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.

Carmex Strawberry Lip Balm SPF 15 Tube

RRP: £2.69/10g

--What does the promo say?--

"A favourite with celebrities and make up artists all over the world, Carmex now comes in a new juicy strawberry flavour! Not only does this fruity balm heal dry, cracked lips, it also acts as a sunscreen with the added protection of SPF 15."

--Packaging--

I can't say I find it especially appealing: while the vintage-style fonts are cute, the fact that the tube is yellow means that it is distinctly reminiscent of a certain well-known superglue brand, and the lid just.would.not.come.off. I tried just using my hands. I tried running the lid under hot water. I tried wrapping an elastic band around the lid for extra grip. Not even my husband could get the lid off unassisted. He ended up getting out a pair of pliers (or some other blokey implement from his toolbox) and literally wrenching off the lid. After that initial breakin, the lid seemed to work fine, but the problem is that the plastic that the tube is made from is too soft, meaning it is quite liable to just bend when you try to turn the lid, rather than working with you. Bad times. The only good part is that the application tip is precise and easy to control by squeezing the tube.

--Application--

Once you've got the accursed thing open, squeeze out a small amount of lip balm and spread evenly over your lips; thankfully, no problems here.

--Appearance--

The balm is a creamy colour that appears transparent on the lips, giving a very natural look overall.

--Scent--

Sorry, I just did not like this. While it did smell strawberryish, it seems that this is only in the most artificial of capacities. This perhaps should have been obvious to me from the outset by the fact that the strawberry scent comes only, according to the ingredients list, from the suitably vague 'Flavour'. The menthol and camphor in the ingredients, however, are also detectable in the smell - this is not unpleasant but sadly it does not compensate for the superficiality of the 'strawberry' scent for me.

--Texture, consistency and sensation--

A very smooth lip balm which is not sticky at all. The menthol and camphor also makes your lips tingle in a really pleasant way which makes you feel like it is really working.

--Effects on the lips--

Makes lips smooth and soft, but not miraculously so. I suppose it comes down to how long you can stick the scent for as to how long you can keep applying it and thus see maximal results.

--Value for money--

I suppose this works well enough, but for me the value for money is diminished by the horrible scent and sheer uselessness of the packaging. For this price range, I would be more inclined to plump instead for Dove, Blistex or Burt's Bees lip balm - but perhaps once I have tried the mint tube my opinion will change.

Lolita Lempicka Forbidden Flower

RRP: from £27/30ml @ www.slapiton.co.uk

--What does the promo say?--
"Forbidden Flower Eau de Parfum includes an Absinthe Flower fragrance, which is natural and voluptuous, innocent and stunning, yet emits the occasional crisp while often sensual floral notes. The Absinthe Floral bouquet unveils a cascade of green, bracing and acidic notes from its Strawberry Leaf and Mimosa Stem scents. Not as innocent as it seems... the peony is a radiant, full flower with disturbing sensuality that mixes beautifully with the powdery round character of Violet. Aniseed Flower blends subtly with this mixture of petals, releasing its absinthe aroma that boost our desire for carnal delights. As the blossom then develops into a fruit, its bottom notes unveil a luscious warmth with a fruity sweetness, and a musky scent that is enveloped in a hint of almond and sour cherry with berry accents."

--Packaging--
Glorious. Like Nina Ricci and Viktor and Rolf put together, but x500%. Golden and embellished, the slightly kooky company logo adorns the apple-shaped bottle for even more flourish. Quite clearly no effort or time has been squandered here; the result is magnificent.

--Application--
Spritz onto pulse points for maximum diffusion and impact (behind ears, onto wrists, onto chest).

--Appearance--
A clear liquid with no hue or sparkle.

--Scent--
Really unusual: fruity and musky, with unexpected tones beneath. I wish the absinthe were more detectable, but maybe it's doing more work beneath the surface than I realise. The violet is barely there, and that's probably a good thing: again, it's probably doing its part somewhere, and if it were any more full-on the fragrance would be too sweet and sickly. Excellent for any woman with a sense of fairytale and fun. However, it unfortunately develops into something more conventional, which is a shame.

--Longevity--
Sadly not as good as I had hoped :( Expect to reapply this once or twice a day.

--Value for money--
Good if you shop around but you could easily get your wallet back screaming and crying. Do your research first: it's worth having, but only at the best possible price.

perfect partner
Forbidden Flower Beauty Body Lotion, €38,60

Snowberry Day Creme Lite

RRP: £46/15ml

--What does the promo say?--
"The perfect anti-ageing moisturising cream for everyday use on combination skin, the Lite Day Cream contains a rich blend of exotic oils, such as Strawberry seed, Cloudberry, and Pejibaye to provide active moisturisation, nourishment and protection. The natural biopolymer sodium hyaluronate, palmitoyl tripeptide-5, and Mikimoto pearl extract provide a powerful anti-aging and anti-inflammatory formula that work to rejuvenate skin, regenerate damaged tissue, and stimulate the skin's natural collagen production."

--Packaging--
The brand's usual eye-catching and quirky packaging design this time takes on a cool blue, helping to distinguish this moisturiser well from its regular counterpart, Snowberry Day Creme, which has red packaging, and the Night Creme, whose packaging is purple.

--Application--
After cleansing and toning as normal, apply this moisturiser in a thin layer over the entire face, and rub in until absorbed.

--Appearance--
A pale yellow, creamy coloured lotion, which leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--
Disappointingly unfruity despite all of the berries that it contains.

--Texture--
A wonderfully luxurious cream that fulfils my idea of a near-perfect product (a product which is both useful and divine to use). It absorbs quite quickly and is gentle on the skin, as well as being free of lumps.

--Effects on the skin--
Lamentably, none. Shine was not reduced especially, and while it didn't inflame my acne further, I did not witness any incredible improvements. Softness was the mainly notable factor, but you would expect this from any moisturiser.

--Value for money--
While this product is lovely to use, it just comes in below par. Only tiny amounts are needed each time, so 15ml would go quite a long way, but the 50ml version of this is truly bank-balance-busting, coming in at over £100. This pricing does not compare favourably with the high street, with Estée Lauder and Clarins both offering 50ml of moisturiser for roughly the same price as 15ml by Snowberry, and for a more natural alternative, Kiehl's, This Works and Caudalie all also come in at considerably less than Snowberry's pricing. My recommendation as far as Snowberry products go would be to opt for their cleanser, which is a really zingy, original and effective product (even if it means putting it onto your Christmas/if-only wishlist), and going to other brands for the rest.