Beuti Pomegranate Glow Enzyme Cleanser

RRP: £35 for 50ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Improve skin tone and texture with the Pomegranate Glow Enzyme Cleanser from Beuti Skincare. Infused with fermented Pomegranate, an ingredient that delivers the benefits of Glycolic Acid without causing irritation, the gel balm hybrid transforms into a milk upon contact with water to effectively exfoliate and buff away impurities. A blend of Rose Clay and Copaiba Balsam work in tandem to smoothen and refine skin, whilst soothing and protecting against inflammation for long-lasting comfort. Featuring a 3 flower essence (Iris, Laurel and Myrtle), the luxurious cleanser gently clarifies your complexion to leave it looking radiant, youthful and revitalised. Can also be used as a mask for a more intense treatment."

--Packaging--

The red and white packaging gives a refreshing and fruity impression that clearly evokes the pomegranate on which the product is based, in a modern and minimalist way. Sadly the bottle seems cheaply made (lettering etc rubs off quickly) and the pump-action was tough to use as well (you had to press down quite hard to get the product to come out).

--Application--

Simply rub over wet skin before rinsing off.

--Appearance--

A gorgeous rosy brown colour that transforms into a milky substance on contact with water. No visible residue is left on the skin.

--Scent--

The rose clay and florals are detectable without being overwhelming; they combine to create a delicate scent that clearly comes from high-quality, authentic materials.

--Texture and consistency--

The product upon initial emission from the pump-action bottle is a smooth paste. It doesn't lather up like traditional cleansers, which can take some getting used to. It thins out significantly on contact with water to make a milky substance, which I unfortunately felt led to some wastage as it seems that no matter how little water you add, a good deal of the product runs down your wrists while you are trying to apply it to your face.

--Effects on the skin--

My acneic skin was definitely calmed down thanks to using this product; it's non-irritating and calms redness while reducing dryness. 

--Value for money--

This product is effective thanks to its high-quality ingredients, and quite luxurious to use as well. However, I would need to see improvement in the packaging and texture before repurchasing. Nevertheless, I feel this product has real promise, and as I love the brand's Sleep Elixir too, I will definitely be keeping an eye out for any expansion to the range.

perfect partner

Beauty Sleep Elixir, £42

Crabtree and Evelyn Pomegranate, Argan and Grapeseed Body Scrub

--What does the promo say?--
"Instantly reveal smoother skin with the gentle exfoliation of our Pomegranate, Argan & Grapeseed Body Scrub with sunflower wax beads. A nourishing blend of pomegranate, sunflower, jojoba, pumkpin and sesame seed oils replenish and soften the skin while antioxidant-rich grapeseed extract helps to protect the skin.  

• A nourishing blend of pomegranate, sunflower, jojoba, pumpkin, and sesame seed oils replenish and soften
• Antioxidant-rich 
• Conditioning and smoothing 

Fragrance: The tart sweetness of pomegranate coupled with a burst of citrus and fresh fig leaf.

Discover more from our restorative Pomegranate, Argan & Grapeseed collection."

--Packaging--

A chunky tube with a plastic flip top lid which is well thought-out ergonomically speaking, as well as aesthetically: the white and red colour scheme is unusual, dynamic, and beautifully composed.

--Appearance--

A creamy pink lotion in which particles are visible. No visible residue is left on the skin.

--Scent--

Fruity without being heavy; the citrus lifts it. 

--Texture and consistency--

Creamy yet effective in its exfoliation; grapeseed is wonderful for sloughing away dry particles without irritating skin.

--Effects on skin--

Skin feels really clean, and thanks to the seed oils, moisturised rather than stripped.

--Value for money--

At £17, it may seem expensive, but the ingredients are of good quality, the tube is of a generous size, the effects on the skin cannot be argued with, and it's on offer at the moment on the Crabtree and Evelyn website (3 for 2 on selected products from the range). So shop around - you can't go wrong. 

perfect partners

Shower Gel, £15**

Body Lotion, £16**

Body Mist, £15

Body Cream, £22

Hand Wash, £15***

Hand Therapy, £21*

Soap, £18 for 3

Shampoo, £25 for 500ml or 2 for £30

Conditioner, £25 for 500ml or 2 for £30

* also available in travel size

** also available in both travel and maxi sizes

*** also available in maxi size

Beuti Beauty Sleep Elixir

RRP: £42 for 30ml

--What does the promo say?--
"With its 14 precious plant oils Beauty Sleep Elixir supports skin barrier function and plays a key role in fighting inflammation. Packed with anti-oxidants and anti-inflammatory ingredients that counteract irritation and inflammation. Beauty Sleep Elixir can be worn under makeup in the evening and boosts skin tone, acting as an on the spot blemish treatment due to its anti-inflammatory powers and brightens the complexion for no makeup days. During precious beauty sleep, skin renews itself thanks to this product's super boost of vitamins, minerals and a complete omega hit of 3,5,6,7 and 9, letting you wake up to beautiful glowing skin. Softalia, from a sustainable plantation in Australia, counteracts inflammation and has unique activity on the skin due to its ximenynic acid content, helping hydration and reducing fine lines. Caribbean coral neutralizes the enzyme responsible for skin ageing, acne and sunburn and is one of the worlds most potent anti-inflammatory ingredients."

