Skin Doctors Exfoliating Crystals

RRP: £18.99/100ml

--What does the promo say?--

"Skin Doctors present the Exfoliating Crystals; a refining scrub that utilises microencapsulated beads to deliver a powerful exfoliating action, without scratching or damaging skin. Working to buff away dead and dull skin cells, the advanced crystals minimise the appearance of visible pores, wrinkles, pigmentation and uneven skin tone, revealing brighter, smoother results.

Infused with Melaleuca Alternifolia (Australian Tea Tree Oil), known for its anti-bacterial properties, its formula helps treat infections, acne and blemishes so you can experience visibly improved, refreshed and clearer skin with every use. Skin is left radiant and velvety soft. Suitable for use on the face and body."

--Packaging--

The monochrome scheme, with a discreet band of silver above the lid, is both sophisticated and unisex. The flip-top lid is practical and easy to use. However, for obvious environmental reasons, it would be appreciated to see the brand moving away from plastic packaging in the future.

--Application--

Cleanse the face thoroughly and pat dry before rubbing a small amount of the product over the skin. Dust off the crystals with a dry face cloth. Rinse the area thoroughly and then pat dry again. Use 1-2 times a week. All very straightforward.

--Appearance--

A white paste/lotion with barely detectable white granular particles. It is emphasised on the Skin Doctors website that these are *not* microbeads (without telling us what they in fact *are*).

--Scent--

The tea tree oil is subtly detectable.

--Texture and consistency--

Satisfyingly scrubby while still feeling moisturising.

--Effects on the skin--

Mattifying and calming in the immediate instance, while improving complexion long term and giving a brightening effect.

--Value for money--

At £18.99 a pop this is in line with other premium brands such as Ren, Clarins, Clinique and Kiehls, and quality-wise compares well with them, producing clear results. Would recommend.

perfect partners

pH Balancing Cleanser, £12.99

Gamma Hydroxy, £41.99

Cindy Joseph BOOM COTTON

RRP: from $27 (get 10% off now by entering BOOM10 at the online checkout)

-- What does the promo say?—
“BOOM COTTON is a unique shine control moisturiser. Your skin will drink it up, leaving no trace of oil or shine, only a healthy glow. Protective, nourishing and healing moisture for your entire face and body. BOOM COTTON is organic and pure. We use no emulsifiers, binders, parabens, phthalates, colours or perfumes of any kind. Cruelty, gluten and GMO free. Boom Cotton, as all of our skin care products, is handmade in small batches by our bee keepers in Hawaii. Stimulates collagen; attracts and retains moisture; suitable for sensitive skin; protects from environmental toxins; and is naturally healing.”

-- Packaging--
BOOM COTTON pots are simple white plastic pots with the colourful pink and red BOOM logo printed on the side. hey look quite elegant and pure in the bathroom. On first opening the pot has a seal which is easily removed.

-- Application--
A little really does go a long way. I have been using this for over a month and am still only halfway through the pot. BOOM COTTON can be applied on the delicate area around your eyes, over your entire face and neck and even your lips. (Really excellent lip balm!) Just take a small quantity on your fingertips and apply it wherever you want to moisturise. There are tiny micro-capsules in BOOM COTTON which need to be blended in. You can either do this in your hand before applying or apply directly and massage them in gently using circular movements, which is what I tend to do.

-- Appearance--
A yellow, creamy looking mixture which looks quite ‘solid’ in the pot and does not move if the pot is turned on its side. We are told on the website that the colour may vary because the bees are collecting pollen from different flowers through each season, so your BOOM COTTON may be more yellow, or more green, depending on when the pollen was collected for your particular pot.

-- Scent—
As with all the other BOOM products, there is no scent. Perhaps a faint sweet smell, but that is all.

-- Texture and consistency--
Thick, creamy and slightly grainy, it is a substantial moisturiser. You are not paying for water! I love the fact that it is thick and that you only need a tiny amount to do your whole face.

