Spa Technologies Flower Acid Peel

RRP: £25

--What does the promo say?--
"An anti-inflammatory concentrate of hibiscus flower and green tea acids fortified with salicylic acid for problem skin. Flower (Pyruvic) Acid peel comes in a soothing seaweed -based gel. Gradual exfoliation without irritation associated with alpha-hydroxy peels. Helps to decongest pores consistent with acne. Essential in treatment of rosacea. Allows basal cells to fully mature, strengthening the connective tissue matrix."

--Packaging--
The weight of the glass makes you feel like you're holding a higher-quality product in your hands, and the metallic banding is a thread that runs throughout the brand identity. The pump-action dispenser is convenient, and it's always nice to be able to see how much product you've got left at any given moment.

--Application--
It's recommended that you apply this at night, after cleansing, so that it has a few hours to work. You then wash your face in the morning as normal.

--Appearance--
A golden brown serum that leaves no visible residue on the face.

--Scent--
A really pleasant, naturally sweet, 'treacly' smell.

--Texture and consistency--
Neither too runny nor too sticky; however, I would definitely stick with the advice of only applying this at night, solely for the reason that when it dries it can feel a little taut on the face, as if you've applied a mask. In short, don't expect it to leave a completely smooth and absorbed finish like a moisturiser.

--Effects on the skin--
Skin does appear calmer, smoother and more radiant after use, and doesn't have the irritating qualities of many commercial peels in the short or long term.

--Value for money--
While £25 for a 30ml bottle can seem expensive, it's nothing compared to the cost of the equal number of spa treatments - one bottle does last a long time and yields good results. Great for giving yourself spa-level results at home. Would recommend.

perfect partner
Vital Energy Capsules, £25

Spa Technologies Marine Serum

RRP: £35

--What does the promo say?--
"A favorite of ours. This light Gel Serum blends Aromatherapy with a complex of Marine Algae active ingredients. Marine Serum nourishes and remineralises ageing and environmentally damaged skin. Continuous use strengthens the connective tissue matrix for firmer, healthier skin. Essential Oils provide Antioxidant protection and help to control blemishes."

--Packaging--
The metallic bands against the clear glass bottle are new and different and this concept across all products in the range clearly helps to unite the brand and create a clear identity. The pump action dispenser clearly controls the amount of product used, which helps to minimise wastage.

--Application--
Use underneath - or even in place of - moisturiser after cleansing and toning.

--Appearance--
A translucent white serum which leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--
Slightly salty, which I suppose comes from the seaweed. Subtle, though, so shouldn't overwhelm any other products that you want to stand out for their scent.

--Texture and consistency--
Really light and generally absorbs quickly, although perhaps not as completely as a moisturiser (leaving a slightly taut feeling when dry).

--Effects on the skin--
As with other products in the range, this increases radiance and calms problem skin.

--Value for money--
At £35 this is no small outlay, but it's nonetheless an affordable luxury that works well. Another great result for Spa Technologies.

perfect partners
Oxygenated Correcting Pigmentation Skin Brightening Booster, £59
Essential Kit, £59
Spot Cure Kit, £79
Restore Kit, £80
Repair Kit, £101

Spa Technologies Vitamin C Moisturising Serum

RRP: £35

--What does the promo say?--
"Our bestseller, this Moisturizing Serum combines powerful Botanical Extracts and two forms of Vitamin C. Vitamin C Serum, delivers the moisture-locking properties of rich creams. Seaweed and Antioxidants stimulate collagen synthesis for firmer, healthier-looking skin."

--Packaging--
The glass bottles used by this brand are substantial, practical and sophisticated. The double metallic brand (which is a different colour depending on which product the bottle houses) is a good identifier for the brand itself, proving modern, unisex and minimalist while still standing out. The pump-action mechanism is easy to use, and also to detach for recycling purposes.

--Application--
Smooth over face and neck at night-time after cleansing.

