Crème de soin visage au Lait de Jument de Camargue

by Sarah CROSS

RRP: 30€

--What does the promo say?—

“Let nature take care of you thanks to the legendary qualities of Camargue mare’s milk. The magical effect of mare’s milk remains an enigma for scientists; however its healing properties are indeed real. It has been shown in the past that drinking mare’s milk cured certain illnesses and that the face and skin looked younger and more beautiful as a result. This discovery led to the development of cosmetics using mare’s milk as it seemed clear that external application would also have a beneficial effect on the skin. Mare’s milk in the form of creams and soaps is therefore particularly suited to problem skin and helps to make it look more beautiful. All our beauty products are natural and handmade. This product is more like a beauty serum than a face cream as it is made from 40% mare’s milk (the highest percentage in our range of products). It leaves your skin feeling sensationally soft and provides all-day protection. It’s non-allergenic and kind to the skin. Its neutral pH means that it is suitable for all skin types: dry, sensitive, greasy or combination skin. Mare’s milk also helps combat skin problems such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, allergies and itchy skin.

--Ingredients-- 

Mare’s milk, hordeum vulgare, calendula officinalis, chamomilla recutita and rosa centifolia plant extracts, organic lavender essential oil, organic geranium essential oil

--Packaging--

The CRÈME DE SOIN VISAGE comes in an opaque white pump-action dispenser. 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. It looks clean and minimalist. The sealed container keeps the product inside clean and stops it from drying out.

--Application--

Simply press down the pump once and the nozzle dispenses a small dose of cream to massage into your face. A little goes a long way. I find that two squirts, one in each hand, do my entire face and neck. The cream is easily absorbed into the skin without leaving any oil or residue behind.

--Appearance--

CRÈME DE SOIN VISAGE is an opaque, liquid moisturising serum and is milky white.

--Scent—

Sold as ‘natural’, the cream has no distinct or over-powering scent but smells clean, sweet and vaguely floral. It is a pleasant smell to have close to your nostrils and all over your face.

--Texture and consistency--

The texture is that of a serum, a thickish liquid that comes out of the dispenser easily.

--Effects on the skin—

I have quite dry skin so I really appreciated the consistency of this serum. Once applied, it was quickly absorbed and left no oily or greasy traces. My skin just seemed to drink it in. The appearance of fine lines was reduced and my skin looked glowing and healthy.

--Value for money--

Initially I thought the container quite small for 30 euros; however, I was quite astonished at how long it lasted. Applied both morning and night, the tube lasted ten whole weeks! I am really enjoying using these products and, since I live near the Camargue, I am very happy to be supporting a small local business that has a love and passion for animals and for creating natural beauty products. Have a feeling I will be using these products for some time to come. Watch this space for more reviews.

perfect partners

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

SOIN DES LÈVRES, €8

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 CALM

RRP: $44 for 4oz

--What does the promo say?—
“BOOM CALM is designed for extreme weather. It gently soothes, nourishes and restores your skin’s natural radiance after you spend time in the sun, wind or harsh temperatures. You’re left with beautifully restored, hydrated skin that feels cool (and soft) to the touch. This lightweight liquid moisturizer delivers a powerful blend of Aloe Vera Gel, essential oils and all-natural ingredients to soothe your skin from head to toe, leaving you calm and cool. Boom Calm enriches your skin with vitamins, minerals, natural enzymes, fatty acids and other nutrients to replace any dryness with beautifully soft, glowing skin."

--Packaging--
As with all BOOM products, presentation is minimalist and clean-looking, with white being the prominent colour. BOOM CALM comes in the same type of bottle as BOOM CLEAN and BOOM SCRUB with a lid that flips up to dispense the product through a small nozzle. The logo is a cool green. 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. Remember to unscrew the lid and remove the seal before trying to squeeze the product out through the nozzle.

--Application--
Simply massage this lightweight, liquid moisturizer into any area of your skin that needs soothing. It’s quick-drying and is easily absorbed into your skin without leaving any oil or residue behind. You  can use this full-body moisturizer from head to toe to replace any dryness with beautifully hydrated, glowing skin.

--Appearance--
BOOM CALM is an opaque liquid moisturiser and is a pale yellow colour.

