Gatineau Purifying Primrose Gel Cleanser

RRP: from £21

--What does the promo say?--
"A must-have product for oily skins, our Purifying Primrose Gel Cleanser removes all traces of make-up and impurities whilst normalising surface oils. Rich in primrose extracts, this foaming gel unclogs and tightens pores with a non-drying formula. Perfect for those prone to breakouts and blackheads, this conditioning cleanser refines the complexion leaving your skin perfectly clear and shine-free. Suitable for all ages, particularly those with oily/combination skin types."

--Packaging--
The see-through bottle means you can always see how much is left and the flip-top lid is practical too. The logo is minimalist and sophisticated.

--Usage--
The Gatineau website says you need to "lather a small amount between hands before applying to the face and neck in circular motions, avoiding the eye area. Rinse off with cool water in the morning and warm water in the evening." I actually did this twice to ensure that not only was all makeup removed but my skin cleaned too. The double-cleanse sounds wasteful but a little goes a long way - so you're not sloshing loads of product around.

--Appearance--
The gel cleanser is a pleasing coral colour in the bottle, while leaving no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--
A largely scentless experience, which is great for those who value subtlety in their products and don't want something overly perfumed.

--Texture and consistency--
A really smooth gel which lathers sufficiently to remove makeup as well as daily grease and grime.

--Effects on the skin--
As mentioned above, a double cleanse will ensure that all makeup is removed as well as cleaning the skin. I was really impressed that it actually did remove makeup and did not feel harsh and abrasive on the skin. Skin also felt and looked calm and mattified. It's also gentle enough to remove eye makeup without stinging the delicate eye area, while still removing even tough eyeshadow and mascara in one go.

--Value for money--
I actually bought mine as part of a gift set, which gave me 4 products for £28 (cleanser, toner, exfoliator and flannel). I'd always recommend going this route wherever possible as it's a great way to try out products before committing to buying them individually. Unfortunately the set I bought is no longer available, so where this fails, I'd always recommend shopping around - and while I would actually pay the RRP for this cleanser, as it's so gentle but effective, I also do love a good bargain, and have found this cleanser for £9.95 via FragranceDirect, which is an absolute steal. Shame the primrose toner no longer exists - but Gatineau's wide range means there's something for everyone, and the Gentle Silk Toner I recommend below should suit oily, sensitive 
and combination skin types. 

perfect partner
Gentle Silk Toner, £21
Sérenité Multi Protective Cream, £65

Clean & Clear Advantage Oil Control Cream Wash

RRP: £4.99 for 150ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Clean & Clear® Advantage® Oil Control Cream Wash is clinically proven to help clear excess oil for fewer spots and leave skin looking shine-free for longer. This dual-action formula combines oil-absorbing PowderParticles™ and our patented Advantage® spot-fighting technology, to instantly remove up to 85% of excess oil* whilst helping to clear spots and blemishes. Oil-free. Won't clog pores. Won't overdry skin."

--Packaging--
The silver and blue colour scheme is nicely unisex, and the plastic tube is practical too, with a flip-top lid that's sturdy, but opens easily when you need it to.

--Application--
Rub between damp palms and massage onto the face, before wiping off with a wettened flannel.

--Appearance--
The cream wash is white, with white particles visible. No visible residue is left on the face after washing.

--Texture and consistency--
Thick and slightly clay-like, but easy to wash off once you have finished.

--Scent--
The menthol comes through strongly, which is most refreshing, but is not overwhelming.

--Effects on the skin--
Skin definitely seemed calmed and clearer, with dry patches sloughed away thanks to the PowderParticles. Overall, skin was more balanced, with oily patches also reduced within a week's use.

