Botanics 97% Organic Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm

RRP: £6.99

--What does the promo say?--
"This organic deep-cleansing balm contains a luxurious blend of Shea Butter, Rosehip and Jojoba Oil to leave skin smooth and beautifully clean. The ultra-rich softening formula swiftly lifts make-up, while the gentle polishing action of the muslin cloth helps dislodge pore-clogging debris, revealing your beautiful radiant complexion. Rosehip is nature's nourishing gem. The seeds are a rich source essential Omega oils, which help to improve suppleness and keep all skin types beautifully soft and healthy looking. Our beauty scientists use active plant extracts approved by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, to bring you beautiful skincare that's proven to work. We've taken steps to reduce our impact on the planet at every stage in this product's journey."

--Packaging--
The white pot means it's an economical product - you can scrape out every last drop. The muslin cloth it comes with is also a bonus.

--Application--
Rub onto your face and then remove with either a) a cotton pad (to remove makeup) or b) the muslin cloth, soaked in hot water (to clean your face normally). Luxurious, easy and comforting.
 
--Appearance--
A rich yellow waxy substance that leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--
The ingredients used combine beautifully to create a natural, slightly floral fragrance, with the jojoba, beeswax, shea and almond perhaps being most prominent.

--Texture and consistency--
Satisfyingly smooth without being greasy. Easy to remove.

--Effects on the skin--
Makeup is removed easily and skin feels cleansed, calm, soft and radiant. Acne is also improved.

--Value for money--
I was expecting this to be much more expensive than it is. A high-quality product that's a joy to use and yields excellent results too. Mine was free, but I would definitely stock up on this once my press sample has run out.
 
perfect partners
93% Organic Super Balm, £4.49
80% Organic Hydrating Eye Cream, £6.99
Organic Facial Oil, £4.99
81% Organic Hydrating Day Cream, £6.99
100% Organic Rosewater Toning Spritz, £3.49
82% Organic Softening Cleanser, £3.59 

Pure Chimp Natural Cream

RRP: from £9.95

--What does the promo say?--
"We wanted to create a true 100% natural cream because we know the less a product is processed the more benefits you will get. After lots of testing (no animal testing) with wonderful natural ingredients we created a super hero amongst creams.

other benefits of our 100% natural cream
100% Natural = More Nutrients = More Benefits. Hemp oil and wax will help to soothe your skin. Safflower oil will give your skin the essential fatty acids it needs to add a glow. Super high in naturally occurring Vitamin E - good for healing your skin. We use Hemp Seed Wax in our natural cream (a rare ingredient), which allows your skin to breathe & is easily absorbed. A lot of natural creams use beeswax, which just sits on your skin. A nice long shelf life of 18 months. Apply to your face, body, hands, feet or hair. Suitable for ages 3+. In extreme cases can be used alongside steroid creams.
Every single ingredient: hemp seed wax, safflower oil, hemp seed oil, sunflower oil, lavender oil, wheatgerm oil. That is all!"

--Packaging--
The black and white colour scheme and line drawings are reminiscent of other unisex crowd-pleasers, such as Edward Monkton's amusing doodles. The screw-top pot is solid and easy to use, ensuring that you can get every last drop out of the pot.

--Application--
Rub into dry skin anywhere on your body. Depending on your skin it could be a bit rich for your face, but you should be able to use it without problems on your hands, feet, legs, arms, etc.

--Appearance--
A yellowy, thick, slightly grainy cream that nevertheless rubs invisibly into the skin.

--Scent--
The lavender oil is immediately released when rubbed into the skin, fragrancing your body and the room. The other ingredients aren't really detectable.

--Texture and consistency--
While the main ingredients aren't detectable in terms of scent, they come into their own when it comes to moisturization. Despite the cream's slightly grainy texture, it absorbs quickly, and you can really feel the benefits of the sunflower, safflower, hemp and wheatgerm oils.

--Effects on the skin--
Even stubborn skin is moisturised as nature intended. Fab!

--Value for money--
A very reasonably-priced and effective natural product, from a brand whose offerings could easily rival those of Lush. Can't wait to buy more when my sample runs out. Wonderful stuff :)

perfect partners
Organic Matcha Green Tea Powder, £9.95
Organic Spirulina Powder, £9.95
Organic Maca Powder, £9.95
Super Combo, £19.95*

*contains 1 Natural Cream, 1 60g pot of spirulina and 1 60g pot of maca

Slapping it on

What do you use to put on your makeup? Sponges? A roll of brushes, makeup artist-style? Or just your fingers?

