Crème de soin visage au Lait de Jument de Camargue

by Sarah CROSS

RRP: 30€

--What does the promo say?—

“Let nature take care of you thanks to the legendary qualities of Camargue mare’s milk. The magical effect of mare’s milk remains an enigma for scientists; however its healing properties are indeed real. It has been shown in the past that drinking mare’s milk cured certain illnesses and that the face and skin looked younger and more beautiful as a result. This discovery led to the development of cosmetics using mare’s milk as it seemed clear that external application would also have a beneficial effect on the skin. Mare’s milk in the form of creams and soaps is therefore particularly suited to problem skin and helps to make it look more beautiful. All our beauty products are natural and handmade. This product is more like a beauty serum than a face cream as it is made from 40% mare’s milk (the highest percentage in our range of products). It leaves your skin feeling sensationally soft and provides all-day protection. It’s non-allergenic and kind to the skin. Its neutral pH means that it is suitable for all skin types: dry, sensitive, greasy or combination skin. Mare’s milk also helps combat skin problems such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, allergies and itchy skin.

--Ingredients-- 

Mare’s milk, hordeum vulgare, calendula officinalis, chamomilla recutita and rosa centifolia plant extracts, organic lavender essential oil, organic geranium essential oil

--Packaging--

The CRÈME DE SOIN VISAGE comes in an opaque white pump-action dispenser. It has a paper wrap-around label with discreet logo of a horse’s head, the Camargue cross, the name of the product in black and green lettering and an attractive picture of mares in the Camargue. It looks clean and minimalist. The sealed container keeps the product inside clean and stops it from drying out.

--Application--

Simply press down the pump once and the nozzle dispenses a small dose of cream to massage into your face. A little goes a long way. I find that two squirts, one in each hand, do my entire face and neck. The cream is easily absorbed into the skin without leaving any oil or residue behind.

--Appearance--

CRÈME DE SOIN VISAGE is an opaque, liquid moisturising serum and is milky white.

--Scent—

Sold as ‘natural’, the cream has no distinct or over-powering scent but smells clean, sweet and vaguely floral. It is a pleasant smell to have close to your nostrils and all over your face.

--Texture and consistency--

The texture is that of a serum, a thickish liquid that comes out of the dispenser easily.

--Effects on the skin—

I have quite dry skin so I really appreciated the consistency of this serum. Once applied, it was quickly absorbed and left no oily or greasy traces. My skin just seemed to drink it in. The appearance of fine lines was reduced and my skin looked glowing and healthy.

--Value for money--

Initially I thought the container quite small for 30 euros; however, I was quite astonished at how long it lasted. Applied both morning and night, the tube lasted ten whole weeks! I am really enjoying using these products and, since I live near the Camargue, I am very happy to be supporting a small local business that has a love and passion for animals and for creating natural beauty products. Have a feeling I will be using these products for some time to come. Watch this space for more reviews.

perfect partners

LAIT DEMAQUILLANT (Make-up remover), from €9

CRÈME PEAU SECHE ET SENSIBLE (Cream for dry and sensitive skin), from €9

SAVON AU LAIT DE JUMENT NATUREL ET HYDRATANT (Natural moisturising mare’s milk soap), from €2

SOIN DES LÈVRES, €8

CRÈME POUR LES MAINS (Hand cream), 11.90€ 

CRÈME POUR LES PIEDS (Foot cream), 11.90€

COMPLEMENTS ALIMENTAIRES (dietary supplement capsules), 29.90€ 

https://laitdejumentdecamargue.fr/

Spa Technologies Marine Serum

RRP: £35

--What does the promo say?--
"A favorite of ours. This light Gel Serum blends Aromatherapy with a complex of Marine Algae active ingredients. Marine Serum nourishes and remineralises ageing and environmentally damaged skin. Continuous use strengthens the connective tissue matrix for firmer, healthier skin. Essential Oils provide Antioxidant protection and help to control blemishes."

--Packaging--
The metallic bands against the clear glass bottle are new and different and this concept across all products in the range clearly helps to unite the brand and create a clear identity. The pump action dispenser clearly controls the amount of product used, which helps to minimise wastage.

--Application--
Use underneath - or even in place of - moisturiser after cleansing and toning.

--Appearance--
A translucent white serum which leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--
Slightly salty, which I suppose comes from the seaweed. Subtle, though, so shouldn't overwhelm any other products that you want to stand out for their scent.

--Texture and consistency--
Really light and generally absorbs quickly, although perhaps not as completely as a moisturiser (leaving a slightly taut feeling when dry).

--Effects on the skin--
As with other products in the range, this increases radiance and calms problem skin.

