Kiss My Face Organic Breakout Botanical Acne Gel

RRP: £9.44 for 1oz

--What does the promo say?--
"Diminish and control skin breakouts, redness, and inflammation with this therapeutic tea tree extract formula which controls the production of sebaceous oils, disinfects, and neutralizes bacteria. Cool, fresh, organic mint soothes and stimulates skin.

GOOD FOR YOU BECAUSE...
Tea Tree Oil: controls production of sebaceous oils, disinfects,
and neutralizes bacteria
Mint: soothes and stimulates skin
Lemon Balm: calming, soothing and balancing

INGREDIENTS:
Certified Organic Floral Water of Peppermint*, Lavender*, Rosemary*, Sage*, Steam Distilled Water, Infusion of Certified Organic Herbs of Red Clover*, Golden Seal*, Juniper Berries* & Lemon Balm*, Certified Organic Aloe Vera**, Witch Hazel, Peppermint Oil, Xanthan Gum, Tea Tree Oil, Chamomile Oil, Camphor Oil, Bergamot Oil.
*Certified by Quality Assurance International
**Oregon Tilth Certified Organic

This product contains no animal ingredients, artificial colors, or unnecessary chemicals and was not tested on animals."

--Packaging--
While the packaging is a pretty green colour and very much in keeping with what I would expect of both the brand and the product, I was a little concerned from the outset: Kiss My Face's biggest competitor in terms of natural, environmentally friendly brand is easily Lush, a company that makes a big thing out of its minimal packaging (i.e. they have none, and when they do use it, it's either reusable, like their tins, or recyclable, like their paper bags). Kiss My Face's packaging seemed to be made of unfriendly, unrecyclable packaging. However, after some sleuthing, a KMF representative told me that all of the packaging is in fact recyclable, and that KMF is doing all it can to reduce unnecessary stuff, such as the how-to leaflets, instead directing customers to the website instead. Good stuff.

--Application--
Flip open the lid, squeeze the tube VERY lightly and apply the gel to your face using your fingers. However, I'd say that the application time is lengthened by the gel taking so long to dry - a full five minutes is quite a long time compared to other similar gels on the market.

--Appearance--
The gel is a pale translucent green colour, but rubs in clear.

--Consistency/texture--
It's really runny, which is really irritating as it tends to spill out of the tube and through your fingers really quickly. It's not only this that leads to wastage - the fact that the gel is so runny also means that often more comes out than you need or would want at a time, which is a shame.

--Scent--
The peppermint smell comes through strongly - a nice change when as someone with acneic skin you spend a lot of time using tea tree products.

--Effect on the skin--
No different to my usual Clinique or Superdrug - however, this is a good thing, as I'd rather be using things on my skin that are as natural as possible, so if it's of as good a quality then I'm happy with that.

--Value for money--
Pretty good - one tube lasts ages and the gel itself is effective.

--Other comments--
While I love that this is organic and that it works just as well as my Clinique, I really can't stand how runny it is. I would really want them to reformulate this before I could buy it again and be happy with it.

perfect partner
Pore Shrink Organic Deep Pore Cleansing Mask, £7.34

Vichy Capital Soleil Protective Cream for the Face

RRP: £13 from www.garden.co.uk
SPF: 30 (others available)

--What does the promo say?--
"Protective Cream for face and particularly exposed areas. SPF 30 Cream. Contains Mexoryl XL. High coverage technology. Vichy thermal spa water. Preservative-free. Prevents sun-induced skin damage. Fights onset of pigment patches. Moisturizing. Matt result. For fair and sensitive skin in less intense sunlight and for dark skin at the start of a holiday. Photostable. Hypoallergenic. Water-resistant. 50 ml tube."

--Packaging--
Uses a white and orange colour scheme, though this isn't really distinctive from other similarly-priced suncare brands' colour schemes, such as Dermalogica's suncare range. The tube itself is a plastic flip top and doesn't leak.

--Application--
Squeeze a pea-sized amount of sunblock from the tube, and rub gently into the skin, either on its own or mixed with your usual moisturiser.