--Scent—
BOOM CALM smells divine. The most pervading smell is that of geranium oil, which is extremely pleasant to have close to your nostrils and all over your face. Geranium oil is well known for reducing redness and calming skin. The scent is calming in itself and feels like an aromatherapy session. Very pleasant at bedtime!

--Texture and consistency--
The texture is thinner than Boom’s other moisturisers, probably because of the addition of so many essential oils. It resembles a serum in consistency and comes out of the tube very easily.

--Effects on the skin—
For the purposes of this review I used BOOM CALM on my face only as, testing it through the autumn, this was the part of my body most exposed to weather conditions at this time of year. (South of France: sun still quite hot but often very windy.) As with all BOOM products, a little goes a long way. My BOOM CALM arrived when I had just got back from a very windy autumn walk so I decided to use it straight away…and particularly across my sensitive lips. It worked well. There is an immediate sensation of coolness on application. At this time of year, I would recommend this product especially for winter sun and skiing holidays.

--Value for money--
I was given BOOM CALM free to trial for Bianca’s Blog (Thank you, BOOM!). At $44 for 4oz, this may seem an expensive product but as so little is used it lasts ages, especially if you are only using it on your face, as I did. 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 continue to purchase this for myself. With the gradual addition of its new products, BOOM is now providing for all your make-up and cleansing/moisturising needs. Am definitely a BOOM convert. Shipping from America needs to be added to the cost, so sometimes it is worth placing a bulk order with other BOOM products to increase value for money. 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. My products took eight working days to get from America to my home in the South of France.

perfect partners
BOOMSTICK GLO, $28 
BOOMSTICK COLOR, $28
BOOMSTICK GLIMMER, $28
BOOM SILK moisturiser, from $29
BOOM COTTON moisturiser, from $36
BOOM NECTAR skin serum, from $58
BOOM CLEAN, from $34
BOOM SCRUB, $48
BOOM MASK, $42

by Sarah Cross

Wild Olive Luxury Bath Melts

RRP: £14.95 for a box of six

--What does the promo say?--
"Deliciously delectable and sumptuously indulgent, these beautiful Bath Melts make a fantastic gift for anyone; or a luxurious treat for yourself after a long, hard day’s work. Decorated to look like yummy cupcakes and arriving in the sweetest pink egg box, this is a tub of treats nobody will be able to resist - and better still, no calories!

The gorgeous gift box contains 3 tranquil bath souffles and 3 soothing sundaes, all enriched with creamy cocoa butter creating super soft skin and a gorgeously indulgent bath.

Create a unique atmosphere with each Luxury Bath Melt, whether it’s natural and fresh or romantic and sensual; each bath melt is fragranced with a different essential oil to suit every mood."

--Packaging--

The pink egg box is original, pretty and eco-friendly, as well as protecting the melts securely, and while the papers are tricky to peel off the bath melts initially, they come off quickly once the melt has been immersed in your bath water for a couple of seconds. This wrapping, too, is recyclable, so the company's philosophy and innovation in packaging design is certainly to be applauded. The only minor gripe would be the proofreading errors on the packaging itself, which detracts slightly from the brand's professionalism.

--Usage--

Drop the melt into the bath and let it melt away. The paper case can be easily slipped off and discarded after a couple of seconds. Very easy.

--Appearance--

Beautifully decorated and designed to resemble cupcakes and fairy cakes, these bath melts catch the eye, and their natural origins are augmented by the decorations of dried flowers, which float in the bath once the melt has dissolved for an extra luxurious touch. Some bubbles of cocoa butter will float on the water's surface as well. Depending on which bath melt you drop in, the bath water can appear opaque, milky, glittery or translucent. No visible residue is left on the skin.

--Scent--

The melt perfumes the entire bathroom stunningly well, not just thanks to the essential oils used but also due to the dried flowers used to decorate. The scent is natural, too, rather than being overridden by artificial soap smells.

--Texture and consistency, and effects on the skin --

The bath water feels smooth and moisturising, and thanks to the melts' high concentration of cocoa butter and essential oils leaves your skin feeling wonderfully soft.

--Value for money--

The highly appropriate size of these bath melts (especially compared to Lush's, which some may consider oversized), along with the luxurious experience evoked by the scents, pretty styling, and the moisturising effect on the skin, make these of excellent value, and a wonderful gift at any time of year. I was sent mine for free by Prezzybox, but will definitely be buying as a present for relatives this Christmas.

