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! 

Glo Minerals Bronze

 RRP: £31.50
# of shades available: 2 
available from:  www.glo-minerals.com

--What does the promo say?--
"glo-minerals Bronze provides a golden colour for an even and buildable sun-kissed look.  Dust on lightly to add colour or to contour the face and body. Developed utilizing natural, high-pigment minerals to deliver a range of flattering, fashionable colors that looks good on all skin types. Also formulated with an exclusive blend antioxidants including Vitamins A, C, E and Green Tea Extract to provide nutrients that are vital to maintaining skin’s healthy radiance."

--Packaging--
Sleek, practical, and generously-sized, this provides nearly everything a girl could want this summer. Some might prefer a portable sponge or brush in a compartment below, but this is purely incidental.

--Application--
Sweep over face and neck in place of face powder, or use just on cheeks to replace blusher. Easy to build up gradually according to your skin tone and the look that you want.

--Appearance--
The monotone version of the bronzer (named Sunlight), which I was sent by Glo Minerals' PR, does just what it says on the tin: provides a natural, sunkissed-looking glow to even the palest of girls.

--Texture and consistency--
Light, powdery, and apparently non-comedogenic. As mentioned before, easily buildable.

--Effects on the skin--
Over time, the antioxidant effects would have anti-ageing results. Vitamin A has benefits for blemish-prone skin, and vitamin E's moisturising qualities are well-documented.

--Value for money--
While I perhaps wasn't expecting this to cost £31.50, there's no denying that this is a flattering product that will deliver on radiance and quality. Would recommend.

perfect partners
Pressed Base, £31.50
Blush, £14
Dust 24K, £30.50
Protective Liquid Foundation Matte II, £30.50  

Glo Minerals Perfecting Powder

RRP: £27
--What does the promo say?--
"This truly translucent skin perfecting mineral powder absorbs excess oil to provide a matte finish. To eliminate shine year-round or simply control skin during the hot summer months, Perfecting Powder can be used as often as necessary over your foundation to give a shine-free finish. As with all glo minerals products Perfecting Powder is talc-free, non-comedogenic and fortified with our exclusive antioxidant blend."

--Packaging--
The press sample I was sent featured a clear plastic screw-top lid, whereas the one available for purchase online apparently has a black plastic flip-top. Difficult to see whether or not it has a mirror inside the lid, but if it did, that would be great.

--Application--
Apply after foundation and concealer, using a powder brush.

--Appearance--
I'd say that the 'perfecting' claim really does stand up; my skin looked a lot better after using this (compared to just using foundation and concealer). It really will finish your look off wonderfully. However, I wouldn't go as far as to say it's translucent and would even hazard that it's too pale for some (even though it works well for me). Plus, for the price it retails at, I'd expect it to be available in more than one shade, even if it does claim to be translucent.

--Scent--
None particularly. Newsflash: face powder smells of powder. Who knew?! (Well, slightly clay-like if you're going to force me.)

--Texture and consistency-- 
Light and not at all grainy. Blends well, without causing patches of powder to coagulate or collect anywhere on the face. 

--Effects on the skin--
As well as the visual 'perfecting' effect, this absorbs oil well as promised, leaving you without that greasy feeling. However, I wouldn't say this goes far enough to contribute to an overall improvement in skin condition over time.

--Value for money--
Given the choice, I'd go for Arbonne's pressed powder*, which is exactly the same price. While this gives a good visual effect overall, Arbonne's, to my mind, gives an even more radiant and long-lasting result (which is very valuable on a day when you have to leave for work at 7.20 in the morning and won't get in until 9pm thanks to parents' evening. EW.). 

*Just realised that for all my going on about this, I've never actually reviewed this. I have NO IDEA how that happened. Coming asap.

perfect partners
Powder Brush, £20
Camouflage Oil Free, £20
Under-eye Primer, £19.50 since reduced to £17.95! yay :)
Face Primer, £13
Protective Liquid Foundation Matte II, £30.50
Volumizing Mascara, £16
Cream Colour for Cheeks and Lips, £11.50

No7 Youthful CC Cream

# of shades: 2
RRP: £14.95

--What does the promo say?--
"The 'CC' in CC Cream can stand for different things for example Colour Corrector, Complete Correction or Complexion Correction. The key benefit that all CC Creams deliver is a beautifully even Complexion by correcting uneven skin colour and pigmentation. Our new No7 Youthful CC Cream is a Complexion Corrector- it's a great multi-tasking product which combines giving you a beautifully even skin tone with anti-aging benefits. Just like our BB Creams it's great for those lighter coverage days or as an additional beautifier alongside your normal foundation/ skincare routine."

--Packaging--
The white and silver combination provides a futuristic finish and the squeezy tube and screw-top lid are both practical.

