Shu Uemura Pure:Nu Gentle Cleansing Oil-in-Gel

RRP: £24

--What does the promo say?--
"Inspired by our iconic cleansing oils, this revolutionary facial cleanser purifies skin without stripping valuable moisture. Cleansing oil-in-gel gently removes makeup and impurities leaving skin refreshed, clarified and soft. The new fluid gel texture can be used with dry or wet hands. The eco-conception formula is gentle to skin and the environment."

--Packaging--
The bright green packaging is really vibrant and unusual, and emphasises the inclusion of bamboo, as well as the green tea scent. The flip-top lid is sturdy and practical, and the tube doesn't overwhelm you with information, giving you all that's necessary in a minimalist manner.

--Application--
As mentioned, you can use this in dry or wet hands, rubbing it over your face before wiping off (with a flannel, tissue, or whatever your preferred apparatus is).

--Appearance--
A translucent white gel which leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--
Some reviewers criticise the green tea scent for being too strong, but at this end it just seems fresh and neutral - not overly masculine or feminine, or enough to interfere with any perfume you're wearing.

--Texture and consistency--
Doesn't foam up at all, which comes as a surprise to anyone used to a foaming cleanser. However, it's a good surprise, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your cleanser doesn't contain SLS is satisfying too. Glides over the skin and rinses off easily.

--Effects on the skin--
Not sure how it does it, as the medicinal effects of bamboo are hotly disputed, and the green tea is present only as a scent rather than as a raw ingredient, but somehow skin seemed balanced, clarified, less red, and less stressed. Fab.

--Value for money--
£24 is not cheap, I grant you. And don't expect to get a discount either: Shu Uemura controls its distribution very tightly and I don't think reductions are part of their business strategy. But it's so effective, and you need to use so little each time to get a good result, that I would probably pay for it again. If only they made a toner and moisturiser to go with it too!

Spa Technologies Flower Acid Peel

RRP: £25

--What does the promo say?--
"An anti-inflammatory concentrate of hibiscus flower and green tea acids fortified with salicylic acid for problem skin. Flower (Pyruvic) Acid peel comes in a soothing seaweed -based gel. Gradual exfoliation without irritation associated with alpha-hydroxy peels. Helps to decongest pores consistent with acne. Essential in treatment of rosacea. Allows basal cells to fully mature, strengthening the connective tissue matrix."

--Packaging--
The weight of the glass makes you feel like you're holding a higher-quality product in your hands, and the metallic banding is a thread that runs throughout the brand identity. The pump-action dispenser is convenient, and it's always nice to be able to see how much product you've got left at any given moment.

--Application--
It's recommended that you apply this at night, after cleansing, so that it has a few hours to work. You then wash your face in the morning as normal.

--Appearance--
A golden brown serum that leaves no visible residue on the face.

--Scent--
A really pleasant, naturally sweet, 'treacly' smell.

--Texture and consistency--
Neither too runny nor too sticky; however, I would definitely stick with the advice of only applying this at night, solely for the reason that when it dries it can feel a little taut on the face, as if you've applied a mask. In short, don't expect it to leave a completely smooth and absorbed finish like a moisturiser.

--Effects on the skin--
Skin does appear calmer, smoother and more radiant after use, and doesn't have the irritating qualities of many commercial peels in the short or long term.

--Value for money--
While £25 for a 30ml bottle can seem expensive, it's nothing compared to the cost of the equal number of spa treatments - one bottle does last a long time and yields good results. Great for giving yourself spa-level results at home. Would recommend.

perfect partner
Vital Energy Capsules, £25

Spa Technologies SPF45 Tinted Moisturiser

RRP: £35

--What does the promo say?--
"This silky-smooth Tinted Moisturiser protects delicate skin with fortified Antioxidants and reflects the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays with an SPF of 45. It is formulated with the added benefit of Mineral Makeup creating a flawless base and even skin tone."

--Packaging--
This convenient pump-action bottle is decorated with a double band of metallic blue, which helps to give the brand a clear identity. Blue is also an unusual packaging colour in the world of foundation and the glass bottle means that you can always see how much you have left - a definite bonus.

