Cindy Joseph BOOM Clean

RRP: from $32

--What does the promo say?—

“Boom CLEAN is made with a gentle cleaning agent designed for sensitive skin. Safe for everyday use on all skin types.”

Enjoy beautifully refreshed skin with a daily cleanser made from the purest ingredients. Carefully formulated to our high standards, Boom Clean gently removes dirt, makeup, and pollutants without stripping away nutrients or moisture.

Boom Clean is Safe, Boom Clean is Pure

Our carefully blended formula is good for the skin as well as body and gentle enough for everyday use. Made only with hand-selected ingredients that meet our high standards. No soaps, perfumes or impurities—just clean.”

--Packaging--
As with all BOOM products, presentation is minimalist.  BOOM CLEAN is sold in a white bottle with a lid that flips up to dispense the product through a small nozzle.  The BOOM logo on the label has been altered to blue so that it stands out from the other products as a cleanser. The bottle is opaque so you cannot see how much is left whilst using it, although the decreasing weight of the bottle gives you a fairly good idea.

--Application--
Instructions for application are as follows:

Apply to wet skin and massage over the entire area with fingers. Use washcloth if desired. Safe to use on eyes. Rinse off thoroughly with water.  Moisturise with Boom Silk, Boom Cotton, or Boomstick Glo.

--Appearance--
BOOM CLEAN is a clear, gel-like substance.

--Scent—

Despite the coconut-oil derived products listed, BOOM CLEAN actually smells more of fresh lemons - which likely comes from the grapefruit peel oil that the product contains.

--Texture and consistency--
A viscous substance with a uniform consistency that feels silky on application. Only a small amount is required to cleanse the whole face.  It gently foams as you massage it in.

--Effects on the skin—

Skin feels fresh and deep-cleansed after rinsing. If you do not wear a lot of make-up (for example, if you are only wearing the BOOMSTICK TRIO), then this cleanser will remove it.  It will even remove a fair amount of mascara…although it is not meant for this purpose.  An eye-make-up remover is needed to clear lashes of all traces of mascara. It should be noted that if you wear more heavy-duty make-up products, then you will need to remove them properly before using BOOM CLEAN to benefit from the deep cleansing.

 
--Value for money--
I was given this product free to trial for Bianca’s Beauty Blog (thank you, BOOM!). At $32 for 4oz, this may seem an expensive product but as so little is used it lasts ages.  I am finding that the combination of BOOM products on my skin has definitely improved the texture and quality of my skin tone so I would purchase this for myself - even with the shipping costs included. Sometimes it is worth placing a bulk order with other BOOM products to increase value for money. International flat rate shipping charge costs $30, and it takes between 7 – 15 working days to arrive (though some shipments have taken as little as 5 days to arrive in mainland Europe). Be sure to select this flat shipping rate option, or you may be faced with additional customs charges when your package arrives.  

perfect partners
BOOMSTICK GLO $27

BOOMSTICK COLOR $27

BOOMSTICK GLIMMER $27

BOOM SILK all-over face and body moisturizer (from $27)

BOOM COTTON shine control moisturizer (from $32)

BOOM MASK rejuvenating, cleansing and moisturizing mask (from $42)

BOOM NECTAR skin serum (from $54)
BOOM SCRUB, $45
BOOM CALM, $44

reviewed by Sarah Cross

Diptyque Radiance Boosting Powder

RRP: £38 for 40g

--What does the promo say?--
"Natural white clay powder, which purifies and remineralizes skin, is combined with powdered rose, jasmine, and neroli petals to hydrate. With a splash of water, Radiance Boosting Powder turns into a creamy lather that leaves skin clean and clear, ready for the next steps in your skincare ritual."

--Packaging--
My sample from Diptyque's PR arrived in a convenient travel sachet, whereas the full-size version appears to come in a bottle, which seems a little bizarre but will hopefully minimise wastage compared to, say, a pot with a wide opening. The black and white colour scheme is minimalist and unisex, and the botanical logo is both beautiful and informative, summing up the diptyque philosophy inherent in its plant-based products.

