Boots Botanics Radiant Youth Super Serum

RRP: £6.66/30ml

--What does the promo say?--

"This intensive serum is scientifically proven to boost luminosity in just 2 weeks. It contains the highest levels of our unique anti-ageing complex, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Innovative plant stem cell technology contains radiance-boosting active flavonoids and acts as a beauty guard for youth by supporting skin's own defences against visible ageing. Ginkgo is one of nature's most trusted protectors. Environmental stresses can cause free radicals that degrade collagen and elastin, which give skin its youthful structure. Ginkgo leaves are packed with antioxidants that work to protect from this damage, helping skin look younger for longer. Our beauty scientists use active plant extracts approved by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, to bring you beautiful skincare that's proven to work."

--Packaging--

The white and purple colour scheme is unusual but works well. This serum comes in a pump which is very good at dispensing product in a controlled manner. The tube is also very slender and graceful, making it a sleek addition to any bathroom. The only thing lacking, perhaps, is a transparent strip across the back so that you can see when you are running low on the serum.

--Application--

Boots recommends that you apply the serum every morning and evening before moisturising, taking care to use upward movements. This is standard advice for serum and moisturiser application, so it should be easy to incorporate into your current routine.

--Appearance--

An off-white (perhaps slightly orange) serum which verges on translucence. This is absorbed into skin invisibly.

--Scent--

The serum has a sweet, fruity smell that isn't too sugary. It's possible that this comes from the sweet almond oil or the southern cone marigold used in the product, but is also likely enhanced by the extra fragrance used.

--Texture and consistency--

This rubs into skin easily and doesn't feel heavy or sticky, even once moisturiser is added as a second layer. Light and luxurious.

--Effects on the skin--

I did notice a small increase in radiance and calmness during my 2-week trial of this product. However, as I suspect I am not really in the target audience for an anti-ageing range at the age of 26, I have passed this on to another tester who is perhaps closer to the target age range to see if different results are noted.

--Value for money--

At under £7 this is a surprisingly affordable price tag for what seems to me to be a high-quality product. I would therefore recommend it to others, but also be interested in trying the Botanics range for oily skin to see if the product quality proves consistent across the brand.

perfect partners

Radiant Youth Microdermabrasion Polish, £5.33

Radiant Youth Protecting Day Cream SPF15, £5.33

Radiant Youth Replenishing Night Cream, £5.33

Radiant Youth Hydrating Eye Cream, £5.99

Clay and Herbs Purifying Acne Masque

RRP: £15.70 for 50ml; £32.50 for 100ml; £29.50 for a 110ml refill

--What does the promo say?--

"A therapeutic blend of highly absorbent and detoxifying clays, zeolite mineral, healing herbs and essential oils to deeply cleanse blemished skin."

--Packaging--

Definitely utilitarian and functional rather than glamorous or glitzy, the white and clear plastic pot is adorned with a simple black and white printed label detailing the ingredients and application instructions. No advertising to be found here, or cheap tricks to lure in buyers; in fact, this proves rather refreshing. You will need a second pot into which to decant your powder and mix it with water, though; it won't last well if the whole lot is mixed at once in the pot the powder comes in.

--Application--

Mix a small amount of the powder with water or toner to create a paste-like consistency. Spread over a clean dry face, leave to dry and then rinse off with a damp flannel. Follow with moisturiser.

--Appearance--

The greyish-brown powder turns greener when mixed with liquid. When wet, it is dark green, but it dries on the face to a paler green. This doesn't leave any visible residue when washed off.

--Scent--

A lemon and seaweed type smell gives the impression of this being a clean, natural, efficient and unisex product.

--Texture and consistency--

The powder is smooth and sandy rather than grainy, although grains become more obvious once the powder is mixed with liquid. On the skin it feels soothing and non-irritating.

--Effects on the skin--

Skin is immediately calmer and less red once the mask has been removed. Blemishes visibly begin to clear up much more quickly and do not recur so easily. Wunderbar!!

--Value for money--

While £15.70 for 50ml seems pricey, very little is needed at once for your whole face (maybe 1-2 teaspoons) and the product is extremely effective. Easily competes with and often exceeds the performance of others in its price category - which includes brands such as Dermalogica and Clinique. Although I was sent the product for free on this occasion, I would definitely spend my own cash on it in future.

perfect partners

Peppermint Pumice Hand and Foot Scrub, from £35

Gentle Facial Scrub, from £26.70

Exfoliating Body Scrub, from £36.70

Purchase from www.greenleavesherbalhealth.co.uk