Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pore & Shine In-Shower Mask

RRP: £4.99

--What does the promo say?--
"Introducing new Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pore & Shine In-Shower Mask. Get a shine-free, even complexion in only 60 seconds thanks to this breakthrough mask that works with steam of your shower. Its clinically proven formula reduces shine, helping to remove any excess oil for an instant matte effect without drying skin. It also helps to refine pores, cleansing deep down to unclog pores for visibly refined looking skin. Its fresh tangerine & lime scent provides an invigorating, fresh-skin feeling."

--Packaging--
The green and white colour scheme is both vibrant and unisex, with the Neutrogena label displayed prominently, while the coloured band at the top followed by the white band at the bottom of the tube clearly marks it as part of the brand also (all Neutrogena masks, scrubs etc have this design, with just the colour changing for different needs or scents, such as pink for grapefruit). The plastic flip-top lid is light while remaining sturdy and practical.

--Application--
Rub all over your face while in the shower, leaving it to sit for a minute or two while you shave or wash your body (I'm not going to list alternative in-shower activities...you're on your own there!). Rinse off under the shower or at the sink when you emerge. Use 1-2 times a week.

--Appearance--
The product itself is white, with no visible traces left after use.

--Scent--
Lively and zesty, although I think this mostly comes from scents added later that may be artificial, as only lemon peel is explicitly listed.

--Texture and consistency--
Creamy and luxurious. While slightly lumpy or grainy in appearance, it's not like an exfoliator, serving no scrubbing function, as you can't feel these lumps or grains on your skin during usage of the product.

--Effects on the skin--
The effect in just 1-2 minutes is certainly impressive - perfect for modern, busy lifestyles. Skin is indeed mattified and visibly less oily, with pore size appearing reduced and tightened temporarily. Skin also feels really refreshed thanks to the citrus element, and moisturised too, due to the mask's creamy texture.

--Value for money--
At just under £4 this definitely isn't breaking the bank and the time saved is equally valuable. If waiting 20 minutes for a mask to dry doesn't appeal, then this is definitely for you. I was sent mine for free by Neutrogena's PR (thanks guys!) but would pay up in future. I'd also be interested to try the rest of the range in future, and/or to see face wipes added to the range, as they're good value, effective products that offer a pick-me-up in the morning too.

perfect partners
Pore & Shine Daily Wash, £4.99
Pore & Shine Daily Scrub, £4.99

No7 Colour Calming Makeup Base

RRP: £9.75

--What does the promo say?--
"No7 Colour Calming Make-Up Base calms and neutralises rosy skin tones. Calm overly-rosy complexions with this clever colour corrector. Cool, sea-green tones neutralise unwanted blushes all day long, leaving your skin looking beautifully even. With caring, conditioning ingredients to help build skin's natural defences against the elements without blocking pores. Hypo-allergenic."

--Packaging--
Virtually identical to its anti-shine cousin: slim tube with the No7 logo and product name gracing the front in metallic writing. The tube itself is a suitably zen-like pale green colour, and it has a plastic screw-top lid that clicks closed.

--Application--
After moisturising, rub a small amount all over the face, avoiding the eye area.

--Appearance--
The lotion is exactly the same colour as the bottle, but luckily the skin absorbs it perfectly and no green residue is left on the face. Skin appears more matte, softer, and redness is visibly reduced.

--Texture/consistency--
It's quite runny, which I was a little disappointed about when I first bought it (having used No7's anti-shine equivalent, which is stiffer, I was expecting it to be more like that), and it took me a long time to get used to it. However, it's still relatively controllable and easy to use. Skin feels softer after use.

--How does it feel on the skin?--
That lotion feels like it's full of good stuff (though you'll have to wait until I can get home and look at mine before I can tell you exactly what - the Boots website is useless), with the skin feeling soothed and calmed all day as a result of use.

--Value for money--
It is a tad expensive, but it's still affordable, it works, and one tube lasts ages. Top.

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

No7 Shine-Free Makeup Base

RRP: £9.25/40ml
--What does the promo say?--
"No7 Shine Free Make-Up Base stops shine for a matte finish. All day matte... keep shiny skin under control all day long, with this mattifying oil-free base. Light-reflecting particles help disguise fine lines and flaws, while oil-absorbing Biopol helps minimise blemishes and blot away shine without blocking pores. With watermelon and cucumber extracts to help soothe and cool your skin. Hypo-allergenic."

--Packaging--
Comes in a white, square-ish tube with the No7 logo and basic product information on the front in silver font. Doesn't stand up on the base as the lid is quite slender. Nice simple packaging.

--Application--
Squeeze the tube gently until a small amount of the product appears at the tip of the tube. Apply all over face (though I don't know that I'd recommend putting it on your eyelids - there are more specialist eyelid primers available that are probably more sensitive) and rub in.

--Appearance--
The primer is a white lotion with a vaguely pearlised appearance. On the face, it blends perfectly with the skin, leaving no residue. It does exactly what it says on the tube, combatting shine before applying makeup. I've even used this when I'm not even going to wear any makeup at all as it does its job so well.

--Texture--
It is a lotion, but it errs more on the side of stiff than runny. It might sound a bit strange but it really does work very well.

--How does it feel on the skin?--
Light and refreshing. Doesn't weigh your skin down at all or make you feel like you're wearing more makeup than you actually are.

--Value for money--
It is perhaps a little on the expensive side - there are probably other primers out there that are cheaper while being just as good. However, Boots do good deals on their No7 stuff quite often (3 for 2 etc) so you may be able to save some money. I'm open to experimentation, though, for the purposes of comparison if nothing else.