--Appearance--
A creamy yellow (a colour which, I suspect, comes from the buriti as well as the shea) serum that in fact has the richness of a cream rather than the typical wateriness of a serum. However, it leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--
Again, the Amazonian superfruit, the buriti, is responsible for this serum's creamy orange-like scent. Delicious and different!

--Texture and consistency--
Rich and creamy, but sinks in instantly.

--Effects on the skin--
While I felt this was a bit too rich for my oily/combination skin type, clogging my pores a bit on my face, it did a terrific job on my neck (where the skin is more 'normal'), keeping it naturally smooth and moisturised.

--Value for money--
While seeming a bit expensive on the face of it, this product lasted me a very long time - more so than the cleanser and toner I was sent by the same company. The ingredients are also of high quality provenance and the serum's moisturising properties speak for themselves. Even though I snagged this for free, I would genuinely spend my own money on this product thanks to its natural formulation, pleasant texture, and excellent moisturisation. Based on the quality of this product, I would also be inclined to try the company's Marine Serum, which I understand is more tailored to acneic skin.

perfect partners
Laminaria Oil, £22
Luminous Eye Serum, £35
Restore Kit, £80

Spa Technologies Revitalising Sea Cleanser

RRP: £25

--What does the promo say?--
"A deep pore cleanser formulated with a rich paste of organic Laminaria Algae imbued with aromatic essences that revitalize the skin by stimulating micro-circulation to restore a healthy glow. Ideal for oily/congested skin types."

--Packaging--
This appears to come in a pump-action bottle, while my sample came in a tiny pot with a screw-top lid. Based on the other samples I was sent that did come in full-size pump-action bottles, it likely dispenses efficiently and the bottles from this company seem quite robust. The bottle is also not too crowded/busy in terms of writing or images, making for a sophisticated overall appearance.

--Application--
Massage a small amount into damp skin before rinsing off. Easy really.

--Appearance--
The khaki colour is not terribly appealing (even if it clearly connotes the sea), but it leaves no residue on the skin.

--Scent--
The mint comes through most strongly, which is both pleasant and unusual, as well as supporting the general notion of the refreshing cleanse.

--Texture and consistency--
Very smooth, does not lather, and washes off well.

--Effects on the skin--
Seems to visibly calm the skin in the short term, but unfortunately my sample was a bit small to be able to test any effects on my acne long-term. No signs of any irritation.

--Value for money--
Based on the immediate results of my week's sample, I would definitely be interested in investing in the full-size bottle to give it a chance to work more completely. The products I have sent have a pared-down, high-quality set of ingredients that so far seem to be doing the skin good, and I would thus recommend this cleanser to those with acneic skin.

perfect partners
Marine Serum, £35
Vitamin C Mist, from £15
Spot Cure, £14.95

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

OXY Clearlight Light Device

 

RRP: £39.99

--What does the promo say?--

"A proven technology called blue light therapy has been used extensively for years by dermatologists for the successful treatment of spots, acne and blemishes. It has been scientifically proven that blue light at the specific wavelength of 415nm kills spot-causing bacteria. OXY Clearlight harnesses the healing power of blue-light technology in a safe, convenient and hygienic device for home use. OXY Clearlight penetrates to the root of P. acnes, killing spot-causing bacteria and helping prevent spots from erupting. The light emits NO heat, and NO harmful UV rays. It does NOT cause drying, peeling or discomfort, either."

--Packaging--

Surprisingly small! The white-grey device blasts all of the enormous, hideously expensive light-emitting devices that are currently available to home users into the shade: it's no longer than your own hand, meaning it's perfect for neat bathroom storage or for travel. At one end of the device is a series of small lights within an indented circle. This is the part that you press against your face wherever you want its rays to target. There's just one simple button that slides and clicks into place to turn the device on, and it turns itself off automatically when you're done too. This product runs on batteries, but they seem to last a very long time before replacement is required.

--Application--

OXY's instructions read as follows: "Press the power button and place the Clearlight device over the spot. Listen for the beep indicating that the therapeutic light is at work. The device will automatically switch itself off at the end of the 3-minute treatment cycle. Use twice daily, morning and evening, for 3 minutes until your spot has cleared." There's nothing difficult about this, although it's obviously quicker if you just have one or two spots, as opposed to having a full face of them.

