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

Kick Start Coconut Oil

RRP: from £12

--What does the promo say?--
"Kick Start Organic Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil is pure virgin coconut oil from Sri Lanka. Kick Start Organic Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil has not been hydrogenated, bleached, refined or deodorised. It comes from the finest coconut palms on the west coast of Sri Lanka, which are grown using traditional farming methods and no pesticides. It is cold pressed and filtered in modern, hygienic conditions in Sri Lanka – from crop to shop. The large 920g tub is an economical and environmentally friendly way of buying Kick Start Organic Cold Pressed  Virgin Coconut Oil. This large tub will keep you going for longer and offers excellent value for money, the foil seal and screw top lid will ensure that your virgin coconut oil will remain fresh. Kick Start Organic Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut Oil  has organic certification from three separate bodies: Soil Association, USDA Organic, and Control Union. Produced from the pick of the palms in Sri Lanka, the palms have been specifically planted and nurtured carefully to meet the strict criteria and high quality that you require. The coconuts are grown in the west of Sri Lanka and to the north of the capital, Colombo, and are traditionally harvested and cold pressed."

--Packaging--
The black and red colour scheme on a white background, with a preponderance of capital letters, is unisex and punchy, and as mentioned, the foil seal and screw-top lid do help to keep the product fresh. However, while tubs do enable minimal wastage, they're not the most practical in terms of scooping the oil out and making sure none gets on the side of the pot - a pump action bottle would be far more practical and hygienic. 

--Application--
How you use this depends on what you've been using it for; as you can probably see from my tags, I've been using it for basically everything. First of all, to remove makeup or cleanse skin, just rub onto the face directly with your hands before wiping off with a cotton pad or tissue. Any excess can be rubbed into your hands and cuticles, or onto other areas of your body. If there's any left on your face, it doesn't matter, as it's an excellent moisturiser. If using this as a hair mask, run the oil through dry hair and cover your pillow with a towel so that you can sleep with the oil in your hair overnight before shampooing it out in the morning.

--Scent--
A full, natural and unadulterated coconut smell; sweet without being overpowering.

--Appearance--
White and waxy when stored below 18°C. It begins to melt from this temperature upwards and by the time it reaches 24°C it turns into a transparent oil, which leaves no visible residue on the skin or hair.

--Texture and consistency--
As mentioned, it depends on the temperature at which you keep it - so, waxy or oily. However, it absorbs reasonably quickly into body skin and is easy to wash out of hair after using it as a hair mask. Go easy with it if you're using it as a facial moisturiser, though, as it can leave skin looking a bit shiny if you use too much.

--Effects on the body--
An excellent moisturiser for face and body, with facial skin in particular seeing fewer spots and generally looking less angry. (You'd think that using oil on already oily skin would make the situation worse, but it actually doesn't. Post on the oil cleansing method coming soon!) As a hair mask it's equally good, helping to detangle, defrizz and condition hair. It also removes makeup very well.

--Value for money--
With the website offering discounts for buying 2 or 3 pots, as well as upgrading to the bigger 920g pot, you can really spend as much or as little as you like, and watch the value soar when buying in bulk. However, one 460g pot costs a very reasonable £12 for the quantity and quality of the product that you receive. Mine was free, but I would definitely pay this as it's such a fabulous multi-use product (and I haven't even started on the fact that it's food grade too and you can therefore cook with it - look out for an upcoming post on my food blog soon!) that works well on hair, face, hands and body - and it's ethically sourced into the bargain. Bravo!

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

Facetheory Sensitive Toning Mist

RRP: £7.50

--What does the promo say?--
"A toner that’s tailored for sensitive skin. Specially formulated for fussy skin, Sensitive Toner T2 gives you complete treatment and protection for your skin – without the irritation and redness. And while we’ve created a light formulation, we haven’t compromised on care. With aloe vera and grapefruit oil, it’s an antiseptic, decongestant and impressive anti-ager all in one."

--Packaging--
My sample took the form of a small pot with a screw-top lid, but the green and white spray bottle is appealing for targeted use with no wastage, as well as for the colour scheme's connotations of antiseptic healing. It's also a nicely unisex concept.

--Application--
Spray onto a cotton pad and wipe over cleansed skin. Easy as.

--Appearance--
A clear, watery liquid.

--Scent--
Citric without being bitter. A natural scent overall that combines the orange and grapefruit well.

--Texture and consistency--
A watery liquid with no visible particles or viscosity.