All of these methods have their advantages and disadvantages. People don't always like to get messy by using their fingers and some fear that sponges and brushes harbour too much bacteria. However, fingers and brushes can be easily cleaned, sponges can be cheaply replaced, and all provide good coverage, while brushes have the added bonus of providing extra precision (especially around smaller areas where more detail is required, such as around the eyes and lips).

But when it comes to brushes it can be difficult to know where to start. Virtually all makeup brands sell their own, and pharmacies, supermarkets, and other beauty retailers usually manufacture their own brands as well. So how can we mere laymen know what to go for?

People aren't wrong to fantasize about the makeup brushes of makeup artists, such as those by MAC, Daniel Sandler, Jemma Kidd, Kervyn Aucoin, Sue Devitt, Laura Mercier, Paula Dorf, RMK, and Suqqu. They're made with high-quality materials and can be kept and used for years with proper cleaning. However, with all of the brushes listed above costing at least £10 each, it can become a costly endeavour.

I've personally had great success with brushes from ELF (Eyes Lips Face), which are affordable yet durable. But now there's a new player on the market thanks to some great foundation brushes from Mii that I've found: even though its cheapest brush is still £14.95, the website runs special offers regularly, meaning that you could still grab a bargain if you keep your eyes open. The brushes are especially adapted for mineral makeup (which Mii also sells) and the bristles are beautifully shaped for ultimate definition. This wide range of high quality makeup brushes offers something for everyone meaning that you should without doubt find something to suit your needs - and even if you don't manage to find a bargain before Christmas, you can always put a request for some in your letter to Santa (or better yet, on your shopping list for the January sales). That way, you can be sure to start 2014 by slapping it on in style.

Spa Review: Sofitel Chain Bridge, Budapest

When staying in a top-class hotel for a weekend in one of Europe's most vibrant capitals, what could complete the experience more than a treatment in the hotel spa? Our stay at the Sofitel Chain Bridge Hotel in Budapest (soon to be reviewed on sister blog The Flying Ferret) provided luxury at virtually all levels thanks to the uber-comfortable beds, friendly staff, vast breakfast options, and health and wellbeing facilities. The hotel provides free access to a serene swimming pool and well-equipped gym to all guests, as well as the use of two sauna cubicles (warning: watch out for naked Germans). This is further complemented by the services for which you can pay, which comprise massages, facials and more.

I was lucky enough to be able to receive a treatment on the day of arrival, despite telephoning for the appointment just a few hours before the available slot. Staff speak good English and specifically ask you to arrive ten minutes before the appointed time - not just to ensure efficiency but also to allow you to enjoy tea with honey and lemon (which is brought to you by spa staff on an elegant wicker tray) in the relaxing reception area prior to your treatment. This is a simple yet luxurious touch that costs little; all spas should be offering this.

The theme of elegance and politesse was reinforced by the beauty therapist introducing herself by name and offering a handshake before leading me through to the manicure and pedicure area, which is just off the pool area, next to the gymnasium. An array of nail colours and finishes are available, and you are given plenty of time to choose (in my case, while my feet had time to soak in a warm foot bath). This diversity continues in the choice of treatments itself, which caters for all budgets (my pedicure was a modest €34, but there were plenty of even cheaper as well as more expensive options) and needs (you could have a specifically medicalised pedicure, for example, if required). Unusually, despite the fact that several high-profile brands are used by the spa (namely Sothys and OPI), the sale of these products is not pushed at all, leading to an ultimately no-pressure approach, which is refreshing compared to many other spas, who often seem to make the sale of these products their main goal.

Unfortunately, it appears that no Sothys products were used during my treatment, as when asked about the exfoliants, creams and so on that were being used on my feet, I was only told that they were not by Sothys. The jars and bottles were also kept under a cloth, which can lead you to believe that the products used are merely cheap concoctions. As well as brand name-dropping to sell products, in a way spas do need to mention the names of the products being used and show the customer the packaging: rather like tasting a fine wine, we need to be sure that we are getting a high-quality, genuine article (who wants to order a Château Lafite only to find that it was just cheap plonk knocked up in a farmer's shed?).