--Value for money--
At £35 this is no small outlay, but it's nonetheless an affordable luxury that works well. Another great result for Spa Technologies.

perfect partners
Oxygenated Correcting Pigmentation Skin Brightening Booster, £59
Essential Kit, £59
Spot Cure Kit, £79
Restore Kit, £80
Repair Kit, £101

Liz Earle: Autumn/Winter 2015

Liz Earle has a long history of harnessing the positive qualities of botanical ingredients to produce clear results in skin care, hair care, and body care. Now, as the classic products bed down in beauty buffs' consciousness thanks to the company's regular sponsorship of events such as Cowes Week and increasing presence in department stores (as well as availability on shopping channels such as QVC), the brand is keen to expand its offerings without betraying its original vision. 

This was what their recent Christmas in July event was all about - not just the promotion of their seasonal offerings for the ultra-prepared, but also their new products due for release in September and October 2015. The already popular Superskin range, launched in 2009, sees the £48 facial serum being added to the line this autumn to help you slow the ticking. Its texture is incredibly light and can thus be used at any time, whether day or night, as a complement to the existing Superskin oil (which, as one Liz Earle rep told me, can be handily added to your bath for a truly aromatherapeutic experience).

Another aromatic addition comes in the form of the new hand repair collection, which launches in October. The signature orange flower scent will be joined by two entirely new scents - the harmonious lavender and basil, and the sparkling rosemary and rock rose, which both continue to blend luxury and functionality. Texture-wise they sink in well without sticking, allowing the process of softening, smoothing and protecting to continue round the clock, regardless of how busy your day is. Containing echinacea, hops and vitamin E, they certainly merit the £21 price tag for 150ml. These are well-complemented by the hand soap, as well as the travel sizes of the hand repair cream - while these are currently available in the classic orange flower scent only, I am confident that these will also appear with the new aromas, given sufficient time.

A further key product being added to the Liz Earle range comes in the form of their latest Botanical Essence - Number 20. While BE1 has a distinct vetiver base, and BE100 is a real sparkler, BE20 combines all the best elements of the two, blending maturity and youth to reach out to as wide a customer base as possible. At £49 for 50ml it isn't cheap, but it competes well with high street equivalents, and is arguably better quality thanks to the sustainably-sourced essential oils it contains, which include mandarin, jasmine, and sandalwood. Released to celebrate the brand's 20th birthday, it successfully encapsulates the brand's modern yet grown-up image, and has been designed by parfumier Domitille Bertier, who has a degree in chemistry as well as training from the ISIPCA Perfumery School in Versailles, signifying the high level of expertise behind the brand.

This hallmark of quality is further reflected in Liz Earle's new candles, which will be released in November and mark the company's foray into home fragrance. £40 gives you 40 hours' burning time, which will be further maximised by trimming the wick after the first ten minutes' burning. Available in the same fragrances as the hand repair cream, as well as the classic eucalyptus and rosemary, it also comes in a damask rose and pink pepper variant, which nicely foreshadows the new Pink Pepper and Mint Cleanse and Polish (£20.75). Further to this, an orange and mint version of the cleansing cream will also be available. These limited editions will be available for purchase only for as long as stock lasts, rather than for a designated time period, giving extra exclusivity to the brand. This high grade of product is further enhanced by the ethical and careful sourcing of ingredients, which come from around the world: Turkey, Africa and Yorkshire, to name just a few.

This meticulous approach extends to the brand's wish to perfect its products before putting them onto the market; as I had recently suspected, representatives were able to confirm that Liz Earle's previous attempts at sunscreen had been withdrawn from the market until they could get it right. However, their after-sun gel, which contains cucumber, aloe vera and tea tree for healing and cooling, came highly recommended, with other suncare products potentially in the pipeline. This augurs well for the future (if the sun comes out, at least!), and in the meantime, we can prepare for Christmas thanks to the brand's beautiful new gift sets, which range from affordable packs priced between £20 and £30, up to the Ultimate Christmas Hamper, which retails at a sumptuous £329. Meanwhile, we can take refuge from the autumn wind and rain thanks to the newest products, which promise to fragrance our homes and our faces with the beautiful botanical essences that the brand is known for.  

Spa Technologies Vitamin C Moisturising Serum

RRP: £35

--What does the promo say?--
"Our bestseller, this Moisturizing Serum combines powerful Botanical Extracts and two forms of Vitamin C. Vitamin C Serum, delivers the moisture-locking properties of rich creams. Seaweed and Antioxidants stimulate collagen synthesis for firmer, healthier-looking skin."

--Packaging--
The glass bottles used by this brand are substantial, practical and sophisticated. The double metallic brand (which is a different colour depending on which product the bottle houses) is a good identifier for the brand itself, proving modern, unisex and minimalist while still standing out. The pump-action mechanism is easy to use, and also to detach for recycling purposes.

--Application--
Smooth over face and neck at night-time after cleansing.

--Appearance--
A creamy yellow (a colour which, I suspect, comes from the buriti as well as the shea) serum that in fact has the richness of a cream rather than the typical wateriness of a serum. However, it leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--
Again, the Amazonian superfruit, the buriti, is responsible for this serum's creamy orange-like scent. Delicious and different!

--Texture and consistency--
Rich and creamy, but sinks in instantly.

