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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!
RRP: £31
# of shades available: 8
--What does the promo say?--
"Composed of a custom blend of Pearl Powders rich in amino acids, Laura Mercier Mineral Pressed Powder offers a natural, buildable foundation for sheer to full coverage. With its creamy texture, the oil free, water-resistant formula adheres to skin for a colour-true finish all day."
--Packaging--
The square plastic compact looks elegant and sleek thanks to its minimalist black and silver design. The package in general, and specifically the click mechanism, seem robust, and the compact contains a goodly-sized mirror also. Unfortunately the applicator is a sponge (albeit generously-sized) rather than a brush (my own preference).
--Application--
The brand recommends that you use the sponge to continue layering the powder until the desired coverage is achieved. Easy enough, even if I do prefer a brush (see below as to why).
--Appearance--
I purchased the lightest shade - Tender Rose. Eight shades represents reasonable availability, although other high-end brands provide many more. Tender Rose works well for me, matching skin tone flawlessly and providing the requisite level of coverage. However, throughout the day it does appear to cake more on the skin, clumping together in patches, which means that it looks a little more uneven as the day goes on. This could, however, perhaps be remedied by applying with a brush instead of the supplied sponge.
--Scent--
Smells slightly nutty, which is a little surprising as none of the ingredients appear to indicate the presence of nuts. But it's not in the least unpleasant.
--Texture and consistency--
Very light on the skin on first application, and doesn't feel like it weighs the skin down throughout the day.
--Value for money--
Coverage is good until it starts to clump, and skin tone matching is equally promising. The ingredients promise to do the skin good, and one compact lasts a long time. All of these elements justify the price tag. My only complaint - as you can probably tell - is the sponge applicator. Use a brush instead - they are easier to clean and the powder will likely stay even throughout the day as a result.
perfect partners
Blending Brush, £32
Long Lash Mascara, £19.50
Hydrating Foundation Primer, £29
Second Skin Cheek Colour, £21.50
Kohl Eye Pencil, £19
Silk Creme Moisturising Photo Edition Foundation, £35
RRP: £8.99 for 72 lozenges
--What does the promo say?--
"The Breath Co. Mouth Wetting Lozenges are effective in eliminating bad breath including strong food odours such as garlic and onion, Morning Breath, and smoker's breath.Our mandarin mint lozenge is inteded to help relieve dry mouth symptoms when used as directed.Grab a few individually wrapped Lozenges to take on the go. Pop one after a meal or whenever your mouth tastes umpleasant or feels dry."
--Packaging--
The green and orange colour scheme is vibrant and different to other mints on the market. However, the box itself is quite large and wrapped in plastic. Equally, all of the lozenges are individually wrapped, which is great for convenience, but not for the environment. I like the recyclable nature of the box, but it could be made smaller (in the style of Ricola lozenges) and not packaged individually.
--Usage--
As mentioned in the promotional materials, suck or chew on one for instantly fresher breath. Do not take more than 7 per day, as they have laxative effects.
--Appearance--
A small, square, white mint which appears to leave no residue on the fingers or in the mouth. These are individually wrapped in clear plastic sachets.
--Scent--
The mint smell is evident before you even open the box. It is very strong, and as such may not be for everyone.
--Taste--
Again, mint dominates, but mandarin is detectable, again, giving the product a distinctive feature compared to other breath mints.
--Texture and consistency--
Soft enough to chew, but hard enough to suck, as per your preference. Not grainy or sticky.
--Longevity--
You'd be hard pushed to consume (or exceed) 7 of these a day as the flavour is strong and long-lasting without being overpowering.