--Application--
After washing your face, apply over primer to commence your makeup routine. Add concealer and powder as necessary to complete your base before proceeding to other makeup.

--Appearance--
Is pale upon emerging from the bottle, but on the face provides no coverage whatsoever.

--Scent--
The cucumber extract comes through strongly, which is unusual and not at all unpleasant.

--Texture and consistency--
Smooth and creamy without weighing the skin down. It also doesn't add white streaks to your face like conventional sunscreen. In that respect it's the best sunscreen I've ever used, whether commercial or natural - it's like using a luxurious face cream rather than the traditional, medicinal 'creaming up' process before going into the sun.

--Effects on the skin--
Given the raft of natural antioxidant and sun-protecting ingredients present in this cream, I have no doubt that you could expect anti-ageing effects over time and that you would avoid sun damage as well. However, as a tinted moisturiser it does not fulfil the brief due to the non-existent coverage. However, I acknowledge that I have acneic skin, and so that this may not be suitable for my needs.

--Value for money--
If I were looking for a tinted moisturiser that offered me coverage as well as protection I would be sorely disappointed to pay £35 for this as it does not keep its promise of creating a "flawless base". However, it's the best sunscreen I've ever used - perfect for the delicate skin on the face, and natural too, with a beautiful consistency, that without doubt protects you from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Price-wise it competes well with other brands offering natural sunscreen such as BareMinerals, as well as luxury brands such as Obagi and Kiehl's. For this reason, I would definitely shell out my hard-earned for it.

perfect partners
Spot Mask Treatment, £35
Restore Kit, £80

Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Antioxidant

RRP: £29.95 for 60 capsules (= 2 months' supply)

--What does the promo say?--
"Skin Antioxidant is formulated with seven super phytonutrients found in plants. Just as plants need antioxidants to protect them from damaging UV rays, so does your skin. Any source of light, even artificial, creates free radicals which cause premature ageing. Protect your skin from the inside with Skin Antioxidant and keep it looking younger for longer!"

--Packaging--
The former slimline plastic zip-lock package was convenient for travel, easy to open and close, took up little space, and keeps the capsules in optimal conditions. Its design was also modern, minimal and discreet, to suit a wide range of possible needs. While the new packaging (pictured above) is extremely sleek, I'm not sure that it would fulfil some of the more practical qualities listed above (e.g. suitability for travel).

--Usage--
Swallow one capsule a day, with liquid, in order to boost your immune system and prevent your skin from environmental damage. The capsules are about 2 centimetres long (possibly a little less), so this is generally easy to accomplish.

--Appearance--
The capsule is an off-white colour with hints of grey and pink. These hues make them easy enough to distinguish from the same company's Skin Vit A capsules, which are a purer white colour. This difference is particularly handy as the two products are sold together in the Skin Complete pack, which encourages you to take the two supplements simultaneously. If you therefore take a few tablets out of each packet in preparation for your travels, you can still know which one you are taking at any given moment.

--Taste and smell--
Nothing discernible.

--Effects on the body--
Tricky to gauge, as unlike some of the other supplements sold by this company, such as the Accumax, immediate results cannot be possible simply due to the Skin Antioxidant's nature. Any anti-ageing effects, therefore, will only be apparent many more months (or even years) down the line. However, the ingredients also are well-known for bolstering the body's immune system, and I'm not sure it's 100% coincidence that just a week or two after my packet finished, I came down with a horrible cold.

--Value for money--
At the supplement's full price, only you can decide if 50p per day is worth it for the possibility of ongoing health and anti-ageing. I'd say it's not bad, just for the wellness effects alone. Value for money is also greatly increased by the twin facts that a) you get £10 off your first order when signing up to their newsletter, and b) once you are signed up, discount vouchers in the region of 10%-20% off are emailed through frequently. So even if I hadn't been sent my first pack for nothing, I'd perhaps be inclined to continue.

perfect partners
Skin Complete, £45.00
The Skin Collection, £77.50

Glo Minerals Bronze

 RRP: £31.50
# of shades available: 2 
available from:  www.glo-minerals.com

--What does the promo say?--
"glo-minerals Bronze provides a golden colour for an even and buildable sun-kissed look.  Dust on lightly to add colour or to contour the face and body. Developed utilizing natural, high-pigment minerals to deliver a range of flattering, fashionable colors that looks good on all skin types. Also formulated with an exclusive blend antioxidants including Vitamins A, C, E and Green Tea Extract to provide nutrients that are vital to maintaining skin’s healthy radiance."

