Beuti Beauty Sleep Elixir

RRP: £42 for 30ml

--What does the promo say?--
"With its 14 precious plant oils Beauty Sleep Elixir supports skin barrier function and plays a key role in fighting inflammation. Packed with anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients that counteract irritation and inflammation. Beauty Sleep Elixir can be worn under makeup in the evening and boosts skin tone, acting as an on the spot blemish treatment due to its anti-inflammatory powers and brightens the complexion for no makeup days. During precious beauty sleep, skin renews itself thanks to this product's super boost of vitamins, minerals and a complete omega hit of 3,5,6,7 and 9, letting you wake up to beautiful glowing skin. Softalia, from a sustainable plantation in Australia, counteracts inflammation and has unique activity on the skin due to its ximenynic acid content, helping hydration and reducing fine lines. Caribbean coral neutralizes the enzyme responsible for skin ageing, acne and sunburn and is one of the worlds most potent anti-inflammatory ingredients."

--Packaging--
The opaque glass bottle is perfect for a product of this type as it enables you to see exactly how much is left at all times, as well as letting the beautiful amber colour of the oil shine through. Equally, the minimalist product information on the bottle and the silvery band and lid contribute to a classy effect. The pump-action mechanism is practical and minimises waste.

--Application--
Massage into face, hands or body for use as a moisturiser. You can also use it to cleanse or remove makeup with by massaging over the face and then removing the oil immediately with a cotton pad.

--Appearance--
A golden orange oil that disappears invisibly into the skin, leaving no residue.

--Scent--
The woodier scents are dominant in this, so I'm guessing the sandalwood is largely at play here. However, a citrus element is also detectable thanks to the sea buckthorn: a hard berry reminiscent of orange and lemon.

--Texture and consistency--
A smooth, non-greasy oil which absorbs quickly into the skin.

--Effects on the skin--
Has deeply moisturising properties which work well on all areas of the body as well as the face. Perfect for these sunnier times of the year when skin may dry out from exposure to the sun, the sea, or chlorinated swimming pools.

--Value for money--
A little goes a very long way and the product is clearly composed of high quality ingredients (which, for what it's worth, are 98% organic and 100% natural). An excellent multi-purpose product for affordable luxury moisturisation.

Trilogy Blemish Control Gel

RRP: £12.50 for 20ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Salicylic acid effectively targets and decongests pimples. Antibacterial lemongrass and mandarin help control breakouts, ginger reduces inflammation and rosehip aids repair."

--Packaging--
This slim squeezy tube is distinguished by its dark pink stripe and silvery lid, offering a contrast to the discreet whiteness of the rest. The whole ensemble therefore looks sophisticated and adult, unlike anti-blemish brands aimed at teens, which can look garish. Acne sufferers in their 20s and 30s can therefore tackle their spots without being afraid to display the products in their bathrooms.

--Application--
Trilogy says you can apply this directly onto specific blemished three times a day if you like, and even with mixing it with moisturiser and applying it to the whole face twice a day does not seem to irritate or dry the skin, so I'd say feel free to go with either of these methods.

--Appearance--
A pale yellow gel with an almost golden appearance, which fades invisibly into skin.

--Scent--
Nothing discernible, despite what you'd expect to be a highly pungent ingredients list (which includes ginger, mandarin, lemongrass, and others).

--Texture and consistency--
Unlike some anti-blemish gels, which can be sticky, this sinks in smoothly, whether used alone or mixed into moisturiser.

--Effects on the skin--
I saw a positive improvement without drying out the skin, with the number of whiteheads definitely decreasing. However, I saw little effect on the number of blackheads, so I'd definitely consider resorting to Trilogy's exfoliant for this skin type to combat this problem.

--Value for money--
Although my tube began to run out more quickly than I'd have liked, this was perhaps to be expected when you're using the product over your whole face and not just individual blemishes. Plus, as I was sent mine for free by Trilogy's lovely PR, it was an excellent experiment that resulted in me feeling that I would a) recommend this product to others and b) purchase it for myself in future. Doesn't always happen, that :)

perfect partners
Balancing Gel Cleanser, £22.50
Gentle Facial Exfoliant, £21.50
Mineral Radiance Mask, £19.50
Balancing Face Lotion, £26.50

Lacura Clear Effect Daily Facial Gel Wash

RRP: £2.99

--What does the promo say?--
"This new facial wash gently and thoroughly removes impurities and make-up to reduce shine and greasiness. Including magnolia extract and BioEcolia this gentle wash is formulated for daily use to help protect and strengthen the natural and biological defence system of the skin, leaving a clear fresh complexion."

