Skin Doctors Exfoliating Crystals

RRP: £18.99/100ml

--What does the promo say?--

"Skin Doctors present the Exfoliating Crystals; a refining scrub that utilises microencapsulated beads to deliver a powerful exfoliating action, without scratching or damaging skin. Working to buff away dead and dull skin cells, the advanced crystals minimise the appearance of visible pores, wrinkles, pigmentation and uneven skin tone, revealing brighter, smoother results.

Infused with Melaleuca Alternifolia (Australian Tea Tree Oil), known for its anti-bacterial properties, its formula helps treat infections, acne and blemishes so you can experience visibly improved, refreshed and clearer skin with every use. Skin is left radiant and velvety soft. Suitable for use on the face and body."

--Packaging--

The monochrome scheme, with a discreet band of silver above the lid, is both sophisticated and unisex. The flip-top lid is practical and easy to use. However, for obvious environmental reasons, it would be appreciated to see the brand moving away from plastic packaging in the future.

--Application--

Cleanse the face thoroughly and pat dry before rubbing a small amount of the product over the skin. Dust off the crystals with a dry face cloth. Rinse the area thoroughly and then pat dry again. Use 1-2 times a week. All very straightforward.

--Appearance--

A white paste/lotion with barely detectable white granular particles. It is emphasised on the Skin Doctors website that these are *not* microbeads (without telling us what they in fact *are*).

--Scent--

The tea tree oil is subtly detectable.

--Texture and consistency--

Satisfyingly scrubby while still feeling moisturising.

--Effects on the skin--

Mattifying and calming in the immediate instance, while improving complexion long term and giving a brightening effect.

--Value for money--

At £18.99 a pop this is in line with other premium brands such as Ren, Clarins, Clinique and Kiehls, and quality-wise compares well with them, producing clear results. Would recommend.

perfect partners

pH Balancing Cleanser, £12.99

Gamma Hydroxy, £41.99

Dr Hauschka Cleansing Cream

RRP: £14.95

--What does the promo say?--
"Deep cleansing. Maintains the pH balance so that the acidic barrier protecting your skin is not broken down. Maintains and supports the skin's natural moisture level."

--Packaging--
The white metal tube is mostly practical, though could be prone to breaking in the middle if you don't squeeze from the end. The slightly sober design gives the impression of a brand to be taken seriously, and is suitably unisex.

--Application--
Easy to use - just squeeze a little into your palm and rub gently onto a damp face before rinsing off. Don't be too rough - the almond meal will do the work for you. 

--Appearance--
Doesn't look the way you'd expect a cream to thanks to its grainy appearance. The dark orange colour is also a surprise - even though it looks natural rather than artificial - but doesn't leave any visible residue on the skin. 

--Scent--
A slightly oaty, yeasty smell that probably comes from the nuts and nut oils used in the product (almond and peanut) as well as the wheatgerm. The floral and fruity ingredients are not detectable at all, and neither is the witch hazel.

--Texture and consistency--
Satisfyingly scrubby without being rough. Not creamy, though, so no idea where this concept of it being a "cleansing cream" has come from.

--Effects on the skin--
Skin looks noticeably more radiant even from the first use, and skin condition (including acne) visibly improves. Skin is left clean and fresh, especially when used with other Dr Hauschka products. Even on hot days, skin is significantly less oily and shiny, making this a spectacularly efficient product.

--Value for money--
Unquestionably good thanks to the excellent results. Even the UK price, which is often hiked up significantly compared to European prices, is reasonable at just under £15. It's true that with twice-daily use you may need to replace it as often as once a month - but given how high a price tag many other companies put on such a good outcome, this is a quality product that's fairly priced. Would repurchase.

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Cleansing Clay Mask, £25.45
Facial Toner, £23.45
Normalising Day Oil, £24.25 

Dove Purely Pampering Body Wash

RRP: £2.40
Number of varieties: 3 (shea butter/vanilla; coconut/jasmine; hibiscus/almond)

--What does the promo say?--
"A shower experience that nourishes and pampers. Dove Shea Butter with Warm Vanilla body wash blended with NutriumMoisture™ creates a gentle cloud of creamy lather that will leave you and your skin feeling restored and nourished. The warm scent fills the shower enveloping you with care, allowing you to feel balanced and renewed. Caring for yourself never felt so good."

--Packaging--
The body wash bottle has a lovely curved shape, and is just the right size to prevent you from dropping it in the shower. It tapers at the top to a tiny flip-top lid that is the same colour as the label, avoiding confusion in the shop or shower when you make a last-minute grab for the one you want from the range (there are 3).

--Application--
Lather up under the shower, luxuriate for as long as you like, and then rinse off. Classic.

--Appearance--
A white, slightly foamy yet still substantial cream wash. Leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--
There are three varieties of this available, but I have just tested one (the shea butter and warm vanilla version). It definitely delivers on the shea butter hit; less so on the vanilla front.

--Texture and consistency--
Lathers up really well, and stays on the skin for as long as you want it to. Rinses off easily when it's time to.

--Effects on the skin--
Seems to deliver skin smoothness as promised, although I used this in conjunction with its accompanying body lotion and body cream, so it's difficult to say exactly where this effect comes from.