--Packaging--
Sleek, practical, and generously-sized, this provides nearly everything a girl could want this summer. Some might prefer a portable sponge or brush in a compartment below, but this is purely incidental.

--Application--
Sweep over face and neck in place of face powder, or use just on cheeks to replace blusher. Easy to build up gradually according to your skin tone and the look that you want.

--Appearance--
The monotone version of the bronzer (named Sunlight), which I was sent by Glo Minerals' PR, does just what it says on the tin: provides a natural, sunkissed-looking glow to even the palest of girls.

--Texture and consistency--
Light, powdery, and apparently non-comedogenic. As mentioned before, easily buildable.

--Effects on the skin--
Over time, the antioxidant effects would have anti-ageing results. Vitamin A has benefits for blemish-prone skin, and vitamin E's moisturising qualities are well-documented.

--Value for money--
While I perhaps wasn't expecting this to cost £31.50, there's no denying that this is a flattering product that will deliver on radiance and quality. Would recommend.

perfect partners
Pressed Base, £31.50
Blush, £14
Dust 24K, £30.50
Protective Liquid Foundation Matte II, £30.50  

Glo Minerals Under Eye Primer

 RRP: £19.50
buy from: www.glo-minerals.com

--What does the promo say?--
"The Under Eye Primer is an anti aging primer that minimizes the appearance of imperfections by filling in fine lines by using light-reflective pigments to soften the appearance of any wrinkles or dark circles you may have. Apply it to the under eye area before you use our Under Eye Concealer to improve and soften your fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles. Silicone Polymers and Organic Form Fillers fill in fine lines while light-diffusing pigments soften the appearance of wrinkles and dark circles. Grant-X "The Super Peptide," has been clinically shown to improve the appearance of wrinkles via nerve synapse interaction. The GABA (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid) in Grant-X is a known neurotransmitter inhibitor that helps improve the appearance of aging and softens expression lines."

--Packaging--
The silver and black tube creates an edgy look that stands out, with information on the tube itself kept minimal and easy to read. The squeezy tube and screw-top lid also makes the product easy to use.

--Application--
Squeeze out an amount the size of a pinhead and gently rub onto clean dry skin under the eye. Once blended in, continue to apply the rest of your makeup base as normal (foundation, concealer etc).

--Appearance--
This product only comes in one shade, so for me it is the right shade, but for others with darker skin tones, it may not suit. However, beyond that, I would say that it blends seamlessly to give a natural appearance.

--Scent--
None.

--Texture and consistency--
Incredibly smooth and velvety - and, as mentioned previously, blends in effortlessly. Comes off when you want it to and stays put when you don't!

--Longevity--
Does not settle into any creases around the eye area, and enables a unified and natural appearance to be kept up all day. Does not fade or become patchy, and can also be used on the eyelid to keep eyeshadow in place.

--Value for money--
One of the best eye primers I've come across. Doesn't have a sticky or tacky texture and yet puts in a determined performance. Best of all, its mineral properties mean it's got inbuilt SPF and anti-ageing, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties too. Although I was sent mine for free by glo minerals' lovely PR bods, I would definitely pay full whack for this.

perfect partners
Lid Primer, £13
Lash Thickener and Conditioner, £13
Brow Gel, £12
Corrective Camouflage Kit, £15.95
Brightener Highlight Concealer, £11.50  
Protective Liquid Foundation, £29.95
Protecting Lip Treatment, £14.50 

Green People Vita Min Fix

RRP: £14.95/50ml

--What does the promo say?--

"Voted ‘Best Moisturiser for Dry Skin’ by Natural Health & Beauty magazine. A 24 hour solution for normal, dry and tired skin. An explosion of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Regenerates and nourishes your skin. Promotes production of new skin cells. Delicate, natural scent. This natural skin care product is made without Parabens, Lanolin, ethyl alcohol, artificial perfumes, petrochemicals, phthalates and colourants to bring you the purest moisturiser that nature can offer. Certified with the Organic Food Federation. Suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Also available in a 10ml travel/trial size. This product contains Fairly Traded Ingredients."

