Dr Hauschka Almond Body Moisturiser

 RRP: £24 for 145ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Ultra-rich care that gently nurtures the senses. Provides intensive, nurturing care for dry, sensitive skin, helps your skin prevent moisture-loss throughout the day, and helps your skin restore and harmonise its natural balance."

--Packaging--
A glass pump-action bottle that would look elegant anywhere. Sadly, no smaller sizes are available for travel.

--Application--
Massage into dry skin, ideally before bed or before getting dressed in the morning.

--Appearance--
A pale, cream-coloured lotion that sinks invisibly into the skin.

--Scent--
The almond scent is obvious as soon as the lotion comes out of the bottle - you don't even need to rub it in for the scent to be activated. Basically makes you smell like cake, which is always a winner.

--Texture and consistency--
Wonderfully creamy and luxurious. Not at all sticky or watery. Takes a bit of time to sink into the skin, however.

--Effects on the skin--
Skin is left beautifully soft both short and long-term, meaning that you wouldn't even need to use this daily to keep up the effects.

--Value for money--
As noted in other Dr Hauschka reviews, you don't get the best value by buying this in the UK - especially given my estimate that 25ml of this stuff will only moisturise your body twice at most (meaning that 145ml will only do 12 applications, tops). In Germany, this is priced at €17, so a much more competitive £14 in today's money, and even in France, with its RRP of nearly €22, you'll save a good £6. Definitely take the opportunity to buy this when in mainland Europe - it's a luxurious yet practical product that ticks all the boxes.

perfect partners
Almond St John's Wort Body Oil, £20
Almond Soothing Body Wash, £13
Almond Soothing Bath Essence, from £3
Moisturising Mask, £38
Almond Desires Gift Set (contains the almond body moisturiser and a soothing body wash sample), £24 

Botanics 97% Organic Hot Cloth Cleansing Balm

RRP: £6.99

--What does the promo say?--
"This organic deep-cleansing balm contains a luxurious blend of Shea Butter, Rosehip and Jojoba Oil to leave skin smooth and beautifully clean. The ultra-rich softening formula swiftly lifts make-up, while the gentle polishing action of the muslin cloth helps dislodge pore-clogging debris, revealing your beautiful radiant complexion. Rosehip is nature's nourishing gem. The seeds are a rich source essential Omega oils, which help to improve suppleness and keep all skin types beautifully soft and healthy looking. Our beauty scientists use active plant extracts approved by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, to bring you beautiful skincare that's proven to work. We've taken steps to reduce our impact on the planet at every stage in this product's journey."

--Packaging--
The white pot means it's an economical product - you can scrape out every last drop. The muslin cloth it comes with is also a bonus.

--Application--
Rub onto your face and then remove with either a) a cotton pad (to remove makeup) or b) the muslin cloth, soaked in hot water (to clean your face normally). Luxurious, easy and comforting.
 
--Appearance--
A rich yellow waxy substance that leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--
The ingredients used combine beautifully to create a natural, slightly floral fragrance, with the jojoba, beeswax, shea and almond perhaps being most prominent.

--Texture and consistency--
Satisfyingly smooth without being greasy. Easy to remove.

--Effects on the skin--
Makeup is removed easily and skin feels cleansed, calm, soft and radiant. Acne is also improved.

--Value for money--
I was expecting this to be much more expensive than it is. A high-quality product that's a joy to use and yields excellent results too. Mine was free, but I would definitely stock up on this once my press sample has run out.
 
perfect partners
93% Organic Super Balm, £4.49
80% Organic Hydrating Eye Cream, £6.99
Organic Facial Oil, £4.99
81% Organic Hydrating Day Cream, £6.99
100% Organic Rosewater Toning Spritz, £3.49
82% Organic Softening Cleanser, £3.59 

ZAO Mascara

RRP: £16.95
# of shades available: 2

--What does the promo say?--
"Mascara is your secret weapon! It enhances your look for every occasion and is designed to give intense colour and volume whilst providing hydration. ZAO mascara reduces the risk of redness and irritation to your eyes. It contains high-quality raw materials Suitable for regular use and sensitive eyes. Combining traditional craftsmanship and modern design, the painted bamboo case emanates sophistication and originality. It is protected by a cotton pouch like a jewel. This beautiful presentation even makes the ZAO product range a perfect gift."

