Sephora Luminiser

RRP: $22 or 9 euros 90
# of shades available: 4 (white, light rose, apricot, golden bronze)

Available at any Sephora branch in: France, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Italy, Greece, Poland, Spain and USA. This is the bad news. You won't be able to get this in the UK, not even online (well, perhaps on ebay...), so you may be best to save hunting for this until you're on holiday somewhere nice.



--What is it?--
This is basically Benefit High Beam at half the price. As well as being just as effective, Sephora's product also has a greater range than Benefit's equivalent - in the Benefit range, you only have white (Moon Beam) or pink (High Beam) available, whereas the Sephora luminiser provides you with a slightly yellower shade and with a bronzer in addition to the pink and the white.


--Packaging--
Comes in a small opaque glass bottle c. 7-8cm high including pump. The Sephora logo and name of the product appear on the front of the bottle in a black, no-frills font, with product information on the back. The pump is black and is covered by a clear lid.


--What does the promo say?--
"Go for the glow with these versatile luminizing liquids that can be mixed into your foundation or moisturizer for a sheer luminescence ranging from subtle to sun kissed. For a more intense shimmer, dab directly onto clean, moisturized skin."


--Application--
Pull off the lid and push down the pump until the liquid appears. Apply either to cheeks or all over your face using your fingers or a brush, over makeup or on bare face. The one thing I really don't like about applying this is the fact that the pump seems quite stiff - you can't just push it down a little bit for a small amount of liquid, you have to push it down the whole way, which I find produces a slight excess of liquid. Luckily this is not an over-excess and any leftover liquid can easily be got rid of by spreading it on your décolletage.



--Texture--
Slightly runny but still stable (i.e. it's not going to drip off your fingers before you have a chance to apply it to your face).



--Appearance--
While in the bottle it appears quite matte, the luminiser is in fact quite subtle on the face. Even though it contains small particles of glitter, you don't end up looking like an Abba reject.



--Longevity--
Excellent.



--Value for money--
Beyond compare. I was considering buying High Beam before I spotted this, and then I contented myself with quiet laughter that I hasn't spend double the money on what is essentially exactly the same product - just without the in-your-face packaging. Plus, a little seems to go quite a long way, so I can anticipate that my bottle will last the distance. Just watch yourself when using the pump.

Bourjois Little Round Pot Blush

RRP: £6.25

# of shades available: 12

--Packaging--

Very cute, pretty, girly, compact, convenient and great for travelling. The packaging colour matches the blusher shade you've chosen and has the Bourjois logo and shade name/number on the lid in silver or gold font. You just click the button on the front of the compact and pull the lid upwards to open. It comes with its own compact mirror and brush, and while the brush is never going to be of the highest standards, it is nice to have and certainly beats some of the other brushes that come with certain products *cough*L'Oréal*cough* The brush is also curved to work with the shape of the compact.

The only major gripe that I have with the packaging is that it's quite flimsy and the joint on the lid is not very strong at all. I can guarantee that no matter how careful you are with it (and I've had several of the Little Round Pot blushers and eyeshadows), it WILL break miles before you're finished with it. Happily, as the powder is compacted rather than loose, it won't go all over your makeup bag even then (though you might occasionally find little pink blotches on other makeup bottles and things).

The really clever thing that Bourjois does to make up for this, though, which I really do appreciate, is that the powder is domed rather than flat. This not only means they fit even more into the compact, but it also means the powder runs out evenly, rather than running out in the middle first, leaving you to scrape at the edges for the last traces of powder.

--What does the promo say?--

"Softer and more velvety thanks to a new pearl effect and a skilful blend of pigments. The baked texture is transformed on the skin into a light ultra-fine pressed powder, that is easy to apply and blends impeccably. One stroke of the brush reveals the irresistable aroma of rose scented powder. "


--Application--


Use the brush provided (or your own, it doesn't matter) to sweep small amounts of the blusher over your cheeks until you have achieved the desired effect.


--Texture--


Nice and smooth.



