Sunday 20 May 2012

Clay and Herbs Peppermint Pumice Hand and Foot Scrub

RRP: £38 for 200ml

--What does the promo say?--
"This is a stimulating scrub with pumice and Peppermint essential oil. Perfect for neglected hands and feet."

--Packaging--
Definitely functional rather than pretty. A clear container is topped with a plastic screw-top lid and adorned with a basic white printed label with black and green font. It's not the easiest thing to use, as you have to decant the powder into a separate container to mix with water as and when you need it, but in all honesty I can't currently think of a better way to package it: if the product came as a paste then the maker (herbalist Patricia Ferguson) would need to start adding all kinds of preservatives to make this possible.

--Application--
Mix 1 part powder to 2 parts water, adjusting until you get a paste that's the right consistency for you. Rub into dry hands and feet before rinsing off. Don't try to apply under running water or while your skin is wet - it won't scrub the skin so effectively and will be washed off before you're done. 

--Appearance--
A grey-brown powder, which is surprising given the use of fresh peppermint, but perhaps not so surprising given the use of pumice stone. This turns to a darker green when mixed with water, but leaves no visible residue on hands or feet once rinsed.

--Scent--
The peppermint is definitely detectable, which is lovely and refreshing both in terms of scent and in terms of how it feels on the skin. This certainly makes it a product that would appeal to both men and women.

--Texture and consistency--
Beautifully scrubby thanks to the natural pumice stone used, without being too harsh. During and after use you have a strong feeling that the product has been effective.

--Effects on the skin--
I have mixed feelings about this product: I have very hard skin on my feet despite regular exfoliation and visits to a podiatrist, and unfortunately I didn't feel that this product made any difference. On my hands, however, the difference was palpable: skin was beautifully smooth, soft and nourished after use of the product.

--Value for money--
If this had proved for me to be a true multi-use product that produced obvious and immediate results in both areas, the £38 may have seemed justifiable. However, given that for me the sample I was sent seemed to work well only on my hands, it's much less convincing. While I can see that the amount you get in a jar (200ml) goes a long way, and that the refill (at £35 for 220ml) is even better value, for this price I'd ultimately be looking for something that fulfils both promised functions to wow-factor level. Equally, £38 is a lot of money for most people to just shell out in a heartbeat for any product of this type. I'd be more inclined to downsize my budget to £25-£30 and go instead for products by Elemis or Deborah Lippmann, or even to the £20-£25 bracket for products by Dr Lewinn, Green People, Essie or Caudalie for a real luxury treat that promises efficacy.

perfect partner
Exfoliating Body Scrub, £39.70/200ml

Saturday 19 May 2012

Witch Anti-Blemish Skin-Clearing Primer

RRP: £6.99

--What does the promo say?--
"Witch's skin clearing primer with natural antibacterial actives prepares the skin for foundation, allowing for smooth and even application whilst creating an invisible shield to help protect your skin from make up which can cause or aggravate spots. It helps calm and soothe the skin, hydrates and draws away excess oils."

--Packaging--
Combining silver and blue, Witch's colour scheme provides something different in the makeup market, and its dinky 30ml size makes it convenient for travel. The lid closes securely, but opens easily when you want it to, and the pump action mechanism means it dispenses the product in realistic quantities. 

--Application--
Just apply a small amount evenly over a clean dry face. Once it's sunk in, you'll be able to go on with the rest of your makeup routine. You don't have to wait long for this to happen, which is nice, and a pea-sized blob is fine, meaning one bottle lasts well.

--Appearance--
A translucent white gel which dries invisibly on the face. This means you could even lend it to oily-skinned boyfriends who are desperate for a bit of respite from the oil slick: even though this is a primer for makeup, it has nothing of the makeup look about it by itself. Skin appears slightly mattified, but perhaps not as much as I would like.

--Scent--
Has a slightly medicated smell, probably from the witch hazel. Disappointingly, even though this product also contains licorice and grapefruit extracts, the smells of these are not even slightly detectable.

--Texture and consistency--
Blends into skin quickly and easily, and is definitely on the velvety side, rather than being greasy or watery, which all makes it very pleasant to use.

