Bioglan Beauty Collagen Effervescent Tablets

RRP: £8.99 for 20 tablets (10 days' supply)

--What does the promo say?--
"Bioglan Beauty Collagen Effervescent is specially formulated with readily absorbed hydrolysed Marine Collagen plus carefully selected vitamins and minerals to help support the maintenance of healthy looking hair, skin & nails. Each effervescent provides 500mg of Marine Collagen in a delicious berry drink. Just add 1 tablet to a glass of water or your water bottle to provide a good top up of Collagen levels. Bioglan uses Type I Collagen, which is the most abundant form of Collagen found in the body and the type found in hair, skin and nails. Biotin & Selenium contribute to the maintenance of normal hair. Vitamin C contributes to normal Collagen formation for the normal function of skin. Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal nails."

--Packaging--
The hot pink and navy blue combination against the white background is really eye-catching; the lid also opens easily when you pull, but closes securely when needed. Long-term, though, I'd like to see the company moving away from plastic packaging, for all the obvious environmental reasons.

--Usage--
Dissolve 2 tablets per day in cold water, and drink. This is easy to do. I have one with breakfast and another as a refreshing afternoon cooler (perfect for the current hot weather!).

--Appearance--
The tablets are pink and create a pleasing pink fizzy drink that leaves no visible residue on teeth etc.

--Taste--
As promised, the berry flavour of the tablets is really very pleasant, making taking these no hardship.

--Texture and consistency--
The tablets are a little powdery but fizz away completely in the water to create a carbonated-style drink.

--Effects--
This product promises to improve hair, skin and nails. I definitely got a compliment about the condition of my skin while taking these (and while not changing anything else) - so I'd definitely say it works on this front, and that was while taking only one tablet per day. So taking the recommended 2 tablets per day would show even more dramatic results. When I trialled the gummies from the same range, by comparison, I took the maximum dose and saw significant strengthening of my nails during that time. I cannot say I've seen drastic results regarding my hair - but then again, as mentioned, I wasn't taking the maximum dose, so this is hardly a fair assessment. Again, in my review of the gummies, a greater effect was seen when using the product exactly as recommended.

--Value for money--
Much of what I wrote on the review of the gummies remains valid here. Happily, the effervescent tablets are slightly better value for money, at 89p per day when taking the maximum dose (compared to a staggering £1.58 per day for the maximum dose of the gummies). So if I was going to continue, it would likely be with the effervescent tablets: they are easy and pleasant to take, and produce clear results. Would recommend.

perfect partners

Bioglan Beauty Collagen tablets, £22.99 

Bioglan Beauty Collagen gummies, £8.99

Bioglan Beauty Collagen powder, £29.99

Bioglan Beauty Collagen Gummies

RRP: £18.99

--What does the promo say?--
"A NEW and unique collagen formulation for the UK, offering superior absorption and four modes of delivery to suit different lifestyles and budgets. Harnessing the power of Type 1 marine sourced collagen, Bioglan Beauty Collagen is scientifically proven to have a superior absorption rate (up to 1.5 times more efficient) than bovine or porcine collagen - the types most commonly available in supplement form. Type 1 Marine collagen is the most abundant form of collagen found in the body and the bio identical type found naturally in hair, skin and nails. Sustainably produced, clinical studies have shown that Bioglan Beauty Collagen helps to reduce wrinkle depth and increase moisture levels for all skin types. This superior efficacy of this unique new Beauty Collagen supplement is due to the peptide molecules being smaller in size. It’s more bioavailable and absorbable as a result.

• Fewer Wrinkles: Marine collagen rebuilds tissues to increase skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
• Reduced Signs of Ageing: Marine collagen is rich in antioxidants, which block free radicals and protect skin from oxidation and ageing.
• Healthier Skin: Marine collagen has been scientifically proven to help increase skin moisture levels and help protect against the harmful effects of UV exposure and photo ageing.

Beauty Collagen is available as a tablet, powder, strawberry gummie and delicious flavoured effervescent. Each dose also contains:

• Vitamin C: contributes to natural collagen formation and healthy skin function
• Biotin and Selenium: for healthy nails and hair."

--Packaging--

The gummies come in a see-through plastic bottle whose pink, blue and white label gives all information clearly and succinctly. The screw-top lid makes it practical for travel.