Trilogy Gentle Facial Exfoliant

RRP: £21.50

--What does the promo say?--
"The fast way to a fresh new complexion with glowing results you'll see instantly, Trilogy Gentle Facial Exfoliant is a gentle, creamy treatment that removes dead skin cells and surface debris that dull your skin's appearance. Formulated with jojoba wax spheres and camellia oil to gently buff away impurities and nourishing botanical oils to reveal softer, smoother, more radiant skin, Trilogy Gentle Facial Exfoliant is an essential part of your beauty regime."

--Packaging--
The red, white and silver colour scheme is a bit spartan, but at least unisex and practical, with the flip-top plastic lid proving robust. Gives you only the information you need and nothing more - so cuts the spin and makes it easy to read.

--Application--
Massage in circular motions onto moistened skin before rinsing off and following with moisturiser. Pretty simple really.

--Appearance--
Off-white, with barely visible grains. No visible residue is left on the skin.

--Scent--
The jojoba and camellia gives a really clean, natural scent that isn't overpowering.

--Texture and consistency--
To quote Trilogy's PR, "The Trilogy range has always been and will always continue to be free of plastic microbeads." This is a great thing, as not only is the environmental impact significant, but natural exfoliants always tend to be more effective anyway. The jojoba microspheres in this product are no exception - pleasantly scrubby without irritating the skin.

--Effects on the skin--
Further to this, the brand mantra is ‘maximum effect on your skin, minimum effect on our environment’. This is borne out by this product, which sloughs off dead skin while moisturising thanks to the natural microspheres and combinations of essential oils.

--Value for money--
While at £21.50 this seems expensive, you can shop around for good deals, and furthermore, this is a high quality product which lasts a long time (a little goes a long way!). You can equally be confident in the knowledge that by buying this product and not one containing microplastics, you are helping to protect the environment too.

perfect partners
Balancing Face Lotion, £26.50
Hydrating Mist Toner, £17.50
Rosehip Oil Antioxidant+, £26.50

Diptyque Infused Facial Water

RRP: £35

--What does the promo say?--
"This water, enriched with Damask rose hydrosol, infused with nasturtium and a blend of nine traditional plants and flowers, is also bursting with the vitamins, minerals, and moisturizers skin needs, preparing your face for the next skincare step it so deserves."

--Packaging--
My sample was in a small white tube with the classic black diptyque logo, but the full-size version appears to come in a transparent bottle, which I always prefer as I like to see how much product I have left. Equally, the pump-action mechanism is better for ensuring minimum wastage.

--Application--
Mix with the Radiance Boosting Powder for a perfect cleansing paste, or pump onto a cotton pad for toning post-cleansing. The diptyque website also says you can use it to rinse off your cleanser instead of water, but this seems a bit extravagant to me.

--Appearance--
It appears orange in the bottle, but I didn't actually notice it having any particular colour during usage - either on the cotton pad or on the face. No visible residue remains, at any rate.

--Scent--
Perhaps the rose is most dominant of all the lovely things it contains, but it's nicely balanced with the orange to create a scent that's still bright as well as floral.

--Texture and consistency--
Light, non-grainy, and non-irritating.

--Effects on the skin--
Cleanses effectively in conjunction with the radiance boosting powder or alone after washing your face. Skin feels smooth and moisturised after use, before you've even touched the diptyque moisturiser itself.

--Value for money--
Expensive, but worth it - especially as part of the deluxe face care gift set. Packed full of goodness to improve your skin while simultaneously being a luxurious, fragrant delight. Simply divine.

perfect partners (click the links for reviews!)
Radiance Boosting Powder, £38
Protective Moisturising Lotion, £44
Deluxe Face Care Gift Set, £48

Time Bomb Smart Balm Eye Cream

 RRP: £29 for 15ml
 
--What does the promo say?--
"Actively targets dark circles, fine lines and crepe-y texture around eyes. Moisturizes, plumps and smoothes the look of delicate eye area tissue. Has an instant, temporary tightening effect to decrease the look of fine lines and wrinkles."

