Soin des lèvres au Lait de Jument de Camargue

RRP: 8€

--What does the promo say?—

"Moisturisation and protection guaranteed with our SOIN DES LEVRES! This lip balm is so rich that it will quickly repair and protect your lips from the effects of the cold and the sun. Good for cracked and sore lips, it is rich in moisturising ingredients such as shea butter and beeswax, which reinforce the qualities of Camargue mare’s milk. It nourishes, softens and protects your lips to the maximum. It does not contain a UV filter and is a natural product containing no chemical ingredients. (Any conservation agents used have been approved by Ecocert.) Suitable for daily use."

--Ingredients--

Shea butter, grapeseed oil, beeswax, aloe vera, jojoba oil, argan oil, lemon essential oil. 

--Packaging--

The SOIN DES LEVRES comes in a standard lipstick format. It has a paper wrap- around label with discreet logo of a horse’s head, the Camargue cross, the name of the product in black and green lettering and an attractive picture of mares in the Camargue.

--Application--

Apply like a lipstick, to top and bottom lip, and rub lips together to smooth the product in thoroughly.

--Appearance--

The SOIN DES LEVRES is a solid creamy-yellow stick.

--Scent—

The scent on this is very faint indeed, which I prefer to other lip balms I have used. You are not left with a strong taste on your lips. It feels completely natural.

--Texture and consistency--

The texture is quite solid and hard. I have a feeling that it will last longer than most sticks of this type because it doesn’t ‘melt away’ or wear down quickly as some do.

--Effects on the lips —

My lips feel instantly hydrated and the effect lasts a long time. A bonus: I also apply it around the contours of my lips to reduce the fine lines and it works a treat. Used before going to bed, it keeps my lips moisturised all through the night.

--Value for money--

Very good value for the quality of the product and the fact that it will last a long time.

perfect partners

CRÈME DE SOIN VISAGE (Face cream) 30€

LAIT DEMAQUILLANT (Make-up remover), from €9

CRÈME PEAU SECHE ET SENSIBLE (Cream for dry and sensitive skin), from €9

SAVON AU LAIT DE JUMENT NATUREL ET HYDRATANT (Natural moisturising mare’s milk soap), from €2

CRÈME POUR LES MAINS (Hand cream), 11.90€ 

CRÈME POUR LES PIEDS (Foot cream), 11.90€

COMPLEMENTS ALIMENTAIRES (dietary supplement capsules), 29.90€ 

https://laitdejumentdecamargue.fr/

Cindy Joseph BOOM SCRUB

RRP: $45

--What does the promo say?—
“BOOM SCRUB is a simple and effective deep pore cleanser and light exfoliant that is safe to use every day. With a quick five-minute mask application, this scrub gently strips away the dull, lifeless skin from your face and reaches down deep to release all excess oil, dirt and make-up from your pores, leaving your skin simply radiant. Each ingredient in our new scrub has been carefully formulated to our highest standards, sustainably sourced and chemical free. While other scrubs use crushed sugar or bran that can led to micro-tears in your skin, BOOM SCRUB features small round oak kernels that gently roll across your face. With no harsh peeling abrasion or chemicals, BOOM SCRUB will give you vibrant, healthy skin every day.”

--Packaging--
As with all BOOM products, presentation is minimalist and clean-looking with white being the  prominent colour. BOOM SCRUB comes in the same type of bottle as BOOM CLEAN, with a lid that flips up to dispense the product through a small nozzle. The BOOM logo on the label has been altered to a sandy colour to differentiate it from BOOM CLEAN. The bottle is opaque so you cannot see how much is left whilst using it, although the decreasing weight of the bottle gives you a fairly good idea. I have never had reason to criticise BOOM packaging in the past but I’m afraid that I would have preferred the SCRUB in a tub (as for BOOM COTTON, BOOM SILK…) rather than the squeezy bottle, as I find the product extremely difficult to extract. The bottle won’t stand upside down on its top (so that gravity might help this thicker product descend) and you have to squeeze really hard to get the product out through the small nozzle. Cutting the bottle in half towards what I think might be the end of the product will definitely be necessary in order to avoid severe wastage. As the plastic bottle is considerably harder than the tubes normally used for this type of product, I hope I don’t stab myself with the scissors in the process! Please can we have this in a tub, BOOM?

--Application--
Boom scrub can be used over the basin or in the shower. It should be applied generously to a clean and moisturised face. Allow the scrub mask to penetrate your skin for five minutes for a deep pore cleansing and light exfoliation. Rinse thoroughly with water.

--Appearance--
BOOM SCRUB is a light sand colour and is thick and opaque with small granules of oak kernels evenly distributed throughout.

--Scent—
BOOM SCRUB smells slightly lemony. The scent is enough to make you feel refreshed without being invasive.

--Texture and consistency--
A thickish paste with tiny pieces of oak kernels that provide a delicate and gentle exfoliation.