-- Effects on the skin—
When I wrote my review for BOOMSTICK GLO I said that I did not feel that it was a suitable night cream for my skin, which is dry and needs lots of moisture. BOOMSILK fulfilled that need for a while as I trialled it for this blog. However, BOOMSILK does leave your skin looking quite shiny after application, which is fine on your body but not everyone wants that effect on their face. Cindy Joseph responded to customer comments about this and invented BOOM COTTON for those who do not wish to have a shiny effect. Having used BOOM COTTON for over a month now, I love the way it makes the skin on my face feel and it has now taken over from BOOM SILK for my face. I prefer BOOM SILK on my body (it seems easier to apply across larger areas, being more fluid) and I use BOOM COTTON purely for my face, lips and neck. 

-- Value for money--
I am definitely a BOOM COTTON convert. No other moisturiser for me from now on! These BOOM products have really hit the spot as far as I am concerned and I shall definitely be ordering more. The price compares well with other good quality moisturisers on the market, even though the international flat rate shipping charge costs 13.95$ (tracked) needs to be added to this. Remember that at the time of writing you are also eligible for a 10% discount by typing in BOOM10 at the checkout. If you are too late, by signing up to their newsletter or following on social media you will be the first to hear about any future discounts.

perfect partners
BOOMSTICK GLO, $27 (see below)
BOOMSTICK COLOR, $27 (see below)
BOOMSTICK GLIMMER, $27 (see below)
BOOMSTICK TRIO, $76 (a saving of $5)
BOOM SILK, from $27
BOOM MASK, from $42 
BOOM NECTAR, $54
BOOM CLEAN, $32
BOOM SCRUB, $45
BOOM CALM, $44

by Sarah Cross

Cindy Joseph Boomsilk

review by Sarah Cross

RRP: from $27

-- What does the promo say?—
“One body, one moisturiser! Protective, nourishing and healing for your entire face and body. Apply to the delicate skin around your eyes, your lips, your face and neck. But don’t stop there! Smooth BOOMSILK over your entire body with the knowledge you are applying only the most protective, safe and healing ingredients to your skin.”
The same ingredients as for BOOMSTICK GLO have been blended into a luxurious cream that can be used anywhere on your body.
They are purified water, organic extra virgin olive oil, beeswax with propolis and pollen, raw Pupekea wildflower honey, and d-alpha Vit E.

• Boomsilk is more alive than other skin care products which is one reason it works so well, moisturising, healing and revitalising the skin.
• Honey is a natural collagen stimulator and attracts and retains moisture. It is a natural preservative that is the perfect ingredient for an overall eye, face, lip and body moisturiser, suitable for even the most sensitive skin.
• Bee pollen is the primary food source for bees. The vitamins, minerals and amino acids are easily absorbed by the skin.

Remember, whatever you put on your skin ends up inside your body. (It’s why the patches work!) BOOM SILK is pure and clean. There are no emulsifiers, no binders, no colour additives and no perfumes. As with BOOMSTICK GLO, there is no SPF included because of the controversy surrounding these products."

-- Packaging--
BOOMSILK pots are simple white plastic pots with the colourful pink and red BOOM logo printed on the side. On first opening the pot has a seal which is easily removed.

-- Application--
A little really does go a long way. BOOMSILK can be applied on any part of your body. Just take a small quantity on your fingertips and apply it wherever you want to moisturise.

-- Appearance--
A yellow, creamy looking mixture. We are told on the website that the colour may vary because the bees are collecting pollen from different flowers through each season, so your BOOMSILK may be more yellow, or more green, depending on when the pollen was collected for your particular pot. Cindy also warns that because BOOMSILK is such a natural product that the ingredients may separate, which means you may find a little pool of olive oil in the centre of the pot. This can easily be blended back in with a clean finger or other implement. I used BOOMSILK for over a month (in a hot climate) and this never happened.

-- Scent—
No scent.

-- Texture and consistency--
Smooth and silky, quite thick and rich. Perfect for dry skin!