--Packaging--
ZAO aren't wrong when they emphasise their beautiful, sustainable bamboo packaging. You wouldn't even want to throw this away when you're done with it. Refillable mascara is probably not a possibility right now, but I hope their other products are refillable.

--Application--
As normal: apply one thin layer of mascara to each set of lashes. Go back round again, adding a second thin layer (as opposed to just applying one thick layer from the outset) to further define lashes. Not difficult.

--Appearance--
Regardless of the shade chosen, this provides a beautifully natural, complementary shade that will suit anyone. Lashes are separated perfectly - better than just about any high street mascara I've seen.

--Texture and consistency--
Wonderfully smooth, without being too liquid or sticky. No clumps whatsoever.

--Value for money--
I know £16.95 seems like a lot of money, even if the packaging is sustainable and elegantly crafted. However, this is basically the perfect product: its price is in line with big brands like Clinique and Laura Mercier, but contains much friendlier ingredients and gives just as good a result (and even better). Even though I was sent mine for free, I would definitely come back to this brand, as the sheer quality of this mascara augurs very well for ZAO's other products.


perfect partners
Cream Eye Shadow, £13.95
Eye Liner, £16.95
Eyebrow Pencil, £9.95

Philosophy Spiced Clementine Toddy Gift Set

RRP: £18 (currently £9 in the sale)

--What does the promo say?--
"Share seasonal spirit. Spiced clementine toddy shampoo, shower gel & bubble bath (240 ml.) and body lotion (240 ml.) warm your heart and soul during and after the shower or bath."

--Packaging--
The dotty bow decoration on the box is lovely for a gift (especially for anyone with a January birthday, as you can grab this for half price in the sale at the moment), and the bottles themselves are classic Philosophy: transparent, so you can always see how much is left, with black writing detailing yummy recipes for the foodstuff that inspired the product. The black fliptop plastic lid is stylish, practical and secure.

--Application--
Lather up the 3-in-1 product in the shower, or pour under running water. Clean your hair with it as well if you like before rinsing off. As for the body lotion, rub into slightly damp or dry skin. Easy as pie (well, toddy).

--Appearance--
The bright orange shower gel definitely doesn't stain or even create much colour, foaming to a white/light orange lather. The body lotion is just a creamy colour, leaving no residue on the skin.

--Scent--
I was a little disappointed with the bath and shower product, as it smelled a bit too masculine for me (although I can't find a specific ingredient causing this) and evoked bitter orange peel scents and general alcohol more than spice and the sweetness of orange juice. The body lotion was better for this, meaning you could even share this pack with your better half (you can swipe the body lotion, and he can have the shower gel...how romantic).

--Texture and consistency---
The gel is smooth and quite runny, without being watery or sticky. The body lotion does equally well in this regard, sinking in super-quickly and providing a luxurious experience.

--Effects on skin and hair--
Body skin and hair are left feeling amazingly smooth and soft, with hair feeling volumised and nourished. Definitely a top scorer.

--Value for money--
A little goes a long way with this stuff and you definitely get good results too. Even though it's a pain that you can't buy both products separately, they do represent good value, with this being even truer now that Philosophy's sale is on. Go and get it!

perfect partner
The Microdelivery Peel, £59

Indulgence Spa Products Microdermabrasion Crystal Exfoliating Body Soap Bar

RRP: £5/65g; £28/225g

--What does the promo say?--

"The Crystal Peel Exfoliating Soap Body Bar delivers the benefits of professional microdermabrasion in the shower with a quick exhilarating lather and is great for men and women. The soap's brisk polishing action helps stimulate new collagen production and buff away dull, dry skin. It also helps to even out hyperpigmentaion. Ideal for use before spray tanning, waxing or shaving. Clinically proven to treat folliculitis (ingrown hair) and helps to prevent keratosis pilaris (KP), eczema, psoriasis, stretchmarks and cellulite."