--Usage--

The bottle states that you can take 2-5 gummies a day. On the one hand, taking 2 a day makes the bottle last longer (it would equate to a month's supply at a cost of 63p a day). However, I chose to take the maximum of 5 a day, on the basis that this delivers 75% of your RDA (recommended daily allowance) of biotin and vitamin C, and 82% of your RDA of selenium, even though this would mean the bottle would only last me 12 days. Taking the gummies itself is easy; you just chew them like sweets. (Beware: these are not vegetarian, as they contain bovine gelatin.)

--Appearance--

The gummies are pink (without being lurid) and strawberry-shaped. No visible residue is left on the fingers or in the mouth.

--Scent and taste--

Perhaps very mildly fishy on the nose thanks to the marine collagen, but not enough to be offputting. The flavour is sweet and pleasant; taking these is no hardship.

--Texture and consistency--

These are chewy without being sticky; like wine gums, really.

--Effects--

This product promises to improve your hair, skin and nails, and long-term, to reduce and prevent the visible signs of ageing. Of course you would have to take this for far longer than the 12-30-day supply allotted to me in order to see the effects ageing-wise - and, ironically, the only way to know if anti-ageing products work is if nothing actually happens. (I write about this extensively here. In a post I wrote nearly 10 years ago. Erm...yikes?)

I would consider improvements to my skin and hair to be minor, but present: acne seemed mildly lessened and hair seems to be lustrous and strong (despite my 8-week-old son yanking on it). I'm quite grateful to have had this supplement on hand in my post-partum days given that recovery from pregnancy can see hair thinning and even falling out. However, the most significant improvement to my mind has been in my nails. They are usually very weak and split/break easily. But even in the 12 short days in which I have been taking this supplement, they seem to be significantly stronger (which is great, as I would always like to grow them!). 

--Value for money--

I was sent my gummies for free, but would actually keep buying for the nails reason alone - and if it happens to have any other benefits, then so much the better!

The question is which product in the range offers the best value, as £18.99 every 2 weeks (at a consumption rate of 5 gummies a day, costing £1.58 per day) might seem a bit steep. Of course, I could make one bottle last a month, but then I don't know if I might see the same effects or not.

So time for a bit of cogitating.

The Bioglan Beauty Collagen tablets cost £22.99 for 90 pills - but this is actually only 30 days' supply, as you take 3 a day. So this is 76p a day - more expensive than a 30-day supply of gummies (which, as I noted above, is 63p a day).

The effervescent tablets cost £8.99 for 20 (which equates to 10 days' supply, as you take 2 a day); this would come to 89p per day for 30 days' worth.

The powder is even more expensive: at £29.99 for 151g, this will set you back 99p a day for a month's supply.

The gummies are pleasant to take, and also the cheapest based on a 30-day supply whereby you take 2 gummies per day. If I wished to continue my 5-a-day rate, though, I would consider taking the tablets or effervescent tablets instead, as these would possibly be cheaper alternatives (all contain around the same levels of RDA on a 30-day basis, for what it's worth). People choose different formats for different reasons, of course, such as inability to swallow tablets, that may be more vital than price.

But the upshot of all this maths is that I would clearly very seriously consider continuing to take these on my own dollar (or euro...basically nearly all currencies are more stable than the £ right now!), as they are very effective, and pleasant to take too. Goal.

perfect partners

Bioglan Beauty Collagen tablets, £22.99 

Bioglan Beauty Collagen effervescent tablets, £8.99

Bioglan Beauty Collagen powder, £29.99

Phizz Rehydration Tablets

RRP: from £4.99

--What does the promo say?--
"Phizz combines a rehydration formula with vitamins & minerals in a delicious orange flavoured effervescent tablet. Taken after a big night, before a long flight or during a hard day's work, Phizz is putting it all back in. Rehydration - Phizz helps more water get where it's needed. Phizz contains the right balance of sodium & glucose in a hypotonic solution, so you can get the most out of your water. Vitamins - Phizz is packed with vitamins & minerals to help unlock your body's energy, reduce tiredness & fatigue, support mental performance, combat muscle fatigue, recharge your electrolytes & maintain a healthy immune system. PHIZZ - PLAY, TRAVEL, WORK."

--Packaging--
The yellow packaging - standard stuff in the soluble vitamin world - is lifted by the additional black and white band at the top of the plastic tube, helping to distinguish itself. The tube is sealed by a lid that you pull out when needed, which is easy to do and yet closes securely. It would be great, however, to see sachets also available for those who prefer more environmentally-friendly packaging options than plastic tubes.