--Value for money--
At £2.40, this is on a par price-wise with brands such as Nivea, Johnson and Johnson, and Palmolive. Offering a luxurious experience at a generous price, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it.

perfect partners

Dove Purely Pampering Nourishing Body Lotion, £3.99

Dove Purely Pampering Body Cream, £4.99

Dove Purely Pampering Nourishing Hand Cream, £3.49

Dove Purely Pampering Beauty Cream Hand Wash, £1.49

Dove Purely Pampering Beauty Bar, £1.59

Dove Purely Pampering Nourishing Lotion

RRP: from £3.99/250ml
Number of varieties available: 3 (shea butter/warm vanilla; sweet almond/hibiscus; coconut/jasmine)

--What does the promo say?--

"Lavished with intensely nurturing ingredients, the NEW Purely Pampering skincare collection from Dove has been created to infuse the skin with the care it deserves, everyday, and wrap it in irresistible fragrance. The Dove Purely Pampering formulations deliver delicious care to skin, and are available in three lusciously scented variants – Shea Butter and Warm Vanilla, Almond Cream & Hibiscus and Coconut Milk & Jasmine Petals. Containing Dove’s unique DeepCare Complex, an infusion of skin-natural nutrients and rich essential oil for deep down nourishment, Dove Purely Pampering promises long lasting, smooth skin. Let the indulgent ingredients nourish your skin, to deliver our most irresistible care."

--Packaging--

The three bottles are ergonomically designed, with a curved ridge cut into the side of the bottle for easy handling (even with lotion-covered hands!) and an easy-to-use flip-top lid. All three variants are clearly part of the same range, but the differently-coloured labels make it easy to distinguish between them. Generally the lids work well, but there is some risk of leakage (only 2 out of 3 of these arrived from Dove's lovely PR people completely full), so be careful!

--Application--

Rub a strawberry-sized amount between the hands to warm the lotion and then rub into clean dry skin. Repeat as desired until whole body is moisturised (or 'basted' as my delightful husband says. I AM NOT A CHICKEN :p).

--Appearance--

A white cream that is thick without being mousse-like. It comes out of the tube easily without rushing out. Wastage is easily avoided. The lotion itself rubs easily into the skin with no visible residue.

--Scent--

With three different varieties available, there should be something for everyone. Here's my verdict on each of them. The shea butter and warm vanilla is pleasant, although the shea butter shows more than the vanilla. I had expected some slightly spicier elements also (perhaps cardamom or cinnamon notes would have been good). The coconut and jasmine version is well-balanced, with the coconut not being overbearing - the last thing you want is for your body lotion to smell like sunscreen! The almond and hibiscus is the best of the lot though: well-balanced and creative, with the fruitiness of the hibiscus coming through later. All, however, are delightful and merit future purchase.

--Texture and consistency--

All of the lotions absorbed very well and were not sticky, runny or greasy. Result.

--Effects on the skin--

Skin felt not just immediately softer but also smoother throughout the day, suggesting a definite possibility of longer-term results.

--Value for money--

Dove's body lotions are priced in line with similar brands such as Palmer's and E45, and compete equally on quality and scent. As promised in their promotional materials, they provide effective care for skin along with a luxurious at-home pampering experience. Would recommend.

perfect partners

Dove Purely Pampering Body Wash, £2.40

Dove Purely Pampering Body Cream, £4.99

Dove Purely Pampering Nourishing Hand Cream, £3.49

Dove Purely Pampering Beauty Cream Hand Wash, £1.49

Dove Purely Pampering Beauty Bar, £1.59

Lancôme Color Fever Gloss

RRP: £18

--What does the promo say?--

"In Spring 2011, Dancing Queen turns into a Disco Ballerine with a selection of adorable pastel tones inspired by ballet slippers. Magnify your lips with a dazzling shine. The ultimate Color Fever Gloss has ingredients that are 96% of natural origin. Enriched with sweet almond oil and provides hydration. Lips are generously plumped with moisture. And the perfume... delicious lavender - 100% natural of course!"

--Packaging--

A slightly curved clear plastic rectangular prism suspends the violet gloss for all to see, topping the ensemble with a dark silver shiny lid and a small version of the Lancôme flower logo. All very pretty and in keeping with what has gone before within the company's lip product division.

--Application--

The heart-shaped applicator is supposed to ensure perfect application every time, allowing light or heavy results to be achieved and perfect contours to be drawn. However, this paraphrased bumpf from the Lancôme website is just making gloss application sound more difficult than it actually is, surely?

--Appearance--

The gloss I have (pictured above; #385, Lavande Ballerine) looks very violet in the tube, but on the lips gives a much paler, barely-there effect, which may be disappointing for those who were expecting something more full-on. However, its near-invisible shimmer can certainly be enhanced by wearing a light and similarly-coloured lipstick underneath (I use a Guerlain KissKiss lipstick with this).

--Scent--

Simply gorgeous; the price tag is rendered worth it for the scent alone, which for the Spring 2011 range (Beige/Rose/Lavande Ballerine) is a full, rich and totally natural lavender scent which transports you straight to the fields of France. Divine!