 --Packaging--

The white and blue bottle (looks like a pump-action bottle; I wouldn't know, as Green People kindly sent me a sample tube that works more like a lip gloss) tells you everything you need to know without overloading you. 

--Application--

Apply onto clean dry skin after cleansing and toning.

--Appearance--

A white, slightly translucent cream which blends invisibly into skin.

--Scent--

Floral and natural without being overpowering. It also seems slightly fruity, although I don't know what ingredient/s could be giving me this impression. Overall very pleasant.

--Texture and consistency--

Light and non-greasy, rather than intensive; sinks into skin quickly.

--Effects on the skin--

Sadly, I think this made my acne worse, but then again it was clearly never made for my skin type. I can see how it would definitely be better for normal or dry skin and will be passing this on to someone else whose skin type is closer to this for a more accurate assessment.

--Value for money--

It is great to see a genuinely ethical company endorsed by genuinely ethical organisations, such as the Organic Food Federation and the Vegan Society, as opposed to all the other companies out there who think sticking a leaping bunny on the tube (which is linked with BUAV - possibly one of the most questionable "ethical" organisations out there) makes it all OK. Despite my negative experience with this cream, I am not put off trying a Green People product again that might be better suited to my skin type - and I don't think £14.95 is a lot to pay for 50ml of genuinely natural and ethically produced cream.

perfect partners

Eye Cream (night), £8.50/10ml

Fruitful Nights, £14.95/50ml

AmorePacific Moisture Bound Refreshing Essentials

RRP: $50

contains: 1.0 oz Moisture Bound Refreshing Hydra-Gel, 1.0 oz Treatment Toner, 0.25 oz Treatment Enzyme Peel, 1.0 oz Treatment Cleansing Foam

available at: Sephora US

--What does the promo say?--
"AmorePacific Moisture Bound Introductory Collection Refreshing Essentials for Combination and Oily Skin is a limited-edition ensemble of handy skincare must-haves. These luxurious products are all you need to make your oily skin healthy, resilient, and age-resistant. Keep your complexion youthful and glowing—at home and on-the-go!"

--Packaging--
Very plain and bland, and not in a "wow, this looks really expensive and sophisticated" way (even though it is certainly the former). The whole design just looks like it has had little to no effort and time spent on it, and the bottles themselves look like something you'd find in a hotel room. Even just looking at it, you don't feel like this is going to be worth $50, especially since the sizes of the products are very small (when I was sent this, I thought this was just the sample size, but nope - they do actually want you to pay $50 for these tiny things [they are the size of what you get in a hotel room, too]).

--Application and usage--
No problems here. The cleanser lathers up well with a little bit of water and you only need a pea-sized amount. Rub onto damp face and then rinse off. The toner, again, just needs a little dabbed onto a cotton pad and you're away - sweep over face and neck and then wait for it to dry off a little before applying the moisturiser.
The enzyme peel is a little more unusual: tip a little into your hands, perhaps at the same time as the cleanser, mix with a little bit of water, rub over your face, and then rinse off.

--Appearance--
The cleanser is a stiff, slightly opaque white cream/gel containing tiny blue exfoliating particles, and makes a white lather when mixed with water. The toner is an unusual rose pink colour, and the moisturiser is an equally unusual duck-egg blue, slightly opaque gel. None of these leave any visible residue on the skin after use. The unorthodox enzyme peel consists of a creamy yellowish powder, which washes off clear.

--Scents--
The cleanser, enzyme peel and moisturiser just smell slightly soapy - a surprise given all the good stuff they contain, such as ginseng, green tea, and bamboo, which you'd think would give the products a more distinctive smell. The toner comes up to expectations, smelling as it looks (slightly rosy).

