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 

Lulu's Time Bomb Rescue Mission Miracle Mineral Bath

RRP: £24/500ml

available for purchase on QVC or via www.lulusplace.co.uk

--What does the promo say?--

"Relax, Recharge and Recover.....fast! This unique formula combines the stress-relieving powers of essential oils and extracts with the soothing powers of magnesium salts. Containing a polyionic complex with the breakthrough MagnEASE hybrid, you can relax and de-stress as you bathe…helping to soak away the aches and pains of tense muscles and stiff joints. Infused with a blend of essential oils and extracts including arnica, echinacea, St. John's wort, comfrey and calendula, a warm bath will also help soften, smooth and hydrate your skin as you soothe sore, tense muscles."

--Packaging--

The chunky see-through bottle and its metal screw-top lid provide a great modern look that's great for bathtime. The green of the liquid contrasts nicely with the pink writing on the bottle, making it really stand out from the whites, blacks and greys of the rest of Lulu's Time Bomb range. My only criticism would be that while pouring out the liquid is fine for bathing, it should come with a detachable pump so that it can also be used for showering.

--Application--

 Pour generously into bath water and soak in it for as long as needed to relieve aches and pains. Can also be used to lather up quickly under the shower.

--Appearance--

The bright green fluid (which doesn't look lurid, by the way - in fact it's refreshing and more reminiscent of spearmint and spas) in the bottle is strangely completely clear and translucent in the hand, lathering up to a delicate white foam. No visible residue is left on the skin after use.

--Scent--

Beautifully refreshing and unisex, with the arnica in particular coming through strongly. Perfect for revival and relaxation.

--Texture and consistency--

Quite runny and liquidy, which means that some can be lost when pouring it into your hand. The foam it lathers up to is light yet creamy and skin is left feeling soft as a result.

--Value for money-- 

This mineral bath provides an invigorating experience and the generously-sized bottle should last a long time. However, I'm still not sure that I was expecting it to cost £24, although this is in line with the prices of the majority of the Time Bomb range and is probably also influenced by Lulu's celebrity status. In addition, the natural ingredients used also make it a positive purchase for many, and it seems to sit appropriately among the brands also selling 500ml shower gels for this price (namely L'Occitane, Elizabeth Arden, Borghese and Kiehl's). I would definitely consider purchasing this as a gift for others, especially alongside the Time Bomb Survival Kit, which also seems to be excellent value - and would perhaps consider it as a treat for me too.

perfect partners

Time Bomb Take-Off Time Cleansing Cream, from £7.75

Time Bomb Take-Off Time Polishing Pads, £5.50

Time Bomb Eye R&R Makeup Remover Pads, £4.00

Time Bomb Blast To The Past Dermabrasion, £25.00

Time Bomb Glory Days Day Cream, from £8.00

Time Bomb Smart Balm Eye Cream, from £21.00

Time Bomb Flashback Night Cream, from £9.50

Time Bomb Youth Juice Secret Oil, £30.75

Time Bomb Youth Explosion Day Serum, from £13.00

Time Bomb Derm Warfare Night Serum, from £15.00

Time Bomb Trouble Shooter Firming Cream, £33.00

Time Bomb Killer Filler Wrinkle Compound, £12.25

Time Bomb Survival Kit, £25.50

Liz Earle Superbalm

RRP: £15 for 30ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Our ‘emergency’ skin salve rescues and soothes skin. Made from pure plant oils and natural waxes plus shea butter, it gently softens and calms dry skin on hands, heels, elbows, lips and helps condition nails and cuticles."

--Packaging--
The silver and transparent combination is a successful one, conveying something special without being too glitzy. It's simple, unisex and sophisticated, and the screw-top lid makes it easy to open it when you need it and to close it when you don't. The plastic packaging also means it's light, but the downside of this is that the fact of it not being made of glass and metal means you don't feel that you're holding something luxurious in your hand that carries the weight of every penny paid.

--Application--
Smear onto any area of dry skin that needs attention, from your feet to your lips. The opening to the balm is also of just the right size that you can roll your heels and elbows in it quite comfortably, but for hygiene reasons I wouldn't recommend this unless you're really only going to use the balm on one part of your body (and you're not going to share the Superbalm with others). The only difficulty comes from the fact that the balm is very hard, rather than being softer like Vaseline or like your standard lip balm: it can mean that on larger areas of the body (e.g. feet) you have to be patient as it's not especially spreadable and you have to keep dipping back into the pot.

--Appearance--
A pale, creamy, slightly yellow balm that leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Texture--
A very hard balm, but it rubs into the skin very easily.

--Scent--
Divine - a bit like tea, though it's difficult to tell where this comes from due to the cornucopia of oils and waxes used in this product (specifically hazelnut, rosehip, avocado, neroli, lavender and camomile oils, and candelilla and carnauba waxes, as well as shea butter, beeswax, vitamin E, and echinacea). The citrusy scent of the neroli is also predominantly detectable.

--Effects on the skin--
Persistently hard and tough skin is made to feel baby-soft and like new. This effect is felt wherever the Superbalm is used on the body, making skin caressable and comfortable, and with irritation being greatly reduced. Wonderful stuff!

--Value for money--
Clearly palpable effects, both short and long term, coupled with highly reasonable pricing, make this not only a perfect personal treat but also a wonderful gift and an indispensable travel essential (anything multi-use is always good). It's also available in tiny 5g jars for under £5 should you want it for sample or travel purposes. Top marks.

perfect partners
Superskin Eye and Lip Treatment, £25/15ml
Superskin Moisturiser, from £11.50/15ml
Superskin Concentrate, from £17.75/10ml
Superskin Body Cream, from £12/50ml