--Usage--
Dissolve 2 tablets per day into 300ml of water. This perhaps seems excessive given that many soluble vitamins just require one tablet per day - of similar size - to be consumed. It's possible that Phizz's tablets are more concentrated, but equally, depending on your needs, one tablet per day may suffice.

--Appearance--
Light orange tablets dissolve in water to produce a bright orange liquid, which leaves no visible residue around or in the mouth, or in the glass.

--Scent and flavour--
Smells and tastes of orange - again, standard stuff for energy-boosting soluble vitamins.

--Texture and consistency--
The tablet dissolves quickly and effectively, with no grainy or chewy deposits to chow down at the end of the drink.

--Effects--
Phizz without doubt restores energy and ticks all of the promised boxes in the short term (I was sent a 5-day supply for free by Phizz's PR, so cannot comment on longer-term prospects). Beauty-wise, the vitamins and minerals that it contains have multifarious proven effects, including anti-ageing, cell repair, and improved hair and nail strength and shine.

--Value for money--
At £4.99 for a 5-day supply (10 tablets), this does not come cheap and the same effects could perhaps be better obtained longer term via a healthy, balanced diet which contains all of the vitamins and minerals mentioned above. As with anything, though, once you buy the larger tubes the value is increased: a combination pack of 30 tablets (15 days' supply), for example, is £11.99 (as opposed to the price tag of nearly £15 that would result if you scaled up the price of the smaller tube). We also all have down days where we've pushed ourselves too hard or need an energy boost, which can definitely be resolved through use of this product. It is especially good for travel, as it's convenient to carry and can counteract the poor diet often occasioned by chaotic schedules where you are frequently in transit. Definitely a good one to have in your bag for those occasions! 

LQ Liquid Health Skin Hair and Nails

RRP: £29.99 for 10 x 50ml

--What does the promo say?--
"LQ Skin, Hair & Nails is a scientifically formulated daily liquid supplement and is part of the LQ Liquid Health Supplement range. Each daily bottle contains multiple key active ingredients and includes marine collagen (7000mg), hyaluronic acid, resveratrol, silicon, glucosamine, selenium and vitamins. Collagen is the most abundant, naturally occurring protein in the body and each bottle contains 7000mg of high bioavailability Peptan™ marine collagen. High grade resveratrol is extracted from red grapes.

In addition to the multiple key active ingredients LQ Skin, Hair & Nails contains:

- Vitamin C which contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of the skin. It also contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress
- Selenium which contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and hair
- Biotin (vitamin B7) which contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and hair
- Vitamin E which contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress."

--Packaging--

The magenta labels are bright and vibrant and the plastic bottles themselves are practical for travel thanks to their small size and secure screw caps. They are also recyclable, so a win-win situation all round.

--Usage instructions--

Drink one 50ml bottle per day. This can be mixed with water (fizzy or still) if you choose.

--Appearance--

An opaque orange colour reminiscent of the passion fruit it contains. When diluted it turns slightly yellower. No visible residue is left on teeth, lips, tongue or drinking glasses.

--Taste--

A very sweet, rich taste. Luckily, despite this, it's only 31 calories a bottle, so even those on calorie-controlled diets can easily take advantage. This does, however, need to be clearly labelled on the packaging so that dieters are not deterred.

--Texture and consistency--

Slightly cough-syrupy, but mixing this with fizzy water makes it a more palatable supplement to consume. It's also very smooth, not at all bitty, so in this sense it's no struggle to drink either.

--Effects on the body--

As this is supposed to maintain normal skin, hair and nails, the product embodies the same irony as with anti-ageing products: if it works, then nothing should happen! However, nails appear to be strengthened and skin seems clearer. Longer-term use is possibly necessary for effects on the hair to be perceived.

--Value for money--

At £29.99 for 10 shots, and with a minimum of one month's use apparently required for results to be visible, you're talking about a cost of nearly £90 for one month's supply, which is a luxury for most people. Even if you take advantage of deals such as Boots' current offer of 3-for-2 on the product, that is still a monthly cost of £60, which for many is difficult to justify. People would need to see real tangible results after a month to continue investment in the product. If LQ can find a way to bring the price down, more people would potentially be persuaded to buy. This could potentially be done by reducing packaging costs (e.g. sachets containing dissolvable powders, instead of ready-mixed bottles, which also are heavier and cost more to ship than sachets). In short, the product has potential, but still requires improvement in order to boost sales.

perfect partners

Joint Care, £24.99

Advanced Skin Care, £29.99

Heart Care, £24.99