However, this was slightly made up for by the fact that the beauty therapist gave me many other useful tips to treat the recurrently hard skin on my feet: as well as recommending steroid creams (which can normally be prescribed by a doctor), she also talked about good old-fashioned home cures, such as Epsom salts. Equally, she was diligent in making my feet look less lizard-like and more baby-soft, taking plenty of time and care. While more drying time for the varnish would have been better (using an air dryer, for example), the rest of the process was just as meticulous: after soaking my feet, they were dried, scraped, exfoliated and moisturised before nails were cut and filed, cuticles were trimmed, and coats of polish applied.

My only other bugbear was with the atmosphere of the treatment room: dim lighting is surely customary, and yet I had standard wattage throughout my pedicure. Soothing background music is also always better than silence. However, these are small criticisms that can be easily rectified, and in the end I was happy not only with the final result but also with the time and care taken for the price paid (€34 is not much for a pedicure in a five-star hotel, given that this is a standard high-street price across much of Europe). The Sofitel brand's reputation was therefore safely upheld, and I would be more than happy to use the chain's facilities again. Now to maintain my feet's new-found baby-softness before my next chance to have a pedicure in December... 

Sofitel Chain Bridge, 1051 Budapest, Széchenyi tér 2, Hungary

No7 Match Made Concealer

RRP: £7.50
# of shades available: 17

--What does the promo say?--
"No7 Match Made Concealer hides everything from blemishes to age spots, uniquely matched to your skin tone using No7 Match Made. Find your perfect concealer match with our new Match Made Concealer Sticks. Flaws, blemishes and age spots are erased in an instant, leaving you with a beautifully even skin tone. The easy-to-apply formulation lasts all day to keep your skin shine free and flawless. Up to 16 hours' wear. Now available in 17 skin-true shades."

--Packaging--
The ergonomically-designed tube incorporates a slight curvature, and its cool white colour evokes peace and snow on the approach to Christmas. The lid stays on securely, which is always handy. However, it could do with coming with a small concealer brush, as there is quite a lot left in the tube even when you can't twist up any more.

--Application--
Apply straight from the tube, or use a concealer brush (or even your fingers!) if preferred. I'd recommend applying after foundation, but before powder, to maximise coverage.

--Appearance--
Even though I hadn't been able to get to a Boots store to try the Match Made service (which scans an area of your face using a machine to match your skin tone to the best concealer shade for you), the shade I was sent worked brilliantly for me. It's really excellent to see that Boots are finally beginning to widen the number of shades they offer in order to appeal to as many people as possible. Coverage is quite good, too.

--Texture and consistency--
Creamy, blendable and soft, but still durable. While not quite as heavy-duty as something like Benefit's Boi-ing for example, it's still reliable and puts in a good performance.

--Longevity--
It lasts quite a long time on the face, so repeated applications throughout the day are not required. However, its soft consistency does mean that a fair amount of concealer does come off the stick with each application, so one tube itself does not last long (although that probably depends on the number of blemishes you're looking to cover, too).

--Value for money--
This is a good concealer that comes in an encouraging number of shades. However, my tube only lasted about a month, and for £7.50 I might have hoped that it would last a bit longer - after all, £90 a year on concealer is quite a lot.

perfect partners
Beautifully Matte Makeup Base, £10.50
Stay Perfect Eyeshadow Trio, £9.50
Stay Perfect Mascara, £12.95
Beautifully Matte Foundation, £12.95 

Glo Minerals Exfoliating Lip Wand

RRP: £9

--What does the promo say?--
"Exfoliate and moisturize lips in one quick step. Jojoba and nourishing wax microcrystals combine to soften, smooth and hydrate lips. Apply throughout the day as needed to exfoliate and hydrate lips. Nourishing wax microcrystals gently slough away dry skin particles to reveal a softer, smoother lip surface then melt on contact and seep into the exfoliated surface to deliver supreme moisturization."

--Packaging--
The silver tube is sleek and futuristic, and the lid fastens securely.

--Application--
With winter on its way, I'd recommend applying this one daily, or perhaps even more frequently. Apply to lips using a brush or straight from the tube as preferred. Can be worn alone, or as an undercoat for lipstick or lip gloss.

--Appearance--
Virtually invisible. Possibly a slightly pale sheen, but nothing more.

--Scent--
None, particularly.