--Appearance--


It's really easy to go overboard with this, so watch it. You don't want to look like Krusty the Clown. Remember, just a little at a time - you can always add more but it's more difficult to take it back when you've done too much. Done right, though, the effect is very subtle and English-rose-esque.

--Longevity--


Excellent.



--Removal--


Easy to remove (I'm thinking this section is getting a little boring! My answer always seems to be the same. Maybe I just have a very good makeup remover...).



--Value for money--


Despite the feebleness of the packaging, I'd say excellent. I've had mine for over a year and it's still going strong.

Body Shop Peppermint Smoothing Pumice Foot Scrub

RRP: £5.00/100ml
(also available as part of the Feet Treat Petite, £10, which includes Peppermint Cooling Pumice Foot Scrub 15 ml, Peppermint Cooling Foot Lotion 60 ml, Peppermint Cooling Foot Spray 50 ml, Mini File A Foot and Foot Shaped Toe Dividers; and available also as part of the Feet Treat Complete, £16, which includes Peppermint Cooling Foot Lotion 125ml, Peppermint Cooling Pumice Foot Scrub 100ml, Peppermint Cooling Foot Spray 100ml, File A Foot & Footsie Roller)

--Packaging--
A round blue pot with a teal footprint design gracing the lid, with the Body Shop logo and all the info in white, easy-to-read font. Young, funky-looking design. Tells you everything you need to know on the lid.

--What does the promo say?--
"Cleanse and polish your tootsies pretty with this gel-based potion that feels great after a long walk."

--Application--
Scoop the scrub out of the pot with your fingers and apply to your feet. Massage into your feet using your hands or a pumice stone for as long as you want and wash off.

--Appearance--
Grey, sludgy, slightly jelly-like, looks like wet sand. You can see the pumice granules straight away.

--Scent--
You can smell the peppermint straight away. It's strong, but not overpowering.

--Texture--
Rough. And scrubby. But not painful. As you might expect from a scrub. It's exfoliating, smoothing and soothing.

--Lather--
Some, but not too much.

--Is it easy to wash off?--
Yes.

--How does it make your skin feel afterwards?--
Lovely and smooth. I only began using it a week ago and it's already made a huuuuuge difference to my dry, cracked heels (with everyday usage). I've been following it up with the Peppermint Cooling Lotion, also made by Body Shop, for even greater smoothness...

--Value for money--
I got my pot as part of the Feet Treat Petite set, and while I was initially a little disappointed with the runtiness of the pot, I wasn't counting on how fast acting it is, and now I would undoubtedly buy a full size pot (keeping the smaller pot, so that I can decant some of the stuff into it for travel!).

perfect partners (all from Body Shop):
foot file, £4.50
terracotta pumice, £3
peppermint cooling foot lotion, £8 for 250ml
peppermint cooling foot spray, £5 for 100ml
peppermint cooling foot soak, £7 for 200ml
peppermint cooling leg gel, £5 for 125ml
peppermint cooling foot rescue treatment, £9 for 100ml

Max Factor Colour Adapt

RRP: £11.95 for 30ml (ish)

# of shades available: 9, ranging from 'creamy ivory' to 'soft sable'.

I actually got my Max Factor Colour Adapt as part of a special promotion at Boots, so mine is only a sample size. I'll therefore comment on the full-size product as best I can, though please bear in mind that I have not yet tested the full-size product. My sample came in shade #70, Natural; there was no choice of colours.

--Packaging--

The product comes in packaging that has a similar colour scheme to other lines that are similarly priced (Olay comes to mind), with a tri-tone colour scheme of navy blue, white/cream/transparent and silver. The name of the product is written on the front of the pump-action bottle in a clear, delicate font in navy blue, as well as the Max Factor logo. The colours of the packaging are reminiscent of a working woman's twinset and pearls, suggesting that this product is perhaps not aimed at the younger woman.

--What does the promo say?--

" Don’t Mask Your True Colours. Match them.
Your skin isn’t the same colour all over so why use a foundation that is? Colour Adapt flatters and works with every shade of your face to create the most natural looking base ever. The secret? Clever colour adapting particles pick up and reflect the different pigments in your complexion to give a totally sheer look without masking your skin’s true radiance."