--Value for money--
Results are definitely visible in the short term, and the overall usage experience was undoubtedly pleasant and effective - especially so for a product with such an affordable price tag. I was sent mine for free by Clean & Clear's PR, but would definitely pay up.

perfect partner
Advantage Spot Treatment Gel, £4.35

Klorane Seboregulating Shampoo

RRP: £8 for 200ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Detox your scalp with the Klorane Nettle Shampoo, a deeply cleansing formula for those prone to oiliness. This gentle, effective treatment shampoo gives you more time between washes, working to regularise the amount of oil your scalp produces while slowing its spread throughout the hair. The star ingredient of the shampoo is scopoletine, an extract from nettle, which restores balance to the scalp. Hypoallergenic and extremely mild, the Nettle Shampoo enhances volume and detangles for soft and bouncy hair that lasts. After sustained use, oil secretion is regularised, enabling you to wash your hair less frequently."

--Packaging--
The botanical drawings on Klorane's packaging are always beautiful and really stand out against the white label, with the green colour of the shampoo itself reflecting the nettle used in the product very well. The clear plastic bottle enables you to always be able to see how much is left and the flip-top plastic lid is practical too.

--Application--
Massage into wet hair before rinsing thoroughly. The Klorane Mango Butter conditioner is recommended as a follow-up if you have oily roots and dry tips.

--Appearance--
A green, translucent gel which becomes a white lather on contact with water. Leaves no visible residue on hair or skin.

--Scent--
More minty, if anything.

--Texture and consistency--
A smooth gel which lathers and rinses well. Not at all stubborn or sticky!

--Effects on the hair--
Leaves hair clean, soft and volumised, but would likely need sustained use as suggested by the manufacturer in order to reduce the frequency of washing.

--Value for money--
Although I was kindly sent mine for free by Klorane's PR, this is priced in line with other high-quality brands, such as Vichy, Label M, Green People, Rene Furterer and Schwarzkopf, and produces decent results from little product. I'd be interested to see the effect on hair from long-term use, as well as how its performance is boosted further by other Klorane products.

perfect partners
Nettle Seboregulating Dry Shampoo, £8
Mango Butter Conditioning Balm, £8.50

The oil cleansing method

I promised a post on the oil cleansing method following my review of Kick Start Coconut Oil. And it's something that often seems more than a little surprising.

Oil, you say? I've heard of putting oil on my body, or even on my hair, but isn't putting oil on my face kind of gross?
And I already have oily skin as it is - won't this make it worse?
Cleansing with oil sounds messy and complicated!
Even if I do decide to do it, what type of oil should I use? I've heard that essential oils should be diluted and that you need to be careful with putting them on your face...

Time to debunk the myths, explain the method, choose your oil, and enjoy the effects. 

It sounds counterproductive, but putting oil onto already oily skin will actually do some good. The skin overproduces oil when the body thinks (rightly or wrongly) that it is undernourished. By letting it know that actually, it has enough (thanks to the natural oils you are putting on your face!) the skin scales its production of your body's natural oils right back to ultimately create a more balanced complexion. Naturally, the oil cleansing method also helps to hydrate dry, mature and combination skin types too.

So what is the method itself? Sometimes when you read about it online, it can sound overly complicated, but in the end you only need two steps:

1. Put oil onto your face. The easiest way of doing this is by putting the oil into a pump-action bottle (just clean the tube regularly with hot water to stop it from getting clogged) and pushing the pump down once to get enough oil out. If you are using a pot or bottle, you can always scoop with a spatula or pour (carefully!) into your hands before massaging the oil onto your face. (Got more oil than you need? Doesn't matter! Massage into your hands, neck, decolleté and arms too - you should moisturise everywhere anyway for maximum anti-ageing benefits.) The massaging action itself has benefits in terms of, say, your circulation - but what you really want to happen is for the oil to break down dirt, grime and makeup.

2. Wipe the oil off your face using a tissue or cotton pad. I normally go round twice, wiping with both sides of the cotton pad. Don't worry about getting off every last trace - part of the advantage of cleansing with oil is that the oil also serves as a moisturiser once you've wiped off any dirt that's accumulated during the day.

If I've been wearing makeup, I usually do this twice - once to get rid of the makeup and once to cleanse my face properly.