--Application--
Place approximately half a teaspoon into your cupped palm and rub in enough toner (diptyque's, or your own preference) to make a paste that's thick enough to massage into your skin. This can be left on for a while and used as a mask, or wiped off immediately with a wet flannel. This was fun to do and surprisingly efficient - no powder all over your bathroom :)

--Appearance--
The white powder becomes a slightly grainy paste when mixed with fluid, but leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--
Despite the essential oils of orange, neroli and jasmine, the clay itself was the overriding scent.

--Texture and consistency--
The powder gels into a spreadable paste easily upon contact with liquid and does not go runny and insipid easily. As mentioned, this has a slightly exfoliating effect, but is non-irritating and is easily rinsed off.

--Effects on the skin--
Skin appears calmed and more matte while simultaneously increasing in radiance. The use of salicylic acid in the product also meant I saw an improvement in my acne while using it - win :)

--Value for money--
While expensive, it remains an affordable luxury - particularly given that a mere two grams of this product lasted me around a week, and probably would have lasted even longer if I'd tried hard (I was not sparing with the powder!). This means the 40g in the bottle would last 20 weeks minimum (around 5 months) if used every day. It's an extremely high quality product which gave me rapid results, mattifying my skin and just generally making it less red and angry. Would recommend.

perfect partners (click for reviews!)
Infused Facial Water, £35
Protective Moisturising Lotion, £44
Deluxe Face Care Gift Set, £48

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

Boots Tea Tree and Witch Hazel Charcoal Facial Wash

 RRP: £4.25

--What does the promo say?--
"This Daily Detox Facial Wash contains antibacterial Tea Tree Oil and skin-calming Witch Hazel in conjunction with activated Charcoal to keep your skin clear and healthy by gently cleansing and attracting dirt like a magnet, drawing out deep down impurities & excess oil without over-drying. Leaves skin feeling deeply-cleansed, smoothed & radiant."

--Packaging--
The dark grey and pale green colour scheme is definitely new and different in a positive way; it's unisex, grown-up, and accurately reflects the product's ingredients, while also being distinguishable from other similar products. The flip-top lid also closes securely, meaning no worries about this exploding all over the inside of your suitcase when travelling.

--Application--
Wet your face and lather up a pea-sized amount of the product between wet hands. Rub all over the face, then rinse off, either under the shower or by using a face cloth.

--Appearance--
Dark grey - although happily this leaves no visible residue on the skin afterwards!

--Scent--
Slightly charcoaly, but not in an overwhelming way.

--Texture and consistency--
A slightly-sticky, slightly clay-like lotion lathers into a smooth grey foam. This washes off easily and doesn't leave any apparent traces.

--Effects on the skin--
When you use the product, there's immediately a lovely cooling effect - I'd guess from the tea tree and witch hazel, which are both known to have this property. Once rinsed off, skin also seems calmer and mattified straight away. Unfortunately, this doesn't last; while the product doesn't dry out the skin (which is appreciated!), it's not pleasant to feel like you've turned into an oil slick by the end of the day either. Consequently, and perhaps unsurprisingly, I didn't notice any massive improvement in my skin condition during my 4 weeks or so of using this product (in conjunction with the mask and scrub that are also in the range).

--Value for money--
This costs less than a fiver, so won't break the bank (and I was even sent mine for free by Boots' PR, so at least I didn't waste any cash on it), and so for that reason alone it's perhaps worth a try if you suffer with spots. However, my long-term acne problem is well-documented on this blog (17 years and counting, people!), so it's maybe unsurprising that what could be considered a relatively 'budget' product didn't make much of a dent. Sorry, Boots :(

perfect partners
Tea Tree and Witch Hazel Charcoal Facial Scrub, £4.59
Tea Tree and Witch Hazel Charcoal Face Mask, £3.59  

Lacura Clear Effect Daily Facial Gel Wash

RRP: £2.99

--What does the promo say?--
"This new facial wash gently and thoroughly removes impurities and make-up to reduce shine and greasiness. Including magnolia extract and BioEcolia this gentle wash is formulated for daily use to help protect and strengthen the natural and biological defence system of the skin, leaving a clear fresh complexion."

