Clean and Clear Deep Action Facial Wipes

RRP: £3.79 for 25 wipes

--What does the promo say?--
"Each wipe gives you an unmistakable tingling sensation that tells you your skin is being thoroughly cleansed and in one easy wipe leaves it feeling cool, refreshed and clear."

--Packaging--
The blue and green colour scheme emphasises the menthol included in the wipes, as well as being quite unisex. The protective sticker also reseals effectively, meaning there's no risk of the wipes drying out (unlike, arguably, the cheaper packets of wipes).

--Usage--
Wipe over face to remove all traces of makeup and dirt. I often fold mine over once I have wiped using one side, and then keep folding and wiping until I've used as much of the wipe as possible.

--Appearance--
The white wipe is soaked in clear fluid that leaves no visible residue on the face.

--Scent--
The menthol included is definitely detectable, which I personally like.

--Texture and consistency--
The wipes are made of strong, sturdy material, which means not only that your face feels really clean after use, but also that it doesn't tear or stretch during use, which again, can be a problem with some cheaper wipes.

--Effects on the skin--
Thanks to the menthol, skin feels really cool and refreshed in the immediate moments during and after use. Furthermore, the inclusion of salicylic acid means skin condition is also improved in the longer term. Nevertheless, the use of a separate cleanser and moisturiser is still recommended, as there's always a risk that wipes will not remove *all* dirt and makeup, and these particular wipes do not contain a specific moisturising agent, so it's important to keep your skin balanced as well.

--Value for money--
While these may be slightly more expensive than some other wipes on the market, these are still affordable and high quality, and most refreshing to use, while cleaning your skin. Great for travel - or even just those nights when I can't be bothered. Clean & Clear's PR sent mine for free, but I'd still fork out.

perfect partners
Oil Control Cream Wash, £4.99
Dual Action Moisturiser, £3.25

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

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

Carmex Strawberry Lip Balm SPF 15 Tube

RRP: £2.69/10g

--What does the promo say?--

"A favourite with celebrities and make up artists all over the world, Carmex now comes in a new juicy strawberry flavour! Not only does this fruity balm heal dry, cracked lips, it also acts as a sunscreen with the added protection of SPF 15."

--Packaging--

I can't say I find it especially appealing: while the vintage-style fonts are cute, the fact that the tube is yellow means that it is distinctly reminiscent of a certain well-known superglue brand, and the lid just.would.not.come.off. I tried just using my hands. I tried running the lid under hot water. I tried wrapping an elastic band around the lid for extra grip. Not even my husband could get the lid off unassisted. He ended up getting out a pair of pliers (or some other blokey implement from his toolbox) and literally wrenching off the lid. After that initial breakin, the lid seemed to work fine, but the problem is that the plastic that the tube is made from is too soft, meaning it is quite liable to just bend when you try to turn the lid, rather than working with you. Bad times. The only good part is that the application tip is precise and easy to control by squeezing the tube.

--Application--

Once you've got the accursed thing open, squeeze out a small amount of lip balm and spread evenly over your lips; thankfully, no problems here.

--Appearance--

The balm is a creamy colour that appears transparent on the lips, giving a very natural look overall.

--Scent--

Sorry, I just did not like this. While it did smell strawberryish, it seems that this is only in the most artificial of capacities. This perhaps should have been obvious to me from the outset by the fact that the strawberry scent comes only, according to the ingredients list, from the suitably vague 'Flavour'. The menthol and camphor in the ingredients, however, are also detectable in the smell - this is not unpleasant but sadly it does not compensate for the superficiality of the 'strawberry' scent for me.

--Texture, consistency and sensation--

A very smooth lip balm which is not sticky at all. The menthol and camphor also makes your lips tingle in a really pleasant way which makes you feel like it is really working.

--Effects on the lips--

Makes lips smooth and soft, but not miraculously so. I suppose it comes down to how long you can stick the scent for as to how long you can keep applying it and thus see maximal results.

--Value for money--

I suppose this works well enough, but for me the value for money is diminished by the horrible scent and sheer uselessness of the packaging. For this price range, I would be more inclined to plump instead for Dove, Blistex or Burt's Bees lip balm - but perhaps once I have tried the mint tube my opinion will change.

Yves Rocher Gestes d'Institut Radiant Complexion Treatment

RRP: £1

--What does the promo say?--
"Does your skin look dull? In 2 steps, this Radiant Complexion treatment session wakes up your skin and helps it to rediscover its beauty. The cereals with exfoliating properties, associated with quenching maple sugar, restores its visible freshness and radiance. Let your feelings guide you, and pamper your face. Your skin is awakened and deeply hydrated. It looks radiant …and so do you."

--Packaging--
A simply-designed sachet, comprising two separate sachets joined together. The design is refined and places emphasis on the two brightly-coloured images; instructions for use are concise, and the sachets are easy to detach and open. The small size and convenient structure of the packaging makes this brilliant for travel, too.

--Application--
With wet hands, rub a small amount of the top part (the exfoliant) onto a clean face. Massage into skin and then wash off. When skin is dry, apply the mask (bottom part) in a thin layer onto the skin. Leave for 15 minutes to dry, and then peel off and moisturise as normal. Nothing complicated about this.

--Appearance--
The mask is fairly non-descript; as with many other mint masks, it's a transparent dark-green gel that dries clear on the skin. The exfoliant is more interesting, combining the simultaneous impressions of oatmeal, maple syrup, sugar and sand to create an attractive and effective-looking exfoliator. No visible residues are left on skin after use.

--Scent--
The mask smells very strongly of menthol; the exfoliant has no detectable scent.

--Texture and consistency--
As you would expect from an exfoliator, this one is satisfyingly scrubby without irritating the skin, while the mask adheres to the skin well and has no lumps. It's also not too sticky and is easy to wash off of your fingers after application. Both parts of the treatment wash/peel off well.

--Effects on the skin--
Skin definitely feels (and to an extent looks) softer and more refined after use of the treatment, even if the effects do not continue long term. Pores feel and look less clogged and the skin overall looks less shiny.

--Value for money--
I don't think you'll find anyone who will argue with that price tag. The price is fair and square: you're getting a good-quality treatment that not only serves as an affordable treat for you, but which is also ingenious when it comes to travel. Furthermore, you can buy both of the products in larger sizes (which admittedly are not as good value, but Yves Rocher often has sales or offers on) if you decide you really do like them, so it's a great opportunity to test the products, too (especially since this £1 spend gives you 2-3 applications for each product). A great buy.

perfect partners
Botanical Cleansing Skin Peel, £8.70
Botanical Hydration Moisture Mask, £10.20