--Effects on the skin--
Keeps makeup on the skin well and definitely helps to hydrate while stopping you from looking shiny. However, I did not notice any obvious improvement in my skin condition from using this product :(

--Value for money--
This price point seems a bit expensive; given the status of the brand and the product's overall effect on the skin, I would be more inclined to put it at £5 or below, which would keep it in line with brands like 17 - although saying this, £6.99 is still a good price, especially when combined with 3-for-2 deals in places like Boots, and also when compared to the price of other high street primers on the market these days (primers from a brand like L'Oreal are more like £9.99). Overall I was disappointed by the fact that this didn't improve my skin more, but will still be on the lookout for other medicated primers in future, as one would hope that it's better off to be using one than not.

perfect partners
Anti-Blemish Tinted Moisturiser, £5.99
Anti-Blemish Redness Relief Moisturiser, £6.99
Anti-Blemish Pressed Powder, £4.99

Thursday 17 May 2012

Lancome Teint Miracle

RRP: £27
# of shades available: 18

--What does the promo say?--
"Lancôme invents its 1st foundation that helps to recreate the aura of perfect looking skin. Instantly complexion appears flawless and luminous, as if lit-from-within. See yourself in a new light."

--Packaging--
The opaque glass bottle dispenses the product in a very controlled way so that application can be achieved with realistic amounts of foundation at a time. Sophistication is added to by the minimalistic black and white decoration and characteristic Lancôme flower.

--Application--
Once you've applied any requisite primers, use a foundation brush or your fingers to blend evenly across skin. There are no problems with blending at all and you can apply concealer before or after foundation as required.

--Appearance--
With 18 shades available it isn't difficult to get the shade that's right for you. Mine matched my skin tone perfectly and blended well for an even finish. Coverage is excellent, but if needed Lancôme's concealers provide the perfect match if you need to top up. Luminosity is definitely achieved as promised and yet the look still remains matte. Looks good in photographs too.

--Scent--
Nothing much is discernible; perhaps slightly chalky but nothing else of note.

--Texture and consistency--
On the runnier rather than creamier side maybe, but still pleasant and easy to use. Not sticky, watery or greasy.

--Longevity--
Lasted excellently even on my wedding day, so it's safe to say that it definitely survives plenty of tears and kisses on cheeks!

--Value for money--
While £27 sounds ouchy, the quality is faultless, a little goes such a long way, and a bottle subsequently lasts ages. Generally you get what you pay for with Lancome and it's certainly true of this product. Try purchasing online (with reputable retailers only of course!) or with store loyalty points though if you want to bring the price down.

perfect partners
Effet Miracle Primer, £26
Teint Miracle Compact, £34
Teint Miracle Perfecting Concealer Pen, £26  
Eclat Miracle Complexion Illuminator, £21

Monday 14 May 2012

La vie en rose: introducing Melvita's new range

I always love meeting new bloggers and seeing new products. So whenever a press event comes up that I'm able to attend (which invariably involves combining these with two of my other loves: free stuff, and free food), I'm delighted to get stuck in, and this was certainly the case with French organic beauty brand Melvita's launch of its new line of rose products, which took place in Paris on the evening of May 3rd, 2012. 

I'd never tested Melvita's products, but my aunt is a big fan, and she's also very knowledgeable, living in the vicinity of  Melvita's headquarters in the south of France and having attended a few of their events from time to time as well. To get the chance to try out the products for myself, then, and to get to know the brand better, was an important thing. And Melvita definitely give a very good first impression: they surely know how to entertain their guests, welcoming them in style at an exclusive cake shop in Paris' luxurious 16th arrondissement, La Pâtisserie des Rêves.

The brand had really gone the whole nine yards with this event. Not only were full-size samples of the products available to take home, but a professional florist had been hired to help us make our own flower arrangements of five roses, a photographer was on hand to take pictures of us (not-so-)artfully chucking rose petals in the air, and the patisserie had taken the theme completely to heart by serving us rose shortbread and rose nougat, as well as chewy sweets tasting of rose and lemon that seemed scarily addictive. En plus, this was all washed down with rose water and rose lemonade.
 
