Poppy Sloane Tres Chic Mascara Reformulated

RRP: £15

--What does the promo say?--
"We have listened!  We have now made this more volumising, whilst retaining all the great features of the original formulation, and it is now vegan too.

This smudge proof mascara is fantastic for its waterproof, flake proof and smear proof qualities. Completely coating and tubing your lashes, this mascara is super stylish – there are no fibres as bamboo has been added to give extra volume and avoid a mess with the added bonus of being anti-microbial – good for eye health. It is easily removed with plenty of water and a little bit of friction. No special makeup removers are required and it’s best not to use makeup wipes or cotton wool/pads – just water and your fingers or a flannel.

• Want to open up your eyes? Tres Chic mascara lengthens and volumises with a great curling and lifting effect with fantastic lash definition
• This waterproof mascara is made entirely in the UK. It is not tested on animals and is now completely vegan 
• The water resistant formula repels water, sweat and tears
• Sensitive eyes? This mascara is hypoallergenic and free from parabens, palm oil, bismuth, lead, mercury and phthalates. As no harsh makeup removers are required it’s great if you have sensitive skin or eyes. It’s actually best not to even use makeup wipes or cotton wool/pads – just water and your fingers or a flannel. Perfect if you like swimming or wear contact lenses
• The pigment that we use is based on an ingenious coating technology which feels unique. We offer an innovative formula based on selected raw materials which are especially suited for sensitive skin."

--Packaging--

The look of this is really sleek and modern thanks to its black and silver colour scheme. However, I would perhaps prefer the tube to be made of bamboo so as to be more in keeping with modern sensitivities regarding the biodegradability of packaging - or, at least, to have more information about whether or not this tube is recyclable.

--Application--

It's noted on the website that you can apply this product just like a normal mascara. They recommend building up layers quickly so that increased volume can be achieved before the mascara fully sets on your lashes. To avoid clumping, I usually apply one layer on the top lashes, then one layer on the bottom lashes, before going back to the top lashes and then finally repeating along the bottom - rather than repeatedly building up layers on one set of lashes before moving on.

It's also recommended that you don't use any primers or lotions before applying the mascara, as it needs a dry clean surface in order to properly set.

--Appearance--

Increased length and volume is promised and delivered. The fact of it being available in black only suits me as my lashes are already very dark - but people with much paler lashes might wish for it to be available in lighter brown shades (which hopefully will be along in the near future).

--Texture and consistency--

I mentioned earlier about avoiding clumps - but the application technique described above is something I do as a general rule, with all brands of mascara. It may not be strictly necessary with this one as the formulation is extremely smooth, making it easy to apply.

--Longevity--

This mascara definitely delivers when it comes to its waterproof qualities. I used it while swimming and even rubbed my eyes, but it didn't come off - a sheer testament to its powers and highly impressive compared to many of the flakier, heavier waterproof mascaras on the market.

--Removal--

Again, as promised, this is easy to remove when desired, according to your chosen method, or even just with slight pressure and normal water.

--Value for money--

This brand compares favourably to other high-end favourites in this price bracket, including butter LONDON and Dr Hauschka. The thought put into the ethics and quality of the product is obvious and it does exactly what it promises, performing well in the pool. Would definitely recommend.

perfect partner

Bamboo Cleansing Cloth, £5

Cindy Joseph Boomstick Trio

review by Sarah Cross

RRP: $76 for the trio; $27 separately. Also available in a lipbalm size for $32 (trio) or $12 (separately)

--What does the promo say?—

“In purchasing this product you have joined me in the pro-age revolution.  It is time for every generation of women to wear their age and features proudly. Boom is for women who want to reveal their genuine beauty with an honest and realistic approach. I find women are most attractive when they are taking a joy in living.  Experiencing pleasure revs up a woman’s circulation bringing colour and sheen to her face. Boomsticks create that same colour, glow and radiance in one easy application. Boomsticks are environmentally conscious. No extra-packaging, no animal testing, no parabens or phthalates, made with safe ingredients.