 --Packaging--
The transparent plastic bottle means that the blue gel is easily visible, giving a bright and cooling effect (plus, it's always handy to be able to see how much product remains). The flip top lid is also durable and practical.

--Application--
Lather up and apply to face before rinsing off. Use twice a day. Nothing difficult about this.

--Appearance--
The blue gel doesn't lather up much, but it does create a white film that washes off easily.

--Scent--
Clean without being clinical, floral or chemical.

--Texture and consistency--
A little gel goes a long way, so don't take too much - a 5p sized amount will do your whole face. The gel glides over the skin easily, and as mentioned, can be washed off without difficulty.

--Effects on the skin--
Sadly, only a small improvement in skin condition was noted. 

--Value for money--
Cheap is all very well, but only if you get results. It won't be a bad thing in my book if Aldi doesn't bring back this Special Buy - but if you really want to give it a go, try hunting on eBay.

perfect partners
Soothing Night Cream, £2.99
Tinted Day Cream, £2.99
Mattifying Moisturiser, £2.99
3 in 1 Cleanser, £2.99

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).  

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

Garnier Miracle Perfector All-in-One BB Cream

RRP: £9.99/50ml

# of shades available: 2 (light and medium)

--What does the promo say?--

"Garnier's Miracle Skin Perfector Cream, inspired by the Asian skincare sensation, B.B. (Blemish Balm) Creams. Garnier BB cream for immediately perfected skin with even tone and boosted glow. Blurs imperfections and smoothes fine lines. SPF15 protection and 24hr hydration." 

--Packaging--

The skin tone-coloured packaging is more reminiscent of a standard tinted moisturiser or foundation's packaging, in contrast to the usually more glitzy packaging of other BB creams I've seen from Asia. This may not immediately alert consumers to the notion that this product is supposed to do something different. However, the packaging is sturdy, reliable, and easily controllable - you won't get silly amounts of product ejected all over your hand unless you try really hard.

--Application--

Simple really: squeeze a pea-sized amount onto the back of your hand and then distribute evenly over your face, rubbing it in, avoiding the eye area. You can do this in between concealer and powder if you like.

--Appearance--

A thick, skin-coloured cream that blends in well with my pale skin tone. At the edges, though, you have to be careful to blend the product well as there is the danger of tide marks or it looking slightly orange. The overall effect is a dewy one (hence why I prefer to set it with powder for a more matte look for work) and I wouldn't say it covers blemishes brilliantly on its own.

--Scent--

Slightly fruity, slightly floral - it's possibly the geraniol that does this. Very pleasant and very different to the tinted moisturisers and foundations currently available to consumers.

--Texture and consistency--

Blends very well, although as I mentioned, be careful at the jawline and hairline for tide marks. Definitely feels different to a foundation or tinted moisturiser - it's more creamy, rather than giving a powdery or paint-like feel. Not runny at all and very easy to control.

--Coverage--

As mentioned, not fantastic, even with a fairly heavy-duty concealer being used underneath it. As for wrinkle/fine line coverage, I wouldn't know - I am only 25 after all and so don't have many.

--Effects on the skin--

With reference to my comments above, this product does contain an agent that acts like a temporary 'plumping' agent to fill in fine lines and wrinkles, but nothing noticeable jumped out at me in this respect once the product was on my skin. The dewy finish probably contributes more to the awake-looking appearance than the caffeine it contains, and in any case, presumably the effects of the caffeine, like the vitamin C and SPF that it also contains, wouldn't be visible in the short term anyway. On the up side, though, I did notice a general improvement in the condition of my skin while using this product - in terms of testing out the claims on Garnier's website, redness did seem to be reduced, complexion seemed more glowing, radiant and unified, and blemishes seemed reduced as well (although curiously the product contains no immediately obvious blemish-reducing agent).