But what of the products themselves? After we'd been filled with delicious cake, it was time to take off the rose-tinted glasses and critically analyse the products. We'd each been given three full-size products from the new Nectar de Roses line: Gélée Fraîche Désaltérante (a light moisturiser), Eau Fraîche Micellaire (a 3-in-1 cleanser, toner and makeup remover), and the standard Nectar de Roses (a moisturiser for drier skin types). All are worth roughly €20 each and are completely organic.

The product that appealed most to me was the Eau Fraîche Micellaire, even if I didn't fully understand what 'micelles' actually are or what they in fact do. (It turns out, science buffs, that they're molecules diffused within a liquid that keeps them all together. There are two types, water-in-oil and oil-in-water, of which the Eau Fraîche Micellaire appears to be the latter. This creates a soapy solution which allows lipids and vitamins A, D, E and K to be retained - always handy for more youthful and less dry-looking skin!) In any case, a 3-in-1 product which can help save time, money and space, particularly when travelling, is always a plus.

I've also been testing the light moisturiser, which has a heavenly fragrant smell and seems to absorb with ease. The heavier moisturiser will be sent to my auntie, who has drier (and - sorry - older!) skin, for testing. More detailed assessments of these products will therefore be available shortly.

The Nectar de Roses range allegedly provides a full three-step regime no matter what your skin type. Firstly, you need to clean your skin - with the 3-in-1 product mentioned above if you have oily skin, or with their cream cleanser and makeup remover if your skin is dry. You then tone, either using rose flower water or rose oil. Finally, hydration is provided through the two moisturisers I already talked about.

Ultimately, I left the event with an excellent impression of the brand and its products, which are clearly crafted with care and attention. This care and attention is evidently also lavished on its bloggers, in the hope of providing the most positive launch possible. Even if I don't end up using Melvita's rose range long-term, their other products for oily and acne-prone skin, especially the anti-blemish roll-on and their tinted healing concealer, look very tempting too. As do all the cakes and biscuits and sweets that I ate at the launch. (Note to self: drag husband to said patisserie for tea on Saturday.)

Sunday 13 May 2012

Benefit Confessions of a Concealaholic

RRP: £28.50

--What does the promo say?--
"Embrace your inner concealaholic! Why deny it when you can hide it, conceal it, camouflage & cover it? This concealing & brightening kit has EVERYTHING you need to satisfy all your concealing cravings!
Kit contains: “that gal” brightening face primer, boi-ing industrial strength concealer in 2 shades (01, 02) for custom concealing, erase paste (02 medium) brightening camouflage for eyes and face, lemon aid colour correcting eyelid primer, eye bright instant eye brightener, concealer brushes and a step-by-step lesson."

--Packaging--
Very cutesy, in Benefit's usual vintage style. Everything inside the kit is nicely laid out, and brushes, while perhaps not strictly necessary for this particular kit (I just get in there with my fingers), are provided. The mirror is ample and the amounts of Lemon Aid, Eye Bright, Erase Paste and Boi-ing are generous (That Gal is a bit more piddly). Some magnetic closures or attachments would be nice: a number of times the That Gal tube has tried to make a quick getaway while I've been on the move and scraped the Boi-ing pans on its way through.

--Application--
Full instructions are included inside the compact, but essentially it goes as follows: apply Lemon Aid to your eyelids and Erase Paste underneath your eyes. That Gal goes all over your face. Mix the shades of Boi-ing to create your own custom shade of concealer (or just use one, as I do), and finally use the Eye Bright around the edges of your eyes to make them look more awake. There's nothing tricky about anything here and the enclosed instructions are detailed yet concise to ensure you can't go wrong.

--Scents--
Slightly chalky in places, but nothing offensive overall. The only one I didn't like much was That Gal, which seems to have a touch of that artificial strawberry type scent about it.