--Scent--
It smells lovely. Not that traditional coconutty smell, but still slightly sweet and yet sophisticated. I'll think on a better description.

--Texture/consistency--
To my delight, unlike most sunscreens designed for the face, this isn't greasy in the slightest. It absorbs quickly and well, and isn't too lumpy or runny.

--Appearance--
No residue is left on the face, and the cream itself is almost perfectly white.

--Longevity--
You only need to apply this once all day long (perhaps twice in very hot climates), and it protects brilliantly against the sun. You won't see even a hint of sunburn with this. I have very fair skin, so this is important to me, and it completely achieves its aims.

--Value for money--
This is an extremely fair price for what is arguably the best facial sun cream on the market. Go out and buy it now - it comes in higher and lower SPFs too, so there's bound to be one to suit your needs.

perfect partners
Vichy Self-Tan Wipes for Fair Skin, £1.50
Vichy After-Sun Milk Gel, £10
Vichy Capital Soleil Ultra Fluid SPF50, £13.50

Aveda Caribbean Therapy Bath Soak

RRP: £20 for 250ml

--What does the promo say?--
"A special blend of moisturizing oils and warm island aromas creates a milky oasis that blooms in your bath—nurturing and revitalizing stressed skin and senses. Nourishing oils condition and soften skin while you soak; Caribbean mango and cocoa butters hydrate the skin, sealing in moisture; and aromas of Caribbean lime, amyris, bay leaf and vetiver rejuvenate body and spirit."

--Packaging--
The distinctive Aveda logo lies against their trademark creamy beige bottle, with the Caribbean Therapy logo and design taking on a green and maroon colour scheme that matches the Aveda colours well. Easy to open and close, and doesn't leak in transit.

--Usage--
"Pour 4-6 capfuls under warm running water in the bath. Follow with Caribbean Therapy™ Body Creme."

--Lather--
This is a bath oil and is not intended to lather.

--Appearance--
This bath soak turns the water a milky white, which is quite exotic and relaxing. There is no visible residue left over on the skin.

--Scent--
All the different scents fuse really well and definitely evoke the Caribbean. However, they are also all discernible alone too, and it's worth pointing out that this is a more musky scent - not sweet or coconutty at all.

--Longevity of effects on the skin--
Sadly, the scent doesn't really linger, but it does make your skin uber-soft.

--Value for money--
I adore the scent of this, but would probably be more inclined to try another product or products from the range, on the grounds that a) You seem to need to use a fair amount each time (I think 4-6 capfuls is a lot, personally), and b) The scent doesn't really linger for as long as I'd like. Definitely a great bath experience, though, and I'd love to try other Caribbean Therapy products.

perfect partners
Aveda Caribbean Therapy Soy Wax Candle, £22 (275g)
Aveda Caribbean Therapy Body Creme, £23 (200ml)
* also available: Flower Water, Body Cleanser, Body Scrub, and Bath Bar, ranging from £12 to £25

No7 Instant Radiance Foundation

RRP: £13.75
no. of shades available: 6

--What does the promo say?--
"Brighter, glowing skin...
If the dark days of winter aren't going away fast enough, your skin might need a little pick-me-up. Introducing No7 Instant Radiance Brush Foundation - a unique energising complex with vitamins C and E to help protect and revitalise dull-looking skin. The silky moisturising formula has light reflecting particles that boost your skin's appearance, making it look luminous and naturally flawless. Plus the clever brush pack helps your achieve make-up artist results, everyday. SPF 15. Hypo-allergenic."

--Packaging--
I don't pretend to be an expert on this site - I'm still learning all the time and still make mistakes, and I made one here, by not asking to see the packaging before I bought (it was boxed). Even looking at this, I got the impression I'd got bad value for money, as half the pack size is taken up by the brush mechanism, with the bit containing the foundation being pitifully small. It's a nice looking thing, sure, and it's easy enough to operate, but when you're disappointed by a thing before you even use it, that can't be good news.