--Effects on the skin--
While I felt this was a bit too rich for my oily/combination skin type, clogging my pores a bit on my face, it did a terrific job on my neck (where the skin is more 'normal'), keeping it naturally smooth and moisturised.

--Value for money--
While seeming a bit expensive on the face of it, this product lasted me a very long time - more so than the cleanser and toner I was sent by the same company. The ingredients are also of high quality provenance and the serum's moisturising properties speak for themselves. Even though I snagged this for free, I would genuinely spend my own money on this product thanks to its natural formulation, pleasant texture, and excellent moisturisation. Based on the quality of this product, I would also be inclined to try the company's Marine Serum, which I understand is more tailored to acneic skin.

perfect partners
Laminaria Oil, £22
Luminous Eye Serum, £35
Restore Kit, £80

Nico Cosmetics Anti-Wrinkle Snake Serum (Maximum Strength 4%)

RRP: £95

--About the brand--

"Nico Cosmetics is a new cutting edge brand in skin and body care products. We are a team of knowledgeable and innovative professionals, who have worked with a preferred UK leading supplier, for the design and manufacture of our product range in specialist studio, laboratory and production facilities.

All our products have undergone extensive dermatological and clinical tests to deliver effective skin and body treatments.

We provide highly effective skincare treatments to people who are looking for result driven qualities from a company they can trust.

Our team are currently working on many more products and our range will quickly expand over the coming months... so keep up to date with the Nico Cosmetics range.

All our products are made in the UK."

--What does the promo say?--

"Nico Cosmetics Anti-Wrinkle Snake Serum is a light gel formulated with maximum strength 4% of the active ingredient SYN AKE, which is an anti-wrinkle compound inspired by the Temple Viper serum. The serum is moisturising and rejuvenating with anti oxidants that prevent free radical damage. The anti-wrinkle properties reduce persistent expression lines that tend to remain, providing a decrease or elimination of wrinkle size, achieving beauty spa standard results. With a smoothing effect, promoting a youth prolonging treatment, leaving your skin glowing and radiant.

• Remarkable Age Killing Effect
• Intervention against the first signs of ageing
• Non invasive 
• Decrease in wrinkle size
• Smoothing
• Anti-wrinkle breakthrough
• 30ml"

--Packaging--
I'm in two minds about the packaging of this serum (which was kindly sent to me by Nico's PR staff). On the one hand, the effort's clearly there with a sleek black, purple and silver colour scheme (my favourite colours - yay!). But on the other hand, it looks cheap - all of the elements are plastic and frankly this is just not what you expect for £95 (you want elegance and wow-factor for the money paid). I only hope that if they've skimped on packaging, it's because the ingredients inside the bottle are truly top dollar. Let's admit it - we'd all rather have a better product inside slightly naff packaging than an inferior one inside amazing packaging, wouldn't we?

--Application--
This is a serum, so like all serums should be applied to the face after cleanser and toner, but before moisturiser. However, thanks to the super-smoothing effect described above, I've found that you can even replace your normal moisturiser with this serum and not suffer any ill effects. Hoorah :)

--Appearance--
A translucent, cloudy white gel which fades into invisibility on the face.

--Scent--
Clean without being chemical or clinical.

--Texture and consistency--
A smooth, cooling gel that resembles many other serums on the market, including Lancôme's Génifique and No7's Protect and Perfect. Sinks into skin very easily without stickiness.

--Effects on the skin--
As noted above, the first and foremost thing that I noted was the smoothing effect: I'm not sure I've ever encountered a serum before that you could wear without moisturiser in the dead of winter and that would enable you to still come back home with baby-soft skin at the end of the day. I also noticed a small increase in radiance. At the age of 26, I'm not sure that I'm really this range's target audience, and after a week's use, I haven't noticed any wrinkle reduction (believe it or not I do have a few - mainly around my forehead area), so nothing miraculous is occurring here.

--Value for money--
In spite of the smoothing effect and the increase in radiance, I find it very hard to believe that this product is really worth £95. I didn"t look in the mirror and think "wow"; I didn't receive any compliments on my skin condition. For £95 I also expect greater transparency in terms of what the ingredients are and what they do: to me, "inspired by Temple Viper serum" means nothing (I don't want to know what it's inspired by; I want to know what's in it!). If it were my product, I'd be bigging up the soluble collagen it contains, rather than resorting to cryptic phrases. I would therefore be very hesitant in recommending it for now, but will be passing it on to someone in the target age range to elicit their views. Keep your money in your wallet for now.

perfect partners
Moisturising Day Cream, £75
Moisturising Night Cream, £85
Swiss Apple Stem Cell Serum with Collagen, £85
Nico Skin Structure Rejuvenation System, £150*

*contains both serums, the day cream, and jade rollers

Boots Botanics Radiant Youth Super Serum

RRP: £6.66/30ml

--What does the promo say?--

"This intensive serum is scientifically proven to boost luminosity in just 2 weeks. It contains the highest levels of our unique anti-ageing complex, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Innovative plant stem cell technology contains radiance-boosting active flavonoids and acts as a beauty guard for youth by supporting skin's own defences against visible ageing. Ginkgo is one of nature's most trusted protectors. Environmental stresses can cause free radicals that degrade collagen and elastin, which give skin its youthful structure. Ginkgo leaves are packed with antioxidants that work to protect from this damage, helping skin look younger for longer. Our beauty scientists use active plant extracts approved by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, to bring you beautiful skincare that's proven to work."