--Packaging--
The white slender tube is nothing special, but the pink and green lettering really pops and asserts itself as part of the brand identity (where pink and green play a big part in the colour scheme across the board).

--Application--
Use your ring finger (the weakest finger, don't you know!) to gently dab this around the eye area once you've washed your face. Pat gently into the skin around the eye until fully absorbed - don't pull or drag the skin.

--Appearance--
Bright white, but sinks in invisibly.

--Scent--
The borage and calendula in the cream come through a little, but there's nothing overbearing in this at all.

--Texture and consistency--
Not at all sticky or drying - sinks in beautifully and leaves skin feeling soft.

--Effects on the skin--
As well as moisturising effectively, it genuinely brightens the eye area and wrinkles appear reduced. Nice one.

--Value for money--
I wasn't necessarily expecting it to be as expensive as £29 a go (I was sent mine for free, for what it's worth), particularly as this puts it in the same price bracket as many major brands (such as Clinique, Benefit and Elemis) - which can be a little disconcerting when a brand is so new to the market by comparison. However, as it works and is a joy to use, I feel I'm in no position to knock it. On the whole, my experience so far as is such that Time Bomb products not only are effective and lovely to use, but as such would make lovely gifts as well (the Time Bomb website has a great selection) - particularly as they have the sparkle of the celebrity factor, too, without being cheesy. Great work, Lulu!

perfect partners
Neck, Jaw and Chest Cream, from £13.50
Collagen Bomb Essential Skin Fuel, £65
Youth Juice Secret Oil, from £16 

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.

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

Louis Marcel Hair Removal Cream for Face and Bikini Line

 RRP: £5.65

--What does the promo say?--
"The cream removes unwanted hair effectively, leaving the skin soft and moisturised. Formulated with soothing calendula and witch hazel, it helps to maintain the natural balance of your skin."

--Packaging--
The pink and white tube, decorated with a calendula motif, is distinctly feminine and neatly encapsulates the product's virtues of natural ingredients and gentleness. Easy to use; closes securely to greatly reduce the chances of leakage.

--Application--
The brand advises: "Evenly spread the cream, directly onto the skin, ensuring that all hairs are completely covered. Leave in place for 5-10 minutes. The time needed may depend on the stubbornness of the hair, but do not exceed 10 minutes. Remove a small test area of cream with the spatula provided. If the hairs come away easily, remove the rest of the cream with spatula and rinse the hair removal area with plenty of water. If needed, leave the cream on for no longer than 10 minutes." Nothing difficult about this. Application and removal are facilitated thanks to the reusable plastic spatula included in the box.

--Appearance--
A white cream that leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--
Surprisingly floral and relatively pleasant without being overbearing. Definitely does not fit the mould of chemical-smelling depilatory creams.

--Texture and consistency--
Seems to spread onto the skin smoothly and wash off easily too, while being more robust than a mousse.

--Effects on the skin--
While you do feel a little bit of tingling in the final minutes of the full 10, it's possible that some people won't need to leave it on for long enough to experience this. Unfortunately, some of my unwanted hairs are quite stubborn, so the full 10 minutes was required - and even then success was only partial, eliminating most/all of the finer hairs but not always doing much on the thicker ones. The thickness of the hair growth was stemmed as a result of using this cream.

--Value for money--
This price seems to be in line with hair removal creams from other major manufacturers, such as Veet and Nair, so shouldn't raise any eyebrows. I'd say that if hair removal creams normally work well for you, I'd recommend trying this, as the presence of calendula and witch hazel are definitely different to other creams and serve as a clear plus. However, I can only see it in my life as a complement to other hair removal methods, such as shaving, waxing and plucking (I alternate between these depending on how the hair growth is), as it wasn't quite enough to get rid of all of my unwanted body hair, even by using it for the maximum 10 minutes allowed. You haven't got much to lose by giving it a go though - and make sure you shop online for the best deals.

perfect partners
Hair Removal Mousse, £3
Crystal Gel Body Wax Strips, £6.18

Fushi Total Repair Herbal Shampoo

RRP: £15.26/250ml

--What does the promo say?--

"A nourishing shampoo for normal to dry, damaged hair types. Generously medicated with the soothing and healing properties of Calendula and the tonifying and rejuvenating action of Frankincense and Neroli, these actions are combined with the nourishing attributes of Sandalwood and Avocado oil and dull hair is lifted and refreshed with orange essential oil."