Initially conceived as a range of cosmetics for the mature woman, the Boomstick Trio, consisting of Boomstick Glo, Boomstick Color and Boomstick Glimmer. can be used by women of any age who want to cultivate a natural look.

[Boomstick Glo is] a clear 100% organic moisturiser! It adds a sensual, dewy glow while nurturing your skin.  Seals moisture in and keeps dryness out. A multi-tasking moisture stick you can apply to the delicate skin around your eyes, all over your face, neck and lips. You can even use it on your cuticles and anywhere you want protection, sheen and moisture.

[Boomstick Color] a multi-tasking stick for all your colour needs! Use it as a lipstick, a blush and an eyeshadow. You can apply it anywhere you want sheer, creamy and believable colour, creating a natural, healthy blush to your skin. Boomstick Color is for every skin tone.

[The Boomstick Glimmer is f]or all over lustre and radiance! Tinted the palest champagne, this Boomstick will add a pearlescent shimmer to eyelids, lips, cheekbones, brow bones, shoulders or wherever you want an extra special glimmer to your skin.” ”  

--Packaging--
As the promo states, there is no superfluous packaging. BOOMSTICKS are simple 8g make-up sticks that you swivel to use, like a lipstick. The containers are chubby and white with the colourful BOOM! logo in pink and red. Each stick has a different coloured label on the top so it can be easily identified. Once you take the lid off the stick there is a clear cap for protection inside.

--Appearance--
The Boomstick Glo (the image on the left in the picture above) is a solid, waxy-looking, honey-coloured stick that leaves moisture, no colour, when applied.

The Boomstick Color (in the middle in the above image) looks quite dark red and has a lovely shimmer. It is initially quite dark on the face when applied. Rubbing in accentuates this redness for a while but, once the skin has calmed down, the result is a natural, healthy blush so be patient! Used as a lipstick, it is the perfect shade to enhance your lips without exaggeration.

The Boomstick Glimmer (in the right in the picture above) is a solid stick with a creamy, shimmery, champagne-coloured appearance. It leaves a beautiful iridescent lustre wherever it is applied.

--Application--
A little goes a long way! For the Boomstick Glo, use sweeping strokes across your face, neck and forehead, including the delicate eye area and then spread using your fingertips.

The Boomstick Color can be smoothed over cheeks, forehead and lips for natural colour. It can also be applied lightly outside the corners of eyes then spread using your fingertips.

The Boomstick Glimmer is applied in the same way as for the other Boomsticks but only on areas that you want highlighted. It does not need to be rubbed in. Gently slide the stick all over the eyelids or simply on brow bones, cheekbones and collar bones. It can also add a shimmer to Boom Color on lips (although this will make some of Boom Color come off on your Glimmer stick). I also like to add a touch on my nose and just above the cupid’s bow on my lips.

--Scent--
The Boomstick Glo has only a slight scent of honey that is not invasive or cloying - reflective of its origins in Hawaii, where it is handmade by beekeepers.

I like the fact that this make-up has no strong scent. Some foundations have strong fragrances that clash with one’s chosen perfume. The Boomstick Color is quite neutral by comparison.  

--Texture and consistency--
The solid stick slides smoothly across the skin, leaving just the right amount of moisture. It is not greasy or sticky despite the slight shimmer. You can apply as much or as little as you like.  Good for lips too. No disappointments here!

--Effects on the skin--
The Boomstick Glo leaves a healthy glow on your skin. Skin feels soft and moisturised after application.  A pleasant day moisturiser, this is not a night cream or a ‘heavy duty’ moisturiser. For those with very dry skin, a thicker moisturiser might be needed at night.  

The Boomstick Color goes on easily, is nicely moisturising, and yet stays on well too. The first time I applied it I went for a bike ride and was immediately struck by how fresh and light my skin felt. It really felt as though my skin was ‘breathing’ and taking the oxygen in. Because it is light and not ‘cover-all’ make-up, it does need re-applying if you are going out in the evening. (But who cares? It’s speedy and fun to do!) It should be noted that BOOM COLOR will not cover flaws or spots, so you may wish to use a concealer or a light foundation underneath. There is no SPF included in this make-up because Cindy Joseph is aware of the controversial nature of ingredients used in sun protection and has decided to leave this to her customers’ own discretion.  