-- Effects on the skin—
When I wrote my review for BOOMSTICK GLO I said that I did not feel that it was a suitable night cream for my skin, which is dry and needs lots of moisture. BOOMSILK fulfils that need. As BOOMSILK is manufactured as an ‘all-over’ body moisturiser, I decided to give it the biggest challenge it could have, which was to moisturise my feet after a summer of exposure to pool and terrace. Just a few applications at night helped my cracked and dry heels heal and returned them to their soft, silky selves. BOOMSILK does leave your skin looking quite shiny after application. (BOOMCOTTON has been produced for those who do not wish to have this shiny effect – review to follow.) It is also worth noting here that BOOMSILK has been reported as helping to calm or even cure eczema and, apparently, teenagers have also reported that their blemishes or acne has disappeared. I don’t have these problems so cannot report on this.

-- Value for money--
8 oz of BOOMSILK costs $58. This price compares well with other good quality moisturisers
on the market, particularly if you are using it for many purposes and not having to purchase
other creams for hands and feet etc. So I would purchase again, even though shipping from America (fast, efficient and tracked) needs to be added to this. The international flat rate shipping charge costs $13.95 and they say it takes between 7 – 15 working days to arrive. My products took eight working days to get from America to my home in the South of France.

perfect partners
BOOMSTICK TRIO, $76 
BOOMSTICK GLO, $27 (see above)
BOOMSTICK COLOR, $27 (see above)
BOOMSTICK GLIMMER, $27 (see above)
BOOM COTTON shine control moisturiser, from $32
BOOM MASK rejuvenating, cleansing and moisturising mask, from $42
BOOM NECTAR, $54
BOOM CLEAN, $32
BOOM SCRUB, $45
BOOM CALM, $44

CUSTOMER SERVICE/ADDITIONAL COMMENTS
www.boombycindyjoseph.com
info@boombycindyjoseph.com
facebook.com/boombycindyjoseph

Customer service is speedy, efficient and friendly. Any questions by email are responded to quickly. Packages are tracked every step of the way.
The website is very user-friendly and has videos showing how to apply the make-up and explaining the philosophy behind the products. All ingredients are listed. There is a Facebook page and a blog, and you can even join the BOOM CLUB to be notified of special offers and discount codes.
Cindy’s videos “Saturdays with Cindy” and her articles on her blog.boombycindyjoseph.com cover a range of inspiring topics and include tips for covering undereye circles, ageism in our culture and transforming the way you think about age. I particularly enjoyed her reference to the Japanese art form ‘kintsugi’, where aged things are even more beautiful. That true beauty ‘reflects the whole of life and the process of growth and change’. What a refreshing thought! Join the pro-age revolution! Get connected, get inspired and feel good about yourself!

Cindy Joseph Boomstick Trio

review by Sarah Cross

RRP: $76 for the trio; $27 separately. Also available in a lipbalm size for $32 (trio) or $12 (separately)

--What does the promo say?—

“In purchasing this product you have joined me in the pro-age revolution.  It is time for every generation of women to wear their age and features proudly. Boom is for women who want to reveal their genuine beauty with an honest and realistic approach. I find women are most attractive when they are taking a joy in living.  Experiencing pleasure revs up a woman’s circulation bringing colour and sheen to her face. Boomsticks create that same colour, glow and radiance in one easy application. Boomsticks are environmentally conscious. No extra-packaging, no animal testing, no parabens or phthalates, made with safe ingredients.

Initially conceived as a range of cosmetics for the mature woman, the Boomstick Trio, consisting of Boomstick Glo, Boomstick Color and Boomstick Glimmer. can be used by women of any age who want to cultivate a natural look.

[Boomstick Glo is] a clear 100% organic moisturiser! It adds a sensual, dewy glow while nurturing your skin.  Seals moisture in and keeps dryness out. A multi-tasking moisture stick you can apply to the delicate skin around your eyes, all over your face, neck and lips. You can even use it on your cuticles and anywhere you want protection, sheen and moisture.

[Boomstick Color] a multi-tasking stick for all your colour needs! Use it as a lipstick, a blush and an eyeshadow. You can apply it anywhere you want sheer, creamy and believable colour, creating a natural, healthy blush to your skin. Boomstick Color is for every skin tone.