--Effects on the skin--
Removes any excess makeup that your cleanser didn't pick up, and calms and smooths skin too.

--Value for money--
Costs less than many other toners of the same quality (and sometimes even those of lesser quality!) and has positively calming effects on the skin thanks to its natural ingredients. Would purchase the full size product.

perfect partners
Clarifying Cleanser (C2), £9.50
Supergel Moisturiser (M3), £12.50
Ultraglide Makeup Primer (P1), £1.75
100% Organic Cotton Muslin Face Cloth, £1.50

Potter's Herbals Skin Clear Lotion

RRP: £4.80
 
 --What does the promo say?--
"Potter’s Skin Clear Lotion is formulated to deeply cleanse the skin and help clear pores using a blend of natural herbal ingredients including Witch Hazel, Benzoin, Lavender, Pine and Tea Tree. A gentle astringent cosmetic lotion which, used regularly, can help to deeply cleanse skin and help clear pores from excess oil and grease. Its mild fragrance makes this a popular choice by both men and women. Particularly good for adolescent skin care."

--Packaging--
This has changed recently from a dark blue label (see left) so don't worry if you can't seem to spot it immediately online. Suitably unisex with a GENIUS tapered nozzle, meaning no wastage.

--Application--
Can be used after or even in place of a cleanser (I've been doing the latter). Soak a cotton pad in this and then apply all over the face. Naturally avoid contact with your eyes and ears.

--Appearance--
A slightly bubblegummy blue thanks to the artificial colourant added, which seems a bit unnecessary. Thankfully this doesn't leave any visible residue on the face after use.

--Scent--
The witch hazel is prominent, with the tea tree perhaps being the next most detectable.

--Texture and consistency--
Liquid - basically like water.

--Effects on the skin--
This is a non-irritating product that delivers good results within a short time frame. Improvement can be noted within 1-2 weeks, with diminishment of whiteheads being particularly significant.

--Value for money--
At this low price tag you've got nothing to lose and everything to gain. Once my free bottle from Potter's Herbals' PR runs out, I wouldn't hesitate to purchase.

perfect partners
Distilled Witch Hazel, £2.50
Comfrey Oil, £3.40

Australian Bodycare Tea Tree Oil Skin Wash

 RRP: £10.65/250ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Australian Bodycare Tea Tree Oil Skin Wash is a gentle antiseptic hand and body wash for everyday use that protects the skin from bacteria and leaves it fresh and hygienically clean. It has a non-drying formula, making it suitable for everyday use for all the family. Tea Tree Oil Skin Wash by Australian Bodycare leaves all skin types feeling refreshingly fresh and clean."

--Packaging--
The green colour scheme immediately evokes images of tea tree oil and the sea, tying together the company's key concepts with ease and creating a unisex package. The pump-action bottle is generally practical, although you may have to pump for a few minutes before the first use.

--Application--
Lather up under the shower and use to wash your body before rinsing. Can also be used as a hand wash.

--Appearance--
A pale yellow-green gel that doesn't look lurid and leaves no visible residue. Lathers up to a generous pale foam.

--Scent--
The bitter tea-tree comes across strongly, in a way that might seem too overpowering or even clinical for some.

--Texture and consistency--
The gel is not sticky at all and while it lathers up well (thanks to the SLS it contains), it doesn't provide a luxurious experience. Washes off well when you want it to.

--Effects on the skin--
A successful body and hand wash that cleans the skin thoroughly without irritation. Sustained use may see a reduction in spots on the body. Don't use on your face, though, as it's too harsh, and will dry out your skin without eliminating spots. 

--Value for money--
The naturally hygienic and antiseptic properties of this will appeal, although the presence of SLS may be offputting to some. One bottle lasts a while even with use all over the body in the shower, as you don't need much to get up a good lather. However, I'm looking for a more luxurious shower experience, so wouldn't bother replacing this once my free bottle runs out. For utility and luxury in one bottle, at this price I'd be more likely to purchase products from brands such as Nougat London, thisworks, or Jurlique.

perfect partners
Hand and Body Lotion, from £8.95
Deodorant, £6.40
Hand and Foot Treatment, £9.35
Foaming Skin Wash, £12.35
Hygienic Wet Wipes, £10.40 for 85 wipes
Femigel, £7.85 for 15ml
Hand Cream, £7.25
Exfoliating Body Wash, £10.20  

Dr Hauschka Rejuvenating Mask

RRP: £35/30ml

--What does the promo say?--
"This pack brings life and vitality to pale, dry skin and helps improve the elasticity of pores. It can also help with the healing of scar tissue. Nurturing plant oils soothe and calm sensitivities as well as moisturising the skin."