--Appearance--

The design of the device is clearly functional rather than decorative, but there's nothing wrong with that. It's ergonomically designed, from how it feels in your hand to how it feels against your face, so there's certainly no discomfort involved. The blue lights are only visible if you're not pressing the device against your skin correctly (but it's so easy to use that this should be an unlikely scenario).

--Sensation--

Having used at-home hair removal devices and also had professional electrolysis, where your skin often tingles in a way that almost breaches on pain thanks to the heat involved, I was expecting to feel something while I used this device. Happily, it's completely pain-free to the point that you feel absolutely nothing - you can quite easily clean your teeth, chat to your partner, or just have a little uninterrupted thinking time while you use the device until it turns itself off at the end of the cycle. Brill.

--Effects on the skin--

If you press too hard you'll get a little pressure ring on your skin where you've used the device, so be careful! This is just inconvenient, not painful, but just remember that there's no need to press the device against your skin for it to work effectively. I definitely found that spot size and redness was reduced much more quickly than normal while using this product. Top stuff!

--Value for money--

I can understand why consumers may baulk a little at the nearly-£40 price tag, especially as a lot of acne sufferers are going to be students with little spare cash. However, I'd definitely say it's worth the investment. It gets rid of the spot quickly, that's true - but the peace of mind and confidence this also affords you is invaluable.   

perfect partners

Seaweed Power Fresh Skin Wash, £5.99

Seaweed Power Clear Pore Exfoliant, £5.99

Seaweed Power Deep Calm Balm, £5.99 

Emergency Spot Treatment Gel, £6.99

All 5 OXY products are also available as a special bundle from OXY's website at a promotional price of £54.95, saving you £10 of the full retail price.
For the 4 skin care products alone (minus the Clearlight device), another special package is available at the price of £19.99 (instead of £24.96).   

OXY Emergency Spot Treatment Gel

RRP: £6.99

--What does the promo say?--

"Oxy Emergency Spot Treatment Gel is an anti spot gel that reduces the size and redness of spots in just 4-hours."

--Packaging--

The small tube comes encased in hard plastic (the kind often seen protecting Easter eggs, that you sometimes need a chainsaw or similar to crack), but once you've opened it, this convenient little tube can be carried in your handbag or pocket, or kept in the bathroom (lain down or stood up), all without risk of leakage. While it sticks to the blue and green colour scheme of OXY's new Seaweed range, the tube itself doesn't feature the seaweed design like the other products do.

--Application--
OXY say you can apply this directly to any spots that are troubling you as often as 6 times a day, but I didn't find it was needed this frequently (see below for notes on efficacy).

--Appearance--

A completely clear gel with just the right amount of viscosity, which leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--

Sports the seaweed scent like the other products, but perhaps less so than they do.

--Texture and consistency--

Possibly the nicest of the products to use. Offers a pleasing cooling sensation on application, which can make you feel like it's really working, rubs in beautifully, and leaves no sticky or tacky residue either.

--Effects on the skin--

I found that the time scale varied with this one. Even if it didn't always reduce spot severity within 4 hours as promised, it definitely acted within 12 hours on a consistent basis - and that's without applying the gel 6 times a day as directed, so perhaps if you did, you'd see even faster results. And even if you can't be bothered with all that messing around, just one application should mean that if you wake up with something the size of Mount Olympus on your face and begin worrying, it should be significantly smaller by the time of that important meeting or party come later.

--Value for money--

At £6.99 this is the most expensive of all four OXY Seaweed skincare products, but I would definitely buy this when my current tube runs out. Delivers a wow-factor results at affordable prices.

perfect partners

Seaweed Power Fresh Skin Wash, £5.99

Seaweed Power Clear Pore Exfoliant, £5.99

Seaweed Power Deep Calm Balm, £5.99
Clearlight, £39.99

All 5 OXY products are also available as a special bundle from OXY's website at a promotional price of £54.95, saving you £10 of the full retail price.
For the 4 skin care products alone (minus the Clearlight device), another special package is available at the price of £19.99 (instead of £24.96).   