 --Packaging--
The transparent plastic bottle means that the blue gel is easily visible, giving a bright and cooling effect (plus, it's always handy to be able to see how much product remains). The flip top lid is also durable and practical.

--Application--
Lather up and apply to face before rinsing off. Use twice a day. Nothing difficult about this.

--Appearance--
The blue gel doesn't lather up much, but it does create a white film that washes off easily.

--Scent--
Clean without being clinical, floral or chemical.

--Texture and consistency--
A little gel goes a long way, so don't take too much - a 5p sized amount will do your whole face. The gel glides over the skin easily, and as mentioned, can be washed off without difficulty.

--Effects on the skin--
Sadly, only a small improvement in skin condition was noted. 

--Value for money--
Cheap is all very well, but only if you get results. It won't be a bad thing in my book if Aldi doesn't bring back this Special Buy - but if you really want to give it a go, try hunting on eBay.

perfect partners
Soothing Night Cream, £2.99
Tinted Day Cream, £2.99
Mattifying Moisturiser, £2.99
3 in 1 Cleanser, £2.99

Clean & Clear Advantage Clear and Soothe Foaming Wash

RRP: £4.99
--What does the promo say?--
"New CLEAN & CLEAR^® ADVANTAGE^® Clear & Soothe Foaming Wash contains a powerful spot fighting ingredient and aloe vera – the formula not only helps reduce spots but also soothes even sensitive skin. The pump dispenser delivers a soft foam which is gentle on the skin ...what’s more, it’s oil‐free and can be used daily!"

--Packaging--
The handy pump-action bottle is suitably unisex thanks to its green and silver colour scheme, and the transparent bottle is helpful in ensuring that you always know exactly how much is left. The pump always dispenses the right amount each time, too, meaning that wastage is minimised.

--Application--
One squirt and you're away - lather up in wet or dry hands and rub over face before rinsing off with a wet face cloth.

--Appearance--
The clear watery liquid changes immediately into a puffy white foam upon dispensation. No visible residue is left on the skin after rinsing.

--Scent--
A mixture of lime, apple and aloe. Not at all chemical-smelling. Delicious! (NB: DON'T eat it :p )

--Texture and consistency--
The foam takes on a creamy, luxurious quality when massaged onto the skin, making for a really pleasant experience. It's easy to wash off when you want to, too.

--Effects on the skin--
I was in the pre-menstrual zone around the testing time, so this could have had an effect, but I didn't find this really kept oiliness at bay. In turn, it just about maintained my existing skin condition, without making the situation better or worse.

--Value for money--
The price seems proportional to the effects that I experienced while using this. Even though the face wash contains known acne-busting ingredients aloe vera and salicylic acid, the concentration of these in the products is probably such that it would only be effective on mild to moderate acne, rather than extremely long-term, persistent cases such as mine (I've had acne since I was 10. I'm now 27, and while the situation has been improving over the past year or two, it's still not completely gone). If your acne is on the mild side, I'd advise trying this, as it's affordable and could still work for you. However, if your skin condition is more severe, you may be better off shelling out a bit more cash for something else, and/or seeing your doctor.

perfect partners
Advantage Clear & Soothe Daily Scrub, £4.99
Advantage Spot Treatment Gel, £4.59

Clean and Clear Deep Action Cream Wash

RRP: £3.50

--What does the promo say?--
"Clean & Clear® Deep Cleansing Cream Wash cleans deep down to effectively remove dirt, oil and impurities without clogging pores. Contains a special ingredient to help prevent spots and breakouts. The tingling sensation after use tells you your skin has been thoroughly cleansed, leaving it cool, refreshed and really clear."

--Packaging--
In keeping with the same ergonomic design as the exfoliating daily wash, this is curved for a good easy grip, with a secure flip top lid. The green and white graduated colour palette is modern and appealing too.

--Application--
Lather over damp skin and then rinse off. Easy as.