So what type of oil should you use for all of this? It's true that essential oils are highly concentrated and you need to be careful with them - so don't do anything silly like putting neat tea tree oil all over your face. However, you can also mix oils - so do feel free to put a few drops of any essential oil that helps you (e.g. lavender for sleep, or eucalyptus for healing) into your base oil. But what should this base oil be? Some of the most commonly-used are listed below:

• Olive oil
• Coconut oil
• Sunflower oil
• Sesame oil
• Jojoba oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Argan oil
• Rosehip oil

Of course the oil can also be used as a hair mask and body moisturiser, so no matter what oil you use, it's a great multi-purpose product.

Obviously some of these oils will cost more than others, some will be more easily available than others, and some will work better for you than others (so do tinker with the type and balance of oils, as well as the frequency of use, before abandoning the idea completely). So it's a trial and error process - and if all else fails, make sure you've chosen a food grade/organic oil so that you can at least cook with it.

If you don't fancy making your own bespoke mixture, lots of facial, hair and body oils already exist that you can buy straight off the shelf - ranging from the bargainous Miaroma (around £3 from Holland and Barrett) and Dove, to the luxurious MoroccanOil, Decléor and Jo Malone, via the midrange oils by Wella, Fushi, Weleda and the Body Shop.

Oil cleansing is a method I've only recently begun to try, and I'm seeing good results so far - so do give it a go if you're feeling at a loss! The starting point could be right there in your kitchen.

Neutrogena Visibly Clear meets Danielle Romeril meets visibly clearer skin

I've got to be honest: I've had mixed experiences with Neutrogena, and as a person who's suffered from acne for nearly 20 years now (err...woo?), it's difficult to find products that can genuinely boost radiance and improve skin condition. However, from 2010 I've had the chance to test several products from Neutrogena's Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit range, whose zesty zing not only helps to wake you up in the mornings, but also kickstarts skin into clearing up. The original face wash has now been given a design-based pick-me-up by up-and-coming Irish designer Danielle Romeril, who coincidentally also in 2010 graduated from the MA Womenswear course at the Royal College of Art. In 2012 she set up her own label and this year, as well as presenting new designs at London Fashion Week and winning the NEWGEN award, has revamped one of Neutrogena's most successful face washes with a retro 80s design that's perfectly in keeping with catwalk trends. Specifically, it's designed by Memphis, an Italian architectural movement known for its avant-garde style and in-your-face colours.

Luckily for all fans of this product, it remains exactly the same on the inside - just in a jazzy collectible bottle - so for all those needing a top-up, now's a pretty good time to splash the cash (yep, all £4.94 of it). Happily, I'm just as pleased with the results as when I initially tested it in 2010 - and maybe even more so (and not just because of our Dani's pretty bottle).

perfect partners
Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Moisturiser (50ml) – RRP: £4.99 
Pink Grapefruit Daily Scrub (150ml) – RRP: £4.95
Pink Grapefruit Cream Wash (150ml) – RRP: £4.99

Creme de la Mer Oil Absorbing Tonic

RRP: £55 for 200ml

--What does the promo say?--
"The Oil Absorbing Tonic is the vital transition between cleansing and treatment. Infused with Colloidal Mineral Water, the topical benefits of this soothing tonic are readily apparent. Creme de la Mer's exclusive Deconstructed Waters™ within the tonic revitalize and enliven the skin with no signs of dehydration. Anti-irritants delivered through these negatively charged waters soothe and tone the skin, preparing it to readily receive the maximum benefits of skincare to follow. The Oil Absorbing Tonic, formulated for oily or problem skins, is infused with algae extracts to significantly reduce excess sebum that can lead to adult breakouts."

--Packaging--
A translucent turquoise bottle that's topped with a plastic turquoise screw cap. Gently complemented by the pale coral logo, it keeps information to a minimum. The bottle's translucency means you can always see how much is left, which is nice, and the colour scheme ties in well with the brand theme of "la mer".

--Application--
The Creme de la Mer website says that you should "shake gently to activate tonic. After cleansing, moisten a cotton pad and gently apply all over face and neck, dabbing in a gentle press and release motion. Repeat until cotton pad comes away clean." Nothing tricky about this.