--Packaging--

The white and purple colour scheme is unusual but works well. This serum comes in a pump which is very good at dispensing product in a controlled manner. The tube is also very slender and graceful, making it a sleek addition to any bathroom. The only thing lacking, perhaps, is a transparent strip across the back so that you can see when you are running low on the serum.

--Application--

Boots recommends that you apply the serum every morning and evening before moisturising, taking care to use upward movements. This is standard advice for serum and moisturiser application, so it should be easy to incorporate into your current routine.

--Appearance--

An off-white (perhaps slightly orange) serum which verges on translucence. This is absorbed into skin invisibly.

--Scent--

The serum has a sweet, fruity smell that isn't too sugary. It's possible that this comes from the sweet almond oil or the southern cone marigold used in the product, but is also likely enhanced by the extra fragrance used.

--Texture and consistency--

This rubs into skin easily and doesn't feel heavy or sticky, even once moisturiser is added as a second layer. Light and luxurious.

--Effects on the skin--

I did notice a small increase in radiance and calmness during my 2-week trial of this product. However, as I suspect I am not really in the target audience for an anti-ageing range at the age of 26, I have passed this on to another tester who is perhaps closer to the target age range to see if different results are noted.

--Value for money--

At under £7 this is a surprisingly affordable price tag for what seems to me to be a high-quality product. I would therefore recommend it to others, but also be interested in trying the Botanics range for oily skin to see if the product quality proves consistent across the brand.

perfect partners

Radiant Youth Microdermabrasion Polish, £5.33

Radiant Youth Protecting Day Cream SPF15, £5.33

Radiant Youth Replenishing Night Cream, £5.33

Radiant Youth Hydrating Eye Cream, £5.99

No7 Lift and Luminate Day and Night Serum

RRP: £24.95

--What does the promo say?--

"No7 Lift & Luminate Day & Night Serum 30ml targets the most common signs of ageing in 45+ skin. Clinically proven to lighten age spots and visibly lift skin to reduce the appearance of deeper lines and wrinkles.

This powerful day & night serum duo work together to effectively target the 3 key signs of ageing in older skin:

1. Uneven pigmentation
2. Lines & wrinkles
3. Lack of firmness.

After the very first application, skin feels smoother & looks more radiant. After 4 weeks skin looks younger & more attractive: it is more even toned, age spots are faded, deep lines & wrinkles are less visible and skin feels firmer & looks lifted.

Both these light, silky serums contain our advanced lightening complex to help prevent & fade uneven pigmentation plus the highest level of our clinically proven Protect and Perfect anti-ageing technology to help restore skin structure.

The refining night serum also contains targeted, L-carnitine, which helps boost skin renewal to even skin tone & fade age spots.

Renowned for offering pioneering clinical proof for their products, Boots experts have developed No7 Lift & Luminate Day & Night Serum 30ml with one of the world’s leading experts in pigmentation, Professor Ortonne, Head of Dermatology at Hopital L’Archet in Nice.

Professor Ortonne commented: “This has been a very exciting and innovative trial to be involved with. The results are exceptional, better than any other cosmetic product I have tested for the fading of age spots, with similar performance to the gold standard prescription only treatment after four months use.”

Hypo-allergenic: Because all skin can have sensitive moments all our products are hypo-allergenic so they are kind to even the most sensitive skin."

--Packaging--

The day and night serums are presented in two separate tubes, with the night serum tube being blue while the day serum is white. The different colours are aesthetically pleasing and the tubes are easy to use too. Information is kept minimal and both fit in well with the No7 brand. Although a pump-action mechanism is perhaps preferable for cleanliness reasons, it is recognisably advantageous for such thick creams to be contained in tubes rather than in bottles. This also makes the serum stand out against competitors which do have their serums in bottles, such as Olay and Lancôme.

--Application--

Rubs in well all over the face and never fails to be easy to use.

--Appearance--

The day and night serums look the same (a pale off-white colours), and despite the luminescent effect that the creams have on the skin, the creams are not pearlised themselves. They leave no visible residue on the skin once applied.

--Scent--

The creams have a pleasant fragrance that is mildly floral and slightly powdery. Very soft and mild scent; not nearly strong enough to offend.

--Texture and consistency--

While thicker than normally expected of a serum, the day and night serums both still rubbed in easily. However, the day serum seemed thicker than the night serum, which could appear incongruous to some.