--Appearance--
I was already familiar with Lemon Aid and Boi-ing and continue to be happy with these for the way in which they even out skin tone and blend easily to create a long-lasting base. Eye Bright I was already familiar with but don't use much, as I find it doesn't do much for me. I found the same with That Gal and Erase Paste - I don't have that many dark circles to speak of, and it seems a faff to use one product under the eyes and another on the eye lids when Lemon Aid smooths out both just as well. That Gal just seemed to make my skin look pinker unfortunately (not brightened) - which is not really the effect you're after when you're already sporting the English rose look to begin with, and suffering with acne on top. Overall, the effect provided is that of a good base: you'd look a bit plain without something else to pimp your look (e.g. lip gloss) - so ultimately you do need other products in addition.

--Textures and consistency--
No problems here: Boi-ing, Lemon Aid and Eye Bright are heavy-duty but still blend well and don't weigh your skin down or clog pores. That Gal could be a little creamier perhaps but is ultimately not too runny and still goes on easily. Erase Paste is perhaps a little greasy on the fingertip but again gives a good result in the end without causing any discomfort when worn.

--Longevity--
Erase Paste is very impressive in that it doesn't settle into creases at all, so top marks there. Lemon Aid lasts quite well but begins to waver in this respect. Did not notice much degradation with any of the products, truth be told; this is something that Benefit does well.

--Value for money--
While the price may initially make a potential buyer wince, it's still the best way of trying out several Benefit products in one go without breaking the bank. It really helps to confirm which products suit you and which ones don't - and personally, I'll know to stick to the products from this kit that I already know and love (Boi-ing and Lemon Aid), with the rest just not being that suitable for my purposes. The Benefit kits are always handy, good value, and great fun to have and would make an excellent gift for others (or indeed for yourself...!).

perfect partners
Posie Tint, £24.50
Bad Gal Lash Mascara, £16.50

Tuesday 8 May 2012

Benefit Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow!

 RRP: £24.50/30ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Hello…it’s flawless time! Our new oil-free brightening liquid foundation builds from light to medium coverage for a natural complexion you can believe in. It’s you…just more luminous & healthy looking.
  • broad-spectrum SPF 25 PA+++ protection**
  • oil-free formula
  • natural finish
  • hydrating benefits
  • light-diffusing properties
  • available in 9 shades
**What does PA+++ mean? SPF stands for the protection grade of the UVB filter. PA stands for the protection grade of the UVA filter. The highest standard of sun protection rating is the three-star PA rating. Our foundation has three stars, which translates to the highest protection."

--Packaging--
Perhaps in a slight departure from Benefit's vintage theme, the font used on this bottle suggests something even more glamorous. The writing on the pump-action plastic bottle is easy to read and gives you all the information you need as well. The opaque plastic adds mystique but still enables you to see how much you have left; the white background also makes it seem clean and simple while the bright pink font pops off the bottle.

--Application--
Benefit recommends starting with their Porefessional primer all over your face for an even application, but any primer will do (I've been using their brightening That Gal of late, alternating with Witch's primer). I also apply eyelid primer before going on with the foundation. A pea-sized blob will do your whole face, and application is easy: just smear it on for effortless blending before finishing off with concealer and powder if needed.

--Appearance and coverage--
I'm using their palest shade, Ivory (what a surprise) and for me it's a perfect fit. I wouldn't say that I could go out with *only* this on, but then again I've had acne problems for years (although it seems that it is starting to clear up now - yay!). Even then, only a light touch with concealer and powder is needed for that sought-after flawless appearance. For others, it's a medium to light coverage and should be sufficient alone if you don't have any major skin problems. Gives a dewy finish that can be desirable, but is probably not too good for those with very oily skin who are seeking a more mattifying look (again, powder helps with this).

--Scent--
Nothing discernible, in truth: if you don't like those chalky or otherwise chemical smells that can be present in foundation you'll be fine here.
 
--Texture and consistency--
Surprisingly runny for something containing an SPF, perhaps even overly so - although this is certainly better than it being too sticky or difficult to blend.

--Longevity--
Lasts quite well on the skin, although powder touch-ups can be needed every now and again.