--Packaging--
The opaque glass bottle is perfect for a product of this type as it enables you to see exactly how much is left at all times, as well as letting the beautiful amber colour of the oil shine through. Equally, the minimalist product information on the bottle and the silvery band and lid contribute to a classy effect. The pump-action mechanism is practical and minimises waste.

--Application--
Massage into face, hands or body for use as a moisturiser. You can also use it to cleanse or remove makeup with by massaging over the face and then removing the oil immediately with a cotton pad.

--Appearance--
A golden orange oil that disappears invisibly into the skin, leaving no residue.

--Scent--
The woodier scents are dominant in this, so I'm guessing the sandalwood is largely at play here. However, a citrus element is also detectable thanks to the sea buckthorn: a hard berry reminiscent of orange and lemon.

--Texture and consistency--
A smooth, non-greasy oil which absorbs quickly into the skin.

--Effects on the skin--
Has deeply moisturising properties which work well on all areas of the body as well as the face. Perfect for these sunnier times of the year when skin may dry out from exposure to the sun, the sea, or chlorinated swimming pools.

--Value for money--
A little goes a very long way and the product is clearly composed of high quality ingredients (which, for what it's worth, are 98% organic and 100% natural). An excellent multi-purpose product for affordable luxury moisturisation.

Rimmel Match Perfection Concealer

 RRP: £5.99
# of available shades: 3

--What does the promo say?--
"Skin tone adapting concealer. Conceal signs of fatigue. Highlight and illuminate eye area. Soft precision brush for the delicate under-eye area."

--Packaging--
A slender tube that really pops out on the shelf thanks to its summery blue and beige (sea and sand!) colour scheme. The application brush is also a helpful addition that mirrors higher-end brands, such as Yves St Laurent.

--Application--
Gently squeeze the tube until the product appears at the end of the application brush. Brush the product onto the skin, and then blend in with the tips of your fingers.

--Appearance--
Simultaneously matte, radiant, and providing excellent coverage. The ivory shade was also perfect for my skin tone (even though I think it's pathetic to only supply three shades). WIN.

--Texture and consistency--
Smooth and blendable. 

--Longevity--
Lasts well even without face powder to finish off.

--Value for money--
The retail price is already extremely reasonable and if you shop around the discount stores it can even be found cheaper. While an availability of three shades is arguably insufficient, if you can find one to suit you it is a great deal, thanks to the product's longevity, blendability, coverage and radiance. Proves that cheap can definitely be cheerful! Would doubtlessly repurchase.

perfect partners
Match Perfection Foundation, £6.99
Match Perfection Bronzer, £5.99
Match Perfection Compact Powder, £7.49
Stay Blushed!, £4.49
Stay Matte Primer, £5.99

Radox Bath Smoothies

RRP: £2.99/250ml

available in 3 variants: Spirit Booster (pomegranate, yoghurt and elderberry), Soul Soother (cranberry, blackcurrant, camomile), and Tropical Tranquility (myrrh, coconut and almonds)

--What does the promo say?--

"Radox Bath Smoothies Spirit Booster will allow you to relax in the sumptuous bubbles whilst super fruits like natural pomegranate and elderberries, blended with yoghurt, comfort your skin. Packed with berry goodness to leave you feeling totally pampered. Your skin will thank you."

--Packaging--

While clearly distinguished from its squeezy-tube Shower Smoothie counterparts, the "handwritten" effect, Radox logo and sumptuous illustrations all identify the product clearly with its brand. Strangely, the bottle is not in the least impractical, and pours and travels well.

--Application--

Even though no instructions are given on the bottle, it's probably fairly self-explanatory for most: pour a couple of capfuls into a bath until the required bubble quotient is reached. Then just relax! (Can also be used in a shower situation: just rub over wet skin like you would with a normal shower gel, then rinse off.)

--Appearance--

The Spirit Booster variant (kindly sent to me by Radox) is a runny purple creamy liquid that's similar to a blackcurrant or elderberry colour. This froths into fine white bubbles and leaves no residue on the skin.

--Scent--

Very fruity and very natural; it's also a very strong smell that lingers on the skin for hours (unlike that of the Shower Smoothies that came before it). The pomegranate and elderberry are detectable in the scent, while the yoghurt isn't (I'm guessing the latter is there mainly for texture though).

--Texture and consistency--

Very creamy and luxurious - just what Radox is famed for. Its runniness means you obviously have to make sure you don't get too enthusiastic about pouring it out of the bottle, though, but not in any serious though.

--Effects on the skin--

Softens the skin, but no more than any other bath or shower product. Saying this, though, my body skin is normal to oily, so tends to regulate itself pretty well; this means I don't see nourishing effects perhaps as much as some people.

--Value for money--

Surprisingly few companies are offering this quantity of shower gel, for this price, at this level of luxury. The closest companies that come towards filling the gap are Original Source and Dove, but neither of them fulfil the consumer needs that Radox do. In addition, as it's an effective and enjoyable product, I would thoroughly recommend it.

--Other comments--

My complaint with the Shower Smoothies was that they apparently had little in the way of practical function, when what I really like it to combine pampering with practicality. The Bath Smoothie, however, does do both: as well as being a pleasing experience, I can also see how it would nourish, and its strong natural smell has quite an aromatherapeutic effect too. Lovely bubbly.