--Value for money--

In spite of this product's shortcomings (and speaking of which - only 2 shades available, Garnier? Come on.), I have found myself pleasantly surprised. I know I was lucky that the light shade was suitable for my skin (which was the one I chose when Garnier asked what I wanted), and I know that its ability to conceal definitely leaves something to be desired, but the texture is really pleasing and the effects on the skin more than satisfactory (although to say in the promo that skin will be 'immediately perfected' is more than a bit of an exaggeration). Nonetheless, I shall be interested to see how this product competes with Clinique's attempt at a European BB cream (Asian ones tend to have whitening as their goal), as well as with bona fide BB creams from Korea and Taiwan.

perfect partner

Caffeine Anti-Dark Circles 2-in-1 Roll-on, £10.20  

Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Clearing Concealer

RRP: £11.50/10ml
# of available shades: 3

--What does the promo say?--
"Medicated concealer helps clear and prevent blemishes. Gentle, soothing formula provides natural-looking coverage as blemishes heal. In three skin tone shades including a green tint to visually correct redness. Oil free."

--Packaging--
The pale green packaging is, on the one hand, not very original, as it fails to distinguish the anti-blemish concealer product from others on the market. On the other hand, one can see why Clinique has kept this colour scheme, as it already falls in with the rest of this skincare range in these terms. The band of concealer shade chosen, which wraps around the squeezy tube near the screw-top lid, is a nice touch.

--Application--
Squeeze out a tiny amount, smaller than a pea, and dot onto the blemish that you wish to cover. Blend it in immediately rather than dotting everywhere required and then rubbing in, as the concealer dries quickly and can be too difficult to blend if left to rest.

--Scent--
None really.

--Appearance--
The palest shade is really quite pale indeed: most people would be better off going for the darker one. If you have especially red skin you could try the green one. However, this very limited range of shades (especially for such a high-end brand) means that most people will probably not be satisfied. My 'acid test' of a concealer is that you should be able to wear it on its own; you shouldn't need any other product to prop it up and make it look good. This concealer does not pass that test: it looks patchy and, as mentioned, due to the limited range of colours, will not look good on everyone. Once foundation or tinted moisturiser has been applied over the top, however, it looks fine: it is a heavy duty product that really does cover blemish, but this is at the expense of making the surrounding healthy skin look unnatural.

--Texture and consistency--
Very difficult to blend as it dries so quickly, which is something belied by its initial creamy consistency.

--Longevity--
Excellent. No problems here.

--Effects on the skin--
Sadly, I didn't find that this helped to really diminish acne or chase it away any more quickly. This surprised me greatly given the overall efficacy of the rest of the Anti-Blemish Solutions range.

--Value for money--
While the price isn't bad, I probably wouldn't buy this product again. Even though it lasts a long time on the skin and covers blemishes well, the number of shades available is frankly terrible, it really is a struggle to blend, and it ultimately doesn't do what it sets out to (improve skin condition). For an alternative in the same price bracket, perhaps instead try something more specialised that still hits the spot, such as concealers by Vichy or Guinot.

perfect partner
Anti-Blemish Solutions 3-Step System, £30

Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Foundation

RRP: £20/30ml
--What does the promo say?--
"New Anti-Blemish Solutions Makeup. Lightweight, oil-free, long-wearing foundation that blends gently and evenly into skin to conceal and treat current blemishes, while preventing future ones. Controls oil and balances skin's surface to maintain overall skin health. Unclogs and minimizes the appearance of pores, neutralizes skin redness. Contains skin-soothing ingredients that feel cooling upon application."

--Packaging--
The big C stamped onto the front of the plastic bottle makes this foundation instantly recognisable as a Clinique product. The metal lid (definitely metal, not plastic) is also ergonomically pleasing and is easy to open and close, and I was pleased to see, too, that they've fixed up that awful tapered nozzle since I last used a Clinique foundation: it's still tapered, but they've cut the top flat to control the amount of foundation you squeeze out, which really helps.

--Application--
Onto a clean dry face, after putting on concealer (let's face it, if you're using this product, concealer is probably your lifeline like it is mine), squeeze out a pea-sized blob of the foundation (you really only need very little, even if your skin is not great) and blend onto skin, using fingers or a foundation brush.

--Appearance--
A really smooth, creamy rather than liquid foundation.

--Scent--
None.

--Texture/consistency--
Luxurious yet light; blends easily; no lumps.

--Coverage and longevity--
Generally excellent; definitely makes you feel confident during your day, and, as promised, is long-wearing, so no need for touch-ups throughout the day.