--Packaging--

The plastic bottle is transparent, so it's easy to see how much you have left at any given time. The black, white and pink label is decorated with flowers, creating a calming Asiatic feel, and writing is kept minimal. The lid is a push-down top, which closes flat and opens at an angle, revealing the aperture through which you squeeze the shampoo. Very secure and easy to use.

--Application--

Lather into wet hair before rinsing. Repeat if necessary and follow with Fushi's Repair and Soothe hair conditioner.

--Appearance--

A translucent dark yellow colour (isn't actually as gross as it sounds, really), which foams into a white lather on contact with water. Leaves no visible residue.

--Scent--

The citric notes from the orange, calendula and neroli are clearly detectable, but are given extra dimension by the musky sandalwood and frankincense. Not too sweet or too masculine, so ideal for all the family. It lingers really nicely in the hair after use, too, without interfering with perfume.

--Texture and consistency--

Strikes the perfect balance between viscous and liquid, and the foam it lathers into is abundant and luxurious. Make sure you rinse well though as you risk weighing your hair down if you don't.

--Effects on the hair--

Hair is left volumised, silky and in control thanks to the shampoo's ace detangling qualities. Once fully brushed through hair is tamed and feels cared for. Definitely palpable and positive results.

--Value for money--

Organic or natural products which work as well as their commercial equivalents can be difficult to find, but Fushi ticks a lot of boxes here. The only thing holding back some people is perhaps the cost, as £15 for a shampoo can seem a high initial outlay. However, with this putting Fushi in the same price bracket as high-end salon brands such as Aveda, Rene Furterer and Bumble and Bumble, I'd say it's wholly reasonable - especially given that one bottle will last you ages. A great everyday organic option and a lovely gift for others.

perfect partners

Repair and Soothe Herbal Conditioner, £18.34

Total Repair Dry Hair Balm, £17.32

Lulu's Time Bomb Rescue Mission Miracle Mineral Bath

RRP: £24/500ml

available for purchase on QVC or via www.lulusplace.co.uk

--What does the promo say?--

"Relax, Recharge and Recover.....fast! This unique formula combines the stress-relieving powers of essential oils and extracts with the soothing powers of magnesium salts. Containing a polyionic complex with the breakthrough MagnEASE hybrid, you can relax and de-stress as you bathe…helping to soak away the aches and pains of tense muscles and stiff joints. Infused with a blend of essential oils and extracts including arnica, echinacea, St. John's wort, comfrey and calendula, a warm bath will also help soften, smooth and hydrate your skin as you soothe sore, tense muscles."

--Packaging--

The chunky see-through bottle and its metal screw-top lid provide a great modern look that's great for bathtime. The green of the liquid contrasts nicely with the pink writing on the bottle, making it really stand out from the whites, blacks and greys of the rest of Lulu's Time Bomb range. My only criticism would be that while pouring out the liquid is fine for bathing, it should come with a detachable pump so that it can also be used for showering.

--Application--

 Pour generously into bath water and soak in it for as long as needed to relieve aches and pains. Can also be used to lather up quickly under the shower.

--Appearance--

The bright green fluid (which doesn't look lurid, by the way - in fact it's refreshing and more reminiscent of spearmint and spas) in the bottle is strangely completely clear and translucent in the hand, lathering up to a delicate white foam. No visible residue is left on the skin after use.

--Scent--

Beautifully refreshing and unisex, with the arnica in particular coming through strongly. Perfect for revival and relaxation.

--Texture and consistency--

Quite runny and liquidy, which means that some can be lost when pouring it into your hand. The foam it lathers up to is light yet creamy and skin is left feeling soft as a result.