[The Boomstick Glimmer is f]or all over lustre and radiance! Tinted the palest champagne, this Boomstick will add a pearlescent shimmer to eyelids, lips, cheekbones, brow bones, shoulders or wherever you want an extra special glimmer to your skin.” ”  

--Packaging--
As the promo states, there is no superfluous packaging. BOOMSTICKS are simple 8g make-up sticks that you swivel to use, like a lipstick. The containers are chubby and white with the colourful BOOM! logo in pink and red. Each stick has a different coloured label on the top so it can be easily identified. Once you take the lid off the stick there is a clear cap for protection inside.

--Appearance--
The Boomstick Glo (the image on the left in the picture above) is a solid, waxy-looking, honey-coloured stick that leaves moisture, no colour, when applied.

The Boomstick Color (in the middle in the above image) looks quite dark red and has a lovely shimmer. It is initially quite dark on the face when applied. Rubbing in accentuates this redness for a while but, once the skin has calmed down, the result is a natural, healthy blush so be patient! Used as a lipstick, it is the perfect shade to enhance your lips without exaggeration.

The Boomstick Glimmer (in the right in the picture above) is a solid stick with a creamy, shimmery, champagne-coloured appearance. It leaves a beautiful iridescent lustre wherever it is applied.

--Application--
A little goes a long way! For the Boomstick Glo, use sweeping strokes across your face, neck and forehead, including the delicate eye area and then spread using your fingertips.

The Boomstick Color can be smoothed over cheeks, forehead and lips for natural colour. It can also be applied lightly outside the corners of eyes then spread using your fingertips.

The Boomstick Glimmer is applied in the same way as for the other Boomsticks but only on areas that you want highlighted. It does not need to be rubbed in. Gently slide the stick all over the eyelids or simply on brow bones, cheekbones and collar bones. It can also add a shimmer to Boom Color on lips (although this will make some of Boom Color come off on your Glimmer stick). I also like to add a touch on my nose and just above the cupid’s bow on my lips.

--Scent--
The Boomstick Glo has only a slight scent of honey that is not invasive or cloying - reflective of its origins in Hawaii, where it is handmade by beekeepers.

I like the fact that this make-up has no strong scent. Some foundations have strong fragrances that clash with one’s chosen perfume. The Boomstick Color is quite neutral by comparison.  

--Texture and consistency--
The solid stick slides smoothly across the skin, leaving just the right amount of moisture. It is not greasy or sticky despite the slight shimmer. You can apply as much or as little as you like.  Good for lips too. No disappointments here!

--Effects on the skin--
The Boomstick Glo leaves a healthy glow on your skin. Skin feels soft and moisturised after application.  A pleasant day moisturiser, this is not a night cream or a ‘heavy duty’ moisturiser. For those with very dry skin, a thicker moisturiser might be needed at night.  

The Boomstick Color goes on easily, is nicely moisturising, and yet stays on well too. The first time I applied it I went for a bike ride and was immediately struck by how fresh and light my skin felt. It really felt as though my skin was ‘breathing’ and taking the oxygen in. Because it is light and not ‘cover-all’ make-up, it does need re-applying if you are going out in the evening. (But who cares? It’s speedy and fun to do!) It should be noted that BOOM COLOR will not cover flaws or spots, so you may wish to use a concealer or a light foundation underneath. There is no SPF included in this make-up because Cindy Joseph is aware of the controversial nature of ingredients used in sun protection and has decided to leave this to her customers’ own discretion.  

The Boomstick Glimmer completes the radiant and alive look. Some youtube reviewers who purchased all three sticks have expressed doubts as to whether they will actually use Glimmer on a daily basis but as far as I am concerned, it is the icing on the cake. To me, it is the essential partner to Boom Color.  

--Value for money--
The Boomstick Glo costs $27. This price compares well with other moisturisers on the market.  Shipping from America (fast, efficient and tracked) needs to be added to this. Their international flat rate shipping charge costs $13.95 and they say it takes between 7 – 15 working days to arrive. My sticks took eight working days to get from America to my home in the South of France.

My husband’s words are worth quoting here. He is not a make-up or marketing expert and has no shares in BOOM!  

“It’s all you need.  It lets YOU shine through.”

