Beuti Beauty Sleep Elixir

RRP: £42 for 30ml

--What does the promo say?--
"With its 14 precious plant oils Beauty Sleep Elixir supports skin barrier function and plays a key role in fighting inflammation. Packed with anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients that counteract irritation and inflammation. Beauty Sleep Elixir can be worn under makeup in the evening and boosts skin tone, acting as an on the spot blemish treatment due to its anti-inflammatory powers and brightens the complexion for no makeup days. During precious beauty sleep, skin renews itself thanks to this product's super boost of vitamins, minerals and a complete omega hit of 3,5,6,7 and 9, letting you wake up to beautiful glowing skin. Softalia, from a sustainable plantation in Australia, counteracts inflammation and has unique activity on the skin due to its ximenynic acid content, helping hydration and reducing fine lines. Caribbean coral neutralizes the enzyme responsible for skin ageing, acne and sunburn and is one of the worlds most potent anti-inflammatory ingredients."

--Packaging--
The opaque glass bottle is perfect for a product of this type as it enables you to see exactly how much is left at all times, as well as letting the beautiful amber colour of the oil shine through. Equally, the minimalist product information on the bottle and the silvery band and lid contribute to a classy effect. The pump-action mechanism is practical and minimises waste.

--Application--
Massage into face, hands or body for use as a moisturiser. You can also use it to cleanse or remove makeup with by massaging over the face and then removing the oil immediately with a cotton pad.

--Appearance--
A golden orange oil that disappears invisibly into the skin, leaving no residue.

--Scent--
The woodier scents are dominant in this, so I'm guessing the sandalwood is largely at play here. However, a citrus element is also detectable thanks to the sea buckthorn: a hard berry reminiscent of orange and lemon.

--Texture and consistency--
A smooth, non-greasy oil which absorbs quickly into the skin.

--Effects on the skin--
Has deeply moisturising properties which work well on all areas of the body as well as the face. Perfect for these sunnier times of the year when skin may dry out from exposure to the sun, the sea, or chlorinated swimming pools.

--Value for money--
A little goes a very long way and the product is clearly composed of high quality ingredients (which, for what it's worth, are 98% organic and 100% natural). An excellent multi-purpose product for affordable luxury moisturisation.

Tesco Cucumber Facial Wipes

RRP: £1 for 25 wipes

--What does the promo say?--

"Tesco cleansing wipes facial have been enriched with soothing cucumber and aloe vera. They have been specially formulated to gently ease away make-up (including water-proof make-up), cleanse, tone and moisturise, without upsetting the skin’s delicate balance."

--Packaging--

The white and green colour scheme is clean and unisex, with the circles evoking the cucumber inclusion perfectly.

--Usage--

Sweep over face to either remove makeup or freshen up on the go. Alternatively, they could replace your usual cleanser - particularly useful if travelling on hand baggage only this summer and not wanting to encumber your suitcase with liquids.

--Appearance--

The wipes are white and leave no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--

The cucumber aspect is definitely there without being overpowering.

--Texture and consistency--

The wipes are sufficiently abrasive to remove makeup or excess oil without being abrasive. Equally, they are soft without being ineffectual.

--Effects on the skin--

Seems to cleanse well, getting rid of dirt accumulated throughout the day. However, for makeup you might need 2 wipes depending on how thick your foundation is, if you use primers or not, and so on. For me, 1 wipe was not always enough.

--Value for money--

While not perfect, at £1 per pack these are excellent value, refresh the face, and are perfect for travel.

perfect partners

Cucumber Facial Wash, £1.50

Cucumber Softening Daily Moisturiser, £1.00

Cucumber Toner, £1.50

BD Trade Secrets Dream Shimmer Highlighter

RRP: £7.99

--What does the promo say?--
"Add effortless shine to cheekbones, eyes and body with this stunning textured shimmer compact.  Delicately swirl across the skin to help enhance your features with a radiant sun kissed shimmer."

--Packaging--
The shimmer brick comes in a shiny gold-effect compact made of plastic, which closes securely using a click mechanism. Equally, the mirror is of a generous size.

--Application--
Sweep over face for a naturally sunkissed effect. Focus more on the cheeks for use as a blusher. Warning: a little goes a long way, so start sparingly and layer up!

--Appearance--
The brown shades dominate over the pink and white, but equally you can choose to dip your brush more in the pink shades depending on the effect you want. This is also why you should apply this sparingly if like me you are very pale and don't want to look like you've been Tangoed. Done correctly, however, the effect can be very natural-looking.

--Scent--
Nothing discernible.

--Texture and consistency--
Smooth and easy to blend.

--Longevity--
Perhaps needs touching up once during the day, but that's all. Generally lasts well.

--Value for money--
While the casing feels a bit cheap, and I personally would maybe prefer pinker tones to dominate, it's a decent bronzer/shimmer brick that stands up well to its main competitors this summer. Available now at Tesco!