--Application--
Pull off the lid, twist the brush to the clearly marked 'on' position, and gently squeeze the tube before wiping directly onto the face or wiping the excess onto your hand and working from there. Upward strokes are best when applying foundation with a brush as it gives the most even and natural finish, using a little foundation at a time.

--Texture/consistency--
Pretty good, but I prefer my foundation a little creamier.

--Appearance--
Despite having the palest shade available, I wouldn't want to wear this foundation in the winter. It's fine as I have a slight tan at the moment, and in summer it looks more acceptable to have a slightly more tanned foundation, but in the winter I might look a bit odd wearing this. It does give you that dewy, wide-awake look though, so I can't argue with that side of things.

--Longevity--
Not perfect, but not awful. Average.

--Coverage--
Very good, although by evening you may need to touch up, and when you apply it it certainly does deliver on its promise of flawlessness.

--Value for money--
Shockingly bad. I would buy my normal No7 or Rimmel over this any day (even though this does contain an SPF, which many foundations don't). It's overpackaged and the effects are no different to using a foundation brush normally. You may as well buy a decent foundation that actually IS full-size (rather than giving the illusion of being so. The picture on the Boots website is extremely misleading - actually go into a shop and look), and a separate foundation brush to go with it.

perfect partner
No7 Instant Radiance Concealer, £12

Boots Deep Moisturising Foot Cream

RRP: £3.86 for 100ml pot

--What does the promo say?--
"A soothing, medicated and antiseptic foot cream with natural extracts of mint, lavender and marshmallow to nourish and soften hard dry skin. Suitable for all skin types. Lanolin free."

--Packaging--
A slightly-smaller-than-palm-size glass pot, which allows you to see the green lotion within. Simple green label detailing the key ingredients and with a clearly-placed Boots logo. White plastic screw-top lid. It's a bit big to take in your hand baggage on holiday, but it would be easy enough to decant out what you need. If you did want to take it on holiday, the lid closes securely and there are no problems with leakage.

--Application--
Slather onto dry feet and rub in thoroughly. Wear moisturising socks to make absorption more effective if desired. Unfortunately the cream does not absorb really quickly as compared to its Body Shop and Efasit competitors.

--Appearance--
A pale mint green colour that perfectly matches the label and evokes the key ingredients. Nicely done. On the feet there is no visible residue.

--Scent--
The lavender and mint combine really nicely to create a unique fusion scent, although both scents are discernible separately if you concentrate hard enough. It's a little disappointing that the sweetness of the marshmallow isn't really detectable, but I suspect it's more there for softness and smoothness than for the scent, which is fair enough.

--Texture--
A bit too runny for me really, although not to the point of unmanageability. I think it's because of its runniness that it doesn't absorb too well, which is a bit of a shame. I also found it slightly greasy to rub in.

--How does your skin feel afterwards?--
Even with the help of moisturising socks, I wouldn't say it's as effective as creams I've used in the past. It does moisturise feet a little bit, but there just isn't the wow factor and repeated applications are definitely needed more than with the other creams I've used.

--Longevity--
No/few noticeable long-term effects.

--Does it do what it says it will?--
While it does smooth out hard skin, the effects are so short-term that the repeated applications hardly seem worth it. The addition of marshmallow also puzzles me: why put it in there if it will have no effect? According to wikipedia (the fount of all knowledge, of course), mint and lavender have proven antiseptic and medicinal qualities, while marshmallow has none. So is it just to seduce customers with images of softness and bounciness? Who knows? However, as promised, this product contains no lanolin, making this product suitable for vegetarians and vegans.

--Value for money--
While you can't argue with the price, it's no good to have a product at a lower price if it doesn't stand up to its competitors. Sorry Boots.

Jillian Dempsey Lash Pro Mascara for Avon

RRP: £8
no. of shades: 2

--What does the promo say?--
"Maximise the full potenial of every lash with a macro brush at one end, and a micro brush at the other for smaller lashes in the corners and lower lashes."