--Application--
Apply to clean dry skin. Theoretically, concealer, powder and moisturiser shouldn't be necessary, but a primer may be necessary due to its sheer coverage (more of which below).

--Appearance and coverage--
Unfortunately, as this only comes in two shades, the fact that the lighter of the two shades does suit me is probably down to luck. As mentioned, the coverage is quite sheer, meaning that a) you may need a primer to prevent it from sliding off, and b) if you have blemishes, concealer and powder may still be necessary for you. However, it does add radiance, which is important for deflecting attention away from blemishes and fine lines.

--Scent--
Nothing discernibly bothersome.

--Texture and consistency--
This product has a smooth consistency that blends well. As it does only provide light coverage, I tend to apply two coats, and the product stands up to this very well, with this not leading to a sticky or caked-on feeling in the least.

--Longevity--
As mentioned, it depends what you wish to apply before or afterwards. On its own, I suspect this wouldn't do too well.

--Effects on the skin--
A non-irritating product, but it doesn't seem to have any especial healing qualities either.

--Value for money--
Tricky one. It's not a terrible product in itself, but I struggle to see what additional purpose or gap in the market this serves beyond what's already done by tinted moisturisers. My research earlier this year showed that CC creams should specifically not only do the work of BB creams in terms of actively healing blemishes, but should also 'correct' (hence the C in the name) by way of having different tints available for different purposes, such as green to neutralize redness, pink to counteract dullness, and so on. Unfortunately, as with many Western BB creams, this perfectly serviceable product has just jumped on the latest fashionable bandwagon by slapping a new label on what is essentially just a tinted moisturiser, and using it as an excuse to hike up the price tag*: I wouldn't mind, but No7's tinted moisturiser is over £3 cheaper. My advice? Buy that instead (it even comes in 3 shades instead of the CC cream's mere two).

*Should probably say that No7 is not the only brand guilty of this. Most Western CC creams are just overpriced tinted moisturisers with a different name. Buy Asian instead to get the genuine article.

perfect partners
Lift and Luminate Dark Spot Corrector, £19.50
Lift and Luminate Day and Night Serum, £24.95
Lift and Luminate Mask, £18 
Lift and Luminate Foundation, £16.50
Lift and Luminate Day Cream, £23
Lift and Luminate Night Cream, £24
Lift and Luminate Eye Cream, £16
Youthful Glycolic Peel Kit, £24.95

Glo Minerals Under Eye Primer

 RRP: £19.50
buy from: www.glo-minerals.com

--What does the promo say?--
"The Under Eye Primer is an anti aging primer that minimizes the appearance of imperfections by filling in fine lines by using light-reflective pigments to soften the appearance of any wrinkles or dark circles you may have. Apply it to the under eye area before you use our Under Eye Concealer to improve and soften your fine lines, wrinkles and dark circles. Silicone Polymers and Organic Form Fillers fill in fine lines while light-diffusing pigments soften the appearance of wrinkles and dark circles. Grant-X "The Super Peptide," has been clinically shown to improve the appearance of wrinkles via nerve synapse interaction. The GABA (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid) in Grant-X is a known neurotransmitter inhibitor that helps improve the appearance of aging and softens expression lines."

--Packaging--
The silver and black tube creates an edgy look that stands out, with information on the tube itself kept minimal and easy to read. The squeezy tube and screw-top lid also makes the product easy to use.

--Application--
Squeeze out an amount the size of a pinhead and gently rub onto clean dry skin under the eye. Once blended in, continue to apply the rest of your makeup base as normal (foundation, concealer etc).

--Appearance--
This product only comes in one shade, so for me it is the right shade, but for others with darker skin tones, it may not suit. However, beyond that, I would say that it blends seamlessly to give a natural appearance.

--Scent--
None.

--Texture and consistency--
Incredibly smooth and velvety - and, as mentioned previously, blends in effortlessly. Comes off when you want it to and stays put when you don't!

--Longevity--
Does not settle into any creases around the eye area, and enables a unified and natural appearance to be kept up all day. Does not fade or become patchy, and can also be used on the eyelid to keep eyeshadow in place.

--Value for money--
One of the best eye primers I've come across. Doesn't have a sticky or tacky texture and yet puts in a determined performance. Best of all, its mineral properties mean it's got inbuilt SPF and anti-ageing, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties too. Although I was sent mine for free by glo minerals' lovely PR bods, I would definitely pay full whack for this.

perfect partners
Lid Primer, £13
Lash Thickener and Conditioner, £13
Brow Gel, £12
Corrective Camouflage Kit, £15.95
Brightener Highlight Concealer, £11.50  
Protective Liquid Foundation, £29.95
Protecting Lip Treatment, £14.50 

Fushi Cherry Seed Oil

RRP: £12 for 50ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Rich in vitamins and antioxidants, organic Cherry Seed oil provides natural, effective hydration. Cherry Seed oil is gorgeous emollient oil that is also rich in natural antioxidants, plus vitamins A and E. Cherry Seed oil is especially beneficial for acne-prone or inflamed skin. The vitamins and nutrients contained within the fruit are known to play an important role in collagen synthesis and skin healing processes. Yellow in colour with a hint of marzipan, the oil is abundant in oleic acid and linoleic acid, fatty acids that help restore and replenish the skin. The oil also works well as a carrier oil in aromatherapy. Add a few drops of the oil to your daily moisturiser and keep your skin ultra hydrated and to treat acne prone skin. Sourced from Malatya in central Turkey."