--Effects on the skin--
I have been using this in conjunction with the Amala samples that were sent, and I have already mentioned that I saw some improvement in my skin during this time. Which product it's down to is entirely another matter. Rats. However, my mother has recently bought me some more of this product, whereas my Amala stuff will run out soon and I will not need to replace it for a while, meaning that I'll soon be able to see which product was or is responsible.

--Value for money--
At £20, this verges on the expensive side, but is not unreasonable, especially given the treatment qualities that it purports to have. Holding up in terms of coverage as well as prestige, you also need so little each time that it can easily hold its own against other similarly-priced competitors - although the fact that it does not contain an SPF might be considered a little disappointing. Easily one of the most effective and satisfying products in its price bracket.

perfect partners
Anti-Blemish Solutions Cleansing Foam, £13/125ml
Anti-Blemish Solutions Clarifying Lotion, £16/200ml
Anti-Blemish Solutions Clearing Moisturiser, £15/50ml
Anti-Blemish Solutions Oil Control Cleansing Mask, £15.50/100ml
Anti-Blemish Solutions Clearing Concealer, £11.50/10ml
Anti-Blemish Solutions Cleansing Bar for Face and Body, £12.50
Anti-Blemish Solutions Post-Blemish Formula, £10.50/1.8g
Anti-Blemish Solutions Clear Blemish Gel, £12/15ml

Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions Body Spray

RRP: £13 for 100ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Oil-free formula helps clear and prevent breakouts everywhere — back, chest, shoulders. Helps control oil, reduce the look of redness. Convenient 360-degree spray even works upside down. Perfect for hard-to-reach places. Non-staining formula."

--Packaging--
The big C clearly designates it as part of the Clinique brand, and the colour scheme of eucalyptus greens ensures that it integrates well with the rest of the Anti-Blemish range. The spray function is pretty good, working at all angles as promised, and the lid stays on securely without being too difficult to remove when you do want to use the product. The whole ensemble is made of plastic, so it's very lightweight.

--Application--
The Clinique website instructs that you should start using the product once a day initially, increasing to twice a day if required. You should spray over the affected area after cleansing (ideally with the Clinique Anti-Blemish face and body soap) and leave it to dry, and this is pretty easy to do. No problems here. Just make sure that you use this product before using any other creams or lotions as the spray can be tricky to use when your hands are on the slippery side.

--Scent--
It does unfortunately smell a little bit like bug spray, but this is not too overbearing and can easily be covered by use of a neutral-smelling body cream if it bothers you. I would still prefer a eucalyptus, aloe vera or tea tree smell though.

--Appearance--
No visible residue is left, and the spray itself is virtually invisible anyway.

--Texture/consistency--
Not sticky or greasy; just pleasant and light. I wouldn't say it's such a light mist that you could just spray it and leave it - I did feel the urge to rub it in - but it definitely doesn't take long to sink in.

--Effects on the skin--
I experienced no dryness while using this spray; indeed, skin just felt smooth and balanced. The best part is that it actually worked, too - I don't know if it's just the same toner from the range but in a spray bottle, but either way, I saw much more significant improvements on my body than on my face. The spots on my arms and shoulders have gone away and stayed away; my chest is taking longer to catch up, but I have confidence that it will follow.

--Value for money--
My spray lasted me two months, with me using it once a day some days, twice a day on others, and not at all on others. This therefore makes about £6.50 a month, which I'd say is exemplary value for money for something that is so easy to use and which works so well. I'd really like them to improve on the scent, and I'd quite like some sort of body cream to use in conjunction with it too, in order to augment the already promising results even further.

perfect partner
Anti-Blemish Solutions Cleansing Bar for Face and Body, £12.50

Bourjois Imperfection Concealer

# of shades available: 3
RRP: £5.40 on www.echemist.co.uk

--What does the promo say?--
"We've all been through it: skin breakouts at the most crucial times! Bourjois helps you look your best with Imperfection Concealer, which provides high coverage for blemishes. Its texture is also creamy enough to use under the delicate eye area, to banish heavy-duty dark circles."

--Packaging--
I like the leopard/wildlife approach, as it's very different to other stick concealers on the market. The stick is also very dinky and I like the little mirror on the top too. The only thing to not score points with me is the use of the word 'imperfection' - really prefer the use of the word 'blemish', but maybe that's just a personal thing. The container fastens securely and, although it's made of plastic, it seems fairly durable.