--Application--

Come on, we've all seen a pump-action bottle before. We all know how it works. Push the top of the pump down until enough of the product appears at its end. Apply to face using your desired method (fingers, brush, sponge...).

--Appearance--

While the product appears quite smooth and runny, like most other liquid foundations, when you look at it through the transparent parts of the packaging, when it comes out of the bottle it seems more mousse-like. While light, it doesn't slide off your finger when you're trying to apply it or off your face when it's on. When the product has been applied, it blends quite seamlessly into the skin, and if you have a shade that's a couple of shades above your usual choice (as I do), it has a sort of bronzer effect. (NB - please do not take this to read that when I, normally an English-rose type, wear this, I look like I've been Tangoed, as while I worried about this, my sister told me it made me look healthier and definitely NOT like I'd deliberately painted myself orange.)

--Texture--

Gorgeous. Light, fluffy (I'm aware that this is starting to sound like I'm applying cake to my face - as delicious a prospect as that would be, I hasten to remind you that this is a foundation and not in fact a cake of any description. Shame...) and blends fabulously well. This also works well with non-Max Factor concealers and powders.

--Coverage--

Not bad. No better or worse than any other foundation I've used in the past.

--How does it make your skin feel?--

Very smooth. I'm not sure if it has some kind of moisturising agent in it, but it feels like it does. There is no skin irritation.

--Longevity--

Again, not bad - there's no need to reapply throughout the day. However, I 'set' all of my makeup with powder, so there's no way to tell how it would react without powder.

--Removal--

Easy to remove.

--Value for money--

On the basis of how long my sample has lasted so far, I'd say it's pretty good. A little of this stuff goes quite a long way, which is always good - not only are you not pouring your money down the drain, you're also not going to look like you've caked it on with a trowel.

--Other comments--

While this foundation has a different texture to other foundations I've tried and can apparently also double up as a bronzer, I would need to try a shade that is closer to my skin tone before making any judgements on whether or not I would buy it again.

T-Zone Face Pore Strips

RRP: £4.99 for 6 strips

--Background--(from the T-Zone website)
"Product Category
Deep Cleansing

Product Type
Strips

What is it?
Face Strips

What does it do?
Sticks to blackheads, dirt and grease and lifts them clean away.
Removes the bacteria that can irritate the pores.
Clears pores to help prevent future break-outs.
Specially shaped to target chin and forehead pores.

Who is it for?
Anyone with oily, combination or spot prone skin who wants to target blackheads, open pores or impurities especially on the chin and forehead.

When do I use it?
Use once every 3 days to deep clean your pores.

How do I use it?
Wash your face with T-Zone Face Wash or Cleanser.
Wet the target area.
Peel off the backing paper and apply face strip to chin or forehead.
Ensure face strip is firmly pressed down onto the skin.
Leave for around 10 minutes until the strip is starting to dry then gently lift away the edges to remove strip from face.

Product to use with
Cleanse your face first with Clear Pore Gel Face Wash or Oil Control Foaming Face Wash or Clear Pore Anti-bacterial Cleanser - to remove grease, oil and bacteria that can cause spots before applying the Face Pore Strip. Follow with Oil Control Moisture Lotion - to restore the natural moisture levels to the skin."

Author's product rating: 2/5

How does it affect your skin? It is very gentle / nice

Does it dehydrate your skin? No

Value for money Poor

Advantages: Occasionally remove blackheads

Disadvantages: On the whole very disappointing

Recommend to potential buyers: no

As someone who's suffered from problem skin for c.10 years, I'm at the stage where I'll try anything to get rid of my spots (whether that's from my GP or over-the-counter). While my current medication from my GP has helped my skin on its way to being clearer, my blackheads were still refusing to budge, so I needed some pore strips. I was encouraged by T-Zone's claim on the box that it contained natural anti-bacterial ingredients, and I thought that even though it was a little pricey for what it was (£4.99 for 6 strips!), I couldn't come to much harm by giving it a try.