--Value for money--
The strength of flavour leads to good value in this sense: if you were to consume 3 of these a day, a box would still last you nearly a month if you did this 7 days a week. As I'd probably normally consume 1 or 2, five days a week, a box would probably last me between 2 and 3 months. However, at 12p per lozenge, there are still many cheaper alternatives on the market, even if these lack the scientific additions of zinc (for bad breath busting) and paracress (for mouth moistening purposes). It really depends what your priorities are, and whether or not these could also be met by the range's mouthwash, chewing gum and toothpaste. Nevertheless, this still makes for a convenient and effective option at a price that is not unachievable - particularly for those with severe halitosis.
perfect partners
Chewing Gum, £4 for 10 pieces
Oral Rinse, £13.99 for 500ml
Toothpaste, £8.99 for 75ml
RRP: £35
--What does the promo say?--
"This water, enriched with Damask rose hydrosol, infused with nasturtium and a blend of nine traditional plants and flowers, is also bursting with the vitamins, minerals, and moisturizers skin needs, preparing your face for the next skincare step it so deserves."
--Packaging--
My sample was in a small white tube with the classic black diptyque logo, but the full-size version appears to come in a transparent bottle, which I always prefer as I like to see how much product I have left. Equally, the pump-action mechanism is better for ensuring minimum wastage.
--Application--
Mix with the Radiance Boosting Powder for a perfect cleansing paste, or pump onto a cotton pad for toning post-cleansing. The diptyque website also says you can use it to rinse off your cleanser instead of water, but this seems a bit extravagant to me.
--Appearance--
It appears orange in the bottle, but I didn't actually notice it having any particular colour during usage - either on the cotton pad or on the face. No visible residue remains, at any rate.
--Scent--
Perhaps the rose is most dominant of all the lovely things it contains, but it's nicely balanced with the orange to create a scent that's still bright as well as floral.
--Texture and consistency--
Light, non-grainy, and non-irritating.
--Effects on the skin--
Cleanses effectively in conjunction with the radiance boosting powder or alone after washing your face. Skin feels smooth and moisturised after use, before you've even touched the diptyque moisturiser itself.
--Value for money--
Expensive, but worth it - especially as part of the deluxe face care gift set. Packed full of goodness to improve your skin while simultaneously being a luxurious, fragrant delight. Simply divine.
perfect partners (click the links for reviews!)
Radiance Boosting Powder, £38
Protective Moisturising Lotion, £44
Deluxe Face Care Gift Set, £48
RRP: £38 for 40g
--What does the promo say?--
"Natural white clay powder, which purifies and remineralizes skin, is combined with powdered rose, jasmine, and neroli petals to hydrate. With a splash of water, Radiance Boosting Powder turns into a creamy lather that leaves skin clean and clear, ready for the next steps in your skincare ritual."
--Packaging--
My sample from Diptyque's PR arrived in a convenient travel sachet, whereas the full-size version appears to come in a bottle, which seems a little bizarre but will hopefully minimise wastage compared to, say, a pot with a wide opening. The black and white colour scheme is minimalist and unisex, and the botanical logo is both beautiful and informative, summing up the diptyque philosophy inherent in its plant-based products.
--Application--
Place approximately half a teaspoon into your cupped palm and rub in enough toner (diptyque's, or your own preference) to make a paste that's thick enough to massage into your skin. This can be left on for a while and used as a mask, or wiped off immediately with a wet flannel. This was fun to do and surprisingly efficient - no powder all over your bathroom :)
--Appearance--
The white powder becomes a slightly grainy paste when mixed with fluid, but leaves no visible residue on the skin.
--Scent--
Despite the essential oils of orange, neroli and jasmine, the clay itself was the overriding scent.
--Texture and consistency--
The powder gels into a spreadable paste easily upon contact with liquid and does not go runny and insipid easily. As mentioned, this has a slightly exfoliating effect, but is non-irritating and is easily rinsed off.
--Effects on the skin--
Skin appears calmed and more matte while simultaneously increasing in radiance. The use of salicylic acid in the product also meant I saw an improvement in my acne while using it - win :)
--Value for money--
While expensive, it remains an affordable luxury - particularly given that a mere two grams of this product lasted me around a week, and probably would have lasted even longer if I'd tried hard (I was not sparing with the powder!). This means the 40g in the bottle would last 20 weeks minimum (around 5 months) if used every day. It's an extremely high quality product which gave me rapid results, mattifying my skin and just generally making it less red and angry. Would recommend.
perfect partners (click for reviews!)
Infused Facial Water, £35
Protective Moisturising Lotion, £44
Deluxe Face Care Gift Set, £48
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