--Effects on skin--

According to the Boots website, "after the very first application, skin feels smoother & looks more radiant". Our tester found this to be true without doubt; however, the claims that "after 4 weeks skin looks younger, more attractive, and more even toned" and that "age spots are faded, deep lines and wrinkles are less visible and skin feels firmer and looks lifted" were far less easily noticeable. No drastic changes really took place in our tester's skin during the trial period; there was a slight improvement in terms of radiance and depth of existing lines, but ultimately the main observation was that skin condition did not deteriorate, rather than that there was any massive improvement. Ultimately the claims made are so subjective ("younger and more attractive") that it would be difficult to say if they really did stand up or not.

--Value for money--

The £24.95 price tag seems reasonable given that the serum tubes lasted a long time (several months) and given that a small amount of improvement was noted (even if not the drastic changes predicted by the promotional material). This is also just about in line with market prices in some cases (prices are similar for products intending to achieve the same purpose made by brands like Avon, Olay, and Yes To Blueberries) but seems to push the company's luck in another way (is No7 really "worth" the same as similar products by brands such as Caudalie and Nuxe?). It's therefore really worth bargain hunting, so try to buy this product when there's an offer on at Boots (currently this product can be purchased as part of a 3 for 2 deal across selected products). Worth a try for minor short-term results, even if significant and longer-term results are less obvious.

perfect partners

Lift and Luminate Foundation, £15.50 

Lift and Luminate Eye Cream, £16

Lift and Luminate Day Cream, £23

Lift and Luminate Night Cream, £23

Lift and Luminate Regime Bundle, £47.95

Purity Anti-Ageing Serum and Mask

RRP: £8.99

--What does the promo say?--
"A powerful boost to your skin's natural processes. Cranberry seed oil with Omega 3, 6 and 9 assists in moisture retention. Rose water helps to tone the skin, and vitamin E acts as an antioxidant. This combination is designed to improve and protect the health of the skin. Product ingredients: water; sweet almond oil to soften, moisturise and condition skin membranes; aloe vera to soften the skin; rose water to tone the skin; vitamin E to act as an antioxidant; and cranberry seed to give Omega 3,6 and 9."

--Packaging--
The usual purple and white concept of this line is enlivened by a little red writing this time, presumably to express the presence of cranberry seed. I like it. Plastic pot with plastic screw-top lid.

--Application--
As a serum, just rub a few drops into the skin before moisturising. For use as a mask, layer it up liberally onto clean, dry skin. Leave to dry for 5-10 minutes and then wash off.

--Appearance--
A translucent white gel-like substance that dries clear on the skin when used as a mask.

--Scent--
No discernible scent.

--Texture/consistency--
In its immediate form, it's just like a normal gel. Not sticky or lumpy. On the skin, however, when being used as a mask, it dries quickly to be quite hard and prone to crack (not that this is a problem, of course - that just tells you it's time to wash it off!). Strangely as I imagine rubbing egg white onto your skin would be like.

--Effects on skin--
As someone who is a mere 23 years in age, I can't really comment on the anti-ageing element. Perhaps if they brought out an eye cream...?
However, as a mask, this product performs impressively well, retexturing and smoothening skin to an impressive degree.

--Value for money--
This is a high-performance face mask for the money paid; it's also great for city slickers with not much time on their hands, as this has a really quick drying time too. If the serum works well, then so much the better - at half the price of No7's Protect and Perfect, you don't have much to lose in the first place.

perfect partner
Purity Organic Skincare Anti-ageing Moisturiser, £7.99

Lancôme Génifique

RRP: £52; €74; $78 (30ml)

--What does the promo say?--
"The secret of youthful skin revealed, drop by drop. Beautiful skin for every woman at every age. Instantly, skin feels silky soft, smooth and supple. Drop by drop, day and night, skin appears breathtakingly beautiful, radiant, even-toned and more refined. Skin looks noticeably younger, as if infused with life."

--Packaging--
My mother (the 'control tester', if you like, for this product's target age group) and I both agreed that while the bottle looked nice (although difficult to see through the shaded bottle how much of the serum remains), it was heavy (being made of glass) and that the dropper was somewhat difficult to use as it lacked the controlled pre-measure of a pump applicator. The lid and dropper does look very space-age, modern and James Bond-ish though.

--Application--
Lancôme says to apply as a 'step zero' to your skincare routine, though I wouldn't say this is entirely accurate, as if you apply it before your cleanser and toner you'll just be washing it off (which at this price is stupid)! Apply after toner, but before moisturiser. 2-3 drops is sufficient for the whole face, and it melts into the skin easily (perhaps a little too easily, almost drying before you have a chance to rub it in).

--Appearance--
Opaque, clear, and leaves no visible marks on the skin. Disappears totally, from which you can probably infer that your skin really needs it and just drinks it up.

--Scent--
While Lancôme claims this is scentless, my mother and I both found otherwise. The product does have a very pleasant but MILD scent (nevertheless, a scent). Does not interfere with perfume.

--Texture/consistency--
Very runny, though the dropper holds it well, meaning wastage is minimised. Rubs into the skin very well.

