Trilogy Blemish Control Gel

RRP: £12.50 for 20ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Salicylic acid effectively targets and decongests pimples. Antibacterial lemongrass and mandarin help control breakouts, ginger reduces inflammation and rosehip aids repair."

--Packaging--
This slim squeezy tube is distinguished by its dark pink stripe and silvery lid, offering a contrast to the discreet whiteness of the rest. The whole ensemble therefore looks sophisticated and adult, unlike anti-blemish brands aimed at teens, which can look garish. Acne sufferers in their 20s and 30s can therefore tackle their spots without being afraid to display the products in their bathrooms.

--Application--
Trilogy says you can apply this directly onto specific blemished three times a day if you like, and even with mixing it with moisturiser and applying it to the whole face twice a day does not seem to irritate or dry the skin, so I'd say feel free to go with either of these methods.

--Appearance--
A pale yellow gel with an almost golden appearance, which fades invisibly into skin.

--Scent--
Nothing discernible, despite what you'd expect to be a highly pungent ingredients list (which includes ginger, mandarin, lemongrass, and others).

--Texture and consistency--
Unlike some anti-blemish gels, which can be sticky, this sinks in smoothly, whether used alone or mixed into moisturiser.

--Effects on the skin--
I saw a positive improvement without drying out the skin, with the number of whiteheads definitely decreasing. However, I saw little effect on the number of blackheads, so I'd definitely consider resorting to Trilogy's exfoliant for this skin type to combat this problem.

--Value for money--
Although my tube began to run out more quickly than I'd have liked, this was perhaps to be expected when you're using the product over your whole face and not just individual blemishes. Plus, as I was sent mine for free by Trilogy's lovely PR, it was an excellent experiment that resulted in me feeling that I would a) recommend this product to others and b) purchase it for myself in future. Doesn't always happen, that :)

perfect partners
Balancing Gel Cleanser, £22.50
Gentle Facial Exfoliant, £21.50
Mineral Radiance Mask, £19.50
Balancing Face Lotion, £26.50

Dr Organic Aloe Vera Wet Wipes

 RRP: £2.89 for 20 wipes

--What does the promo say?--
"A convenient way to remove make up, freshen up and maintain healthy skin. This 2 in 1 cleansing wipe combines the soothing properties of aloe vera in a refreshing wipe."

--Packaging--
The green and white colour scheme is bold and refreshing if unoriginal; it nonetheless also accurately reflects the ingredients used in the product. The sticky-back plastic window, which you peel back from the top of the pack to access the wipes, opens and closes easily and keeps the wipes fresh. In addition, the small pack size (20 wipes) means that this little bundle slips easily into handbags or hand baggage without being at all cumbersome.

--Application--
Wipe over the whole face, either to remove makeup, or to simply cleanse the face. Easy as.

--Appearance--
The white wipes are saturated with invisible cleansing lotion that leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--
Natural aloe vera smell as promised; nothing chemical, clinical or harsh about this.

--Texture--
The wipes are rough enough to cleanse well and smooth enough to remain gentle; however, I'd say that as holes appear in the wipes while you are using them, they are perhaps of slightly less high quality than others on the market (in this respect I preferred the Australian Bodycare wipes that I tested recently).

--Effects on the skin--
Skin feels cleansed, smoothed, soothed, and refreshed. Perfect for travel, summer, or just those nights when you CBA to wash your face properly.

--Longevity--
While one wipe will remove your makeup without trace and cleanse your face too, the pack still seems to run out rather quickly. Still, with 20 wipes in a pack, it'll happily do you for a long weekend or even a full week's break.

--Value for money--
These are inexpensive, cleanse and remove makeup well, and give you peace of mind thanks to the organic ingredients. Don't expect durability or for a pack to cover your whole summer holiday, though! Nevertheless, once my free pack runs out (thanks, Dr Organic PR!), I would consider repurchasing.

perfect partners
Aloe Vera Deodorant, £5.49
Aloe Vera Gel, £5.39
Aloe Vera Body Wash, £5.39
Aloe Vera Hand Wash, £5.19
Aloe Vera Lip Balm, £3.49
Aloe Vera Soap, £2.99
Aloe Vera Skin Lotion, £6.59
Aloe Vera Body Butter, £9.29
Aloe Vera Shampoo, £5.49
Aloe Vera Conditioner, £5.49
Aloe Vera Eye Gel, £9.29
Aloe Vera Travel Pack, £15

Laura Mercier Oil Free Primer

RRP: £29

--What does the promo say?--
"Prep your skin for a flawless makeup application and keep oil at bay by using this multi-talented primer. Specially created for oily, sensitive and acne-prone skin types, this lightweight formula primes skin perfectly to help you spread makeup on evenly and effortlessly."