--Application--
Just stroke onto blemishes directly from the stick or by using your own brush. Ideally do this after applying foundation so that the foundation has already done some of the work for you, but before applying powder.

--Appearance--
Looks slightly caked on and is only half effective when it comes to covering spots, and despite the limited range of shades it seems to blend well with even the palest of foundation or powder (though those with darker skins may have more trouble). However, I wouldn't be happy to use it on its own, as I would be with e.g. L'Oreal's Touche Magique.

--Texture/consistency--
Certainly adequate, though not the finest or lightest concealer I've ever tried.

--Longevity--
Coverage was only adequate to begin with, but it at least doesn't seem to slide off or fade.

--Value for money--
At £5.40 it's an OK price, but I'd be loath to pay much more. This concealer is average: it doesn't stand up either to other stick concealers (e.g. Collection 2000's) or pen/liquid concealers (e.g. L'Oreal's). My advice? Go with something else.

perfect partners
Bourjois Compact Powder, £7.80
Bourjois Little Round Pot Blusher, £6.80

Kiss My Face Organic Breakout Botanical Acne Gel

RRP: £9.44 for 1oz

--What does the promo say?--
"Diminish and control skin breakouts, redness, and inflammation with this therapeutic tea tree extract formula which controls the production of sebaceous oils, disinfects, and neutralizes bacteria. Cool, fresh, organic mint soothes and stimulates skin.

GOOD FOR YOU BECAUSE...
Tea Tree Oil: controls production of sebaceous oils, disinfects,
and neutralizes bacteria
Mint: soothes and stimulates skin
Lemon Balm: calming, soothing and balancing

INGREDIENTS:
Certified Organic Floral Water of Peppermint*, Lavender*, Rosemary*, Sage*, Steam Distilled Water, Infusion of Certified Organic Herbs of Red Clover*, Golden Seal*, Juniper Berries* & Lemon Balm*, Certified Organic Aloe Vera**, Witch Hazel, Peppermint Oil, Xanthan Gum, Tea Tree Oil, Chamomile Oil, Camphor Oil, Bergamot Oil.
*Certified by Quality Assurance International
**Oregon Tilth Certified Organic

This product contains no animal ingredients, artificial colors, or unnecessary chemicals and was not tested on animals."

--Packaging--
While the packaging is a pretty green colour and very much in keeping with what I would expect of both the brand and the product, I was a little concerned from the outset: Kiss My Face's biggest competitor in terms of natural, environmentally friendly brand is easily Lush, a company that makes a big thing out of its minimal packaging (i.e. they have none, and when they do use it, it's either reusable, like their tins, or recyclable, like their paper bags). Kiss My Face's packaging seemed to be made of unfriendly, unrecyclable packaging. However, after some sleuthing, a KMF representative told me that all of the packaging is in fact recyclable, and that KMF is doing all it can to reduce unnecessary stuff, such as the how-to leaflets, instead directing customers to the website instead. Good stuff.

--Application--
Flip open the lid, squeeze the tube VERY lightly and apply the gel to your face using your fingers. However, I'd say that the application time is lengthened by the gel taking so long to dry - a full five minutes is quite a long time compared to other similar gels on the market.

--Appearance--
The gel is a pale translucent green colour, but rubs in clear.

--Consistency/texture--
It's really runny, which is really irritating as it tends to spill out of the tube and through your fingers really quickly. It's not only this that leads to wastage - the fact that the gel is so runny also means that often more comes out than you need or would want at a time, which is a shame.

--Scent--
The peppermint smell comes through strongly - a nice change when as someone with acneic skin you spend a lot of time using tea tree products.

--Effect on the skin--
No different to my usual Clinique or Superdrug - however, this is a good thing, as I'd rather be using things on my skin that are as natural as possible, so if it's of as good a quality then I'm happy with that.

--Value for money--
Pretty good - one tube lasts ages and the gel itself is effective.

--Other comments--
While I love that this is organic and that it works just as well as my Clinique, I really can't stand how runny it is. I would really want them to reformulate this before I could buy it again and be happy with it.

perfect partner
Pore Shrink Organic Deep Pore Cleansing Mask, £7.34