--Value for money--
I always baulk at Benefit's prices as it can seem rather a lot for an initial outlay. HOWEVER - the products always last a long time as a little goes such a long way. On the whole, with a few exceptions, they are of high quality. Having a high SPF in a product is always a good thing (even if it's not exactly the same as using regular sunscreen). It's a good colour match in this case, lasts well, and offers a youthful finish, as well as being hydrating and oil-free so as to not aggravate the skin. Even though I bought mine in the US on this occasion (where it retails at £21, rather than £24.50), I would consider paying full price for this one.

perfect partners
Porefessional primer, £23.50
Speed Brow brow gel, £12
Hervana face powder, £23.50
They're Real! mascara, £18.50
Total Moisture facial cream, £26.50

Sunday 6 May 2012

Caudalie Nourishing Body Lotion

RRP: from £18 for 250ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Packed with extremely nourishing active ingredients, this product immediately and moisturizes the skin, which regains its softness and elasticity. Grape-seed Polyphenols prevent premature ageing of the skin, gingko biloba activates microcirculation. Protected and revitalized, your skin is firmer and more luminous for all day moisture. Its luxurious texture is quickly absorbed and wraps the skin in a delicately perfumed, velvety veil."

--Packaging--
The opaque plastic allows the white body lotion to be clearly seen, meaning you've always got an idea of how much you have left. The pump-action is easy to control (although offers no extra protective lid for travel) and visually it's clear yet understated, with the grapevine imagery fitting well with the rest of Caudalie's products and philosophy. The white and green colour scheme helps to make this a unisex offering.

--Application--
Massage into clean dry skin in the morning and/or at night and leave to soak in. It's as simple as that!

--Appearance--
The white lotion leaves no visible residue on the skin once the product has been rubbed in.

--Scent--
Clean without being chemical; along the lines of cotton and soap, so it should appeal to all. A shame none of the main ingredients seem to be detectable. A neutral scent that doesn't interfere with perfume.

--Texture and consistency--
Creamy and completely luxurious. Not at all greasy. Sinks into skin extremely well.

--Effects on the skin--
Definitely reduces dry skin on the body and leaves you feeling soft and stroky :)  No comments from the beautician during my waxing sessions at how dry my skin is (which they have commented on in the past). Now, if I could just find something so balancing for my facial skin, all would be well!!

--Value for money--
At £18 for 250ml (and £26 for 400ml) it's certainly not cheap, but it's still an affordable treat for sure, giving your life a little bit of salon luxury every day. L'Occitane is the main competitor in this price bracket and I feel Caudalie have pitched their product well here. The scent may not be that exciting, but it's a simultaneously luxurious and effective product. Wrap yourself in a big white fluffy towel and enjoy!

perfect partners
Fleur de Vigne Shower Gel, £9
Hand and Nail Cream, £12

Thursday 3 May 2012

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

Wednesday 2 May 2012

Broadway Nails Impress Press-on Manicure

RRP: £7.99 
# of designs available: 36

--What does the promo say?--
"Get a salon-perfect manicure in seconds with the revolutionary imPRESS Press-on Manicure by Broadway Nails. Endorsed by the stunning Nicole Scherzinger who was quoted in Look Magazine as saying that her imPRESS nails were one of three things she’d take with her on a desert island, these sass-o-licious instant nail art products require no drying time as no messy glue is involved in application. Not only that but they last up to a week, have a superior and lasting shine and are easy to remove. The funky pack contains 24 Nail Covers in 12 different sizes as well as a Preparation Pad to ensure your nails are in optimal condition for applying the imPRESS Press-On nails. To prepare, remove any nail polish, cleanse and buffer the nails with the Preparation Pad, select the perfect fitting cover for each nail and line them up in finger order. To apply, one-by-one leaving the thumbs until last, simply peel off the clear plastic tab from the back of the nail cover, firmly press into place on the finger and apply pressure. Voila! A gel manicure-look in mere seconds that you can match to any outfit!"

--Packaging--
The nails come in a see-through nail polish style plastic bottle, which is a cute but slightly more wasteful way of displaying them compared to the foils. Still, it's definitely distinctive and I can see why they've done it this way. The nails are not sorted by size.

