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 

Radical Age-Defying Exfoliating Pads

RRP: £45 for 60 pads

--What does the promo say?--

"Removing dull, dead skin becomes your first anti-aging gesture: its AHA and BHA-multifruit acid based pads, exfoliate, promote cell turnover, and accelerate Radical Skincare products performance. Reduce coarse crow’s feet by 50% in 2 weeks. Reduce pore size and even skin tone while significantly improving skin firmness, texture and elasticity."

--Packaging--

The pads arrive in a lovely shiny silver pot which feels good in the hands and looks good on the dressing table, as well as keeping the pads moist. However, if you like travelling light, you may find it a bit big or bulky. 

--Application--

Rub one pad over the face, neck and decolletage after cleansing. One pad easily does your entire face, neck and chest area, and what's more, as the pads are so moist, you could even cheat a bit and make one pad last two nights. Follow with moisturiser.

--Scent--

The lemon and tangerine scents shine through here, with the AHAs, witch hazel, aloe vera and salicylic acid giving a more medicinal feel. This combination ultimately creates a clean, cleansing smell.

--Texture and consistency--

The pads feel cool and refreshing on the skin. The exfoliant is chemical, rather than coming from bits of beach, so don't expect too much scrubbiness.

--Effects on the skin--

After cleansing your skin feels squeaky clean without feeling 'stripped', as with most deep cleans, meaning that moisturising is definitely the next step. Anti-ageing effects are of course better seen over time, but your skin will probably thank you loads in the years that follow. The presence of aloe vera, witch hazel, AHAs and salicylic acid - traditional acne fighters - also mean that those with problem skin are likely to see an improvement.

--Value for money-- 

This evening cleanse comes highly recommended for anti-agers and acne-fighters alike. While they're not cheap, you can expect a pot to last you two months at least (or four, if you eke one pad out over two nights).  It's even cheaper if you shop around: QVC has good discounts, for example. Definitely put this on your wishlist if you're off to the US, too. If you don't find anything better to suit you, though, it's not unaffordable at all for such a high-quality product. Radical Skincare, we salute you.

perfect partners

Hydrating Cleanser, £30

Peptide Infused Antioxidant Serum, £125

Anti-Ageing Restorative Moisture, £100

Eye Revive Crème, £80

Instant Revitalizing Masque, £40

Firming Neck and Decolleté Gel, £77

5-Piece Discovery Collection, £40¤

Radical Rescue, £120*

*contains a full-size cleanser plus 15ml sizes of two different serums and the anti-ageing restorative moisturiser 

¤contains 8ml samples of the youth infusion serum, hydrating cleanser and anti-ageing restorative moisturiser; a 5ml sample of the eye crème; and 15 exfoliating pads 

Etude House BB Magic Cream

available for £9-£12 online 
available in oily skin and dry skin variants

--What does the promo say?--
"Contains skin soothing and nourishing Aloe Vera, Chamomile, Madecassol and Centella Asiatica. Promotes flawless complexion with a natural 'No Makeup Look'. BB Magic Cream offers natural looking coverage that nourishes, corrects skin complexion and protects against sun damage."

--Packaging--
Despite appearances in the picture above, the box is actually a very shiny metallic blue, with the tube itself being pale blue. Comes with a screw top lid.

--Application--
'Pat' onto the skin rather than rubbing or blending in the same way as a foundation or tinted moisturiser. Don't ask me why, but it does seem to make a difference with BB creams in terms of how the final result looks. This is easy though; it doesn't take long to get the hang of it. Finish with concealer and powder if you wish. Equally, some people like to precede the application of BB creams with primer, but this really isn't necessary, making this a great product for express makeup routines. A little goes a long way, so don't go mad with the quantity.

--Appearance and coverage--
Can initially appear dull and lacking in coverage, but just give it a couple of minutes to adapt to your skin tone. Greater radiance is apparent quickly, and while I wouldn't say this conceals blemishes 100%, appearance is still much improved. There aren't that many shades available, though, and these tend to be at the paler end of the spectrum, which could disappoint some (although what I have works perfectly for me).

--Texture and consistency--
Not especially stiff. Almost verging on being too runny - if your fingers are already warm it will begin to melt almost immediately upon contact, so work quickly. This is strange, though, given how long it lasts once it's on your face.

--Longevity--
The strange part is that its runny, almost melty quality, once the BB cream is on your face, it will survive even hot summer evenings completely unscathed. Will not rub off or fade on your face in the course of a normal night out.

--Effects on the skin--
Like all good BB creams, this has a good SPF (of 30 in this case) and contains several other positive natural ingredients to improve skin condition over time. It also contains madecassol, which is known to treat wounds and scars. This all suggests that provided you're not allergic to any of these ingredients, you should see a good improvement over time. The differentiation between oily and dry skin types is encouraging, too (I have the oily skin version).

--Value for money--
Mine was bought for me as a present, but I would still pay what's being charged online for this (£9-£12 depending on retailer, including postage). It provides good coverage rain or shine, doesn't require primer as backup to help keep it in place, and is packed full of good stuff to improve skin condition over time. Would definitely purchase a new tube when this one runs out, as this is without doubt comparable to the best of Western BB creams (Clinique, Bobbi Brown...) with a much lower price tag.

perfect partners*
Dear Girls Be Clear Pact Compact Powder, £11
Dear Girls Be Clear Moisturizer SPF30, £9
Baking Powder Pore Cleansing Cream, £13
Baking Powder BB Deep Cleansing Foam, £12
Baking Powder Crunch Pore Scrub, £12
Oh My Goodness! Trouble Break Mist, £15
Golden Ratio Face Glam Highlighter, £14
Wonder Pore White Clay Clear Mask, £18
Baking Powder Pore Cleansing Tissue, £9
Surprise Stick Concealer, £7
Surprise Concealer Kit Cover for Skin Blemishes, £8 

*none of the prices listed above include postage.