--Packaging--
It's a good-looking thing, it's got to be said. The contrast between the dark tube and the silver writing is nice and the cursive writing of the Jillian Dempsey logo really helps it to stand out from the rest of the mascara market (as if the fact that it's double-wanded isn't enough! I don't think I've ever seen this feature in a high-street mascara). The wands are clearly marked as to which one is the normal size and which one is the mini size, and it's easy to operate.

--Application--
The middle part of the mascara's three-part outfit holds the two wands. Work out which end you want to use first (maxi or mini) and twist the middle part AWAY from your selected end. Probably best to start with the normal wand and then finish up with the mini wand to keep everything nicely in proportion. Despite its truly minuscule size, the mini wand is easy to use and really does reach into those corners satisfactorily.

--Appearance--
Really excellent as it definitely allows for more definition and finer detail. Clumps are minimal. However, it doesn't really lengthen or curl the lashes very much and so for that I would choose Avon's Daring Curves, which is of a similar price.

--Texture--
Smooth with no clots and really separates the lashes nicely. Not clumpy or runny.

--Longevity--
Almost lasts too long as it is slightly difficult to remove.

--Value for money--
Definitely stands up to its high street competitors, especially when on offer (as it is now, for £5 instead of the usual £8). You should go for this if it's definition you're after, but if you want lengthening or curling, choose another mascara. Does what it says it will do and is a really high quality product at a reasonable price, with the added bonus of a famous name in collaboration with the Avon brand.

perfect partners
Jillian Dempsey for Avon Professional Kohl Eyeliner, £5

Hugo Boss Femme

RRP: £25.75 for 50ml from Fragrance Direct
£26.95 for 75ml from Fragrance Direct

--What does the promo say?--
"Boss Femme, the new interpretation of femininity, is a floral sheer oriental fragrance that represents ultra feminine beauty. Complementary ingredients form a radiant cloud of sophisticated femininity. The fresh citrus Tangerine note lifts the emotions, preparing the senses for the floral bouquet."

--Packaging--
Comes in a lovely square pink cardboard box with silver embellishments, the cursive feminine script of the perfume's name contrasting nicely with the stockier Boss logo. The bottle itself is a thing of beauty that looks really pretty on the dressing table. It's 8-10cm tall, and about 6 or 7cm in diameter, with a clear lid (plastic, but it certainly looks like glass) and bottle (glass this time), revealing the pink perfume within. The top of the lid is flat, but where the lid and bottle meet, the bottle and lid are both cut curved rather than flat, making the bottle look really new and different. The 'femme' logo embossed onto the curved edge of the bottle is also a really nice touch. The lid comes off easily and is equally easy to click back on, with there therefore being no risk of spillage. The bottle is a spray mechanism, as many modern perfumes are: in this age of travel and convenience, I think many perfume companies are seeing the error of bottle designs that aren't conducive to this. It is slightly heavier than many other perfume bottles, though, but other than that, so far, so good.

--Application--
Remove the lid. Spritz.

--Scent--
As promised, it's sophisticated and floral, with a slightly Oriental feel to it. However, I really couldn't pick up the tangerine notes at all, and I perhaps wouldn't have been able to put my finger on the Oriental-ness if I'd not read the promotional material. Perhaps they need to inject an Oriental flavour into their advertising slightly?

--Longevity--
Really disappointing. A shame, as it's a lovely scent. If you'd paid full price for this you'd probably be feeling slightly ripped off as you have to reapply it every couple of hours.

--Value for money--
Pretty good if you buy from Fragrance Direct or any similarly reputable discount fragrance store. However, I don't think it's worth the RRP and wouldn't want to pay more than about £25 for a bottle.

perfect partners
Hugo Boss Femme Perfumed Bath and Shower Gel, £14.95/200ml (Fragrance Direct)
Hugo Boss Femme Deodorant Spray, £14.95/150ml (Fragrance Direct)

Rimmel Lasting Finish Foundation

RRP: £4.99 for 30ml
no. of shades available: 11

--What does the promo say?--
"Unique ColourHold TM formula: pigments are surrounded by a protective and transfer-resistant film. No tight feeling. No mask effect. But the comfort of a lightweight formula which lets the skin breathe. Untouched beauty all day! Leaves skin soft, supple & hydrated. For a natural and smooth coverage that does not clog pores."