--Packaging--

My soap came in a cute little blue see-through bag (thanks, Indulgence Spa Products!), with the soap wrapped in a layer of plastic and a blue and white loop of paper, which keeps things very sweet and simple. I see that when you order this online (from www.menareuseless.com, where only the 225g version is available, or from www.indulgencespaproducts.co.uk from September 1st 2012), the soap also comes with a soap dish, which would have been VERY handy for me as I was constantly trying to wedge it in somewhere in the shower where parts of the bar wouldn't be dissolved (and thus wasted).

--Application--

Once you've got your skin wet under the shower, rub the bar slowly over your body skin (note: do not use on face). You don't need to scrub as the bar does the work for you. This is easy to get your head round (and your hands, thanks to the bar's curved ergonomic design). The bar doesn't make much lather when rubbed over the skin, but more can be created when you massage your skin with your hands, going over where the bar has just been. This makes the experience indulgent as well as functional, and it's easy to rinse off afterwards. You can follow with other shower gels or body moisturisers if liked.

--Appearance-- 

The bar itself is a dull grey colour, with small hard particles being visible. On the skin, no coloured residue is left, and the white lather washes off easily too.

--Scent--

Just smells of minerals more than anything else, which in a way shouldn't be surprising given the prevalence of corundum (or alumina) crystals. However, the other main ingredients (olive oil, vitamin E, aloe vera, and shea butter) were not at all detectable.

--Texture and consistency--

Unlike with some body exfoliators, where the effect is underwhelming, Crystal Peel's Body Bar gives a truly satisfying level of exfoliation. Those with sensitive skin may find the bar too hard or harsh, but it ultimately depends on the kinds of treatments you like. With a texture reminiscent of hard sand, it still manages to treat skin gently - used properly, it shouldn't leave skin feeling or looking inflamed or irritated.

--Effects on the skin--

 I seem to suffer permanently with dry feet, and have tried many body bars and exfoliators in the past to combat this, with only limited success. Quite often the artificial 'exfoliating beads' that are present in these products do very little, and when the bars do a bit more, they lose structural integrity far too quickly even in a tin, box or tray, meaning that you waste a lot of product. None of these shortfalls exist with Crystal Peel's bar - you get effective exfoliation that banishes dry skin without everyday use, and even the smallest bar will last many weeks. You are also left with a smooth finish whereby itching is reduced.

--Value for money--

Plenty of brands offer exfoliating bars, from high street giants such as Lush and Soap & Glory to luxury brands such as Molton Brown and Bliss. From the outset, they seem to be better value for money - you can get a lot more than 65g for £5 with the vast majority. However, to me results like Crystal Peel's can't be argued with - I noticed an immediate as well as an ongoing difference, and when you have a constant beauty problem, you are inclined to stick with the one thing that seems to fix it. For that reason I would purchase this product again if I needed it - assuming it hasn't sent the dry skin packing completely.

 perfect partners*

Crystal Peel Microdermabrasion Exfoliator

For Men Microdermabrasion Pre-Shave Formula

Crystal Peel Collection Gift Set

Crystal Peel Lip Lift Plumper

Crystal Peel Vitamin E Lip Therapy

Crystal Peel Lip Renewal Exfoliator

Crystal Peel Lip Care Collection 

*all available from http://www.crystalpeel.org/ecommerce/

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

Montagne Jeunesse Weather Screen Lip Balm

--What does the promo say?--

"Are you a Busy outdoor Bee? Then protect your best feature from the elements with Wheatgerm & Black Pepper for a subtle tingly sensation, and flavour with a kick. The Olive Oil safeguards your skin whilst Shea Butter and 100% pure Beeswax soothes and locks moisture in."

--Packaging--

The honeycomb cartoon on the front of the tube is cheerful and the pull-off plastic lid stays secure, but is not difficult to remove when you do need to use it. More balm is exposed by twisting the bottom of the tube. It also features the Vegetarian Standard mark from the Vegetarian Society, but I don't know if the tube itself is recyclable (although the paper and plastic sleeve it comes in definitely is).

--Application--

Slap on to clean, dry lips and go about your daily business. Simples.

--Appearance--

The balm is a fairly solid white-yellow creamy block that leaves a slight, barely detectable sheen on the lips once applied.

--Scent--

The smell of shea and cocoa butters is dominant, which is a little boring; given the emphasis on beeswax, a honey-scented product might have been more pleasant and different.