--Effects on the skin—
Only a small amount is required to scrub the whole face. The scrub mask spreads easily over the face. It rinses off easily leaving skin feeling fresh, deep-cleansed and silky to touch.

--Value for money--
I was given this product free to trial for Bianca’s Beauty Blog (thank you, BOOM!). At $32 for 4oz, this may seem an expensive product but as so little is used it lasts ages. I am finding that the combination of BOOM products on my skin has definitely improved the texture and quality of my skin tone so I would purchase this for myself. With the gradual addition of its new products, BOOM is now providing for nearly all your make-up and cleansing/moisturising needs. Am definitely a BOOM convert, even though shipping from America needs to be added to the cost; sometimes it is worth placing a bulk order with other BOOM products to increase value for money. The international flat rate shipping charge costs $30 and it takes between 7 – 15 working days to arrive. Be sure to
select this flat shipping rate option, or you may be faced with additional customs charges when your package arrives. 

perfect partners
BOOMSTICK GLO, from $27 (or as part of the TRIO for $76, saving 6%)
BOOMSTICK COLOR, from $27 (or as part of the TRIO for $76, saving 6%)
BOOMSTICK GLIMMER, from $27 (or as part of the TRIO for $76, saving 6%)
BOOM SILK all-over face and body moisturizer, from $27
BOOM COTTON shine control moisturizer, from $32
BOOM MASK rejuvenating, cleansing and moisturizing mask, from $42
BOOM NECTAR skin serum, $54
BOOM CLEAN, from $32
BOOM CALM, $44

by Sarah Cross

Crabtree and Evelyn Pomegranate, Argan and Grapeseed Body Scrub

--What does the promo say?--
"Instantly reveal smoother skin with the gentle exfoliation of our Pomegranate, Argan & Grapeseed Body Scrub with sunflower wax beads. A nourishing blend of pomegranate, sunflower, jojoba, pumkpin and sesame seed oils replenish and soften the skin while antioxidant-rich grapeseed extract helps to protect the skin.  

• A nourishing blend of pomegranate, sunflower, jojoba, pumpkin, and sesame seed oils replenish and soften
• Antioxidant-rich 
• Conditioning and smoothing 

Fragrance: The tart sweetness of pomegranate coupled with a burst of citrus and fresh fig leaf.

Discover more from our restorative Pomegranate, Argan & Grapeseed collection."

--Packaging--

A chunky tube with a plastic flip top lid which is well thought-out ergonomically speaking, as well as aesthetically: the white and red colour scheme is unusual, dynamic, and beautifully composed.

--Appearance--

A creamy pink lotion in which particles are visible. No visible residue is left on the skin.

--Scent--

Fruity without being heavy; the citrus lifts it. 

--Texture and consistency--

Creamy yet effective in its exfoliation; grapeseed is wonderful for sloughing away dry particles without irritating skin.

--Effects on skin--

Skin feels really clean, and thanks to the seed oils, moisturised rather than stripped.

--Value for money--

At £17, it may seem expensive, but the ingredients are of good quality, the tube is of a generous size, the effects on the skin cannot be argued with, and it's on offer at the moment on the Crabtree and Evelyn website (3 for 2 on selected products from the range). So shop around - you can't go wrong. 

perfect partners

Shower Gel, £15**

Body Lotion, £16**

Body Mist, £15

Body Cream, £22

Hand Wash, £15***

Hand Therapy, £21*

Soap, £18 for 3

Shampoo, £25 for 500ml or 2 for £30

Conditioner, £25 for 500ml or 2 for £30

* also available in travel size

** also available in both travel and maxi sizes

*** also available in maxi size

Old Wives Tail Melado Organic Hair Growth Oil Treatment

RRP: £13.99 for 100ml
Stockist: http://www.oldwivestail.com/ 

--What does the promo say?--
"A unique blend of 100% organic oils that will give the kiss of life to even the most dry and damaged hair. Rich in natural vitamins, antioxidants and proteins just one sacred drop of Melado will do wonders for your hair and scalp. The natural vitamins and omegas in Melado restores shine and deeply moisturises the hair back to health. When massaged into the scalp this oil will stimulate and encourage healthy hair growth by penetrating deep into the roots and strengthening each hair follicle."

--Packaging--
I love that the clear jar lets you see exactly how much is left at all times; it's also securely packaged, with the lid being easy to close to ensure that you don't lose any. The design (font etc) seems quite amateurish, but hopefully this is something that will improve as Old Wives Tail grows and the business has more money to plough into a more professional-looking package. The jar is also not a good idea: while when securely closed you won't lose a drop, and the jar means you should be able to scrape out every last drop with your fingers, it's very very difficult to get out the exact amount you need without spilling any. In this respect a pump-action canister would be more user-friendly. 

