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RRP: £4.99
--What does the promo say?--
"New Rockface Face & Body Scrub might not be made from rock, but it
does in fact contain a substance more durable than rock - a blend of
crushed walnut shells and ground rice to produce this unique
multitasking scrub - fine enough to exfoliate your face and rough enough
to exfoliate your body."
--Packaging--
Easy to open and close even in a wet shower, and the mountain range design is a different look to other men's products.
--Application--
Use is facilitated by the fact that not much product is needed, as well as the fact that a good lather is created in the shower. Just squeeze out a small amount of product onto wet skin and you're away. Rinse after use.
--Appearance--
Translucent green with visible brown particles, with no residue left on the skin after use. Lather is white.
--Scent--
Quite masculine, but a bit cheap. Not displeasing, and slightly menthol-ish, but it's difficult to specifically identify the smell or know where it comes from based on the ingredients.
--Texture and consistency--
Quite a strong, satisfying scrub thanks to the walnut and rice the product contains. It works well on face and body, although people with more sensitive skin may find it too harsh for the face.
--Effect on the skin--
Skin is smooth and strokeable after use thanks to the jojoba as well as the exfoliating elements, with daily use not being required to maintain this effect.
--Value for money--
A fair price for what this is, and you get positive effects on the skin for the price paid. However, this would seem to corroborate the slightly superficial scent of the product, so those who normally use more expensive products may notice a difference in terms of usage experience.
perfect partners
Shave Butter, £4.99
Shave Gel, £4.25
Post-Shave Balm, £4.99
Shower Wash, £3.73
All-Weather Moisturiser, £5.49
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Whether your summer plans include hitting the beach, showing up in
the hottest clubs in town, or just hoping to impress the buff bloke you saw at the gym, everyone’s hoping to look their best during the
summer months. The sun is out, and everyone’s ready to have some fun
after a long winter. Of course you don't want to look or feel dull or drab - and everyone knows how important it is to have a choice of colours in order to achieve this. It's natural, then, to want to take your complete makeup collection with you on a break, especially if you're going away for more than two weeks - because even though you’ve never
worn that exact shade of pink lipstick, it might actually go
perfectly with your new bikini.
But just how are you going to haul all of those essential items by
plane, train or car? You could choose a soft, cushioned
makeup case. However, while it is cushioned, it has no divided compartments, which means your makeup will
probably get jumbled together. You could choose a tie and
roll case. Though this option could possibly be easy to throw into
your suitcase, it doesn’t allow you to take much along with you.
And, if you're like me, you’ve got lots of makeup! You
could potentially go with the age-old ‘throw it into a plastic baggy’
route; however, we all
know that your favourite products are just very likely to get broken or lost
this way.
What you need is not just any makeup case. Those at The LA Shop or The Salon Outlet are ideally designed for long trips. Their train cases are actually fold up boxes with separate compartments for
your different makeup items. You have a large section in the
bottom for bulky bottles and tubes and smaller trays close to the
top for lipsticks, eye shadows and also other small items. Durable and affordable, they're the perfect way to travel in style. Now you're ready :)
RRP: £18
--What does the promo say?--
"Often, makeup can become a hassle when you have to switch between
lots of different colors. But not anymore! With Colour Switch Duo, any
makeup artist can easily switch between colours. The duo is aptly named
for two functions:
- First is the colour removal. Simply stroke the eye-shadow
brush with the duo sponge to remove the current colour and quickly start
using the next one.
- The second is application of wet makeup. The duo comes with a
special sponge in the centre which can help apply wet makeup for a
fantastic and appealing look.
All in all, this product is a blessing for any makeup artist or makeup lover."
--Packaging--
The purple and silver tin is feminine, modern and attractive. Equally, not many beauty products come in tins, so this gives the product a new and different edge. The lid comes off easily when you want it to, but closes securely when you don't. The fact that it's a tin also makes it hard-wearing, so no worries about carting it around in your handbag, as it won't break or split in the same way as plastic packaging.
--Usage--
As mentioned in the promotional materials, this is really easy to use. Rub your eyeshadow brush against the black sponge in order to 'clean' it, so that you can switch between colours. The usage of the central sponge is perhaps less obvious, but the upshot of it is that you can easily soak it so as to apply or retouch makeup on the go, to correct errors or to create a more vibrant makeup look.
--Appearance and texture--
The black outer sponge is coarse and wiry, whereas the white inner sponge for wet-look makeup is finer in texture.
--Efficacy--
I was actually amazed at how cleanly and quickly the old eyeshadow was taken off the brush so that I could change eyeshadow colour. Perfect for doing makeup on the commute!