OXY Seaweed Power Deep Calm Balm

RRP: £5.99

--What does the promo say?--

"Proven to reduce the number of spots and blackheads when used daily with OXY Fresh Skin Wash. OXY Deep Calm Balm is an oil-free moisturiser. It harnesses the power of natural seaweed to keep skin soft and hydrated, whilst helping to prevent oily skin, spots and blackheads. Apply OXY Deep Calm Balm liberally to the face after cleansing with OXY Fresh Skin Wash. As well as being effective against spots, OXY Deep Calm Balm is also naturally kind to skin. Dermatologically tested, it is suitable for sensitive skin, and contains no alcohol, parabens or SLS.

--Packaging--

Smaller than the other tubes in the range, other than this the moisturiser is essentially the same: plastic, flip-top lid, secure closure, eye-catching design.

--Application--

Use morning and night after cleansing, without rinsing off. No problems here bar what I outline under "Texture and consistency" below.

--Appearance--

This moisturiser is almost pure white, with what I assume to be white silica beads suspended in it. The beads do unfortunately have a tendency to stick to the face, so make sure you take a last look in the mirror before leaving the house!

--Scent--

Smells authentically of seaweed, but is not overpowering.

--Texture and consistency--

Can leave a slightly sticky film on the face after application, but not enough for it to be too unpleasant. The silica beads sticking to the face is a bit more of a problem, as unlike with the exfoliator, you obviously don't want to rub too hard with a towel or flannel after you've put it on, or else you risk rubbing away all the good stuff too.

--Effects on the skin--

Works well to reduce spots and redness while keeping dry skin at bay. Nice work, OXY!

--Value for money--

I would definitely replenish my stocks of this along with the other OXY Seaweed Power products once my current supplies (kindly sent to me by OXY's PR) run out; it sinks into skin nicely and offers acne sufferers a welcome reprieve.

perfect partners

Seaweed Power Fresh Skin Wash, £5.99

Seaweed Power Clear Pore Exfoliant, £5.99
Emergency Spot Treatment Gel, £6.99
Clearlight, £39.99

All 5 OXY products are also available as a special bundle from OXY's website at a promotional price of £54.95, saving you £10 of the full retail price.
For the 4 skin care products alone (minus the Clearlight device), another special package is available at the price of £19.99 (instead of £24.96).   

Oxy Seaweed Power Clear Pore Exfoliant

RRP: £5.99

--What does the promo say?--

"Proven to reduce the number of spots within 48 hours. OXY Clear Pore Exfoliant harnesses the power of natural seaweed to cleanse deep into your pores. It cuts through grease and oil, removing dead skin, clearing spots, blackheads and oily skin. As well as being effective against spots, OXY Clear Pore Exfoliant is also naturally kind to skin. Dermatologically tested, it is suitable for sensitive skin, and contains no alcohol, parabens or SLS."

--Packaging--

Clearly part of a unified range concept, the seaweed image is unisex and instantly recognisable as being part of OXY's latest initiative. The packaging is reasonably durable although some of the exfoliant does leak inside the plastic flip-top lid at times.

--Application--

The OXY website instructs: "Wet your face with warm water. Massage OXY Clear Pore Exfoliant into your skin, then rinse thoroughly. For best results, repeat this process 2 to 3 times a week in conjunction with daily use of OXY Fresh Skin Wash and OXY Deep Calm Balm." There's nothing difficult about this and it generally helps to keep dry skin at bay, meaning you shouldn't need to use it more than the recommended weekly frequency.

--Appearance--

An opaque gel which has obvious particles in it. These seem to be natural sandy particles that are unfortunately quite difficult to rinse fully off the face. Towel dry well to be sure that you're rid of them, or use a toner that's suitable for oily skin to pick up the excess.

--Scent--

Like the rest of the range, a naturally salty seaweed smell is evident but shouldn't bother anyone or interfere with perfume.