--Usage--
OWT recommends massaging this into into damp hair once or twice weekly "to stimulate long, healthy, nourished hair growth." You should leave it on for a minimum of an hour, or overnight, before rinsing with fresh water and shampoo (I found that shampooing and rinsing twice was best to be sure that the product was out). They say that you can use conditioner on the ends of your hair only afterwards, before styling as normal, but I didn't feel this was necessary; hair already felt sufficiently nourished. I also tended to just go for the overnight treatment rather than the hour's treatment: I might have time to strut around my flat in the morning with a towel on my head for an hour before having to get back in the shower to rinse it off in the holidays or at the weekends, but that's not going to fly during a normal working week. Wrapping your oiled-up hair in a towel overnight sounds like a hassle, but really isn't, so I'd definitely recommend doing this so that your hair gets the most possible out of the treatment. OWT also says you can use the product to tame flyaways, frizz, and split ends, just by using a drop of oil after blow drying, but I found I could never get the amount right to stop my hair turning from volumized and luminous loveliness back to oil slick - and as frizz is already reduced by using this product anyway, it seemed a tad unnecessary.

--Appearance--
A golden oil that gives a really luxurious impression.

--Scent--
A gorgeous aroma of lavender that's pleasant and natural without being overpowering. 

--Texture and consistency--
Despite being an oil, it doesn't feel sticky or greasy in the hands, and it slicks through the hair easily without leaving too much excess on your hands (and even if you are left with some, just rub it into the backs of your hands - oils are terrific for anti-ageing too). It also washes out after two shampoos - so again, if using a hair oil seems like too much hassle, it's certainly no more faff than washing out any other hair styling (say, backcombing!).

--Effects on the hair--
First of all, it really seems to clean the hair, which makes the product a great ambassador for the "co-washing" trend that's currently sweeping the world of beauty. Hair is left feeling smooth, cleansed, and strokeable, which also indicates the effect that it has on the way your hair feels. Rather than your hair being weighed down by pollution and commercial hair products, hair feels lighter and unencumbered. Furthermore, it feels cleaner for longer - I found I could go a whole day longer without washing my hair once I'd used this. Being able to wash your hair only twice a week rather than three or four times doesn't sound like a big difference, but it is. The process of styling the hair is also improved, as the oil seems to help significantly with detangling, and once you've styled your hair, frizz is reduced, with hair looking lighter and more volumised. Longer-term, the oils that compose the product will help to protect your hair from the damage caused by heat styling products (such as straighteners and hair dryers), and I do notice that my hair is looking lovely and long - another incentive to keep using the product, as my hair typically grows slowly and I would like it to be longer. Overall an excellent result.

--Value for money--
Although I was sent mine for free by OWT, I think £13.99 for a jar represents superior value for money, not just given how little you have to use each time, but also given the undeniable results that are achieved. These products definitely deserve to become better-known and more widely-used, meaning I would definitely purchase this product and others from the range in future (especially as the company's worldwide delivery charges are so reasonable too!). Highly recommended :)

perfect partners
Melado Organic Hair Growth Mask, £14.99
Melado & SOS Duo Organic Mask, £24.99
Melado & SOS Duo Organic Oil Treatment, £21.99
Scalp Massaging Hair Brush, £8.99
Wide Tooth Comb, £3.99  

Liz Earle Superskin Concentrate

RRP: £38.75/28ml

--What does the promo say?--

"The intense, aromatic blend of 100% pure plant oils in this rich, restoring night-time treat is suitable for all skin types. It helps to soften dry or mature skin and balance combination or oily skin."

--Packaging--

Clean and pretty at the same time, this packaging denotes quality in its detail. 

--Application--

You can apply this separately, before moisturiser, or mix it with your moisturiser for the final step in your skincare routine. I usually prefer to mix oil with moisturiser, but you can just choose what's best for you.

--Appearance--

Looks like a high-end, good quality product from the moment it comes out of the bottle. Its golden colour sinks invisibly into skin.

--Scent--

Unlike the rest of the Superskin range - which can seem to have little scent - the Superskin Concentrate has a natural, herbal fragrance that is evident without being too strong.

--Texture and consistency--

Smooth and enriching, the product sinks easily into skin.

--Effects on the skin--

As well as smoothening the skin, it also leaves it feeling softer and non-greasy.

--Value for money--

While not the cheapest product on the market, this is far from being the most expensive. It's good value for the quality of the product, and it lasts a reasonable period of time as well as you don't need to use it in excessive quantities. Nonetheless, as a bargain hunter I would say that you are better off searching out a deal in store or on QVC rather than paying full price ;-)

perfect partners

Eye and Lip Treatment, £26.50

Moisturiser, from £12.75

Bust Treatment, £27.25

Body Cream, from £12.50

Superskin Essentials, £56.70

Superskin Try-Me Kit, £27.50

Superskin Christmas Collection, £78.00