--Value for money--
Even though refills are available, I don't think you'd need them for the outer sponge, especially as you could easily clean it yourself. Equally, if you leave the tin open so that the central sponge can dry out after use, there'd be no reason to replace this one due to bacterial growth. This is a good thing, as £18 for this product is not cheap (luckily, mine was sent to me for free by one of Vera Mona's main UK stockists, BeautyStore4U). It seems hard-wearing and is definitely useful, but I was still expecting it to cost less. Nevertheless, it would definitely make a handy gift for yourself or others - perfect for the makeup lover who already has everything.
perfect partners
Colour Switch Duo Refill, £5.95
Colour Switch Mini Refills, £4.95 for 6
Acne is sadly a common problem - not just for teens but also for adults. In this modern world of ours, it's difficult to know what causes it. Hormones? Diet? Pollution? Skincare routines? Something else? My own skin story is here; the latest evolution of this saga has been a visit to a dermatologist, where they've suggested Roaccutane, and I'm considering whether or not to go through with it.
Luckily, this handy infographic from Advanced Dermatology can help to break down symptoms and possible treatments. Maybe it could help some of you - so I've agreed to post it here. Feel free to let me know your experiences and views in the comments!
RRP: £1.25/250ml
--What does the promo say?--
"We've selected and combined natural ingredients with our feel good
fragrance to create this nurturing blend. Your Nourish shower cream,
with shea butter and ginger, will leave you feeling confident and ready
to take on the day."
--Packaging--
The opaque plastic bottle is an ergonomically pleasing shape, meaning it's not only attractive aesthetically but is also less likely to slip out of your hand in the shower. Plus, the flip-top lid is easy to open, closes securely, and doesn't seem to promote leakage. The red plant design is also eye-catching against the shower cream's pale orange colour.
--Application--
Rub into wet skin while under the shower, and then rinse off. Simples, as they say.
--Appearance--
The pale orange cream becomes a luxurious white lather that doesn't leave any visible residue on the skin.
--Scent--
You have to sniff hard for the ginger, but it is there - so great for those that don't like the smell of ginger to be too overpowering. It also tempers the shea butter, meaning that it, too, is not overwhelmingly chocolatey.
--Texture and consistency--
Builds up to a silky lather without being sticky, runny or irritating.
--Effects on the skin--
Has a softening effect that lasts all day. Not bad for £1.25!
--Value for money--
Excellent. An inexpensive treat. Even though mine was free from Radox's PR, I would definitely recommend this to others and purchase a further bottle for myself.
perfect partners
Nourish Liquid Handwash, £1.90/300ml
Nourish Herbal Bath, £1.25/500ml
RRP: £22.95/145ml
--What does the promo say?--
"Cleansing Milk gently removes dirt and make-up prior to cleansing with
Cleansing Cream. For sensitive skin, Cleansing Milk is a daily cleanser
with harmonising, protective properties to calm sensitivity and help
diminish the appearance of redness, whilst maintaining the skin’s
natural moisture balance."
--Packaging--
The glass bottle with shiny metal pump action mechanism is elegant, but not travel friendly. The ubiquitous orange band at the bottom of the label makes it clear that this product belongs to the Dr Hauschka family, and the minimalist colour scheme makes the bottle look clean and sophisticated.
--Application--
There are several ways to do this. You can apply to wet skin for cleansing (before rinsing) or apply to damp cotton pads to remove makeup. Alternatively, you can just smear it around your face and remove with a dry cotton pad, which is what I prefer to do, as then any excess essential oils can be absorbed into the skin.
--Appearance--
A slightly beige-coloured cream that leaves no visible residue.
--Scent--
I'd say the jojoba and almond are most obvious (although who knows what woundwort smells like?).
--Texture and consistency--
A rich, luxurious cream that nonetheless won't clog pores.
--Effects on the skin--
Removes makeup effectively, and leaves skin feeling matte and moisturised. Technically a one-step/all-in-one product in my opinion.
--Value for money--
I'd take this even at the UK RRP, as I think it's excellent quality. However, as always, try to buy in Germany, where it can be had for as little as €15.95 (around £13.30).
perfect partners
Facial Toner, £22.95
Rose Day Cream Light, £23.95
Rejuvenating Mask, £33.95
Eye Contour Day Balm, £29
RRP: £2.99
--What does the promo say?--
"This new facial wash gently and thoroughly removes impurities and
make-up to reduce shine and greasiness. Including magnolia extract and
BioEcolia this gentle wash is formulated for daily use to help protect
and strengthen the natural and biological defence
system of the skin, leaving a clear fresh complexion."
--Packaging--
The transparent plastic bottle means that the blue gel is easily visible, giving a bright and cooling effect (plus, it's always handy to be able to see how much product remains). The flip top lid is also durable and practical.
