within walking distance of my parents' home, which is practical, and they offer discount coupons via their website, as well as a loyalty scheme. Such friendly and good-value service is rare in France, so I'm always happy to visit whenever I'm in the UK. Now, if I could just keep my fingers out of my mouth...!

http://www.myhollywoodnails.com/
9 Queen Street, Maidenhead SL6 1NB

Green People Scent-Free Soft Lips SPF8

RRP: £4.95

--What does the promo say?--
"A natural lip balm which keeps your lips soft and protected. Conditions and protects, giving a natural sheen. Excellent for dry, sore and chapped lips. Gives SPF8 UV protection. ‘Scent Free' formulation ideal for sensitive lips (very mild taste from natural plant oils used as the product base). Contains organic coconut, cupuaçu, vitamin E, and berry wax. Green People Scent Free Soft Lips SPF8 is made without artificial perfumes, alcohol (ethyl alcohol, ethanol), parabens, petrochemicals, colourants, lanolin and phthalates to bring you the purest lip salve that nature can offer. 65% certified organic ingredients. Suitable for vegetarians and vegans."

 --Packaging--
A small white plastic tube that'll fit right in even the smallest pocket. The orange band is distinctive and cheerful and the screw-top lid proves secure and hygienic.

--Application--
The website advises applying a small amount of Scent Free Soft Lips only, and it's true that you'll only need a pea-sized amount. You also can apply from the tube to your lips directly, with no need to go via your fingers. Wear alone, or over lipstick for a subtle gloss effect.

--Appearance--
An opaque cream-coloured gel, which turns into an attractive sheen on the lips.

--Scent--
As promised, it's completely scent-free. They warn that a mild taste is possible, but I couldn't detect it.

--Texture and consistency--
While it appears slightly thick and lumpy, it still comes out of the tube easily without control being lost or product being wasted. On the lips, it's completely smooth and without stickiness. Definitely the love child of gloss and balm; Green People should definitely make colour versions!

--Effects on the skin--
Moisturises lips, protects from cold winds and sunshine, and is definitely scent-free. Top stuff.

--Value for money--
At £4.95, it's not the cheapest balm out there, but it's probably the cheapest it can be given the high quality of the ingredients and the brand's ethical credentials. The price means it's also competing with brands such as Burt's Bees, Avene, and Cowshed, meaning it's appropriately valued at worst and excellent value at best. Would recommend.

perfect partners
Neutral Scent-Free 24 Hour Cream, £14.95
Scent-Free Sun Lotion SPF25

Dove Purely Pampering Shea Butter and Warm Vanilla Body Cream

RRP: £4.99

--What does the promo say?--
"The classic Dove Purely Pampering Shea Butter & Warm Vanilla bursts with creamy floral notes, blended harmoniously with warm vanilla, sandalwood and white musk, embracing the senses with pure elegance."

--Packaging--
An enormous tub with a screw-top lid that looks like it will last ages. Beautifully decorated with images evoking the shea butter and vanilla theme without being overloaded.

--Application--
Scoop some cream into the palm of your hand and rub between both hands to warm up before rubbing into clean dry skin. No problems here.

--Appearance--
A stiff white cream which soon melts into something more emollient when rubbed together in the palms. Leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--
As with the other products with this scent in the Dove Purely Pampering range, the shea butter is more prominent than the vanilla in this. I was hoping that Dove would capitalise on the warm vanilla aspect more with the addition of exotic spices such as cardamom, but hey - you can't have it all.

--Texture and consistency--
In spite of the cream's thickness, it rubs into skin really well and absorbs quickly. Doesn't weigh too heavily on the skin at all or clog pores.

--Effects on the skin--
Highly moisturising, but no more so than the body lotions in the Purely Pampering range.

--Value for money--
While this is a pleasant product, and it does work effectively, it's not much larger than the brand's body lotion counterparts, is not available in enough scents, and does not differentiate enough in terms of efficacy to be worth the extra cash.    

perfect partners

Dove Purely Pampering Nourishing Body Lotion, £3.99

Dove Purely Pampering Body Wash, £2.40

Dove Purely Pampering Nourishing Hand Cream, £3.49

Dove Purely Pampering Beauty Cream Hand Wash, £1.49

Dove Purely Pampering Beauty Bar, £1.59

Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24h Foundation

 RRP: £27.50
Number of shades available: 18

--What does the promo say?--
"Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H Foundation. Lancôme`s Teint Idole Ultra 24H offers long-wear and comfort more than any other foundation. Following 8 years of research, Lancôme unveils its first 24h wear foundation for lasting perfection. For all skin types, it offers full coverage while continuing to hydrate. Teint Idole Ultra 24H remains retouch-free, providing a flawless looking, even complexion with a velvety-smooth, shine-free finish."

--Packaging--
An opaque glass bottle which gives a classy finish, making you feel that already you've got what you paid for. This is complemented by raised dark writing which doesn't fade from the bottle, and a tough black plastic lid that's topped off with the signature Lancome flower. The bottle is pump-action operated.

--Application--
One pump of the bottle will do your whole face with the 5p-size amount it dispenses. A little goes a very long way and your face will be camera-ready in no time.