The Boomstick Glimmer completes the radiant and alive look. Some youtube reviewers who purchased all three sticks have expressed doubts as to whether they will actually use Glimmer on a daily basis but as far as I am concerned, it is the icing on the cake. To me, it is the essential partner to Boom Color.  

--Value for money--
The Boomstick Glo costs $27. This price compares well with other moisturisers on the market.  Shipping from America (fast, efficient and tracked) needs to be added to this. Their international flat rate shipping charge costs $13.95 and they say it takes between 7 – 15 working days to arrive. My sticks took eight working days to get from America to my home in the South of France.

My husband’s words are worth quoting here. He is not a make-up or marketing expert and has no shares in BOOM!  

“It’s all you need.  It lets YOU shine through.”

So, Cindy Joseph’s philosophy about not covering yourself up under loads of heavy make-up but revealing yourself instead, was clearly achieved by the application of these three products. As far as I am concerned, I am a Boomstick convert and the idea of travelling around New Zealand in a camper van next March with just three Boomsticks and a mascara fills me with glee!  

Cindy Joseph’s ‘pro-age’ philosophy was one of my main reasons for wanting to try the Boomstick Trio. I liked the idea of natural beauty, natural colour, glow and radiance and also the fact that you don’t have to ‘put on your face’ because you already have one! Cosmetic companies are obsessed with ANTI-age, and ANTI-wrinkle and Cindy claims that this is ANTI-US! We should celebrate our age, not be ashamed of it. The fact that all you need are three simple sticks to complete your look is also very appealing. Easy to carry with you and great for travel.

I particularly enjoyed her reference in the aforementioned videos to the Japanese art form ‘kintsugi’, where aged things are even more beautiful. That true beauty ‘reflects the whole of life and the process of growth and change’. What a refreshing thought!

--Customer service--

www.boombycindyjoseph.com

info@boombycindyjoseph.com

facebook.com/boombycindyjoseph

Some shoppers can be reluctant to order online and/or to order from overseas, so this is a topic worth covering. Customer service is speedy, efficient and friendly. Any questions by email are responded to quickly. Packages are tracked every step of the way.

The website is very user-friendly and has videos showing how to apply the make-up and explaining the philosophy behind the products. All ingredients are listed. There is a Facebook page and a blog and you can even join the BOOM CLUB to be notified of special offers and discount codes.

Cindy’s videos “Saturdays with Cindy” and her articles on http://blog.boombycindyjoseph.com cover a range of inspiring topics and include tips for covering undereye circles, ageism in our culture and transforming the way you think about age.

--perfect partners--

Boom Silk, face and body moisturiser (from $27)

Boom Cotton, shine control moisturiser (from $32)

Boom Mask, rejuvenating, cleansing and moisturising mask (from $42)
Boom Nectar, $54
Boom Clean, from $32
Boom Scrub, $45
Boom Calm, $44

Jane Iredale Longest Lash Mascara

RRP: £26

--What does the promo say?--
"This dual-purpose formula contains sea minerals that condition lashes so they can grow to their fullest potential, while thousands of cellulose fibers coat the lashes for a look that’s glamorous, rich and full. The Jane Iredale Longest Lash Thickening and Lengthening Mascara extra large, tapered brush makes application easy and separates lashes effortlessly. Packaged in a squeezable tube with the highest quality brush. Contains 75% more product than normal mascaras. Conditions lashes so they don’t clump, flake or break."

--Packaging--
The gold, tapered tube is beautifully elegant and really would stand out on the shelf.

--Application--
Apply a single thin coat to your lashes on one eye, before doing the same on the other eye. You can then go back and repeat the process. By alternating eyes, you end up with well-defined, well-separated lashes, rather than one thick layer of product that clumps.