So, Cindy Joseph’s philosophy about not covering yourself up under loads of heavy make-up but revealing yourself instead, was clearly achieved by the application of these three products. As far as I am concerned, I am a Boomstick convert and the idea of travelling around New Zealand in a camper van next March with just three Boomsticks and a mascara fills me with glee!  

Cindy Joseph’s ‘pro-age’ philosophy was one of my main reasons for wanting to try the Boomstick Trio. I liked the idea of natural beauty, natural colour, glow and radiance and also the fact that you don’t have to ‘put on your face’ because you already have one! Cosmetic companies are obsessed with ANTI-age, and ANTI-wrinkle and Cindy claims that this is ANTI-US! We should celebrate our age, not be ashamed of it. The fact that all you need are three simple sticks to complete your look is also very appealing. Easy to carry with you and great for travel.

I particularly enjoyed her reference in the aforementioned videos to the Japanese art form ‘kintsugi’, where aged things are even more beautiful. That true beauty ‘reflects the whole of life and the process of growth and change’. What a refreshing thought!

--Customer service--

www.boombycindyjoseph.com

info@boombycindyjoseph.com

facebook.com/boombycindyjoseph

Some shoppers can be reluctant to order online and/or to order from overseas, so this is a topic worth covering. Customer service is speedy, efficient and friendly. Any questions by email are responded to quickly. Packages are tracked every step of the way.

The website is very user-friendly and has videos showing how to apply the make-up and explaining the philosophy behind the products. All ingredients are listed. There is a Facebook page and a blog and you can even join the BOOM CLUB to be notified of special offers and discount codes.

Cindy’s videos “Saturdays with Cindy” and her articles on http://blog.boombycindyjoseph.com cover a range of inspiring topics and include tips for covering undereye circles, ageism in our culture and transforming the way you think about age.

--perfect partners--

Boom Silk, face and body moisturiser (from $27)

Boom Cotton, shine control moisturiser (from $32)

Boom Mask, rejuvenating, cleansing and moisturising mask (from $42)
Boom Nectar, $54
Boom Clean, from $32
Boom Scrub, $45
Boom Calm, $44

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! 

That’so All In One SPF 20-30-50+ Protective Dry Oil Spray

RRP: £18.95

--What does the promo say?--
"Stay safe in the sun with this revolutionary SPF. That'so have been working hard in or labs to make your life easier with our internationally patented SPF. Unlike a conventional SPF that only gives you the level of protection is says on the bottle, All In One gives you 3 different levels with each application. Spray on the dry oil SPF once and it gives you SPF 20. Wait 3 minutes and apply again for SPF 30. Wait a further 3 minutes and apply a final third time for SPF 50. Contains patented formula allowing increase of SPF (20/30/50) with each spray using PROGRESSIVE SPF. Contains MELANUP, a patented ingredient which allows for the production of melanin without the need for sunlight. Contains TYR-EXCEL, a tanning activator which also ensures it develops evenly. Contains anti-ageing and moisturising ingredients: avocado, jojoba oil and Vitamin E. Water resistant.

--Packaging--
The yellow and purple colour combination is vivid and striking - very unusual compared to other commercial suncreams, which tend to rely on the old faithful fallbacks of orange and white. Equally, the spray can format is unusual, as most of the usual options are squeezy bottles or tubes.

--Application--
As mentioned in the promotional materials, the number of layers you need to apply depends on the amount of protection you require - 1 layer for SPF20, 2 for SPF30 or 3 for SPF50. Just spritz over the body and rub in, waiting a few minutes between layers. Despite having to apply multiple layers for higher protection levels, I wouldn't say you run out of this any more quickly than conventional sunscreens, as the oil-based formula goes much further and wastage is minimal.

--Appearance--
An invisible oil which won't stain clothes and doesn't leave the white film of many commercial sunscreens.

--Scent--
A long-lasting, coconutty, sweet scent which is most pleasant.

--Texture and consistency--
Despite the high proportions of natural oils, this does not feel greasy at all and sinks into skin rapidly.

--Effects on the skin--
As well as effectively protecting even sensitive skins from the sun, it also moisturises well. Bonus!

