Kalme Skincare Basic Kit

RRP: 39.95GBP

--What does the promo say?--
"The Basic KALME Skin Care Kit contains the Kalme Day Defence SPF25, Kalme Night Cream and Kalme Cleanser.

The Kalme Range is a combination of unique skin care innovations to reduce redness.

Five separate actives work together to nourish, repair and protect you skin.

Derma Sensitive is a natural active from young caper buds. Scientifically shown to create clear and uniform skin tone. It also reduces skin's reactivity and increases feelings of skin comfort and suppleness.

A broad sprectrum Sun Filter SPF25 with UVA & UVB coverage

24 hour moisturisation from a natural plant active keeps your skin supple and comfortable.

A super antioxidant active neutralises free radicals and lowers the oxidative stress on your skin.

Perilla seed extract is a naturally rich source of skin beneifical Omega 3 and Alpha Linolenic Acids."

--Packaging--

The green and white packaging reflects its botanical content and the flip top lids are generally practical. However, the day cream is quite runny and often seeps into the lid, so consider storing upside down. Long-term I'd also like to see the recyclability credentials of this packaging increasing.

--Application and usage--

"Suggested regimen for the Kalme skincare pack:

AM: Cleanse with the Kalme Cleanser do not rinse off with water.( If using) first apply Undercoat then the Day Defence SPF25 to whole face, or just Day Defence on its own. If using then apply Kalme Chameleon Concealer to whole face rubbing in gently until the required tone match is achieved. Additional cosmetics can then be applied if required.

PM: Cleanse with the Kalme Cleanser do not rinse off with water.( If using) first apply Undercoat then apply Night Repair Cream, or just the Night Repair Cream on its own."\

This is all very easy to do. It also works fine if you use a damp flannel or muslin to remove the cream cleanser.

--Appearance--

All three products are white lotions of varying thicknesses. None leave a visible residue on the face.

--Scent--

All smell fresh and natural.

--Texture and consistency--

The cleanser is very thick, creamy and luxurious, whereas the day defence feels more like a very runny sunscreen. The night repair cream is somewhere in between, feeling more like a normal moisturiser. None are greasy or sticky and the moisturisers absorb well, leaving no residue. The night cream and cleanser especially feel luxurious to use.

--Effects on the skin--

Redness is dramatically reduced, as promised, and I also saw an improvement in my acne. However, I felt like the day defence dried out my skin too much, especially on my neck, so I ended up using an alternative day cream to rectify this. The cleanser also removes makeup effectively (I cleansed twice in order to achieve this), and I love that the day cream contains SPF25 (I can confirm that I did not get sunburnt while out and about with this on!).

--Value for money--

Individually this amounts to just over 13GBP per product, which seems reasonable. This is a significant reduction compared to actually buying the products on their own online (they retail at 14.95GBP-19.95GBP). So the bundle of products is definitely the way forward if you want a complete regimen. I also think it's worth the money in terms of the effectiveness of the cleanser and night cream - though for myself I would give the day cream a miss. Nonetheless, I would recommend the range for anyone with sensitive skin.

perfect partners

Chameleon Concealer SPF20, 19.95GBP

Kalme Skin Care Kit (Full Range), 52.95GBP*

Kalme Undercoat, 9.95GBP

Day Defence Cream+SPF30, 19.95**

*contains all the products from the basic kit plus the concealer - representing a saving of 6.95GBP.

**note that this differs from the SPF25 cream included in the basic and full kits

Sensodyne Repair and Protect Daily Repair Fluoride Toothpaste

RRP: £4.50 for 75ml

--Packaging--
The white and blue colour scheme lacks originality but is vibrant nonetheless and accompanied by Sensodyne's standard 'rings' design to distinguish it from its competitors. The screw-top lid is easy to use and clicks shut securely.

--Usage--
Brush teeth twice a day as usual.

--Appearance--
A white paste that leaves no visible residue in the mouth.

--Scent--
A spearmint-style mint flavour; not too strong, and with none of the slightly strange taste that some toothpastes for sensitive teeth have. 

--Texture and consistency--
Slightly sticky on its way out of the tube, so squeeze sparingly. However, it foams up easily in the mouth and there is no difficulty rinsing.

--Effects on the teeth--
My dentist recently told me that my teeth seemed more 'porous' than they should be, as if I'd been drinking a lot of fizzy drinks (I don't). However, since using this toothpaste, my teeth have felt stronger - definitely repaired and protected.