--Packaging--
Small and perfectly formed. It's a tube made from hard plastic with a very sexy curve to the shape. It's light and fits well in the hand, with the tube and lid matching the colour of the foundation itself, although the lid is slightly shinier. The bottle is quite flat, and can be stood on its base as well as being laid down. The writing on the bottle is an unusual maroon/burgundy colour: this really helps the bottle to stand out in a market where most of the writing on tubes and bottles is white, black, or metallic. All the essential information such as product name, brand name and shade are on the front of the tube, with ingredients on the back. Looks good. The lid is also easy to open and close, and makes a satisfying click noise as you do so too. It's a great size for travelling and the secure lid means spillages aren't an issue.

--Application--
Twist open the lid until you hear it click, and then pull off. Squeeze a little of the foundation onto your fingertips, or onto the back of your hand if you're going to use a brush, and apply as normal. Very easy and not at all out of the ordinary.

--Texture/consistency--
On the face it feels perfectly smooth. However, in its initial form I'd say it's too runny for my liking, although not ridiculously so.

--Appearance--
Excellent natural appearance and the shade chosen adapts well to the skintone. The range of shades available is impressive for the price, too. You could probably also skip powder after applying this, and perhaps even concealer on a good day, and yet it doesn't claim to be an all-in-one product. Bonus.

--Longevity--
Really excellent. No faults here.

--Coverage--
Again, really really good, especially if you've applied it with a brush. If you have any really awful spots you may need to retouch, but otherwise it's of a really good standard.

--Value for money--
All this for £5, which I think is fantastic. I'd definitely consider trading in my No7 for it, even if the consistency isn't as I'd want.

perfect partners
Rimmel Stay Matte Pressed Powder
Rimmel Clear Complexion Cover Stick

Nivea Repair and Protection Lipcare

RRP: £2.49 for 4.8g

--What does the promo say?--
"NIVEA Lip Care Repair & Protection provides effective care and protection for dry, chapped lips. The soothing formula with skin conditioning panthenol, calming bisabolol, protective vitamin E and UV filters helps prevent dryness and chapped lips."

--Packaging--
Very in keeping with the Nivea brand and easily identifiable as part of a set when compared to the other Nivea lip care types. As well as the trademark Nivea logo, the product information appears on the pale mint-green lid in white, to match the white twisty base. All of the products in the range have this design along with their own pastel colour for the lid. It's distinctive, and of a good portable size too, measuring about 8cm in length.

--Application--
As normal - pull off the lid, smear lightly onto the lips.

--Appearance--
On the lips it resembles Vaseline - sheer but not shiny. The stick itself is yellower than Vaseline, but has the same degree of shine.

--Texture--
Smooth, but not too slidy or sticky.

--Scent--
Slightly of vanilla, though sadly there is no taste.

--Longevity--
Not great - unlike the Body Shop's lip balms, you have to reapply this frequently.

--Value for money--
You certainly can't argue with the low price, especially since it definitely banishes dry skin. However, the frequency of reapplication that's needed lets it down slightly, and it's not in any way luxurious. It's definitely a good everyday product, but if you want something with a little more wow-factor, push your price range up a bit and go for Body Shop.

coming soon...

reviews on:
Nivea Repair and Protection Lip Care (done!)
Boots Deep Moisturising Foot Cream (done!)
Jillian Dempsey Lash Pro Mascara for Avon (done!)
No7 Instant Radiance Brush Foundation (done!)
Hugo Boss Femme (done!)
Bulgari Omnia Crystalline (done!)
Kiss My Face Organic Blemish Gel (done!)
Lush Fresh Farmacy cleanser
Bath and Body Works Cherry Blossom perfume (done!)
Bath and Body Works Cherry Blossom shower gel
No7 Skin Spritz

aaaaaaaaaaand
my top products August 2007-8, from top to toe!