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

Qiriness Purity Control Cream

RRP: €36.50 for 50ml

available at: branches of Marionnaud (France); branches of Ici Paris XL (Belgium)

--What does the promo say?--

"This airy and delicate cream gives your skin instant radiance and mattifies it whatever the circumstance for faultless skin. Purity Control Cream absorbs excess sebum, controls undesirable shine and leaves skin matte and silky, thanks to its purifying, mattifying and astringent qualities."

--Packaging--

Disappointingly plasticated, although the silver and clear design is nice - very modern and slick. I like the fact that it's a screw-top lid, too - at this price you want to be able to get right in there and scrape out every last drop of the cream.

--Application--

After cleansing with your preferred cleanser (strangely, Qiriness don't seem to do their own line of cleansers yet - so in my case, I'm using a Neal's Yard cleanser) and toning with a toner (Qiriness does do toners at least), rub in a few drops of this to moisturise your skin throughout the day. Simples.

--Appearance--

The moisturising cream is a lovely pale duck-egg blue which fades into nothing once rubbed into the skin.

--Scent--

A very fresh, clean and natural, almost alpine scent - perhaps unsurprisingly seeing as it's packed with Swiss herbs.

--Texture and consistency--

Almost impossibly smooth and light and blends into skin instantly. Delightfully soft and silky to handle.

--Effects on the skin--

As I found out following a facial at the Marionnaud, it really does make your skin baby-soft, which adds a small piece of luxury to your routine every day (I'm sure every woman craves that spa-quality softness which really does last all day). It also stays true to its word in terms of keeping your skin mattified (i.e. not like an oil slick), and I have also found that it has improved my acne considerably as well. In short, it really does do everything that it says it will.

--Value for money--

While some of the other Qiriness products are insanely expensive, this one is, to my mind, worth every penny in exchange for the results I have seen. And nope, I haven't been paid to write this by anyone - I definitely paid all €36,90 of this out of my own pocket, and I would do so again. This luxurious but highly useful product is perfection and value personified.

perfect partners

Purity Peel-Off Mask, €49 (60g)

Vive Tonic Lotion, €19,90 (200ml)

Purity Performance Serum, €39,50 (30ml)

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.