--Texture and consistency--
All of the products are really nice to use, with the cleanser being smooth and luxurious, the enzyme peel being satisfyingly scrubby, and the toner and moisturiser proving cooling.

--Effects on the skin--
Sadly, despite all of the botanical stuff this line contains, my skin just did not like this range. I suffered breakouts and my skin has been worse while using this than it has been for a long time. In the more detailed press release I was sent, I was promised "healthy, radiant, vibrant skin" and that pores would be unclogged, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles would be reduced, and that undamaged skin would be revealed to me thanks to the enzyme peel. Unfortunately I saw none of this and was gagging to get off this and back to my usual products.

--Value for money--
As already implied in the packaging section, you do not get very much for your money in terms of product volume, although saying that, the pack will easily see you through a holiday and beyond. I do not think that the brand image correlates well with the price of the products and certainly, for me at least, the results do not either. For better value travel products, American buyers would be better off steering clear of this and going for travel sizes from Liz Earle, Clinique, or Molton Brown. If, however, you do decide that any of these products might be for you, US buyer or not, the larger sizes of the individual products are likely to provide better value for money, as well as being more widely available.

perfect partners
Intensive Vitalizing Eye Complex, $125
Lip Treatment, $35
Skin Energy Hydration Delivery System, $35
Natural Protector SPF30, $65

Absolution Day Cream

RRP: £52.95/30ml
--What does the promo say?--
"Absolution skincare day cream is a certified organic moisturiser for women with mineral sunscreen. This complete skin care is high in antioxidants, anti-radical and hydrating active principles. The perfect ally of your hectic days. To obtain your bespoke skin care, adapted to your skin’s mood, you just have to add one drop of La Solution + of your choice to target and reinforce its efficiency. La Crème du Jour anti-ageing action is combined with a mineral sunscreen (Mica). Everything you need to enjoy life with serenity! Certified organic by Eco Cert."

--Packaging--
Very edgy, urban, modern and unisex, combining Art Deco style angles with Mary Quant monochrome. My sample (part of the box of goodies I received from Being Content ) was just a sachet, but this apparently delivers, in its full-size form, an efficient pump-action system to allow the correct dosage to be dispensed.

--Application--
I was using this 'neat', as it were, but if you're using the full range, what you're supposed to do is dispense the required amount and then mix it with a drop of "La Solution" that suits you best (the idea of the brand is for you to create your own bespoke skincare by mixing and matching the more specific elements that you need with their 'basic' creams). As it was, even using the day cream on its own gave no problems.

--Scent--
A very strong smell of bitter orange characterises the overwhelming first impression that you get, to the extent that it's almost masculine, even though there is a day cream for men as well (which my fiancé informs me actually has a milder scent). If you don't like it, steer clear: I doubt that the "Solution" of your choice would do much to mask or alter the scent.

--Appearance--
A white, slightly stiff and lumpy cream.

--Texture/consistency--
Blends in well, but takes a long time to do so.

--Effects on the skin--
For this amount of money, and for something packed with such a diverse range of ingredients whose effects have been proved positive (such as green tea, aloe vera, borage, hyaluronic acid, neroli, and centella) I was surprised to see no effect whatsoever on my skin - positive or negative.

--Value for money--
See above. You pay over £50 only for nothing to happen whatsoever, and then to see something happen, you have to pay another £63 ON TOP OF THAT (since the Solutions can't, I don't think, be used by themselves) to see any effect at all. Woof. Since the cream in itself is targeted as an anti-ageing product (the inclusion of hyaluronic acid gives a strong clue), the older generation might have more luck in seeing tangible effects on their skin, and may feel the pinch a bit less when it comes to paying for the stuff. So even though the bespoke aspect of this is all very original and impressive and everything, I think I'll be giving this one a miss.

perfect partners
Absolution Cleansing Water, £27.50/50ml
Absolution Night Cream, £54.75/30ml
Absolution La Solution Anti-Ageing, £62.75/15ml
Absolution La Solution Energie, £62.75/15ml
Absolution La Solution Radiance, £62.75/15ml
Absolution La Solution Controle, £62.75/15ml