--Does it do what it says it will?--
While this isn't one of the listed results, it does provide a temporary minimising of pores when first applied. It also gives excellent smoothness and softness to the skin, both short-term and long-term. However, the reduction of wrinkles was barely detectable. According to my med-student sister, the science behind this is apparently also very plausible.

--Value for money--
With one bottle lasting 10-12 weeks, this is longer than the projection by Lancôme, and would mean £5.20 a week if it lasts 10 weeks, £4.30 a week if it lasts 12 weeks, and £3.50 a week if it lasts 15 weeks, which could be better, but definitely could be worse. Even if it doesn't quite deliver on the anti-wrinkle claim, it definitely brings home the bacon when it comes to restoring softness and smoothness and minimising of pores. Although honestly, at this price, I'd just stick to suncream, water, eating well and not smoking for the anti-ageing part, and with Garnier's trusty £11.99 serum for the moisturising part.

Garnier Vital Restore Daily Beauty Serum

RRP: £11.99 for 30ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Garnier Vital Restore is the first skincare range with a unique combination of orchid extract and soy bio-proteins. Developed to revitalise the look of mature skin, the serum helps to reduce the appearance of age spots and restore radiance."

--Packaging--
The box this comes in is very nice, with refreshing white intersected by vibrant floral branches. The bottle itself, while not at all prone to leakage and easy enough to use, is not as nice: the dark red bottle is a bit of a let-down compared to the beautiful pink of the flowers as depicted on the box, and the plastic seems a bit cheap - you feel a slight 'twang' when you pull off the transparent lid. Nevertheless, since this isn't exactly a top-budget brand, this is perhaps to be expected and shouldn't be complained about, since it's not as if it leads to wastage.

--Application--
A pea-sized blob of this moisturiser will see to your whole face. The pump mechanism is easy to control during application, and the entire application process is a breeze. Advice is application every day; whether you take this to mean once or twice is up to you, though I find that once is sufficient.

--Appearance--
A slightly translucent, white cream, which leaves no visible residue on the face. More moisturiser-ish than traditionally serum-ish though.

--Scent--
Just beautiful; unlike some other brands which have tried to cash in on the whole orchid thing before, Garnier have really used the gorgeous smell to their advantage. Possibly the nicest-smelling moisturiser I've ever used.

--Texture/consistency--
Not too thick, but not too runny; not lumpy or too watery. Nigh on perfect, in other words.

--Effect on skin--
While I'm not exactly part of the target group for this product range, I have noticed two main effects with this serum on my 23-year-old skin. Firstly, and somewhat bizarrely since it's about as far from the range's aims as you can get, I have noticed an improvement in my acne. Secondly, perhaps less bizarrely, my skin does seem more plumped up and radiant, with a potential reduction in the appearance of pores.

--Value for money--
At the cheaper end of the anti-ageing market, this serum is surprisingly effective, laughing in the face of Estée Lauder and Lancôme's £30+ serums. I wish Garnier would change the packaging a little, I wish they'd be a little more transparent about what "soy bio-proteins" actually are, and I wish that their claim "to use, wherever possible, naturally derived active ingredients" was less at odds with the list of ingredients that looks more like a chemistry lesson. However, it clearly has positive effects, as well as a gorgeous smell, and despite being half the age of the target age group, I'll be keeping this, and maybe even buying some more when it runs out too.

perfect partners
Vital Restore Day Cream, £9.99
Vital Restore Night Cream, £9.99
Vital Restore Eye Cream, £9.99

Talika Nail Regenerator Serum

RRP: €28; £20
Retails at www.talika.com and at Sephora
Contains myrrh (to purify, regenerate, strengthen, soften, and act as an anti-inflammatory), benzoin (to act as an antiseptic and astringent), and incense (to restore cells and to scent the oil).

--What does the promo say?--
"Multiple wear and tear such as use of cleaning products, nail polish and acrylic nails, age and slow down nail growth by altering its structure. Nail Regenerator Serum nourishes, hydrates and restructures fragile and lifeless nails, stimulates the growth of dry, brittle, split and uneven nails, softens cuticles and heals damaged matrices. Made with three 100% natural powerful plant oils, Nail Regenerator Serum is a natural and regenerating treatment that increases your nails’ potential to grow."

--Packaging--
A neat pen-like applicator, much in the style of pen concealers etc that are currently in vogue. The modern blue and orange colour scheme stands out beautifully and the clear top and bottom of the tube are reminiscent of Thierry Mugler's lipsticks. The logo is in white capital letters and is nicely calligraphed. The only downside is that there is a little leakage around the bottom of the sponge applicator, though thankfully this is well contained by the lid and is generally minimal.

--Application--
The Talika website advises you to "apply the Nail Regenerator Serum on to the base (root) of the nails and gently massage each nail to release the active ingredients." Pretty simple stuff. It also dries quickly, and is moisturising and non-greasy. It can also be applied even if you've got nail varnish on with no adverse effects on the colour or finish of the varnish.

--Appearance--
The oil is a very pale orange, and leaves no staining or visible residue on the nails.