--Appearance--
A luxurious white cream that leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--
Minty thanks to the menthol, but not overpowering.

--Texture and consistency--
Unlike a lot of products targeted at those with acneic skin, the cream wash's luxurious texture really allows you to pamper yourself each morning. 

--Effects on the skin--
The menthol provides a cooling, tingling feeling that gives you confidence in the idea that you'll soon see effective results. However, I think these products are ultimately intended for people with less severe or less persistent skin conditions than mine, as I really didn't see any significant improvement.

--Value for money--
While this is great for those on a budget, for me it didn't actually deliver in terms of ultimately reducing spots. A shame.

perfect partner
Daily Essentials Dual Action Moisturiser,  £3

Clean and Clear Exfoliating Daily Wash

RRP: £2.99

--What does the promo say?--
"Clean & Clear® Exfoliating Daily Wash contains gentle micro-beads for effective cleansing.

Formulated to effectively remove dirt, oil and dead skin cells that can block pores and lead to spots and blackheads. Its exfoliating action will leave your skin beautifully smooth and clear."

--Packaging--
The ergonomically-designed tube is curved at the top and slopes in at the bottom for an easy grip, and the blue and white fadeout design is attractive and unisex. The flip top lid is secure and eliminates wastage, and stands independently next to your sink with no problems.

--Application--
Lather up and rub over damp skin before rinsing off. Rinsing off isn't always easy though as the exfoliating beads can stick.

--Appearance--
A cloudy white gel with brighter white, but tiny, exfoliating beads. Occasionally the exfoliating beads can stick to the skin even after rinsing, giving the skin a slightly gritty and sticky feeling.

--Scent--
Slightly too masculine for my liking, although I can't tell which ingredient is giving it this quality.

--Texture and consistency--
While satisfyingly scrubby to use without being irritating, the problem comes after rinsing, as mentioned above, since the exfoliating beads tend to stick.

--Effects on the skin--
While skin is noticeably softened from the use of this product, I ultimately didn't notice an improvement in skin condition regarding spots. A real shame as this could have the potential to be an affordable and effective product for many.

--Value for money--
Not expensive - but didn't work for me.

perfect partners
Daily Essentials Deep Cleansing Lotion, £2
Daily Essentials Dual Action Moisturiser, £3.50

Johnson's Face Care Refreshing Gel Wash

RRP: £3.05

--What does the promo say?--

"JOHNSON'S® Refreshing Gel Wash with gentle cleansing agents is enriched with skin loving minerals and vitamins and leaves the skin feeling soft and refreshed."

--Packaging--

The pink tube is very girly, but the feather motif (spread across the entire Johnson's range at present) is a nice touch. Text is minimal and the flip-top plastic lid is relatively sturdy. However, the nozzle is too flat for me, meaning some product is wasted every time you squeeze some out.

--Application-

 Work into a lather in damp hands before rubbing onto the face. Rinse with a flannel that's been soaked in hot water, then follow with the moisturiser of your choice.

--Appearance--

A translucent white gel-cream that foams up into a luxurious white lather. No visible residue is left after rinsing.

--Scent--

This cleanser has the characteristic Johnson's smell that we all know from their baby oil: a cotton-fresh smell that all ages should find pleasant.

--Texture and consistency--

More of a creamy wash than a gel, this delivers a luxurious bathroom experience. A little goes a long way, too, without becoming insipid or watery.

--Effects on the skin--

Sadly, I didn't find this did anything for me. Dry patches increased and my acne was still prominent. However, I clearly don't have "normal" skin, so will be turning my tube over to other testers in my family to see if it works better for them. If it does, I'll be sure to update this page.

--Value for money--

£3.05 is definitely a bargain if this works for you. By this token, along with the corresponding day and night creams you can easily have a full face regimen for under £15 - great for those on tighter budgets.

 perfect partners

Refreshing Facial Cleansing Wipes, £3.05 for 25

Hydrating 24 Hour Day Cream, £4.07 for 50ml

Rehydrating Night Cream, £4.07 for 50ml