--Appearance--
Even though the bottle makes the toner seem blue, it doesn't come out blue on the cotton pad, so must be clear. No visible residue is left on the skin.

--Scent--
Smells like it has a high alcohol content. However, it does smell refreshing and this is also reflected in how it feels on your skin on application.

--Texture and consistency--
Even though there is a definite sediment in the bottle before shaking, the toner does not feel grainy in any way, and as stated, feels refreshing. 

--Effects on the skin--
Lamentably, I saw no real improvement in my skin as a result of using this product, despite the fact that oiliness was reduced slightly. However, the skin was not irritated in any way and I didn't experience any extra breakouts.

--Value for money--
I bought this toner in the US, where you can pay significantly less depending on the exchange rate (it's $65, which today comes to around £43). However, I expect far better results from a product in this price bracket and would point you to Clinique's anti-blemish solutions toner for a better result and a less ouchy moment at the till.

perfect partners
The Radiant Serum, £450
The Eye Concentrate, £125
Crème de la Mer Moisturising Cream, £100

Avène Cleanance Soapless Gel Cleanser

RRP: £8.25/200ml

--What does the promo say?--

"Ultra mild cleansing gel for blemish-prone skin. Helps purify the skin and regulate oil secretion. Paraben-free."

--Packaging--

I was sent a few mini samples of this from online pharmacy Farmaline, which came in a transparent squeezy tube with a screw top lid. However, other users on the web report that the full size has a twist-open lid which dispenses the product in a very controlled way and closes securely. No problems in any case.

--Application--

Only a small amount of the product is needed - just a pea-sized amount is fine. Lather up, rub it onto the face, and rinse with a damp flannel. Job done.

--Appearance--

The gel itself is pale blue, but lathers up to a white creamy foam. Rinses off with no visible residue.

--Scent--

Smells of soap even though it's soap-free. This seems to be thanks to an artificial fragrance used as part of the ingredients. Make of that what you will.

--Texture and consistency--

The gel itself is smooth, not sticky, and the lather that builds up with the addition of water is luxurious and plentiful. This washes off easily and makes for a pleasant experience.

--Effects on the skin--

Skin feels smooth and like oil production is under control. The effect is similar to having had a really nice facial! Over time, acne is reduced.

--Value for money--

With so little product needed each time, one bottle of this would last you ages. Avène is a cult brand in France and is stocked in every pharmacy and supermarket, and it seems that the French are onto something here for sure - I definitely noticed an improvement in my skin condition in just a few days of use. I would definitely purchase a full-size bottle.

perfect partners

Cleanance Anti-Shine Purifying Lotion, £8.75

Cleanance Anti-Shine Regulating Lotion, £10.50

Cleanance K, £10.50

Triacnéal Treatment Cream, £23

Johnson's Face Care Oil Balancing Light Day Fluid

RRP: £4.07

--What does the promo say?--

"JOHNSON'S® Oil Balancing Light Day Fluid with UV filters is enriched with essential skin loving minerals and vitamins and helps to enhance your skin's natural moisture balance whilst caring for combination skin. Skin is left feeling beautifully soft and smooth."

--Packaging--

The mixture of pink and green is very unusual and makes the product stand out in a positive way., and the image of the feather also makes the product recognisable as being part of Johnson's. In addition, the plastic tube proves both practical and sturdy.

--Application--

Apply every morning after cleansing once skin has had a chance to dry off.

--Appearance--

A translucent white gel that is absorbed invisibly into the skin.

--Scent--

The same as across the rest of the Johnson's range: like fresh laundry.

--Texture and consistency--

Light and fluid without being watery; sinks into skin easily without feeling greasy.

--Effects on the skin--

This couldn't quite banish some persistent dry patches, but I did see a small improvement during the period of testing. I've kept hold of this one to see if the effects on my acne are even greater over a longer time period.