--Appearance--
Delivers a deep jet-black colour that could not fail to impress. Lashes are smoothly separated for a sophisticated finish, and lashes are effectively lengthened from the very first use.

--Scent--
Surprisingly actually smells relatively commercial despite the relative lack of chemicals. Odd. Still, never mind.

--Texture and consistency--
While drier than other mascaras, I often find that many commercial mascaras are very wet when new, which can make them difficult to use as the lashes frequently stick together as a consequence. The slightly stiffer consistency created by the waxes and marine extracts means that you get a perfect result from the very first use (rather than having to open the new mascara to let some air in before shutting it in a drawer for a few months, ahem). It's also easy to remove when you want to, despite having decent staying power, meaning no panda eyes for you.

--Value for money--
At £26 it's perhaps a little on the expensive side, being of equivalent retail price to brands such as Giorgio Armani, Helena Rubinstein, By Terry, Dior, and YSL mascaras. However, it's clearly high quality and the natural ingredients it's made from are a definite bonus, with results that you just can't quibble with. Terrific stuff.

perfect partners
Bitty Brow Kit, £25
PureBrow Brow Gel, £16
PureLash Extender and Conditioner, £16
Mystikol Powdered Eyeliner/Highlighter, £13.50
Eye Pencil Crayon, £12
Eye Highlighter Pencil, £16
Liquid Eye Liner, £19.95
Eye Steppes Eye Shadow, £28
Eye Gloss Liquid Eye Shadow, £16
PurePressed Eye Shadow Duo, £25
PurePressed Triple Eye Shadow, £19
Eye Shadow Kit, £40

Caudalie Crushed Cabernet Scrub

RRP: £21.50 for 150g
 
 --What does the promo say?--
"A professional treatment used in Caudalie’s Vinothérapie® Spas in Bordeaux, France, this natural, grape-rich body scrub made with exfoliating grape-seeds, rich honey, softening brown sugar and 6 essential oils, leaves the skin smooth, ultra soft and silky. For anyone looking for deep exfoliation combined with slimming action. 99% natural ingredients."

--Packaging--
As mine came as part of a gift set from my sister-in-law, it was in a tiny kilner jar. This appears to be in a plastic tub with a black screw-top lid. The advantage of both is that you can get right in there with your fingers to scoop out the last dregs (as opposed to, say, a tube). However, the opening mechanism of the kilner jar may be easier to grab hold of in the shower when you're trying to open or close it with slippery fingers.

--Application--
Caudalie's website recommends usage twice a week on damp skin. I was using mine every day to attack the dry skin on my feet and didn't suffer any ill effects from this, so you probably could use it more frequently on really tough areas. Twice a week, however, is probably a good idea if you are just trying to maintain normal skin condition.

--Appearance--
A brown, grainy scrub in which the crushed grape seed and sugar granules can be easily seen.

--Scent--
Despite all of the essential oils this contains, the only scent I could pick up on was the bitter, anti-oxidant smell of the crushed grape seed. Luckily, this isn't overly bitter or overpowering, so perhaps the essential oils used serve mainly to balance this out, rather than to be the stars of the show themselves.

--Texture and consistency--
Very good for a gentle yet effective attack on dry body skin. However, it might be too harsh for use on your face, just in case anyone was thinking of trying it: as mentioned, the exfoliating agents used are clearly visible and exist in quite large granules. The essential oils make the scrub smooth, not sticky, and the scrub as a whole is easy to rinse.

--Effects on the skin--
Clearly diminishes the quantity and appearance of dry skin, and then subsequently manages skin condition. Skin is smoothed and moisturised simultaneously, leaving you feeling like you've had a luxurious yet effective experience.