--Value for money--
In line with the other market leaders: Oral B and Colgate both retail in this price bracket. It does what it says it will do, and I would definitely recommend it to others.

perfect partners
Precision Toothbrush Soft, £3.60
Pronamel Daily Mouthwash, £4.49 for 450ml

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 

Kiehls Centella Skin Calming Facial Cleanser

RRP: £26.50/200ml

--What does the promo say?--
"The PH-balanced formula cleanses skin and effectively removes makeup residue and impurities while helping to avoid the irritation common to sensitive skin. Use of this alcohol-free cleanser will leave skin feeling calm, clean, and refreshed without any sensation of tightness. Our formula is fragrance- and ideal for cleansing and soothing sensitive skin."

--Packaging--
The Dermatologists Solutions range (marketed in some countries as Derm Preparations) goes for a calming, professional, and unisex effect with its white labels and sparse black and red lettering. The pump-action bottle (in the case of the Skin Calming Face Wash) works well, dispensing just the right amount of gel each time. Does not come with a lid for travel, however.

--Application--
The product may be used with or without water. To use without, rub over the whole face and then wipe off with a cotton disc. To use with water, rub the product over damp skin and rinse with a flannel. None of this is tricky at all and it can even be used around the eye area to remove makeup.

--Appearance--
A translucent white gel that leaves no residue on the skin after use.

--Scent--
Very clean; almost like cotton. This is probably also down to the camomile the product contains.

--Texture and consistency--
A smooth gel that is not runny or sticky. It's easy to rub over the face, but equally easy to wash off when you're done.

--Effects on the skin--
I have not used this product solely for cleansing yet - although I would do, as I have experienced calmer, less inflamed skin while using it as a makeup remover. It removes makeup quickly and effectively (even quite heavy-duty foundation) and it seems to be a great two-in-one product for travel or home use. It's so convenient to have a cleanser and makeup remover all in one bottle and thanks to the camomile and aloe vera it contains it's bound to do most skin types some good in the process.

--Value for money--
£26.50 initially seems to be quite a high outlay, but one bottle lasts many months, even given that it has a dual purpose. It's also pleasant to use and seems to do the skin good. Centella is also one of the main ingredients in Absolution's Day Cream, which costs double the price. I would definitely purchase from Kiehls' centella range again.

perfect partners
Centella Skin Recovery Salve, £39.50
Ultra Light Daily Moisturiser, £31

Avène Soothing Eye Contour Cream

RRP: £9.50/10ml

--What does the promo say?--

"This Soothing Eye Contour Cream has been specially formulated to gently protect the most delicate part of the face. Rich in Avene Thermal Spring Water and soothing alpha-bisabolol, this light emulsion calms skin irritation, tightness and redness. Dextran sulfate also acts by relieving hypersensitive eyelids. Thanks to its formula enriched with moisturising and anti-free radical actives, this soothing care promotes hydration and protection of the eye contour area and eyelids. Paraben-free."

--Packaging--

Combines white with coral to create a soothing yet unusual colour scheme. The tube is tiny and the tapered screw-top lid is well designed - not too difficult to undo, but stays on securely when you need it to.

--Application--

On a cleansed, make-up free face, blend a tiny amount around the eye contour area. Nothing difficult about that.

--Appearance--

The pure white cream takes on an opaque appearance as soon as you start to rub and quickly disappears into nothing at all. No visible residue left on skin.

--Scent--

Just a very clean, mineral-water type scent. Nothing soapy or artificial-smelling here and definitely not a strong scent.

--Texture and consistency--

Smooth, soft and absorbs quickly. Not at all runny.

--Effects on the skin--

I bought this product because I'd had totally unexplained layers of dry skin over one eyelid for more than a week and none of the other eye creams I had in the house were able to shift it. We therefore took a trip to the pharmacy, where the pharmacist recommended this. She said that if the dry skin didn't clear up in a week I was to see a doctor. Sceptical due to the dry skin's apparently bullet-like resistance to every other eye cream under the sun, I used it without hope or agenda, but was amazed to find that a visible difference was apparent in just a day or two days of morning and night use, and that it had cleared up completely well short of the week's usage prescribed. Amazing!

--Value for money--

After my disappointment with Avene's almost completely ineffectual exfoliator, I cannot say I had had much hope in another Avène product. However, my faith in this brand has now been restored, and I would be much more willing now to try another of their products. Now it's much clearer to me why this affordable yet (at times) effective brand is so much beloved by the French.

perfect partners

Eau Thermale Ystheal + Eye Contour Cream, £17
Gentle Eye Makeup Remover, £9.50
Cicalfate Repair Cream, £7.50
Extremely Gentle Cleanser, £8
Soothing Hydrating Serum, £17

Molton Brown GentleCleanse Eye Makeup Remover

RRP: $18 for 100ml
available at: Molton Brown stores; www.beautyrose.com

--What does the promo say?--
"This light, plant-based formula gently and effectively removes all traces of make-up (including waterproof mascara) from the sensitive eye area. Birch tree extracts and apple pip amino acids deep cleanse the skin and lashes, leaving the area calm and conditioned."