--Texture and consistency--

Smooth, soft and absorbs well.

--Effects on the skin--

Softens and smoothens lips, but no better or worse than any other commercial lip balm. I also don't really "get" the weather screen part - it contains no SPF, so I don't see how it would provide any beyond-superficial protection to your lips. If the variety of essential oils that have been used do in fact have this effect, it needs to be explained on the pack, as it isn't really common knowledge.

--Value for money--

The main appeal of this product is its 99.5% natural claim. However, there are definitely other products out there for the same price that do just as well or better - Fair Squared's lip balms, for instance, are not only 99% organic but also vegan due to their lack of beeswax; Jason and Optima also offer natural lip balms for this price, and Optima's contain SPF too. This means that Montagne Jeunesse needs to constantly keep its eyes on the competition so as to constantly develop its products for the better. I'm loving the all-natural thing, but would prefer such a product to have a more obvious SPF in it - and if that SPF can be natural, so much the better.

Liz Earle Energising Body Scrub

RRP: £12.75/200ml

--What does the promo say?--

"Use our invigorating, refreshingly scented body scrub to exfoliate and revitalise. Ground olive stones gently buff away dead skin cells for smoother, healthier-looking skin. Massage onto wet skin to help improve circulation and enliven senses. Specially selected ground olive stones gently buff away dead skin cells for healthier, smoother skin." 

--Packaging--

Keeping in with the company's generally calming feel, rather than evoking an energising feel, the pale blue packaging also fits in well with the rest of the bodycare range, which is the same pale blue. On the down side, however, this means that the Energising range as a whole is indistinct from the rest of the bodycare range; even something as simple as a line of navy blue around the lid, for instance, would have been enough to make the distinction felt. Apart from this, there are no real concerns: the packaging is robust as ever and the design does not rub off even after weeks of sitting in the shower.

--Application--

The Liz Earle website recommends the following: "For best results: massage a generous amount onto wet skin over body using circular movements, paying particular attention to upper arms, hips, thighs and feet. Rinse off thoroughly. Not recommended for use on the face, neck or sensitive areas. Common sense precautions: Pregnant women may wish to seek advice from their GP before using aromatherapy-based products."

--Appearance--

A very thick, almost syrupy dark orange gel mixture accentuated by a rich and abundant supply of olive stone grains. Like dipping your hands into wet sand, but even more satisfying, it provides an organic and relaxing as well as energising experience. No visible residue left on body after use.

--Scent--

The orange oil is the predominant scent, but it's deeper than that: the complex blend of essential oils used means you can tell that there's something else going on in the background. A strong scent that fills the bathroom and turns your shower into a full-on spa experience rather than just a wash-and-go one.

--Texture and consistency--

Strong enough in its scrubbiness to make you feel like you are really being well-exfoliated while being gentle enough for you to enjoy it. Lathers up a little on contact with water and spreads well over the skin, with you only really needing 2 pea-sized amounts to do your whole body.

--Effects on the skin--

Leg and underarm skin is smoothened and it seems to be a great way of keeping ingrown hairs at bay. It also deodorises thanks to all of the essential oils and the vitamin E it contains helps to moisturise as well. While this section is subtitled "Effects on the skin", it should perhaps also be prefixed with the words "mind and soul", as the use of Liz Earle's products in general really do provide a multi-sensory experience for your entire being, simultaneously relaxing and energising you for the day ahead and helping you to scrub away the day's woes and to prepare for a good night's sleep if using it in the evening.

--Value for money--

I won't lie; nearly £13 is a considerable outlay for many for just a body scrub. However, many more "mainstream" brands such as The Body Shop and Korres charge the same for theirs, and to my mind, in the case of the former brand at least, with Liz Earle you are getting so much more - not only in what the product delivers but also in the company's approach to its customers. Equally, as previously mentioned, you need to use so little of this product at a time that it can continue to delight your bathroom for months to come.

perfect partners

Energising Body Lotion, £16.50 (150ml)

Energising Body Wash, £11 (200ml)

Energising Hip & Thigh Gel, £21.45 (200ml)

Body Try-Me Kit, £18.30