--Value for money--  
While the price may initially seem a little steep, here are some thoughts to consider: a) you get the desired results; b) the experience of using this product is spa-like rather than purely utilitarian; c) if you want high-quality ingredients, then you have to pay; and d) even my tiny jar lasted ages, so this cavernous and heavy-duty pot should endure for an eternity. Would recommend.

perfect partners
Contouring Concentrate, £24
Draining Herbal Teas, £10
Nourishing Body Lotion, £20

Mary Kay Limited Edition One Woman Can Creme Lipstick

RRP: £13

--What does the promo say?--
"Limited-edition Beauty That Counts^®Mary Kay^® Creme Lipstick,  in the shade One Woman Can™, celebrates Mary Kay’s 50th anniversary as the creme lipstick that gives back. Berry-pink shade looks great on everyone. Long-wearing, stay-true formula glides on easily. Helps protect lips with antioxidants. Provides instant moisture."

--Packaging--
The pale gold tube is fairly standard, in all honesty. Something at least partly transparent would be better so that the beautiful swirls of lipstick could be seen more immediately. However, it does the job, with the lid remaining secure.

--Application--
Apply straight from the tube or using a lip brush to clean dry lips. For a subtler look, apply just to the bottom lip before pressing together with the top lip for a paler result. Two dots of lipstick on each lip, and then blending, will do the same thing.

--Appearance--
Depending on which side of the lipstick you get more of when applying, results can vary from a darker berry to a brighter fuschia. The latter may be a bit full-on for some, so I'd recommend blotting for a more muted effect as mentioned above. Nonetheless, both colours in the stick should suit just about everyone. 

--Texture and consistency--
Beautifully smooth and soft thanks to the oodles of natural waxes and oils this contains. Lipstick's come a long way from those very drying days.

--Longevity--
About the same as most modern lippies, to be honest - although longer than you'd expect perhaps for something that glides on so smoothly and has so few artificial additives.

--Value for money--
This is a high-quality product that uses ingredients straight from nature, and its price tag of £13 competes favourably with lipsticks from brands with similar ideologies (Aveda, Origins and Bare Escentuals charge the same for their lip colours in department stores). With that in mind, I'd buy again once my free lippy from Mary Kay's lovely PR people has run out :)

perfect partners
TimeWise Age-Fighting Lip Primer, £16
Satin Lips Set, £19
Retractable Lip Brush, £2

Eyeko Curvy Brush Mascara

RRP: £15

--What does the promo say?--
"For a flirty lash look curl up with Curvy Brush. Our multi-action brush with tiered bristle clusters is designed to define, curl and lift lashes. We use a unique conditioning formula that blends key ingredients Keratin and Shea Butter for soft and supple lashes that stay lifted and curled. Intense jet-black colour. No smudging, crumbling or flaking. Water-resistant. Lifts lashes to a 90 degree angle for 12hrs+ hold. Paraben-free formula. Easy to remove."

--Packaging--
The lipgloss style tube makes this new and different to other mascaras, and the screw-top lid is easy to open whenever you need it, while simultaneously offering secure closure. The silver and pink colour scheme is edgy yet feminine - what's not to like?

--Application--
Eyeko claims to offer a free shield in every box to aid application, but I didn't find mine (perhaps because I didn't know to look for it; it could well have been in there and got accidentally thrown away). If you do have it, it claims to maximise length and minimise smudges - just pop it underneath your lashes while you apply the mascara. I definitely could have done with this as smudges seem to occur easily with this mascara (more on this later).

--Appearance--
Lashes are separated well with this mascara, and the promised jet-black colour does not disappoint. However, smudges are definitely a danger during application (see below), which can have a definite effect on the final result.

--Texture and consistency--
While the smooth formula means lashes don't clump too badly (and that it's easy enough to remove the mascara later), this formula is very wet, meaning it's nearly impossible to avoid (and subsequently remove neatly) those annoying smudges that inevitably result below the lower lashes.

--Value for money--
£15 is pushing it for something that doesn't give a near-perfect result. I like my mascara formulas slightly drier to allow for easier application and a more agreeable consistency. It's also a lot to charge for a brand that's relatively unknown; at least Urban Decay and Stila have fame and a solid reputation on their side. For this money, I'd be more likely to choose a mascara from either of these brands, or from Jane Iredale or Aveda, which provide the same 'natural' credentials.

perfect partners
Skinny Liquid Eyeliner, £10
Brow Gel, £18
Lash Curler, £12