--Texture and consistency--

Nothing special or different compared to other lip glosses; it is a little bit sticky, but generally light and not bothersome.

--Longevity--

Holds up well against food and kisses; no complaints, but nothing miraculous either.

--Value for money--

£18 seems a little steep, but can seem acceptable given that you are buying into a world-renowned brand and given that the product is not scented artificially but with genuine lavender. However, if you want to make a small saving, Mistrys Pharmacy (online) sell it for £15 (£17.50 including delivery).

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Butterflies Fever Mineral Blusher, £32.50

Ombre Magnetique Long Wear Eye Shadow, £23.50

Ink Artliner Gel Eyeliner, £19.50

Lolita Lempicka Forbidden Flower

RRP: from £27/30ml @ www.slapiton.co.uk

--What does the promo say?--
"Forbidden Flower Eau de Parfum includes an Absinthe Flower fragrance, which is natural and voluptuous, innocent and stunning, yet emits the occasional crisp while often sensual floral notes. The Absinthe Floral bouquet unveils a cascade of green, bracing and acidic notes from its Strawberry Leaf and Mimosa Stem scents. Not as innocent as it seems... the peony is a radiant, full flower with disturbing sensuality that mixes beautifully with the powdery round character of Violet. Aniseed Flower blends subtly with this mixture of petals, releasing its absinthe aroma that boost our desire for carnal delights. As the blossom then develops into a fruit, its bottom notes unveil a luscious warmth with a fruity sweetness, and a musky scent that is enveloped in a hint of almond and sour cherry with berry accents."

--Packaging--
Glorious. Like Nina Ricci and Viktor and Rolf put together, but x500%. Golden and embellished, the slightly kooky company logo adorns the apple-shaped bottle for even more flourish. Quite clearly no effort or time has been squandered here; the result is magnificent.

--Application--
Spritz onto pulse points for maximum diffusion and impact (behind ears, onto wrists, onto chest).

--Appearance--
A clear liquid with no hue or sparkle.

--Scent--
Really unusual: fruity and musky, with unexpected tones beneath. I wish the absinthe were more detectable, but maybe it's doing more work beneath the surface than I realise. The violet is barely there, and that's probably a good thing: again, it's probably doing its part somewhere, and if it were any more full-on the fragrance would be too sweet and sickly. Excellent for any woman with a sense of fairytale and fun. However, it unfortunately develops into something more conventional, which is a shame.

--Longevity--
Sadly not as good as I had hoped :( Expect to reapply this once or twice a day.

--Value for money--
Good if you shop around but you could easily get your wallet back screaming and crying. Do your research first: it's worth having, but only at the best possible price.

perfect partner
Forbidden Flower Beauty Body Lotion, €38,60

L'Occitane Almond Shower Oil

RRP: £14.50 for 250ml

--What does the promo say?--
"A customer favourite. Transforms into a lavish, softening foam -- original and unique in texture -- that leaves a satin-like softness all over the body. Rich in almond oil and nourishing lipids. Cleanses gently to impart a delectable perfume. Keep handy in bath or shower as an extra-pampering alternative to Shea Butter Soap and our fragrance soaps."

--Packaging--
Looks simple and timeless. Clear plastic bottle, chunky text on a minimalist label, keeping a colour scheme designed to evoke Provence with its olive green and brown. There's also a fake metal screw-cap style lid, which in fact doesn't screw off at all: it's just there for effect, and you just push down the plastic disc at the top in order to dispense the oil. Dispensing the oil is a pretty controlled process - it doesn't spill out everywhere, allowing its use to be effective and economical. Bottle itself seems fairly robust and the label doesn't peel off in the shower either, making it constantly look as if you have only just bought it.

--Application--
Squeeze out a 50p-sized amount of the oil, and rub onto your body, avoiding genitals and face. Leave on skin during your shower and then rinse off.

--Scent--
Sweet and sort of doughy - smells exactly like when almonds are fried with sugar (delicious - I recommend doing this if you haven't tried it! Also works well with salt.).

--Texture/consistency--
Perfect: not runny, lumpy, sticky or viscous. Just the right 'thickness' and it glides well over the body.

--Appearance--
A pale yellow oil, which leaves no residue on the skin.

--Sensation--
Warms up slightly when rubbed between the hands.

--Does it do what it says it will?--
The product's two main claims are soft skin, and the fact that this can also be used as an effective lubricant before shaving. The latter is certainly true: I shave daily, and have experienced no irritation whilst using this. The former I cannot advise so confidently on, as I do not really suffer from dry skin. However, the fact that my skin has not become dried out while using this suggests that those with dry skin would experience softer, smoother skin.

--Value for money--
This is excellent - superior to 'higher' brands such as philosophy without capitalising on it in terms of price. I always respect companies who keep their prices honest, and who are more concerned about keeping their old customers than attracting new ones. It's a luxurious product to use in the shower and also has useful qualities, which is always nice. Champion.

perfect partners
Almond Milk Concentrate, £32 for 200ml
Almond Delicious Paste, £24 for 200ml