--Value for money--

This £4 cream compares favourably with other creams in its price bracket for this skin type: I would easily choose it over the creams by Simple, Clean & Clear, and Witch. However, I'd also like to test it against Garnier's similarly-priced serum-regulating moisturiser, Doctor Brand's Oil-Free Soothing Lotion, and creams by Neph Aromatics to get an even stronger sense of its identity within this price range.

perfect partners

Oil Balancing Facial Cleansing Wipes, £3.05 for 25

Oil Balancing Gel Wash, £3.05

Clinique Age Defense BB Cream SPF 30

RRP: £25 for 40ml

# of shades available: 3 (with the third being an online exclusive)

--What does the promo say?--

"NEW Age Defense BB Cream SPF 30 is a medium to full coverage cream that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, helps conceal imperfections and enhances skin's complexion. The formula calms skin and helps protect against UV and environmental damage while working to help balance the skin, and provides oil and shine control to extend the life of the foundation all day."

--Packaging--

The pale green and silver ensemble is so far, so Clinique. Nothing outstanding here. Metal lid feels luxurious yet secure. Squeezing out of product from bottle is very easy to control.

--Application--

The product insert gives a range of possible uses, so you need to apply it as you see fit. Either way, you start by applying it all over your face. This way it serves as a sunscreen (and therefore an anti-ageing product), concealer and moisturiser, which also claims to soothe, protect against environmental aggressors such as pollution, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and play the role of a foundation. So you can just stop there. OR, after you've applied it, you can use it as a primer - so you can continue applying the rest of your makeup as normal.

--Appearance--

I find that shade 01 matches my skin tone very well, although if I had one teeny tiny criticism it would be that there is a slight off-white effect, which comes from the sunscreen element. This can be remedied through the artful application of powder - I'm currently using Benefit Dandelion and Arbonne pressed powder. Skins that are even paler could potentially just leave it at that, though.

--Coverage--

Coverage is excellent. For me, the use of powder, while necessary to regulate the colour slightly, is not needed for extra coverage, while the use of concealer need only be minimal (and maybe even not needed at all on good days).

--Texture and consistency--

Is similar to a light foundation in its consistency; it's not creamy enough to match a tinted moisturiser, and yet doesn't feel at all sticky. I'm guessing the lack of total creaminess is due to the sun-protection properties.

--Scent--

Slightly chalky perhaps, but ultimately smells clean. Nothing from the ingredients list jumps out as being dominant.

--Effects on the skin--

Wow-factor effect comes mainly from the coverage provided as well as the longevity of the product (see below). Face feels moisturised and oiliness feels controlled, but no more than with the use of my regular ensemble of products. Skin is not irritated by the use of the product. Longer-term use and testing would be required to see if it really protected against environmental aggressors or provided an anti-ageing benefit. Sun protection is excellent.

--Longevity--

Once applied, this doesn't need to be touched up. For this reason, it works well as a concealer, primer, foundation and sunblock.

--Value for money--

While I was initially a little shocked at the price, this comes into the same price range as foundations by Stila and Dermalogica. For tinted moisturisers the brand comparison is even better, falling into the same bracket as tinted moisturisers by Laura Mercier and Yves Saint Laurent. The appeal also comes from the fact that this BB cream, unlike a lot of Western offerings, actually seems to be a real contender to the multi-function products found in Asia rather than just being a tinted moisturiser under a different name. To recap, the Clinique BB Cream offers 9 separate functions (1. Concealer; 2. Anti-ageing over the long term; 3. Reduce the appearance of lines in the short term; 4. Defends against environmental aggressors;  5. Soothes; 6. Moisturises; 7. Controls oil; 8. Foundation; 9. Makeup primer). On the downside, though, this is expensive for a BB cream and you do have the feeling that Clinique are capitalising on the brand's image just a tiny bit: the only BB creams falling into this price bracket are the most premium lines from genuine Asian brands Missha and Skin79 (their normal products cost less than this). However, I would probably still buy it with my own money (I was sent a PR sample this time) due to its fabulous coverage, good colour match, ability to stay on the skin without turning my face into an oil slick, the fact that a little goes a long way, and the idea that while it is in the same price bracket as the brands mentioned above, it does so much more.

perfect partners

Chubby Stick Moisturising Lip Colour Balm, £16

Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion, from £16.50

Quickliner for Eyes Intense, from £13

St Ives Blemish Fighting Apricot Scrub

RRP: £3.99/150ml

--What does the promo say?--

"Goodbye Blemishes. Fight blemishes and breakouts with the power of nature. St. Ives Blemish Fighting scrub gently helps prevent and treat breakouts with ingredients from nature – and give you the confidence that comes along with having naturally clear skin."