--Appearance--
I use the palest colour available, and it works brilliantly for me. To be honest, the sheer range of shades available as you start to pay more is the main reason why I advise people to scale up and invest in their choice of base, regardless of what brand they choose. People simply get fed up with only having choices of 2-4 shades at the cheaper end of the market, and by offering a wide selection, Lancome ensures that it will keep its customers whose skin tones can prove trickier to match at times.

--Coverage--
Excellent. Despite being advertised as full coverage, it doesn't weigh heavily on the skin at all, and it lasts and lasts, generally covering blemishes very well while providing a natural finish that doesn't look caked on. It was my choice for my wedding day and it left me with no regrets. 

--Texture and consistency--
Glides on smoothly, is not sticky or overly runny, and does not irritate. A top product in every respect.

--Value for money--
While the price tag may make you initially suck your teeth in, my bottle has lasted me well over a year, even with near-continuous use. This longevity along with the photo-ready finish that the product provides is what makes it worthy of repurchase.

perfect partners
Teint Idole Silky Matte, £26
Teint Idole Ultra Compact, £34 

Dove Purely Pampering Body Wash

RRP: £2.40
Number of varieties: 3 (shea butter/vanilla; coconut/jasmine; hibiscus/almond)

--What does the promo say?--
"A shower experience that nourishes and pampers. Dove Shea Butter with Warm Vanilla body wash blended with NutriumMoisture™ creates a gentle cloud of creamy lather that will leave you and your skin feeling restored and nourished. The warm scent fills the shower enveloping you with care, allowing you to feel balanced and renewed. Caring for yourself never felt so good."

--Packaging--
The body wash bottle has a lovely curved shape, and is just the right size to prevent you from dropping it in the shower. It tapers at the top to a tiny flip-top lid that is the same colour as the label, avoiding confusion in the shop or shower when you make a last-minute grab for the one you want from the range (there are 3).

--Application--
Lather up under the shower, luxuriate for as long as you like, and then rinse off. Classic.

--Appearance--
A white, slightly foamy yet still substantial cream wash. Leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--
There are three varieties of this available, but I have just tested one (the shea butter and warm vanilla version). It definitely delivers on the shea butter hit; less so on the vanilla front.

--Texture and consistency--
Lathers up really well, and stays on the skin for as long as you want it to. Rinses off easily when it's time to.

--Effects on the skin--
Seems to deliver skin smoothness as promised, although I used this in conjunction with its accompanying body lotion and body cream, so it's difficult to say exactly where this effect comes from.

--Value for money--
At £2.40, this is on a par price-wise with brands such as Nivea, Johnson and Johnson, and Palmolive. Offering a luxurious experience at a generous price, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

perfect partners

Dove Purely Pampering Nourishing Body Lotion, £3.99

Dove Purely Pampering Body Cream, £4.99

Dove Purely Pampering Nourishing Hand Cream, £3.49

Dove Purely Pampering Beauty Cream Hand Wash, £1.49

Dove Purely Pampering Beauty Bar, £1.59

Chapstick Lipsations Shimmer

 
RRP: £1.99
Number of varieties: 2 (Berry and Tropical)

--What does the promo say?--

"Add a bit of glamour to your lip care as the sun starts to shine, with new ChapStick® Lipsations Shimmer. This fabulous new duo offers the perfect combination of moisture, softness and protection with a beautiful pearlescent shine.

Perfect for making lips irresistibly kissable, the smooth formulation gives a subtle highlight with fine shimmer particles.  Available in two tempting flavours, Berry and Tropical, these glamorous new additions to the ChapStick range are a perfect pick to add a touch of sparkle, while 10 different moisturisers help to keep lips soft and looking healthy.

ChapStick Lipsations Shimmer has a special formulation to:

·         Give lips a radiant shine

·         Provide a subtle accent to ensure lips look beautiful and healthy

·         Maintain moisture balance to keep lips protected and soft

Why not also try using ChapStick Lipsations Shimmer as a top coat to your lipstick to give it that extra special shine and radiance? Perfect for taking your look from day to night!"

--Packaging--
A compact tube whose colour immediately shows you the flavour you've chosen (red for berry, orange for tropical). The lid stays on securely, yet pulls off easily when you want to use it. There is a screw wheel at the bottom of the tube to push more lip balm up when needed, and this is easy to use, working immediately (no sitting there endlessly and fruitlessly twisting the wheel for us!).

--Application--
Sweep over lips whenever more protection is needed. Can be used alone, or as a top coat to lipstick as suggested by Chapstick for extra shimmer. You could do the latter, but you may find the Chapstick gets messy if you do it often.

--Appearance--
On the lips, the berry version appears a very natural colour with a hint of shimmer. The tropical version is a nude/clear shade.

--Scent--
The red berry version is definitely faithful to the product concept, and tastes like it on the lips as well (in addition to being slightly sugary). This applies equally to the tropical variant, which smells and tastes primarily of pineapple and secondarily of coconut. (The kiwi featured on the packaging with these two fruits does not really figure, however.)

--Texture and consistency--
Smooth and soft; not a hint of stickiness. 

--Effects on the lips--
Provides an effective barrier against sun and wind. No complaints here.

--Value for money--
At a mere £1.99, this definitely counts as an affordable luxury. Even though I was sent these for free by the lovely folks at Chapstick, I would without doubt purchase these myself and recommend them to others.