Spa Technologies SPF45 Tinted Moisturiser

RRP: £35

--What does the promo say?--
"This silky-smooth Tinted Moisturiser protects delicate skin with fortified Antioxidants and reflects the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays with an SPF of 45. It is formulated with the added benefit of Mineral Makeup creating a flawless base and even skin tone."

--Packaging--
This convenient pump-action bottle is decorated with a double band of metallic blue, which helps to give the brand a clear identity. Blue is also an unusual packaging colour in the world of foundation and the glass bottle means that you can always see how much you have left - a definite bonus.

--Application--
After washing your face, apply over primer to commence your makeup routine. Add concealer and powder as necessary to complete your base before proceeding to other makeup.

--Appearance--
Is pale upon emerging from the bottle, but on the face provides no coverage whatsoever.

--Scent--
The cucumber extract comes through strongly, which is unusual and not at all unpleasant.

--Texture and consistency--
Smooth and creamy without weighing the skin down. It also doesn't add white streaks to your face like conventional sunscreen. In that respect it's the best sunscreen I've ever used, whether commercial or natural - it's like using a luxurious face cream rather than the traditional, medicinal 'creaming up' process before going into the sun.

--Effects on the skin--
Given the raft of natural antioxidant and sun-protecting ingredients present in this cream, I have no doubt that you could expect anti-ageing effects over time and that you would avoid sun damage as well. However, as a tinted moisturiser it does not fulfil the brief due to the non-existent coverage. However, I acknowledge that I have acneic skin, and so that this may not be suitable for my needs.

--Value for money--
If I were looking for a tinted moisturiser that offered me coverage as well as protection I would be sorely disappointed to pay £35 for this as it does not keep its promise of creating a "flawless base". However, it's the best sunscreen I've ever used - perfect for the delicate skin on the face, and natural too, with a beautiful consistency, that without doubt protects you from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Price-wise it competes well with other brands offering natural sunscreen such as BareMinerals, as well as luxury brands such as Obagi and Kiehl's. For this reason, I would definitely shell out my hard-earned for it.

perfect partners
Spot Mask Treatment, £35
Restore Kit, £80

Refresh Peptide + Intense Eye Recovery Serum

RRP:£48.50

--What does the promo say?--

"• CLINICALLY PROVEN to really work. Studies show after 8 weeks a 42% improvement in skin texture, 35% reduction in dark circles, and a 31% reduction in puffiness around the eyes. As well, tissue samples show a 200% increase in fibroblasts (collagen-producing cells) and significantly improved capillary circulation

• AIRLESS PUMP Precision applicator maximizes eye serum effectiveness – product stays sealed, extending product lifetime, eliminating waste or spills

• REDUCES INFLAMMATION and UV DAMAGE

• SAFE FOR ALL SKIN TYPES Non-irritating, fragrance-free gentle cooling eye treatment contains no artificial colors, parabans, sulfates, alcohol, or preservatives

• THIS EYE SERUM is Vegan, Cruelty-free, 100% natural botanical extracts"

--Packaging--

The syringe-style packaging is very evocative of plastic surgery, which won't appeal to everyone. Even though to a degree it allows for efficient application, with little wastage, I'd still say it dispenses more than needed, so there's definitely room for it to be even more precise (one pump yields enough not just for the eyes but for lines on the forehead and around the lips too).

--Application--

As mentioned above, just one pump of the syringe is all it takes. Dispense the product onto your ring finger and then massage around the eye area.

--Appearance--

A translucent gel that is a slightly dark but still natural green/yellow/brown colour, evocative of the seaweed it contains, which doesn't make it offputting. It also leaves no visible residue.

--Scent--

None at all, despite the seaweed.

--Texture and consistency--

A thin gel that holds its shape and is not too runny, while still not being at all sticky. It is very easy to blend in and leaves no feeling of dryness, stickiness, tautness or tugging once fully absorbed.

--Effects on the skin--

The results promised on the website are for 8 weeks' usage, but after even less than that, I can confidently report increased brightness and a smoother appearance of the skin around the eye area.

--Value for money--

While £48.50 may just make your wallet cry, this product could turn out to be very good value - not just for its efficacy, but also for its precise dispensation system: I've been using mine for weeks and barely made a dent in it yet. This pricing is also on a par with other leading premium brands: Lancôme, Dr Brandt, Origins, YSL and Strivectin all charge similar amounts for their eye serums. So despite a few minor shortcomings, this product does indeed come highly recommended, and I'll definitely be checking out the brand's products for acneic skin, too. 

perfect partners

Reveal Pre-Peel Pore Rose Glow Cleanser, £22.50

Lactic Acid 10% Gel Peel? £29.50

Restore Hyaluronic Moisturising Cream, £24.95

Radox Creamy Shower Wash

RRP: £2.15

--What does the promo say?--
"Want to transform body and mind? Look no further than the new Radox Creamy range, there to put you in the mood no matter how you want to feel. Bursting with fresh fragrances to transform your mood, try one of the new creamy variants."

--Packaging--
The ergonomic shape, and downward-facing flip-top lid, are all practical for daily shower use, even with slippery hands. The white bottle is also nicely contrasted by the bright, eye-catching colours, which also nicely reflect the fragrance in question.

--Application--
Squeeze a 50p-sized amount into your palm and lather up. Smooth over skin before rinsing. Simple :)

--Appearance--
In all cases, the lotion is white and possibly slightly translucent before foaming into a rich creamy lather. This is easy to rinse off when you want to, and leaves no visible residue.

--Scent--
All of the four available scents are distinct and generally deliver on the promises made. My favourites were the romantic (orchid and blueberry) and pampered (shea and ginger), while another BBB tester spoke highly of the calm fragrance (jojoba and camomile). The rejuvenating fragrance, ironically, was a little more lacklustre, smelling more of peach than anything else. Even though the orange oil was detectable, it could have come through more strongly. Nonetheless, all would help to intensify the emotions on their bottles. I always feel pampered when taking a bath at my parents' place (no bath in my teeny flat!), so I would love for that to be available in bubble bath and body butter versions too. The rejuvenating one would be great for the mornings (although I'm a morning person anyway!), and the calming one for the evenings. I'd be happy to use the romantic one whenever I wanted to catch my husband's eye: it's a lovely rich fragrance that isn't too heavy, and one which would hopefully cast his mind back to when we first met (in Paris - only reputed to be the most romantic city on earth!), echoing the sweetness of the Sauternes wine that we drank on our first night together. Sadly I can't remember what perfume I wore...

--Texture and consistency--
 As mentioned, lovely and creamy, and lathers up well. Stays on the skin for as long as you like, but rinses off easily when needed.

--Effects on the skin--
Genuinely seems to moisturise the skin deeply and in a long-lasting way. Very impressive.

--Value for money--
At £2.15 a bottle, it's definitely affordable, and there should definitely be a scent to suit everyone here. Would recommend.