--Packaging--

While St Ives has always capitalised on its image of apricots, this has typically been accompanied by very pale colours (apricot, baby blue...) in the past. Not anymore: this squeezy plastic flip-top tube is now decorated with a bright orange strapline and a hot pink tab ringing in the changes. Orange and black text keeps things short and sweet and the St Ives logo is still recognisable and unchanged. The tube itself is very easy to use and doesn't leak at all.

--Application--

Rub a 5p-10p sized amount between wet hands and massage gently onto damp skin. Wipe off using a damp flannel. Use 3-4 times a week.

--Appearance--

A pale brown-peach coloured cream with dark brown flecks in it (that's the walnut shell and corn kernels that help exfoliate). Some of the exfoliating grains are left on the skin even after rinsing, which is a bit annoying.

--Scent--

Does smell like apricot, but I have the impression from the ingredients list that this is a synthetic scent (or at least the natural smell is pimped using synthetic products) due to the presence of the eternally vague 'Parfum (Fragrance)' that appears there. Smells nice nonetheless!

--Texture and consistency--

Satisfyingly scrubby without being at all irritating. You really feel like it's working as the walnut shell and corn kernels get to work.

--Effects on the skin--

Skin definitely feels smoother immediately after use, and longer term, blackheads and whiteheads cleared up. Blackheads that did reappear were much easier to extract and I definitely noticed a difference in the stubbornness of spots, redness of skin and general recurrence of acne when I stopped using the product. No going back for me now!

--Value for money--

This is an excellent product which manages to be simultaneously functional and luxurious. At £3.99 it's also bargainous, and while it's always been a classic, I can now see why. Without having tried any products from St Ives before, I now wonder where on earth I've been. Definitely a top quality product.

perfect partner

Deep Cleansing Body Scrub, £3.50/300ml

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

Kiehl's Blue Astringent Herbal Lotion

RRP: £15.50/250ml
available at SpaceNK, Harrods, and www.mankind.co.uk

--What does the promo say?--
"This formula was created in 1964 as a spot treatment for oily, blemish-prone areas and helps to prevent razor discomfort after shaving. Not tested on animals."

--Packaging--
Kiehl's packaging is notoriously rubbish (see my previous posts on products from this brand), but I've had no problems with this so far - the lid seems to shut securely and so on, and the plastic is see-through so that you always know how much you have left. Topped with the brilliant vintage apothecary style label and the blue liquid shining through the bottle, it really stands out on the shelf.

--Usage--
Pour a small amount of liquid onto a cotton pad, and after cleansing, wipe the cotton pad around your face to pick up any excess oil and dirt traces. Then moisturise as normal.

--Scent--
Disappointingly chemical - it's fairly plain that anything that colour is not going to be entirely natural, but given that it contains aloe, limonene, witch hazel, camphor and menthol, I'd have really expected a more natural smell.

--Appearance--
Bright blue, but no visible traces are left on the skin.

--Short-term effects on the skin--
Not great. I personally found that using the toner made my skin feel slightly tight afterwards, though this is only a temporary effect that subsides quickly, especially once you've applied moisturiser. However, I've also been sharing this toner with my fiancé, who is equally oily-skinned and reports no such effects (perhaps because male skin is different to female skin?).

--Long-term effects on the skin--
Mild to good - oiliness is definitely reduced and I saw a mild improvement in my acne. So in short, it does ultimately do what it says it will.