The company has a very distinctive brand image with its bright teal/turquoise and orange boxes. The brand itself has also been around for a while, so I suppose I trusted the brand. The colours are very fresh and positive, which helps with the company's overall image and fits well with their products.

The smell is not at all unpleasant - smells of tea tree and eucalyptus type smells.I soon discovered that for the size of the area I was treating, I could cut the pads in half and so make the box last double the time. The strips are stuck to pieces of plastic, and they won't gum up your scissors if you do want to shape the strips to your needs. So far, so good.

The strips are also very easy to apply: just wet the area concerned, peel the strip from the backing plastic, and stick it on your face. Leave until it goes hard (10-15 mins I guess), and then rip it off. The strip comes right off and isn't painful to remove - it's less painful than ripping off a plaster, for example - and it doesn't irritate or dehydrate the skin

Unfortunately, despite all these positive factors, the results are very variable. On my first couple of attempts, I could see the results on the strip that I'd just ripped from my face (i.e. it was pretty clear that the blackheads were no longer on my face!). Now, I don't know if my blackheads have built up a resistance to the product or something (stubborn little buggers), but now I rip the strip off and NOTHING HAPPENS. The blackheads are still on my face, exactly where they shouldn't be. I first noticed this on the last strips I used, so about halfway through the pack - and I've still got 2 out of the original 6 left. I was also surprised at the blackheads' speed at reoccurring, particularly since the T-Zone strips apparently contain tea tree, which is meant to prevent this.

I definitely won't be buying this again, and to be honest, I can't understand how T-Zone has managed to survive as a brand for so long if these minimal effects are what is usual for their products. They're pretty pricey for something that doesn't work and I just feel annoyed that I got duped into believing yet another acne treatment brand's empty promises.

(this review was originally published on Ciao)

Yves St Laurent Touche Eclat

RRP: £22.50

Shades available: 4

-- Packaging --
A somewhat chunky golden pen with a smooth shine and the YSL logo on it in understated black font. Black click button at one end, brush in the style of a pen nib at the other. Comes in a similarly styled cardboard box.

--What does the promo say?--
"An ultra-glamorous pen..Just two or three clicks to coat the brush, a makeup tool borrowed from the pros, ideal for applying and diffusing touches of light with absolute precision, with a texture that is ultra light, fine, impalpable, and literally becomes one with the skin. It blends with day cream, a makeup base, foundation or powder, making it ideal for touch-ups anytime, with no overload. It boasts a magical formula combining airy lightness, softness and light. Extremely light oils (volatile silicones) ensure quick, even application. A blend of moisturising, refreshing components provide a feeling of sublime softness on application and extreme comfort throughout the day. A micronised powder combined with crystalline and lamellar structured pigments allow the skin to react to light the way a prism does, giving the complexion new radiance. Their microscopic size ensures an ultra-fine, even film on the skin, and for touch-ups they blend with the pigments of makeup that's already been applied."

--Application --
Click the button at the end a few times until the product starts to appear at the end of the brush/pen nib thing. Apply directly to face.

-- Purpose --
The beauty of the Touche Eclat (and probably why it's become such a classic - it even has its own website, http://www.touche-eclat.com/) is that it seems to have multiple purposes. I use it as a concealer; others use it to brighten the complexion; others use it to disguise under-eye circles.

--Appearance--
On the pen, it appears slightly runny. On the face, it takes on the appearance of powder and it doesn't appear blotchy on the facial areas where it's been applied. It also works very well with any brand of foundation or powder - at present I'm using Max Factor foundation and L'Oréal powder with it.

-- Texture --
Blends into the skin beautifully. Feels powder-light.

--Coverage--
Pretty good, but it's probably more suited as a highlighter and as a dark-circles cover-up than it is for other blemishes such as acne.

--Longevity--
No need to reapply throughout the day.

--Removal--
Easy to remove.

--Value for money--
Frankly excellent - you're getting a very high-quality product that lasts a long time. If they ever stop making it I might cry.