--Value for money--
£18.95 for 200ml is concurrent with other high-end sunscreen ranges, such as those by P20, UltraSun, and Heliocare. Equally, it makes packing much more convenient if you don't have to carry 3 different sunscreens to the beach with you, as this does it all in one. I was sent one for free, but I'd still buy it. Good one, That'so!

perfect partners
All In One After Sun, £18.95
On The Go Clear, £18.95

Spa Technologies Vitamin C Mist

RRP: from £15

--What does the promo say?--
"An Isotonic Seawater Mist fortified with Hyaluronic Acid to attract and retain moisture to the skin and Antioxidants to restore lost minerals and vital elements. Use after cleansing or whenever skin needs refreshing."

--Packaging--
A chunky glass bottle with an eyecatching metallic blue band that looks sophisticated and modern while helping the brand name to stand out. I'm a fan of glass bottles - they are recyclable and help you to easily see how much is left. While this glass bottle is on the heavy side perhaps, this means it shouldn't shatter when travelling. The spray mechanism is good too and easily detachable from the bottle for recycling.

--Application--
Spray onto face directly after cleansing, or onto a cotton pad which you can then sweep over the face to pick up any excess dirt or makeup.

--Appearance--
A clear, watery liquid.

--Scent--
Slightly salty, but not overbearing. A natural scent that really evokes the sea.

--Texture and consistency--
The watery liquid goes on smoothly and leaves no visible or palpable residue.

--Effects on the skin--
As promised, it's immediately refreshing and keeps the skin hydrated. It also removes any excess dirt or makeup for optimum cleansing, meaning that you should see increased radiance, decreased dryness, and some overall improvement in skin condition, particularly thanks to the natural ingredients this contains.

--Value for money--
I was kindly sent the 30ml version by Spa Technologies, and while I loved it, I didn't find that this smaller bottle lasted as long as I was hoping, so when purchasing another bottle I would without doubt go for the better value 100ml bottle (which is only an additional £10). Natural, effective toners are hard to find, so this one definitely joins my skincare staples.

perfect partners
Vitamin C Moisturising Serum, £35
Revitalising Sea Cleanser, £25
Essential Kit, £59
Repair Kit, £101

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

Facetheory Sensitive Toning Mist

RRP: £7.50

--What does the promo say?--
"A toner that’s tailored for sensitive skin. Specially formulated for fussy skin, Sensitive Toner T2 gives you complete treatment and protection for your skin – without the irritation and redness. And while we’ve created a light formulation, we haven’t compromised on care. With aloe vera and grapefruit oil, it’s an antiseptic, decongestant and impressive anti-ager all in one."

--Packaging--
My sample took the form of a small pot with a screw-top lid, but the green and white spray bottle is appealing for targeted use with no wastage, as well as for the colour scheme's connotations of antiseptic healing. It's also a nicely unisex concept.

--Application--
Spray onto a cotton pad and wipe over cleansed skin. Easy as.

--Appearance--
A clear, watery liquid.

--Scent--
Citric without being bitter. A natural scent overall that combines the orange and grapefruit well.

--Texture and consistency--
A watery liquid with no visible particles or viscosity.

--Effects on the skin--
Removes any excess makeup that your cleanser didn't pick up, and calms and smooths skin too.

--Value for money--
Costs less than many other toners of the same quality (and sometimes even those of lesser quality!) and has positively calming effects on the skin thanks to its natural ingredients. Would purchase the full size product.

perfect partners
Clarifying Cleanser (C2), £9.50
Supergel Moisturiser (M3), £12.50
Ultraglide Makeup Primer (P1), £1.75
100% Organic Cotton Muslin Face Cloth, £1.50

Spa Technologies SPF45 Tinted Moisturiser

RRP: £35

--What does the promo say?--
"This silky-smooth Tinted Moisturiser protects delicate skin with fortified Antioxidants and reflects the sun’s harmful UVA and UVB rays with an SPF of 45. It is formulated with the added benefit of Mineral Makeup creating a flawless base and even skin tone."

--Packaging--
This convenient pump-action bottle is decorated with a double band of metallic blue, which helps to give the brand a clear identity. Blue is also an unusual packaging colour in the world of foundation and the glass bottle means that you can always see how much you have left - a definite bonus.