--Consistency--
Of perfect viscosity - not too thick and not too runny.

--Scent--
A light but beautiful musky scent.

--Long-term effects--
Excellent - even short-term, I noticed a visible difference in the strength of my usually easily breakable nails. However, you need to stick to the maintenance programme that they suggest, or your nails will soon decline in quality again (which may sound like a chore, but hey, you need to shampoo and use deodorant regularly too, right?!).

--Value for money--
For something that ONLY contains the three ingredients listed above and nothing else, most definitely works, and is travel-friendly, you are guaranteed a great product. One tube also lasts ages, and best of all, all of Talika's products are available worldwide. Doesn't get much better than that.

perfect partners
Nail Shaper, £23
Instant Manicure Set (8 treatments), £17
Hand Anti-Ageing Serum, £20

Estée Lauder Idealist Pore Minimising Skin Refinisher

RRP: from £34 (sizes from 30-100ml)

--What does the promo say?--
"Dramatically refinish skin's appearance and texture. See more clarity, smoothness and luminosity as it helps your skin get rid of dry, dulling, flaky surface skin cells. See more highly refined, virtually poreless skin. Enjoy our most dramatic skin resurfacing benefits—faster, more efficiently than ever before.

• Refines the look of uneven skin texture, flakiness and roughness.
• Pores appear 1/3 smaller—instantly.

Smooth on Idealist and instantly enjoy that soft, seamless, silky feeling you love.

• Includes 3 times more Glucosamine than original Idealist.
• Pore Diminishing Technology significantly shrinks the look of enlarged pores.
• Gentle-acting Chestnut Extract helps your skin get rid of dry, dulling, flaky skin surface cells.

It's as if you're seeing the skin you were born with, all over again."

--Packaging--
Beautiful luminescent and translucent blue glass bottle with a classic (but perhaps aimed at older women?) gold lid and clear glass dropper. Clearly recognisable both as part of the Estée Lauder brand and as part of the range of serums the brand offers.

--Application--
Just apply a few drops to your face and neck along with your usual moisturiser.

--Scent--
Very sharp and fruity, in a very pleasant way, and no wonder. It's packed with all sorts of fruity goodness, containing extracts of mulberry, grape, and saw palmetto. The overriding scent, however, is that of grapefruit. Simply divine.

--Appearance--
A white cream reminiscent of Skyn Iceland's Cloud Cream (which, interestingly, also has a strong grapefruit smell), although not as thick. Leaves no visible residue on the skin. Sadly, I didn't see that immediate reduction in pore appearance that the thing promises; Lancôme's Génifique is at least better for that.

--Texture/consistency--
It absorbs very successfully into the skin, not drying so quickly that you don't have a chance to rub it in. It is also non-greasy and makes your skin feel palpably less oily, and much smoother too. Not lumpy, and it is a little bit runny, but not overly so.

--Effects over time--
It certainly leaves skin impossibly smooth: apply it at night, and you'll still wake up with skin as fresh as a daisy in the morning. It doesn't clog pores, but I still didn't see that reduction we were all promised (although admittedly, according to the Estée Lauder website, you'd need to use it for 4 weeks to see long-term difference, which a 4-day sample is never going to provide).

--Value for money--
Somewhat obviously, you get an interesting reduction if you buy a bigger bottle (the 100ml bottle is 'just' double the price of the 30ml one for more than three times the content), and given that 1.5ml gives you 4-5 applications, I'd guess that 30ml gives you approximately 100 applications, at a cost of 34p per application (which declines if you buy a larger bottle). Despite not seeing an immediate reduction in pores, I'd be keen to test Estée Lauder's 4-week claim out, as it really is a joy to use. That'll be one for the birthday list, then.

perfect partner
Idealist Micro-D Deep Thermal Refinisher, £31 for 75ml

Too Faced Fat Kiss

RRP: £11.50, though it's down to much less on some sites if you search.

no. of shades available: like the prices it seems difficult to get an exact answer; however, so far I've counted at least 5.

--What does the promo say?--
"FAT KISS will add oomph and va-va-va-volume to your thin and pouty pucker! Utilizing a secret mixture of natural essential oils, Fat Kiss will give you the appearance of having full and fabulous lips! Just roll out the perfect amount of wet and juicy gloss with its handy, retro roller ball "Diamond Pen."

--Packaging--
A rectangular (suppose a 3D one would be a cuboid or something?), transparent canister made of plastic, displaying the lipgloss suspended within. The lid is also clear and cubic, and the front simply has the Too Faced logo, the name of the product, and a short description in black. That's it. Oh, and that rollerball mechanism which you don't seem to see too much these days though I seem to remember this underwent quite a surge in the 90s when pretty much all free lipglosses that came with magazines seemed to work this way. However, the squareness of it all, plus the fact that the lipgloss is suspended inside the main canister within a smaller one, is probably what makes it most interesting to look at.

--Application--
Unscrew the lid, and then run the rollerball over your lips until suitably glossy.