--Texture and consistency--

The particles may feel too harsh for some (they really are quite hard; very different to the silica beads that a lot of supposed "exfoliators" contain, which apparently have the same exfoliating efficacy as butter), but are effective in sloughing away dry skin. However, like a couple of other products in the range, a slightly sticky residue can occasionally be felt from the gel itself. Perhaps rinse twice to avoid this.

--Effects on the skin--

Does not aggravate skin and does help to keep dry skin patches down, making it perfect for combination skin types, but I did notice a persistently dry patch between my eyebrows that I had to concentrate on more, with extra use of the exfoliant and moisturiser. It also works well with the rest of the range in terms of reducing spot numbers (and yes, it really does do this within 48 hours as stated).

--Value for money--

£5.99 can seem a bit much for a range that you'd perhaps expect to be under £5 per product, but it seems to me that OXY has really upped its ante in recent years. It's effective and not unpleasant to use; I would therefore buy it again and recommend it to others.

perfect partners

Seaweed Power Fresh Skin Wash, £5.99
Seaweed Power Fresh Deep Calm Balm, £5.99
Emergency Spot Treatment Gel, £6.99
Clearlight, £39.99

All 5 OXY products are also available as a special bundle from OXY's website at a promotional price of £54.95, saving you £10 of the full retail price.
For the 4 skin care products alone (minus the Clearlight device), another special package is available at the price of £19.99 (instead of £24.96).     

Oxy Seaweed Power Fresh Skin Wash

RRP: £5.99

--What does the promo say?--

"Proven to reduce the number of spots within 48 hours. A refreshing, lightly fragrant, everyday wash with jojoba micro beads, OXY Fresh Skin Wash harnesses the power of natural seaweed to reduce spots, redness and blackheads. As well as being effective against spots, OXY Fresh Skin Wash is also naturally kind to skin. Dermatologically tested, it is suitable for sensitive skin, and contains no alcohol, parabens or SLS."

--Packaging--

The dark blue, dark green, and white colour scheme of this plastic flip-top tube means it's nicely unisex and very practical to use. Clearly conveys the concept of seaweed as the main active ingredient.

--Application--

The OXY website recommends massaging the gel into wet skin before rinsing thoroughly, with twice-daily use being recommended.

--Appearance--

The gel is a mostly clear, slightly off-yellow colour, with red beads suspended in it. The beads can be a little difficult to rinse off, but beyond this there is no visible residue.

--Scent--

The salty seaweed smell is prominent. Definitely no overly sweet, fragrant or clinical smells here.

--Texture and consistency--

The texture of the gel itself is nice - it lathers up well into a white foam and generally rinses off easily. However, a slightly 'gritty' residue is left on the face afterwards which takes some time to subside, and this I found to be true of the entire range (which I was kindly sent by OXY's PR team).

--Effects on the skin--

 While the range of products can be slightly drying at times, ultimately this does live up to the claim of the number of spots you have being reduced within 48 hours. I was pleasantly surprised. However, this dramatically positive effect does plateau after between 2 and 3 weeks of use, so depending on the severity of your acne, you perhaps can't expect complete elimination.

--Value for money--

At £5.99 this is a little more expensive than I had anticipated. However, it's a lot more effective than some products that are a lot more expensive, and is great for people like me who are time-poor and impatient - short-term results are basically guaranteed, and that is definitely worth the money paid. I would definitely consider replenishing stocks once my current supply runs out - even if it isn't the most luxurious product to use, it's certainly incredibly effective.

perfect partners
Seaweed Power Fresh Deep Pore Exfoliant, £5.99
Seaweed Power Fresh Deep Calm Balm, £5.99
Emergency Spot Treatment Gel, £6.99
Clearlight, £39.99

All 5 OXY products are also available as a special bundle from OXY's website at a promotional price of £54.95, saving you £10 of the full retail price.
For the 4 skin care products alone (minus the Clearlight device), another special package is available at the price of £19.99 (instead of £24.96).