--Packaging--
This opaque glass bottle makes an elegant addition to any bathroom, but the plastic stopper (with a hole in it to let the oil out) is unreliable and frequently falls out. The best way to get it out is to run the opening of the bottle across the palm of your hand, keeping the bottle opening quite close to your palm at all times. Go over the entire palm of your hand twice to create a layer of oil, before rubbing into your face directly or mixing with your moisturiser.

--Application--
You can mix with moisturiser or use directly on the face. I'd perhaps recommend the former, as it may sink in more easily then (when the oil is applied alone, this takes longer).

--Appearance--
A beautiful golden oil that sinks invisibly into the skin.

--Scent--
A gorgeous and authentic aroma of marzipan. Nothing added to this! And who doesn't love a product which makes them smell like cake?

--Texture and consistency--
Not too thick itself, but does seem to take a long time to absorb. A shame.

--Effects on the skin--
As well as moisturising, this promises to reduce inflammation and benefit acneic skin. Happy to report that I have seen an improvement in my skin while using this.

--Value for money--
This compares most favourably with other facial oils on the market: Nuxe, perhaps the most famous, charges £14 for 50ml, while Weleda and Jurlique charge the same. Sanctuary, Green People and even Body Shop are even more expensive than that. I'm sure Waitrose won't mind me borrowing from their catchphrase when I say that this is a quality product, honestly priced, in spite of its flaws regarding texture and packaging. The aromatic smell gives a real boost in the morning and the results are there too. And I'm not just saying that because I was sent mine for free! Would recommend.



perfect partners
Beauty Totale for Skin, Hair and Nails, £15.26 
Thyme Tincture, £8

Advanced Nutrition Programme Skin Vit A

RRP: £15.95/60 capsules

--What does the promo say?--

"By feeding skin internally with vitamin A you can dramatically increase the results you get from topical skincare. Skin Vit A contains optimum levels of retinyl palmitate to normalise skin, boost collagen and increase natural moisture levels."

--Packaging--

Most supplements come in bottles, so I'm loving the pouch format, which seems as protective yet more robust for travel. It's easily resealable and the white and blue colour scheme makes it unisex too. The image of the capsules as depicted on the sachet is also accurate, and the back of the pack shows all the required information without being too wordy.

--Usage instructions--

Take 1-2 capsules per day with food. Easy peasy - especially if you already take medication, such as the contraceptive pill. Those who don't normally take medication may find it trickier to remember to take these, however.

--Appearance--

The capsules are a dull grey-brown colour and appear to be made of plastic. The join between the two capsule halves is quite visible and I think the two halves would be quite easy to take apart if necessary. The capsules are not too large, though, so aren't daunting to take on first sight.

--Scent and taste--

Perhaps slightly plasticky, but nothing really serious. They certainly don't taste disgusting at all and go down easily and tastelessly with water or juice.

--Texture and consistency--

The capsules are not grainy or too large, and so slide down easily with fluid.

--Effects on the skin--

While I experienced slight dryness during my trial period, I did ultimately also notice a decrease in my acne, and the dryness is easily controlled with a good moisturiser. For me, I noticed a more positive effect when taking two capsules a day rather than just one.

--Value for money--

Due to taking two capsules a day, my supply lasted one month, but if you were to find that one capsule a day is efficient enough, the pack would last you two months, at which point it is of course better value. Nonetheless, I don't feel that £16 for 60 capsules is extortionate and would definitely continue to take a vitamin A supplement having seen the positive effects on my skin. Good work, ANP!

perfect partners

Skin Vitality 1, £17.10

Skin Omegas, £20.60

Skin Vit C, £10.90

Skin Accumax, £34.90

Boots Botanics Radiant Youth Protecting Day Cream SPF15

RRP: £5.33/50ml

--What does the promo say?--

"This youth-defending moisturiser instantly hydrates and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in 4 weeks with advanced protection from the damaging effects of UVA/UVB rays. The unique anti-ageing complex includes provitamin A and targeted hyaluronic acid technology to help boost collagen production and effectively fight the visible signs of ageing. Innovative plant stem cell technology works to enhance skin's radiance to reveal its youthful glow. 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. 5* UVA Protection (***** Ultra)."