--Application--
Remove all old nail varnish, make sure your hands are clean and dry, and prep your nails using the cleansing pad provided. Choose the correct nail sizes for your nails (if in between sizes go for the smaller one as 100% adherence to your natural nails is needed) and then lay out your 10 chosen nails in sequence. The rounded ends with the clear plastic tabs on them show where the nail is supposed to meet the cuticle (bottom of the nail). Peel off the clear plastic tab and stick the artificial nails onto your natural ones, pressing down regularly for the first few hours to ensure complete adherence. Apply finger nails first, leaving thumbs until last. While a little fiddly, there is nothing difficult about any of this. It's a darn sight easier than foils and doesn't involve any drying time either, making it more convenient than polish in this regard too.

--Appearance-- 
I didn't really like the colour I was sent (neon pink!) but with 36 shades available this was just the (bad) luck of the draw - I can see many other shades and designs that I would like, as Impress has everything from French manicure to leopard print. The nails are not too thick and easily pass for a professional gel manicure look as promised. At their original length they looked a tad ridiculous on me but once cut and filed down they looked perfect. In addition, it's worth knowing that if you are ever gifted some of these and don't like the colour, you can paint over them with regular nail polish with no problem (which I know goes against the point of the nails, but just saying it is possible). The appearance is easily customisable not just through the range of designs but also in terms of shape and length.

--How well do they stick?--
Very well; I'd give them 9/10 in this regard. Occasionally the bottoms of the nails would 'catch' as I was doing something, but not frequently, and only on one or two nails. I'd put this down to my inexperience at applying such products rather than an inherent fault with the product itself. 
One slight problem with this is that the adhesive goes nearly all the way to the edge of the nail; this means that underneath the artificial nail any sort of dirt, grime, dust etc that you come into contact with gets stuck there and is difficult to remove. Not very sightly or hygienic.

--How long do they last?--
Easily stand up to the "up to one week" claim on the box and perhaps even exceed it; the nails are definitely durable.

--Removal-- 
While not as easy or quick to remove as conventional nail polish they are definitely easier to remove than the foils that are also popular in the current market. Damage to natural nails is also minimal to non-existent.

--Value for money--
At £7.99 these are a bit expensive for everyday wear, but I would definitely buy them again for a night out or special occasion, or to indulge in their more intricate designs - anything that I couldn't possibly recreate at home with regular polish. They're also a lot cheaper than getting the same effect in a salon. A very good product overall :)

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Moisturiser

RRP:  £4.99/50ml 

--What does the promo say?--
"NEUTROGENA VISIBLY CLEAR® Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Moisturiser is a daily facial moisturiser with a fresh fragrance that leaves skin looking beautifully clear and healthy.
1. Hydrates: the light oil-free formula provides 24hr hydration without clogging the pores. It absorbs quickly and leaves your skin feeling smooth and soft.
2. Clears: enriched with MicroClear® technology, used daily, it helps to reduce and prevent spots and blemishes. Skin looks more smooth and even, the complexion is visibly improved.
3. Refreshes: the lightweight formula with its delicate hint of pink grapefruit quenches your skin with hydration and uplifts your senses so you look and feel fresh."

--Packaging--
Sticks with the pink-and-white theme on the tube as with the rest of the range, giving it a clear sense of calmness, grapefruit, and of belonging to a product family. Information on the tube is brief, concise and clear, and the screw-top lid is secure and easy to use.

--Application--
After using the pink grapefruit scrub and/or cleanser, rub the moisturiser over your face and neck. No need to rinse off - just let it sink in.

--Appearance--
A pale pink cream which leaves no visible traces on the skin after application.

--Scent--
Very obviously of pink grapefruit without being overbearing (although it is a synthetic fragrance according to the ingredients rather than being a natural extract). A very pleasant and awakening smell.

--Texture and consistency--
Creamy without being heavy, although it stops just short of luxurious. Sinks into skin easily; is not at all greasy.

--Effects on the skin--
Skin is visibly smoothened, brighter and clearer than before. Funnily enough I found I saw a greater improvement with this product than with the cleanser or the scrub; will need to ask the experts why...!

--Value for money--
Probably one of the most effective high street moisturisers on the market for this money for those suffering with acneic skin. While my skin has already been improving for some time, I think this product has definitely helped. Would purchase again.

perfect partners
Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Facial Wash, £4.94/200ml
Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Daily Scrub,£4.95/150ml
Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Cream Wash, £4.49/150ml