--Packaging--
An almost medicinal metal tube with a plastic white screw-top lid and minimal writing. Only the characteristic orange band for decoration gives it away as being a Dr Hauschka product and not something your doctor would prescribe.

--Application--
The Dr Hauschka website advises use once or twice a week for best results. The mask (which I was kindly sent by Dr Hauschka's PR bods) should be applied liberally after cleansing and toning, left for 20-30 minutes, and then removed with a moist cloth. It can also be applied to heavily scarred areas lightly, on a daily basis, underneath moisturiser and makeup, to act as a day-to-day healing agent.

--Appearance--
The "mask" is in fact a thick cream, and the colour is a sickly-looking yellow-green colour. But don't let this put you off in the least: it leaves no visible residue on the skin and the colours come from entirely natural sources.

--Scent--
Refreshing, citric and herbal, meaning that this makes for a unisex product that can be used by all, although it's difficult to say where the scent comes from exactly, as the preparation is packed with good things, including apricot, borage, and jojoba oils.

--Texture and consistency--
Unlike a 'normal' face mask, this doesn't dry on your face. It comes out of the tube like a thick cream and stays that way throughout the 20-30 minute wait. The skin seems to absorb what it needs and then you can wipe away any excess. In spite of all the oils used, it's not greasy in the least, and it's easy to wipe off the excess too.

--Effects on the skin--
Skin definitely feels significantly softer after use, and even though I've only used it twice, I can see a small improvement in my skin already, with there being fewer spots and less redness.

--Value for money--
This is an interesting conundrum. To my mind it's an effective, luxurious product, made with high-quality ingredients, so theoretically I shouldn't baulk (much) at the £35 price tag, particularly as it does seem that one tube would last you a while. However, given that it costs €27 (today: £22.84) in Germany and around €32 (£27.07) in France, it's definitely worth waiting for your next hop to the continent to purchase this, as the UK markup seems a little high. Nonetheless, would definitely recommend.

perfect partners
Intensive Treatment, £48.45
Cleansing Cream, £14.95
Clarifying Toner, £24.95
Normalising Day Oil, £24.25
Rhythmic Night Conditioner, £44.95
Facial Steam Bath, £26.45
Cleansing Clay Mask, £25.45
Pure Care Cover Stick, £17.25
Daily Face Care Kit for Oily Skin, £17.95
*these are the recommended 'partner' products for oily skin. For recommendations for dry skin, sensitive skin, and other skin types, consult the Dr Hauschka website.

Bare Escentuals Prime Time Oil Control Foundation Primer

RRP: £19

--What does the promo say?--
"Put an end to midday shininess. Designed for oily, sensitive, and problem-prone skin, bareMinerals Prime Time Oil Control Foundation Primer is clinically proven to control excess shine. Apply this silicone- and oil-free primer prior to your bareMinerals SPF15 Foundation for evenly textured, shine-free coverage all day."

--Packaging--
An unassuming white pump action bottle with grey lettering. Not exactly attention-grabbing; definitely functional first and foremost.

--Application--
Rub onto clean dry face. Getting the right amount is a slight problem as this dries very quickly, meaning you need to remember exactly where you've applied it and waste time getting more out of the bottle to apply to places you haven't done yet; OR you pump out too much and end up applying it to your neck as well.

--Appearance--
A perfectly clear gel. On the face, this is invisible.

--Scent--
Scent-free.

--Texture and consistency--
Feels smooth on the fingers and when rubbing into the face, but has a slightly tacky and gritty finish; it also makes the skin feel slightly tight, like you have layered something onto your face rather than applying something that absorbs seamlessly.

--Effects on the skin--
In fairness, this does do exactly what it says it does: it controls oiliness brilliantly, and I think I even noticed a small improvement in my skin while using this product.

--Value for money--
Even if this product does do just what it promises, they have to sort that texture out to make this a more pleasant experience, especially for a £19 price tag (OK, so it's often on offer, meaning you frequently don't have to pay £19, but still). I'll be looking elsewhere next time.

perfect partners
READY SPF15 Touch Up Veil, £22
Advanced Protection SPF20 Moisturiser Sheer Tint, £27
Redness Remedy, £27
SPF20 Correcting Concealer, £21
SPF15 Matte Foundation, £25 

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

Snowberry Day Creme Lite

RRP: £46/15ml

--What does the promo say?--
"The perfect anti-ageing moisturising cream for everyday use on combination skin, the Lite Day Cream contains a rich blend of exotic oils, such as Strawberry seed, Cloudberry, and Pejibaye to provide active moisturisation, nourishment and protection. The natural biopolymer sodium hyaluronate, palmitoyl tripeptide-5, and Mikimoto pearl extract provide a powerful anti-aging and anti-inflammatory formula that work to rejuvenate skin, regenerate damaged tissue, and stimulate the skin's natural collagen production."