--Application--
After washing your face, apply over primer to commence your makeup routine. Add concealer and powder as necessary to complete your base before proceeding to other makeup.

--Appearance--
Is pale upon emerging from the bottle, but on the face provides no coverage whatsoever.

--Scent--
The cucumber extract comes through strongly, which is unusual and not at all unpleasant.

--Texture and consistency--
Smooth and creamy without weighing the skin down. It also doesn't add white streaks to your face like conventional sunscreen. In that respect it's the best sunscreen I've ever used, whether commercial or natural - it's like using a luxurious face cream rather than the traditional, medicinal 'creaming up' process before going into the sun.

--Effects on the skin--
Given the raft of natural antioxidant and sun-protecting ingredients present in this cream, I have no doubt that you could expect anti-ageing effects over time and that you would avoid sun damage as well. However, as a tinted moisturiser it does not fulfil the brief due to the non-existent coverage. However, I acknowledge that I have acneic skin, and so that this may not be suitable for my needs.

--Value for money--
If I were looking for a tinted moisturiser that offered me coverage as well as protection I would be sorely disappointed to pay £35 for this as it does not keep its promise of creating a "flawless base". However, it's the best sunscreen I've ever used - perfect for the delicate skin on the face, and natural too, with a beautiful consistency, that without doubt protects you from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Price-wise it competes well with other brands offering natural sunscreen such as BareMinerals, as well as luxury brands such as Obagi and Kiehl's. For this reason, I would definitely shell out my hard-earned for it.

perfect partners
Spot Mask Treatment, £35
Restore Kit, £80

Grahams Natural Shampoo and Conditioner

RRP: £11.99 each
 
--What does the promo say?--
"A gentle blend of organic and natural ingredients to relieve and protect a dry and sensitive scalp."

--Packaging--
The bright yellow and blue combination is bold, youthful, unisex and unique, meaning it would definitely stand out on the shelf.

--Usage--
Business as usual here: lather up the shampoo and massage through wet hair before rinsing out. Follow this by smoothing the conditioner through the roots and leave for a few minutes before washing it out. The usual amount required; a blob around the size of a 50p piece should suffice in each case.

--Appearance--
Both come out an unorthodox blue colour; no idea where this comes from. They foam whiter, though, and leave no visible residue.

--Texture and consistency--
As is normal, the conditioner doesn't lather as such, but just remains a blue, creamy, slightly pearlescent lotion. The shampoo foams up a bit into a slightly whiter concoction with some effort, but again, is a blue nacreous cream to start with. Both rinse out without difficulty.

--Scent--
Weirdly, slightly pepperminty or menthol-ish. Again, no idea where this originates. You can smell the coconut a bit if you sniff hard enough, which is good for those who aren't especial fans of the coconut scent.

--Effects on the hair--
Easily as effective as any commercial shampoo and conditioner, leaving hair softened, volumised and degreased. Scalp-wise, dry skin is definitely reduced and there is no irritation.

--Value for money--
Admittedly I balked at the price when I saw it online, but we perhaps shouldn't be so surprised: if we want quality results on our hair without the artificial ingredients, we surely need to pay for the care that goes into selecting authentic components. Commercial products are frequently so ludicrously cheap that we just aren't used to paying what things actually cost anymore. If by buying this you get good results without the chemicals, and kick dry and itchy scalps into touch too, then tant mieux. However, I think Grahams need to pimp the packaging if they want consumers to believe this is a high-end product that delivers equally good results. While this current packaging is unique and eye-catching, sophisticated it ain't. It's also significantly more expensive than, say, Lush's natural shampoo bars, which also deliver excellent results through natural ingredients, without the plasticated packaging. So while Grahams' hair products ultimately have a good basis, I'd say there's still a few tweaks to be made.

perfect partners
Grahams Natural Soap, £5.50
Grahams Natural Sooth-It Balm, £17.99
Grahams Natural Bath Oil, £14.50
Grahams Calendulis Plus Cream, from £13.95
Grahams Natural Kids Eczema Cream, £18.99