Bobbi Brown Surf and Sand Eyeshadow Palette

RRP: £35.00
# of shades in the palette: 10

Packaging: a small black shiny plastic container, with the Bobbi Brown logo in silver on the lid and with all of the eyeshadows running into one another. The box is far smaller than it appears online (I bought mine on ebay): in actual fact its size is approximately 10cm x 4cm x 1cm (I say 'approximately' because I'm not currently in possession of a ruler, measuring tape, or any other measuring hooha). The size, while excellent for travelling, does give you a feeling of "but...but...it's so runty!! £35 for something this small?" However, there was also a pleasant surprise: on all the pictures you see, it looks like the eyeshadows are set flat into the box and all run into one another. While it's true that there aren't any gaps between the colours, each colour is slightly raised from the box in a sort of arch (kind of like a mini speed bump) so that you can easily just use the colour you want without blurring into other colours.

What does the promo say?: "A limited edition eye palette features eye shadow shades with pearlized pigments. The ten exclusive shades are sheer and shimmering visions of aqua, soft pink and beige."

Application: Same as any other eyeshadow: apply to the eyelid using a brush or your finger (wet or dry according to the effect you want).

Texture: Silky smooth and very fine. Doesn't irritate the eye in any way.

Appearance: In the box, perhaps because the box is black, the colours appear very bright. However, on the eyelid they become much more sheer and shimmery - if you want a more intense look, just wet the brush or your finger that you're going to apply the shadow with. Plus, they're just beautiful to look at. I knew I wanted it the second I saw it.

Longevity: Doesn't crease and you don't have to keep reapplying throughout the day.

Removal: Easy to remove (not that you'd want to!).

Value for money: I have to admit, this doesn't appear to be the most value-ful product. However, when you break it down, there are 10 colours in the palette, and so if you pay full whack, you're still only paying £3.50 a shade...now tell me, can you buy a regular Bobbi Brown mono eyeshadow for that? Methinks not. If you buy on ebay, you increase your value for money even further.

Other comments: This is just such a beautiful palette and I would recommend it to any makeup-lover, even if you wouldn't normally spend that much on eyeshadow (I balked at the price, believe me...I got it for £25 on ebay in the end but knowing it as I do now I would now happily pay full price for it, it is that amazing). There is the possibility that you're just buying into the brand name with this, but having looked at other eyeshadow palettes, I haven't found one more beautiful (the No7 @ Boots summer eyeshadow palette is an extremely poor comparison!). It's such a shame it's limited edition. I may have to buy another.

L'Oreal Paris True Match Powder

RRP: £6.99
Shades available: 5

--Packaging--
A circular plastic container with a silver and clear colour scheme, with two sections - the top one contains the powder, the bottom one contains a mirror and a circular sponge.

--What does the promo say?--
"This ultra-soft, light-textured powder perfectly matches the colour and texture of your skin for a flawless finish. The micro-fine formula lets you apply a translucent layer or build up more intense coverage to even your skin tone and cover imperfections flawlessly. It blends in so perfectly it is almost as if you are wearing no makeup."

--Application--
Pretty easy - just click open the bottom section of the container, take out the sponge, and then click open the top section. Swirl the sponge over the pressed powder and apply to your face, keeping the bottom section open so that you can use the mirror. Nothing complicated about that.

--Texture--
Smooth and fine without being brittle.

--Scent--
No noticeable scent.

--Appearance--
On the face, the powder doesn't sit on the skin and blends in well with your skin tone and any other makeup you may be wearing.

--How does it feel on the skin?--
Light and soft.

--Coverage--
Excellent, though I wouldn't use it alone - I'd always use it over concealer and foundation, but that perhaps says more about my skin than about the product itself.

--Longevity--
The powder doesn't need reapplication throughout the day and stays in place once applied.

--Removal--
Easy to remove.

--Does it do what it says it's going to?--
Amazingly, yes. I always doubt these products that promise a 'flawless finish', but this one does a pretty damn good job.