Kiehls Centella Skin Calming Facial Cleanser

RRP: £26.50/200ml

--What does the promo say?--
"The PH-balanced formula cleanses skin and effectively removes makeup residue and impurities while helping to avoid the irritation common to sensitive skin. Use of this alcohol-free cleanser will leave skin feeling calm, clean, and refreshed without any sensation of tightness. Our formula is fragrance- and ideal for cleansing and soothing sensitive skin."

--Packaging--
The Dermatologists Solutions range (marketed in some countries as Derm Preparations) goes for a calming, professional, and unisex effect with its white labels and sparse black and red lettering. The pump-action bottle (in the case of the Skin Calming Face Wash) works well, dispensing just the right amount of gel each time. Does not come with a lid for travel, however.

--Application--
The product may be used with or without water. To use without, rub over the whole face and then wipe off with a cotton disc. To use with water, rub the product over damp skin and rinse with a flannel. None of this is tricky at all and it can even be used around the eye area to remove makeup.

--Appearance--
A translucent white gel that leaves no residue on the skin after use.

--Scent--
Very clean; almost like cotton. This is probably also down to the camomile the product contains.

--Texture and consistency--
A smooth gel that is not runny or sticky. It's easy to rub over the face, but equally easy to wash off when you're done.

--Effects on the skin--
I have not used this product solely for cleansing yet - although I would do, as I have experienced calmer, less inflamed skin while using it as a makeup remover. It removes makeup quickly and effectively (even quite heavy-duty foundation) and it seems to be a great two-in-one product for travel or home use. It's so convenient to have a cleanser and makeup remover all in one bottle and thanks to the camomile and aloe vera it contains it's bound to do most skin types some good in the process.

--Value for money--
£26.50 initially seems to be quite a high outlay, but one bottle lasts many months, even given that it has a dual purpose. It's also pleasant to use and seems to do the skin good. Centella is also one of the main ingredients in Absolution's Day Cream, which costs double the price. I would definitely purchase from Kiehls' centella range again.

perfect partners
Centella Skin Recovery Salve, £39.50
Ultra Light Daily Moisturiser, £31

Absolution Day Cream

RRP: £52.95/30ml
--What does the promo say?--
"Absolution skincare day cream is a certified organic moisturiser for women with mineral sunscreen. This complete skin care is high in antioxidants, anti-radical and hydrating active principles. The perfect ally of your hectic days. To obtain your bespoke skin care, adapted to your skin’s mood, you just have to add one drop of La Solution + of your choice to target and reinforce its efficiency. La Crème du Jour anti-ageing action is combined with a mineral sunscreen (Mica). Everything you need to enjoy life with serenity! Certified organic by Eco Cert."

--Packaging--
Very edgy, urban, modern and unisex, combining Art Deco style angles with Mary Quant monochrome. My sample (part of the box of goodies I received from Being Content ) was just a sachet, but this apparently delivers, in its full-size form, an efficient pump-action system to allow the correct dosage to be dispensed.

--Application--
I was using this 'neat', as it were, but if you're using the full range, what you're supposed to do is dispense the required amount and then mix it with a drop of "La Solution" that suits you best (the idea of the brand is for you to create your own bespoke skincare by mixing and matching the more specific elements that you need with their 'basic' creams). As it was, even using the day cream on its own gave no problems.

--Scent--
A very strong smell of bitter orange characterises the overwhelming first impression that you get, to the extent that it's almost masculine, even though there is a day cream for men as well (which my fiancé informs me actually has a milder scent). If you don't like it, steer clear: I doubt that the "Solution" of your choice would do much to mask or alter the scent.

--Appearance--
A white, slightly stiff and lumpy cream.

--Texture/consistency--
Blends in well, but takes a long time to do so.

--Effects on the skin--
For this amount of money, and for something packed with such a diverse range of ingredients whose effects have been proved positive (such as green tea, aloe vera, borage, hyaluronic acid, neroli, and centella) I was surprised to see no effect whatsoever on my skin - positive or negative.

--Value for money--
See above. You pay over £50 only for nothing to happen whatsoever, and then to see something happen, you have to pay another £63 ON TOP OF THAT (since the Solutions can't, I don't think, be used by themselves) to see any effect at all. Woof. Since the cream in itself is targeted as an anti-ageing product (the inclusion of hyaluronic acid gives a strong clue), the older generation might have more luck in seeing tangible effects on their skin, and may feel the pinch a bit less when it comes to paying for the stuff. So even though the bespoke aspect of this is all very original and impressive and everything, I think I'll be giving this one a miss.

perfect partners
Absolution Cleansing Water, £27.50/50ml
Absolution Night Cream, £54.75/30ml
Absolution La Solution Anti-Ageing, £62.75/15ml
Absolution La Solution Energie, £62.75/15ml
Absolution La Solution Radiance, £62.75/15ml
Absolution La Solution Controle, £62.75/15ml