--Packaging--
The sleek, shiny, skin-coloured tube is sophisticated and the screw-top lid is practical too.

--Application--
Apply to clean, moisturised skin prior to other face makeup (concealer, powder, foundation). 

--Appearance--
Looks like a moisturiser thanks to its white, lotion-like look which fades invisibly into skin.

--Scent--
Clean and slightly soap-like without being industrial or overbearing.

--Texture and consistency--
The moisturiser comparison continues into this category thanks to its smoothness. It's non-sticky and absorbs quickly without being claggy or bitty.

--Effects on the skin--
As well as mattifying the skin (meaning your face won't feel like an oil slick this summer...WIN) and helping makeup to stay put, it also seems to moderate blemishes a bit and minimise dry bits too. One of the best primers I've used.

--Value for money--
Even though this is a high-quality, effective product, one tube runs out a little too quickly for my liking. I'd recommend buying this in America or online, just to make sure you get the best possible deal.

perfect partners
Oil Free Supreme Foundation, £34
High Coverage Concealer, £23
Smooth Focus Pressed Setting Powder Shine Control, £26
Flawless Skin Regimen, £85
Foundation Primer Oil-Free Travel Size, £19

Rimmel Match Perfection Concealer

 RRP: £5.99
# of available shades: 3

--What does the promo say?--
"Skin tone adapting concealer. Conceal signs of fatigue. Highlight and illuminate eye area. Soft precision brush for the delicate under-eye area."

--Packaging--
A slender tube that really pops out on the shelf thanks to its summery blue and beige (sea and sand!) colour scheme. The application brush is also a helpful addition that mirrors higher-end brands, such as Yves St Laurent.

--Application--
Gently squeeze the tube until the product appears at the end of the application brush. Brush the product onto the skin, and then blend in with the tips of your fingers.

--Appearance--
Simultaneously matte, radiant, and providing excellent coverage. The ivory shade was also perfect for my skin tone (even though I think it's pathetic to only supply three shades). WIN.

--Texture and consistency--
Smooth and blendable. 

--Longevity--
Lasts well even without face powder to finish off.

--Value for money--
The retail price is already extremely reasonable and if you shop around the discount stores it can even be found cheaper. While an availability of three shades is arguably insufficient, if you can find one to suit you it is a great deal, thanks to the product's longevity, blendability, coverage and radiance. Proves that cheap can definitely be cheerful! Would doubtlessly repurchase.

perfect partners
Match Perfection Foundation, £6.99
Match Perfection Bronzer, £5.99
Match Perfection Compact Powder, £7.49
Stay Blushed!, £4.49
Stay Matte Primer, £5.99

Glo Minerals Bronze

 RRP: £31.50
# of shades available: 2 
available from:  www.glo-minerals.com

--What does the promo say?--
"glo-minerals Bronze provides a golden colour for an even and buildable sun-kissed look.  Dust on lightly to add colour or to contour the face and body. Developed utilizing natural, high-pigment minerals to deliver a range of flattering, fashionable colors that looks good on all skin types. Also formulated with an exclusive blend antioxidants including Vitamins A, C, E and Green Tea Extract to provide nutrients that are vital to maintaining skin’s healthy radiance."

--Packaging--
Sleek, practical, and generously-sized, this provides nearly everything a girl could want this summer. Some might prefer a portable sponge or brush in a compartment below, but this is purely incidental.

--Application--
Sweep over face and neck in place of face powder, or use just on cheeks to replace blusher. Easy to build up gradually according to your skin tone and the look that you want.

--Appearance--
The monotone version of the bronzer (named Sunlight), which I was sent by Glo Minerals' PR, does just what it says on the tin: provides a natural, sunkissed-looking glow to even the palest of girls.

--Texture and consistency--
Light, powdery, and apparently non-comedogenic. As mentioned before, easily buildable.

--Effects on the skin--
Over time, the antioxidant effects would have anti-ageing results. Vitamin A has benefits for blemish-prone skin, and vitamin E's moisturising qualities are well-documented.

--Value for money--
While I perhaps wasn't expecting this to cost £31.50, there's no denying that this is a flattering product that will deliver on radiance and quality. Would recommend.

perfect partners
Pressed Base, £31.50
Blush, £14
Dust 24K, £30.50
Protective Liquid Foundation Matte II, £30.50