--Value for money--
Excellent, considering that the powder doesn't need applying throughout the day, meaning one container lasts a long time even if you wear makeup every day. The price is right too :)

Olay Total Effects 7x Mask

RRP: £25 for 5 masks

--Packaging--
In the usual Olay style - sophisticated gold and black colour scheme cardboard envelope, with the masks wrapped again in same style plastic sachets. Neither the envelope nor the sachets are difficult to open.

--What does the promo say?--
"Olay total effects 7x mask provides skin with an instant anti-aging boost in just 10 minutes. An innovative 'stretch 'n fit' moisturising cloth mask gently envelops facial contours to deliver anti-ageing care deep into the surface layers of the skin. Used weekly as part of a pampering routine skin is radiant and younger looking.
· High concentrations of VitaNiacin - Vitamin B3, Pro-Vitamin B5, Vitamin E infuse skin to help enhance the natural moisture barrier.
· Green Tea Extract gives anti-oxidant protection.
· Glycerin, Butylene Glycol and Humectants, leave skin feeling instantly moisturised, smoother and hydrated for up to 24 hours."

--Application--
Unlike most face masks, you don't really 'apply' this one as such. It doesn't come in a packet or a tub or a tube; it's not like a lotion that you have to smear on your face and then wash off, for it is actually a cloth mask, with holes cut out for your eyes, nose and mouth. You just open the sachet (carefully - the mask is pre-covered in lotion and I nearly sent a load of the lotion onto my bedroom floor), take out and unfold the mask, and put it on your face. Stretch it sideways so that it covers your whole face, and then leave for 10-15 mins. Go and lie down and listen to some relaxing music while the mask works its magic - you'll feel much better afterwards.

--Texture--
Both the mask and the lotion are smooth and cooling.

--Appearance--
Well, I have to say that even though you could probably walk around going about your daily business wearing this (as it stays on your face so well), I wouldn't exactly advise answering the door or anything while you're wearing it, as it's pretty scary-looking. Think about that medical mask that the woman wore in that famous picture that was all over the press after the London bombings - basically that's how it looks.

--Scent--
Floral and light - not overpowering or unpleasant at all.

--Removal--
The mask is extremely easy to remove - you just peel it off, dump it in the bin, and rub any excess lotion into your face and neck, as there's no need to wash it off. However, I felt that there was perhaps a little too much excess lotion, as it took quite a long time to soak into my skin.

--Effects--
I used the mask between 10.30 and 10.45 this morning, and it's now 16.40 - my skin still feels refreshed and somehow 'different'. My face also looks smoother than it did before using the mask, but I wouldn't expect these effects to last long.

--Value for money--
My face felt nice after using the mask, but at £25.00 for 5 masks I feel this is way too expensive - the effects weren't significant enough or long-lasting enough for me to consider buying these. They don't want you to buy the masks because they make your face feel nice - they want you to buy them because they're an allegedly effective anti-ageing product. I came by mine on the Olay website, where they were sending out 1-mask samples with a £3 off voucher for if you decide to buy any, and frankly this is the only way I would want to acquire them, as I think there are better face products out there for the money.

Revlon ColorStay 12 Hour Eyeshadow Quad

RRP: £7.99
No. of shades available: 14

--Packaging--
Lovely sleek black flip-top container with the Revlon logo on the front in white.

--What does the promo say?--
"Silky smooth, blendable powder shadow with SoftFlex® won’t crease or smudge, staying flawless and beautiful for up to 12 hours. Colour coordinated quads provide expert mix and match ability for your most gorgeous eyes ever."

--Application--
Each pack provides a double-ended eyeshadow sponge, which allows you to use one side of each sponge for each colour if you want to. Like it.

--Texture--
Powdery, but not too brittle, and nice and smooth on the eyelids.

--Appearance--
Mainly matte rather than shimmery.

--Longevity--
Doesn't come off until you want it to, and it doesn't crease.

--Ease of removal--
No difficulty removing the product.

--Value for money--
A bit on the expensive side, but a long way from being the most expensive product on the market and each quad seems to last quite a long time.

--Other comments--
A huge number of shades available, so there's something to suit everyone, and they all seem lovely - I have 3...
This also means you're able to pick something for every occasion, whether it's smoky eyes or something wilder.