--Packaging--

This day cream carries Botanics' trademark new green, white and purple colour scheme, and makes for an attractive sight. It comes in a screw-top pot, which would be OK were it not for the fact that the cream is quite runny. Be careful when opening to avoid spillage! Cream also collects in the lid easily as a result of the combination of design and cream consistency.

--Application--

 Apply over face and neck after cleansing, morning and night. Simples :)

--Appearance--

Does not have quite the same orange sheen as the serum, but still leans that way in its off-white, slightly translucent appearance. Absorbs into skin invisibly.

--Scent--

Some reviewers have complained about this, but I don't find the scent overbearing. Flowery, fruity, and slightly sugary - yes; but overpowering? Not at all.

--Texture and consistency--

Too runny for my taste, but this doesn't impede application. Arguably needs to be slightly heavier (even though it is a day cream) just to retain structural integrity - or, failing this, it should come in a pump dispenser like the serum.

--Effects on the skin--

As with the serum, I noticed a small increase in radiance. In addition, skin seemed calmer with redness being reduced. However, I will be passing this product to another tester who is in the product's target age range.

--Value for money--

Super value - doesn't even break the £6 barrier and uses high-quality ingredients. Would be interested to use their oily skin range on the back of what I've experienced.

 perfect partners

Radiant Youth Microdermabrasion Polish, £5.33

Radiant Youth Replenishing Night Cream, £5.33

Radiant Youth Super Serum, £6.66

Radiant Youth Hydrating Eye Cream, £5.99 

Salcura Skin Therapy Spray

RRP: £2.99 for 15ml travel size; other sizes from £9.99

--What does the promo say?--

"Cooling, soothing and calming solution for individuals with hypersensitive skin or babies, children or infants with skin problems like skin rashes, dry skin or eczema. The safer natural alternative to treating your baby or your sensitive skin.



Gentle Skin Therapy Spray is a 100% safe and natural topical spray that helps to support, soothe and heal hypersensitive skin or baby skin that is prone to eczema, nappy rash, cradle cap, skin rashes and irritations, and dry skin. It is very effective at killing bacteria and fungus and also stops skin itching.

 Intensive is a 100% safe and natural topical spray formulated to provide skin with minerals, oils and vitamins that will repair, strengthen and support skin in its own natural healing process.

Like all Salcura products, it is free from steroids, paraffin, alcohol, parabens, lanolin, anti-biotics and any other harmful chemicals."

--Packaging--

I was sent these tiny sprays from Salcura after participating in one of their Facebook publicity campaigns. The packaging design is similar across the Gentle (intended for baby or sensitive skin) and Intensive versions, but the bold green and blue make differentiation easy. The spray action is effective, targeted and easy to use - if, for instance, you had dry skin or eczema just on your scalp, you would have no problems spraying it directly onto your parting without messing with your hair. The only bad thing was that one of the spray pumps came unscrewed and so leaked into my travel toiletry bag :(  Not that the smell of lavender isn't nice, but yknow. I'd have rather kept and used it.

--Usage--

The Salcura website recommends use of the spray "2 – 3 times a day. Simply shake the bottle and spray onto the skin from about 2 – 3 inches away. You can leave the liquid on the skin and let it absorb or you can gently massage it in. You can apply the spray as many times a day as needed depending on the severity of the eczema, psoriasis, dry or itchy skin." All very easy. If you are using the product on your face, it's easier to spray onto a cotton pad and then to wipe the cotton pad over the skin as you would with an ordinary toner.

--Appearance--

A completely clear liquid that is invisible once sprayed on.

--Scent--

The dominant smell in both sprays is lavender, although perhaps as you would expect, the scent is less strong in the Gentle version.

--Texture and consistency--

Surprisingly, given the amount of different essential oils contained in this product, it is completely non-oily or greasy so shouldn't bother anyone in this regard, even if you are using it directly on the face.

--Effects on the skin--

Even though I don't suffer from eczema or psoriasis (acne is sadly the name of my game), I was amazed by the degree to which the instinct to touch my face reduced. Definitely an anti-itch product! It was also cooling, soothing, and seemed to calm redness significantly - and even though I wasn't using a cleanser at this time (due to wanting to test the sprays and Salcura's moisturiser, Zeoderm, on their own), I was very impressed, too, with the smoothness and cleanliness of my skin, excess oil being blasted into the stratosphere.

--Value for money--

It's great that Salcura allows you to try these products before you buy at the reasonable price of £2.99 - they should do this for their other spray, Antiac, as well. Once you have decided on the right product for you, I think a starting price of £9.99 is very reasonable, and naturally the value for money increases as you go up in size. I was impressed enough with these two sprays to buy Antiac, Salcura's spray for acne sufferers, and am hoping I haven't just taken yet another punt on a so-called saviour product for nothing.