--Value for money--
UK buyers definitely have the upper hand with this product - if buying in euros it is more expensive - but even then it's hardly cheap, being only 50p cheaper than Clinique's Anti-Blemish toner, though it is more expensive than my next favourite, Liz Earle's Instant Boost Skin Tonic (which is £11 for 200ml). While this toner did get me some visible results, and while one bottle has lasted a long time even with two of us using it, I ultimately would probably not buy it again, as I just feel that the tightness experienced in the immediate seconds after use is just never a good sign.

perfect partners
Blue Herbal Gel Cleanser, £20/250ml
Blue Herbal Moisturiser, £24/100ml
Blue Herbal Spot Treatment, £14/15ml

Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimising Skin Refinisher

RRP: from £34 (sizes from 30-100ml)

--What does the promo say?--
"Dramatically refinish skin's appearance and texture. See more clarity, smoothness and luminosity as it helps your skin get rid of dry, dulling, flaky surface skin cells. See more highly refined, virtually poreless skin. Enjoy our most dramatic skin resurfacing benefits—faster, more efficiently than ever before.

• Refines the look of uneven skin texture, flakiness and roughness.
• Pores appear 1/3 smaller—instantly.

Smooth on Idealist and instantly enjoy that soft, seamless, silky feeling you love.

• Includes 3 times more Glucosamine than original Idealist.
• Pore Diminishing Technology significantly shrinks the look of enlarged pores.
• Gentle-acting Chestnut Extract helps your skin get rid of dry, dulling, flaky skin surface cells.

It's as if you're seeing the skin you were born with, all over again."

--Packaging--
Beautiful luminescent and translucent blue glass bottle with a classic (but perhaps aimed at older women?) gold lid and clear glass dropper. Clearly recognisable both as part of the Estée Lauder brand and as part of the range of serums the brand offers.

--Application--
Just apply a few drops to your face and neck along with your usual moisturiser.

--Scent--
Very sharp and fruity, in a very pleasant way, and no wonder. It's packed with all sorts of fruity goodness, containing extracts of mulberry, grape, and saw palmetto. The overriding scent, however, is that of grapefruit. Simply divine.

--Appearance--
A white cream reminiscent of Skyn Iceland's Cloud Cream (which, interestingly, also has a strong grapefruit smell), although not as thick. Leaves no visible residue on the skin. Sadly, I didn't see that immediate reduction in pore appearance that the thing promises; Lancôme's Génifique is at least better for that.

--Texture/consistency--
It absorbs very successfully into the skin, not drying so quickly that you don't have a chance to rub it in. It is also non-greasy and makes your skin feel palpably less oily, and much smoother too. Not lumpy, and it is a little bit runny, but not overly so.

--Effects over time--
It certainly leaves skin impossibly smooth: apply it at night, and you'll still wake up with skin as fresh as a daisy in the morning. It doesn't clog pores, but I still didn't see that reduction we were all promised (although admittedly, according to the Estée Lauder website, you'd need to use it for 4 weeks to see long-term difference, which a 4-day sample is never going to provide).

--Value for money--
Somewhat obviously, you get an interesting reduction if you buy a bigger bottle (the 100ml bottle is 'just' double the price of the 30ml one for more than three times the content), and given that 1.5ml gives you 4-5 applications, I'd guess that 30ml gives you approximately 100 applications, at a cost of 34p per application (which declines if you buy a larger bottle). Despite not seeing an immediate reduction in pores, I'd be keen to test Estée Lauder's 4-week claim out, as it really is a joy to use. That'll be one for the birthday list, then.

perfect partner
Idealist Micro-D Deep Thermal Refinisher, £31 for 75ml

L'Occitane Red Rice Exfoliating Powder

RRP: £17.60

--What does the promo say?--
"A fun and innovative way to exfoliate! These flakes transform into an exfoliating cream when combined with water. It eliminates excess sebum, impurities and dead skin cells that can clog pores."

--Packaging--
A recyclable plastic canister the colour of brown rice, jazzed up with the shiny red 'Red Rice' logo. It has a plastic 'dial' at the top which you can turn to reveal small dotty apertures, one large aperture, or to close all apertures completely. It closes securely, and this system allows you to dispense as much or as little powder as you desire. The only bad news is that if your bathroom is small, the damp from the steam can cause these holes to become a little clogged, but that is easily solved with the help of a pin or some nail scissors.