--Texture and consistency--
Delightfully scrubby without being rough - and thankfully, as promised, the exfoliating beads really do dissolve, meaning that you don't feel like you've just been for a walk along the beach in a windstorm.

--Effects on the lips--
Eliminates dry patches and moisturises perfectly.

--Value for money--
Again, this one was free, but is worth every penny of the £9 asking price, in my view. Trumps even my previous favourite - the £8 Body Shop Lipscuff.

perfect partners
Protective Liquid Foundation, £37
Bronze, £30.50  

Maybelline The Rocket Volum'Express Mascara

RRP: £7.99
 
--What does the promo say?--
"Explosive Volume in Rocket Time! 6X Bigger. Smoother. Even. Now, the most explosive, beautiful lashes ever! Volum' Express The Rocket Mascara's patented Supersonic Brush with micro bristles loads on big, sleek volume instantly. Our fast-glide formula keeps lashes smooth. Zero clumps!"

--Packaging--
The cobalt and fuschia combination is really bold without being too girly, ensuring that the tube stands out on the shelf. As for the brush itself, it's attracted mixed reviews, and in a way it's easy to see why: it's very large, and the mascara formula seems quite thin, so it can collect in the bristles quite easily.

--Application--
Give the brush a wipe beforehand if it seems to have too much mascara on it (on the rim of the tube opening, or on a tissue). Once you're happy, apply as normal: one thin coat on each row of lashes, then go round again and repeat: multiple thin coats of mascara are always better than one thick one, as this lets the mascara dry more quickly and helps you to avoid clumps.

--Appearance--
Simply WOW. Doll-like, long, beautiful, and clump-free. It wouldn't surprise me if Maybelline shared formulae with Lancome, actually (they are both owned by L'Oreal, after all): that's the quality of the comparison we're talking about here.

--Texture and consistency--
Possibly slightly watery, but not to any detriment. The formula goes on smoothly, and isn't at all sticky or clumpy.

--Longevity--
Stays on quite well during normal use, but I wouldn't try going swimming in it or anything (and it never claims to be waterproof, so quite right too).

--Value for money--
Mine was free (Maybelline website giveaway for the win!) but I would happily pay full price for this. £7.99 is very reasonable for what is actually quite a high-quality product. Well done, Maybelline!

perfect partners
EyeStudio Color Tattoo 24 Hour Cream Gel Eyeshadow, £4.99
Fit Me Foundation Stick, £8.99 
Baby Lips Lip Balm, £2.99

No7 Youthful CC Cream

# of shades: 2
RRP: £14.95

--What does the promo say?--
"The 'CC' in CC Cream can stand for different things for example Colour Corrector, Complete Correction or Complexion Correction. The key benefit that all CC Creams deliver is a beautifully even Complexion by correcting uneven skin colour and pigmentation. Our new No7 Youthful CC Cream is a Complexion Corrector- it's a great multi-tasking product which combines giving you a beautifully even skin tone with anti-aging benefits. Just like our BB Creams it's great for those lighter coverage days or as an additional beautifier alongside your normal foundation/ skincare routine."

--Packaging--
The white and silver combination provides a futuristic finish and the squeezy tube and screw-top lid are both practical.

--Application--
Apply to clean dry skin. Theoretically, concealer, powder and moisturiser shouldn't be necessary, but a primer may be necessary due to its sheer coverage (more of which below).

--Appearance and coverage--
Unfortunately, as this only comes in two shades, the fact that the lighter of the two shades does suit me is probably down to luck. As mentioned, the coverage is quite sheer, meaning that a) you may need a primer to prevent it from sliding off, and b) if you have blemishes, concealer and powder may still be necessary for you. However, it does add radiance, which is important for deflecting attention away from blemishes and fine lines.

--Scent--
Nothing discernibly bothersome.

--Texture and consistency--
This product has a smooth consistency that blends well. As it does only provide light coverage, I tend to apply two coats, and the product stands up to this very well, with this not leading to a sticky or caked-on feeling in the least.

--Longevity--
As mentioned, it depends what you wish to apply before or afterwards. On its own, I suspect this wouldn't do too well.

--Effects on the skin--
A non-irritating product, but it doesn't seem to have any especial healing qualities either.