--Packaging--
In Molton Brown's usual style: a respectable, vintage-style pharmacy bottle with a logo in copperplate capitals and a chunky silver-effect lid. The bottle is promising and well-rounded in transparent plastic. However, the open top once you've taken off the lid can lead to wastage and leads to worries about travel.

--Application--
"Apply fluid to cotton pad; place over the closed eye area and leave for a few seconds before sweeping in an outward motion to remove makeup", advises the box. However, there are a few problems with this: firstly, as mentioned, the open top can lead to problems (there is no protective plastic disc with a hole in it), and secondly, the slightly oily nature of the product means that it sinks into the cotton pad too much, and that it therefore won't transfer from the cotton pad to the skin well. You are better off using your bare hands, or using a flannel or muslin cloth. It is also important to shake the product well before using as the liquid separates when left to stand.

--Appearance--
The liquid is mostly clear, with a white residue that rises to the surface when left to stand. When shaken up, white bubbles appear in the liquid. On the face, no visible residue is left.

--Scent--
None.

--Texture/consistency--
Slightly oily, but not prohibitively so. Mostly just like water.

--How does your skin feel afterwards?--
Soft and well-cared for, particularly around the eye area. There is also no stinging or unpleasant sensations at all when removing eye makeup, or in the aftermath of doing so, meaning this would be excellent for sensitive skin.

--Does it do what it says it will?--
It removes eye makeup very well, and definitely calms and conditions the eye area, meaning Molton Brown have basically fulfilled their brief. However, it is not really good for removing heavier makeup (namely foundation etc) and contrary to advice given to me by Molton Brown staff, I have not found that it works tremendously well as a general cleanser (my skin condition may have even worsened during the use of this product).

--Value for money--
It's not a bad price, and it gets even better if you buy in a pack (I bought mine for £30 in the same pack as a toner and moisturiser). It works extremely well as an eye makeup remover, and if you have especially sensitive skin you should probably get this. However, if you're looking for a cleanser and makeup remover in one, you should try something else, and I for one will be glad when mine runs out so that I can move on to better things.

perfect partners
Skinbalance Toning Lotion, $32 for 200ml
Active Defence City Day Hydrator, $50 for 40ml

Garnier Body Sensitive Soothing Restorative Balm

RRP: £5.99 for 200ml @ www.mistrys.co.uk

--What does the promo say?--
"This balm can be used all over the body to give very dry, very sensitive skin that extra special attention it needs. It is non-greasy, and is quickly absorbed by the skin, leaving it feeling nourished with moisture and less tight. Enriched with Maple Sap & Allantoin extract, the Garnier experts have created this formula to intensely moisturise and soothe skin, to help restore comfort & suppleness."

--Packaging--
Very similar to the famous Neutrogena Norwegian Cream as used by Darcey Bussell (now retired British prima ballerina), but still with the famous Garnier 'leaf' motif and usual brand name logo. It's pretty comprehensive, with the main ingredients (maple sap and allantoin), main function (to relieve dry skin), target audience (those with dry and/or sensitive skin) and the British Skin Foundation endorsement all clearly marked. And yet despite all this information crammed onto the front of the white tube, it doesn't look 'busy' or confusing. It's a substantial tube, with a simple flip-top lid made from opaque white plastic. Quite unisex too.

--Application--
Rub a little into any part of your suffering body (although perhaps obviously, not including the face) in order to banish dry skin. You really don't need much, which is good.

--Appearance--
White cream, which leaves no residue on the skin.

--Texture/consistency--
It's of perfect consistency: not too stiff and not too runny. It's also somehow both everyday and luxurious, though I'd say it's greasier than they claim and doesn't absorb too well, taking its time on this score.

--Scent--
Smells pretty fragrance free to me - Garnier certainly keeps its promise here.

--Short-term effects--
I only really suffer with dry skin on my feet, but here it works just as well as its competitors, sending dry skin packing.

--Long-term effects--
While the cream does have to be used regularly, there is undoubtedly noticeable improvement over time. There is a definite reduction of dry skin, with no adverse effects such as itching or redness.

--Value for money--
At £7.99, it's a little more expensive than I thought it would be, but I would certainly buy it at Mistrys' price. This versatile and effective cream is worth adding to anyone's bathroom cabinet.