--Usage instructions--
The versatility of this is really quite ingenious. The powder can be mixed, as you so desire, with water or with your usual cleanser. When mixed with your chosen liquid, the powder becomes a fine exfoliating paste. If you choose to mix with cleanser, err on the side of caution with the amount of powder you use, as the powder does thicken your chosen liquid and you don't want to end up with more than you need. Once you are past the trial and error stage, there should be little or no wastage. You definitely need to do this over the sink - in-shower exfoliating is sadly not an option with this product for obvious reasons. After spreading the mixture onto your face, rinse off using warm water.

--Appearance--
An off-white, slightly brown, coarse powder. When mixed with your chosen liquid, it becomes a translucent white colour (or invisible, if your cleanser is white). No visible residue is left on the face.

--Texture/consistency--
I am used to rougher exfoliators than this, so this felt a little too smooth to me, but I suspect it would be perfect for most people, particularly those with sensitive skin, as the scrubbiness does its job without 'overdoing' the sensation. The powder formula means that particles are of a minimal size.

--Scent--
Pleasant and clean, reminiscent of fresh laundry and (of course) freshly-cooked rice.

--How does your skin feel afterwards?--
I initially still had one or two infuriating dry patches when I first started using this, but with regular use it sends them all packing in no time, with skin feeling refreshed and smooth.

--Value for money--
The individuality and innovation embodied in this product is impressive, and its versatility should appeal to many. The price is perhaps a little more than some people would pay for an exfoliator, but you're getting a product that really mattifies and balances your skin, as well as a product that adapts to your beauty routine and can work with any other products you're using. Nice.

perfect partners
Red Rice Foaming Rice Cleanser, £12.25
Red Rice Purifying Rice Toner, £12.25
Red Rice Ultra Matte Face Fluid, £19.55
Red Rice Mattifying Papers, £6.35 for 50 sheets

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

Estee Lauder Clear Difference UltiMatte Blotting Sheets

RRP: £10.00 for 50 sheets

--What does the promo say?--
"Oil-control to go. Super convenient sheets absorb oil, won't affect makeup. Yet unlike drying powdery papers, powder-free UltiMatte Blotting Sheets leave hydration where it should be--in your skin."

--Packaging--
A small green cardboard box, about the same size as a credit card and three times as thick. It's pale green, with the Estee Lauder logo in white and gold and some sparse product details in dark green gracing the cardboard lid, which tucks in neatly to a pre-cut out flap when you're not using it. All biodegradable, and the colours make it look very natural too, as well as being synonymous with other natural skin-healing ingredients such as tea tree oil. Very nice.

--Method of use--
Untuck the lid from the flap and pull upwards to reveal the stack of shine control sheets. Take one out, close the box and dab the sheet on your face until all excess oil is absorbed.

--How does it feel?--
The sheets are very smooth - it doesn't feel like you're rubbing toilet paper on your face.

--Appearance--
The sheets are white, resembling cut-out rectangles of printer paper. They seem thicker and less translucent/opaque than blotting sheets made by other brands.

--Results--
While the sheets do visibly absorb excess oil, Estee Lauder's claim that the sheets won't affect your makeup is a blatant lie. When I used this while wearing makeup, I could see my makeup on the blotting sheet along with the excess oil. Not good. I would also say that competing products from other brands make a better job of the shine control aspect.

--Value for money--
Not great. At £10.00 for 50 sheets, they just can't compete with the Body Shop equivalent, who sell 65 sheets for a mere £4. The Body Shop variation also seems to pick up more oil WITHOUT disturbing makeup, and what's more, the Body Shop's equivalent actually comes in two types - a tea tree version for combination, acne-prone skin, and a 'normal' one for 'normal' skin! Estee Lauder - 0, Body Shop - 1.

--perfect partner--
Sparkling Clean Oil Control Gel Cleanser, £17/200ml