--Packaging--
The brand's usual eye-catching and quirky packaging design this time takes on a cool blue, helping to distinguish this moisturiser well from its regular counterpart, Snowberry Day Creme, which has red packaging, and the Night Creme, whose packaging is purple.

--Application--
After cleansing and toning as normal, apply this moisturiser in a thin layer over the entire face, and rub in until absorbed.

--Appearance--
A pale yellow, creamy coloured lotion, which leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--
Disappointingly unfruity despite all of the berries that it contains.

--Texture--
A wonderfully luxurious cream that fulfils my idea of a near-perfect product (a product which is both useful and divine to use). It absorbs quite quickly and is gentle on the skin, as well as being free of lumps.

--Effects on the skin--
Lamentably, none. Shine was not reduced especially, and while it didn't inflame my acne further, I did not witness any incredible improvements. Softness was the mainly notable factor, but you would expect this from any moisturiser.

--Value for money--
While this product is lovely to use, it just comes in below par. Only tiny amounts are needed each time, so 15ml would go quite a long way, but the 50ml version of this is truly bank-balance-busting, coming in at over £100. This pricing does not compare favourably with the high street, with Estée Lauder and Clarins both offering 50ml of moisturiser for roughly the same price as 15ml by Snowberry, and for a more natural alternative, Kiehl's, This Works and Caudalie all also come in at considerably less than Snowberry's pricing. My recommendation as far as Snowberry products go would be to opt for their cleanser, which is a really zingy, original and effective product (even if it means putting it onto your Christmas/if-only wishlist), and going to other brands for the rest.

Lancôme Exfoliance Clarté

RRP: £25.50/100ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Brighten up lacklustre skin with this refreshing gel formula for normal and combination skin. Formulated with white wax micro-beads, ultra-fine exfoliating grains and a cocktail of Pineapple and Papaya extracts to gently slough off dull skin layers and remove impurities. Leaves the skin clean, smooth and toned for a simply radiant complexion."

--Packaging--
The pale blue squeezy tube combines Lancôme's usual sophistication with practicality and prettiness, with the dark blue dots in the background proving a nice contrast to the brand's trademark flower logo. The brand name is also embossed onto the opaque white screw-top lid, and the overall effect is very pleasing.

--Application--
Mix a little of this in your palms with your cleanser and some tepid water, and rub gently over your face with your fingertips. Remove with a damp face cloth, gently buffing as you go.

--Appearance--
Slightly unusual: as well as artificial blue exfoliating beads, the clear gel is also populated by white lumps (the wax beads that contain spot-busting salicylic acid), which don't seem to stick to the skin after you've finished using the exfoliator (sometimes exfoliating agents can be difficult to be completely washed off the skin, but it wasn't problematic here).

--Scent--
Strangely, none: I was surprised to read of the presence of pineapple and papaya, since I couldn't smell them at all.

--Texture/consistency--
While the gel is mild, refined and comforting, you also simultaneously feel that the exfoliants are really doing their job (and all with no discomfort whatsoever). It washes off easily and there is no greasy, oily or otherwise unpleasant residue left on the skin after use.

--How does your skin feel afterwards?--
Squeaky clean! Really like all excess dirt and oil has been properly penetrated and removed without harshness. Smoothened and retextured.

--How does your skin look afterwards?--
Having only tried this on the basis of a tiny sample, it's tricky to tell, but given the depth of cleaning mentioned above and given the inclusion of salicylic acid, it's highly probable that visible improvements would be seen over time. Dry patches are also quickly banished, and this is something that can be seen more immediately.

--Value for money--
This is a tad pricey, yes. It's the most expensive exfoliator I've ever used, clearing the next most expensive (L'Occitane Almond Apple Sweet Peel) by about £6. While its efficacy is undoubted, it's a bit expensive for me to be able to use all the time, so I'd have to make do with it as a treat. Nevertheless, this is definitely one for the Christmas wish list.

perfect partner
Hydra Intense Hydrating Gel Mask, £29.50