--Value for money--
Tricky one. It's not a terrible product in itself, but I struggle to see what additional purpose or gap in the market this serves beyond what's already done by tinted moisturisers. My research earlier this year showed that CC creams should specifically not only do the work of BB creams in terms of actively healing blemishes, but should also 'correct' (hence the C in the name) by way of having different tints available for different purposes, such as green to neutralize redness, pink to counteract dullness, and so on. Unfortunately, as with many Western BB creams, this perfectly serviceable product has just jumped on the latest fashionable bandwagon by slapping a new label on what is essentially just a tinted moisturiser, and using it as an excuse to hike up the price tag*: I wouldn't mind, but No7's tinted moisturiser is over £3 cheaper. My advice? Buy that instead (it even comes in 3 shades instead of the CC cream's mere two).

*Should probably say that No7 is not the only brand guilty of this. Most Western CC creams are just overpriced tinted moisturisers with a different name. Buy Asian instead to get the genuine article.

perfect partners
Lift and Luminate Dark Spot Corrector, £19.50
Lift and Luminate Day and Night Serum, £24.95
Lift and Luminate Mask, £18 
Lift and Luminate Foundation, £16.50
Lift and Luminate Day Cream, £23
Lift and Luminate Night Cream, £24
Lift and Luminate Eye Cream, £16
Youthful Glycolic Peel Kit, £24.95

Glo Minerals Under Eye Primer

 RRP: £19.50
buy from: www.glo-minerals.com

--What does the promo say?--
"The Under Eye Primer is an anti aging primer that minimizes the appearance of imperfections by filling in fine lines by using light-reflective pigments to soften the appearance of any wrinkles or dark circles you may have. Apply it to the under eye area before you use our Under Eye Concealer to improve and soften your fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles. Silicone Polymers and Organic Form Fillers fill in fine lines while light-diffusing pigments soften the appearance of wrinkles and dark circles. Grant-X "The Super Peptide," has been clinically shown to improve the appearance of wrinkles via nerve synapse interaction. The GABA (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid) in Grant-X is a known neurotransmitter inhibitor that helps improve the appearance of aging and softens expression lines."

--Packaging--
The silver and black tube creates an edgy look that stands out, with information on the tube itself kept minimal and easy to read. The squeezy tube and screw-top lid also makes the product easy to use.

--Application--
Squeeze out an amount the size of a pinhead and gently rub onto clean dry skin under the eye. Once blended in, continue to apply the rest of your makeup base as normal (foundation, concealer etc).

--Appearance--
This product only comes in one shade, so for me it is the right shade, but for others with darker skin tones, it may not suit. However, beyond that, I would say that it blends seamlessly to give a natural appearance.

--Scent--
None.

--Texture and consistency--
Incredibly smooth and velvety - and, as mentioned previously, blends in effortlessly. Comes off when you want it to and stays put when you don't!

--Longevity--
Does not settle into any creases around the eye area, and enables a unified and natural appearance to be kept up all day. Does not fade or become patchy, and can also be used on the eyelid to keep eyeshadow in place.

--Value for money--
One of the best eye primers I've come across. Doesn't have a sticky or tacky texture and yet puts in a determined performance. Best of all, its mineral properties mean it's got inbuilt SPF and anti-ageing, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties too. Although I was sent mine for free by glo minerals' lovely PR bods, I would definitely pay full whack for this.

perfect partners
Lid Primer, £13
Lash Thickener and Conditioner, £13
Brow Gel, £12
Corrective Camouflage Kit, £15.95
Brightener Highlight Concealer, £11.50  
Protective Liquid Foundation, £29.95
Protecting Lip Treatment, £14.50 

Hair-raising Halloween

SPONSORED POST

 

With Halloween on the horizon, it's the ideal time to be pushing the boundaries of hair and beauty.

 

Paint yourself a pale face with lots of dark eyeliner and bold lips for a Gothic, vampiric look. I'd recommend Ellis Faas' bold, long-lasting colour pens to create these dramatic effects.

 

And who says you can't be a sophisticated witch during this spooky season? Thanks to glamorous, long wigs from Pauls Hair World, you can create realistic effects that are as scary or sexy as you like.

 

Don't forget your Stargazer eye dust for added sparkle, which will effortlessly take you from Halloween to Christmas. Barry M Glitter Nail Paint has the same effect.

 

Finally, cat's-eye contact lenses will make all your friends double-take as well as completing your costume!

 

But even if you're not into Halloween, you can shop online at Paul's Hair World all year round for your every need when it comes to hair accessories, perfume and skin care. What will your next look be?