--Value for money-- 

This mineral bath provides an invigorating experience and the generously-sized bottle should last a long time. However, I'm still not sure that I was expecting it to cost £24, although this is in line with the prices of the majority of the Time Bomb range and is probably also influenced by Lulu's celebrity status. In addition, the natural ingredients used also make it a positive purchase for many, and it seems to sit appropriately among the brands also selling 500ml shower gels for this price (namely L'Occitane, Elizabeth Arden, Borghese and Kiehl's). I would definitely consider purchasing this as a gift for others, especially alongside the Time Bomb Survival Kit, which also seems to be excellent value - and would perhaps consider it as a treat for me too.

perfect partners

Time Bomb Take-Off Time Cleansing Cream, from £7.75

Time Bomb Take-Off Time Polishing Pads, £5.50

Time Bomb Eye R&R Makeup Remover Pads, £4.00

Time Bomb Blast To The Past Dermabrasion, £25.00

Time Bomb Glory Days Day Cream, from £8.00

Time Bomb Smart Balm Eye Cream, from £21.00

Time Bomb Flashback Night Cream, from £9.50

Time Bomb Youth Juice Secret Oil, £30.75

Time Bomb Youth Explosion Day Serum, from £13.00

Time Bomb Derm Warfare Night Serum, from £15.00

Time Bomb Trouble Shooter Firming Cream, £33.00

Time Bomb Killer Filler Wrinkle Compound, £12.25

Time Bomb Survival Kit, £25.50

Salcura Skin Therapy Spray

RRP: £2.99 for 15ml travel size; other sizes from £9.99

--What does the promo say?--

"Cooling, soothing and calming solution for individuals with hypersensitive skin or babies, children or infants with skin problems like skin rashes, dry skin or eczema. The safer natural alternative to treating your baby or your sensitive skin.



Gentle Skin Therapy Spray is a 100% safe and natural topical spray that helps to support, soothe and heal hypersensitive skin or baby skin that is prone to eczema, nappy rash, cradle cap, skin rashes and irritations, and dry skin. It is very effective at killing bacteria and fungus and also stops skin itching.

 Intensive is a 100% safe and natural topical spray formulated to provide skin with minerals, oils and vitamins that will repair, strengthen and support skin in its own natural healing process.

Like all Salcura products, it is free from steroids, paraffin, alcohol, parabens, lanolin, anti-biotics and any other harmful chemicals."

--Packaging--

I was sent these tiny sprays from Salcura after participating in one of their Facebook publicity campaigns. The packaging design is similar across the Gentle (intended for baby or sensitive skin) and Intensive versions, but the bold green and blue make differentiation easy. The spray action is effective, targeted and easy to use - if, for instance, you had dry skin or eczema just on your scalp, you would have no problems spraying it directly onto your parting without messing with your hair. The only bad thing was that one of the spray pumps came unscrewed and so leaked into my travel toiletry bag :(  Not that the smell of lavender isn't nice, but yknow. I'd have rather kept and used it.

--Usage--

The Salcura website recommends use of the spray "2 – 3 times a day. Simply shake the bottle and spray onto the skin from about 2 – 3 inches away. You can leave the liquid on the skin and let it absorb or you can gently massage it in. You can apply the spray as many times a day as needed depending on the severity of the eczema, psoriasis, dry or itchy skin." All very easy. If you are using the product on your face, it's easier to spray onto a cotton pad and then to wipe the cotton pad over the skin as you would with an ordinary toner.

--Appearance--

A completely clear liquid that is invisible once sprayed on.

--Scent--

The dominant smell in both sprays is lavender, although perhaps as you would expect, the scent is less strong in the Gentle version.

--Texture and consistency--

Surprisingly, given the amount of different essential oils contained in this product, it is completely non-oily or greasy so shouldn't bother anyone in this regard, even if you are using it directly on the face.

--Effects on the skin--

Even though I don't suffer from eczema or psoriasis (acne is sadly the name of my game), I was amazed by the degree to which the instinct to touch my face reduced. Definitely an anti-itch product! It was also cooling, soothing, and seemed to calm redness significantly - and even though I wasn't using a cleanser at this time (due to wanting to test the sprays and Salcura's moisturiser, Zeoderm, on their own), I was very impressed, too, with the smoothness and cleanliness of my skin, excess oil being blasted into the stratosphere.

--Value for money--

It's great that Salcura allows you to try these products before you buy at the reasonable price of £2.99 - they should do this for their other spray, Antiac, as well. Once you have decided on the right product for you, I think a starting price of £9.99 is very reasonable, and naturally the value for money increases as you go up in size. I was impressed enough with these two sprays to buy Antiac, Salcura's spray for acne sufferers, and am hoping I haven't just taken yet another punt on a so-called saviour product for nothing.