--Appearance--
Now, I've got to say this mystified me. The shade I own - Fat Currant - is perhaps unsurprisingly a daring shade of purple. I didn't think this would make me look like a goth, but I was expecting a sort of purple sheen at least. And yet...nothing. THE GLOSS COMES OUT TOTALLY CLEAR, even though in the tube it is quite clearly purple. This is possibly the weirdest thing I've ever seen.

--Scent--
Fruity. Nice.

--Sensation--
Unlike this lipgloss' mummy, the Lip Injection Extreme (its sister being the original Lip Injection), you don't feel any citrus-fruit type stinging with this. Just a sort of cooling sensation, which is actually nice in a strange sort of way. Hmm. It wears off after a few minutes though.

--Does it do what it says on the box?--
To be honest? No. This is the coward's option if you're not up for the Lip Injection. It clearly says 'plumping' on the tube, but despite applying this several times today, my lips showed absolutely no signs of the needle-free Botox that we all desire.

--Value for money--
Not bad if you can get it on the cheap, but I wouldn't pay £11.50 for it (that's $23 - though with the global crash perhaps not for much longer!).

--Other comments--
If you want something that works, get the Lip Injection or the Lip Injection Extreme. If you just want a normal but overpriced lipgloss, get this and mystify at the wondrous packaging.

Too Faced Extreme Lip Injection

RRP: £17.00 (also available in the US and in Europe, though it's only marginally cheaper) for 6g/0.2oz.

--Ingredients--

Mineral Oil (Paraffinum Liquidum), Ethylene/Propylene/Styrene Copolymer, Butylene/ Ethylene/Styrene Copolymer, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Simmondsia Chinesis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Ethylhexl Palmitate, Tribehenin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Palmitoyl, Oligopeptide, Tocopheryl Acetate, Benzyl Nicotinate, Capiscum Frutescens Resin, Pentaerithrityl Tetraisotearate, Silica Dimethyl Silyate, Sodium Chondroitin Sulphate, Atelocollagen, Propylparaben, Flavour (Aroma). May contain iron oxides.

--Packaging--

The box is white with pink stripes, with all information and the Too Faced logo gracing it in black. While the majority of the writing on the box is in quite a neutral, professional font, the 'Lip' in 'Lip Injection' and the Too Faced logo provide a refreshing amount of girliness with the trademark curly writing that's quite synonymous with the vintage image that the company projects in all of its products. The gloss tube itself is c. 7cm long, 2cm of that being taken up by the applicator lid. The applicator lid is black and clear with the Too Faced logo in pink; the tube itself is transparent.

--What does the promo say?--

"Want a permanent plump?Lip Injection Extrême is a lip plumping serum that gives long term results based on four of the most scientifically proven and advanced lip plumping technologies. Increase lip volume and plumpness permanently with continued use! This serum is to be used in the morning and evening along with your normal skin care routine. Apply a generous amount of Lip Injection Extrême on clean dry lips. Wait one minute before applying lip color or balm to allow the unique formula to penetrate your lips. Use the original “Lip Injection” during the day between applications to prolong and increase your plump!"

--Application--

Easy peasy, just unscrew the lid and apply a very thin layer to your lips before rubbing in.

--Appearance--

On the lips it appears as a regular clear gloss, even though through the bottle there appears to be a slight pink iridescence to it.

--Scent--

Slightly fruity, though not overbearingly so. I was quite surprised by this - seeing as Too Faced promote it as a cosmetic alternative to Botox, I had expected it to smell more clinical.

--Sensation--

Too Faced warns you on the box that the product contains collagen and "instant blood vessel dilators", and that as such, you will probably experience a "slightly intense tingling sensation" on your lips that lasts between 5 and 10 minutes. They're not wrong - it's similar to the feeling you get if you've eaten some citrus fruit and you forget to wash off some of the juice from around your mouth. It's uncomfortable rather than painful, and as they point out, it passes quickly, but I can understand how people would find it unpleasant. Still, they do warn you, so if you're still daft enough to buy this knowing that you won't like the feeling...After the 5-10 minutes, your lips feel totally normal again.

--Does it do what it says on the box?--

Yes. I noticed a difference in my lips immediately (my lips aren't as thin as some people's, but they certainly benefit from this product), and while Too Faced recommend applying the product throughout the day to prolong and maintain the plumping effect, I don't think it's really necessary - you could get the effect you want for an evening out with just one application, in my view, and there's certainly no need to use for a minimum of 30 days, morning and night, for maximum long term effects, unless you have REALLY thin lips.

--Value for money--

If you're just going to use it from time to time, then I'd say excellent. However, if you're planning on applying it every day as they suggest to achieve long term results, I probably wouldn't recommend it unless you were really insecure.

--Other comments--

It does what it says on the box, and it's not a bad price either. However, my boyfriend did look visibly concerned at the prospect of me putting collagen onto my lips, and the list of ingredients certainly makes interesting reading, so I would be wary of using this stuff on a regular basis.