--Application--
Lather up and apply to face before rinsing off. Use twice a day. Nothing difficult about this.
--Appearance--
The blue gel doesn't lather up much, but it does create a white film that washes off easily.
--Scent--
Clean without being clinical, floral or chemical.
--Texture and consistency--
A little gel goes a long way, so don't take too much - a 5p sized amount will do your whole face. The gel glides over the skin easily, and as mentioned, can be washed off without difficulty.
--Effects on the skin--
Sadly, only a small improvement in skin condition was noted.
--Value for money--
Cheap is all very well, but only if you get results. It won't be a bad thing in my book if Aldi doesn't bring back this Special Buy - but if you really want to give it a go, try hunting on eBay.
perfect partners
Soothing Night Cream, £2.99
Tinted Day Cream, £2.99
Mattifying Moisturiser, £2.99
3 in 1 Cleanser, £2.99
RRP: £1.25 for 500ml
--What does the promo say?--
"Enjoy a blissful bath, containing the exotic aromas of this bath soak. Inspired by Oriental traditions, Eastern Spirit - with sacred lotus flower and orange blossom - creates a bathing experience that will revive your senses, leaving you feeling uplifted."
--Packaging--
The large bottle is sturdy and proud, with the screw cap not eluding even the slipperiest of fingers.
--Application--
Pour into the bath at leisure and watch the bubbles build up.
--Appearance--
The pink-orange gel turns into white bubbles that leave no visible residue on the skin.
--Scent--
Fruity and exotic, almost as if lightly spiced. The fragrance leaves you feeling genuinely transported and relaxed - I just wish there were hand and body creams available too, to make it last even longer.
--Texture and consistency--
A smooth gel that softens the skin.
--Value for money--
Just £1.25 for a huge bottle like this is great value - I was expecting such a moment of spa-style relaxation to cost more. Would definitely recommend.
perfect partners
Eastern Spirit Hand Wash, £1.25 for 300ml
Eastern Spirit Shower Gel, £1.25 for 250ml
Enjoy
a blissful bath, containing the exotic aromas of this bath soak.
Inspired by Oriental traditions, Eastern Spirit with sacred Lotus flower
and Orange Blossom, creates a bathing experience that will revive your
senses leaving you feeling uplifted.
Ingredients »
- See more at: http://www.radox.co.uk/products/bath-therapy/eastern-spirit#sthash.vUZNLKDz.dpuf
Enjoy
a blissful bath, containing the exotic aromas of this bath soak.
Inspired by Oriental traditions, Eastern Spirit with sacred Lotus flower
and Orange Blossom, creates a bathing experience that will revive your
senses leaving you feeling uplifted.
Ingredients »
- See more at: http://www.radox.co.uk/products/bath-therapy/eastern-spirit#sthash.vUZNLKDz.dpuf
Enjoy
a blissful bath, containing the exotic aromas of this bath soak.
Inspired by Oriental traditions, Eastern Spirit with sacred Lotus flower
and Orange Blossom, creates a bathing experience that will revive your
senses leaving you feeling uplifted.
Ingredients »
- See more at: http://www.radox.co.uk/products/bath-therapy/eastern-spirit#sthash.vUZNLKDz.dpuf
Enjoy
a blissful bath, containing the exotic aromas of this bath soak.
Inspired by Oriental traditions, Eastern Spirit with sacred Lotus flower
and Orange Blossom, creates a bathing experience that will revive your
senses leaving you feeling uplifted.
Ingredients »
- See more at: http://www.radox.co.uk/products/bath-therapy/eastern-spirit#sthash.vUZNLKDz.dpuf
RRP: £6.95/30g
--What does the promo say?--
"Highly effective on dry skin, bruised, sore soles and cracked heels.
All-natural and kind-to-the-skin with active cineols and sesquiterpones that reduce bruising and inflammation."
--Packaging--
Comes in a small tin that's perfect for travelling. The lid clips shut easily, so no danger of it leaking. The bright green label is also cheerful and modern.
--Application--
Massage into feet and calves to moisturise dry skin and cool the affected area. Easy really (although you may need to dig your nails/fingers into the wax a bit to get started).
--Appearance--
An off-yellow wax that disappears invisibly into skin.
--Scent--
The peppermint and arnica are very obvious, making for a great wakeup call. However, as this balm also contains lavender, it is also soothing enough scent-wise to prepare you for sleep.
--Texture--
This wax is quite densely packed into its tin, meaning your fingers will just skim over the top of its smooth surface initially. However, use your fingers (or a spoon!) to dig into the pot to make a well in the centre. Then you should be able to get hold of enough to rub into your skin. For this reason, it would be helpful if the pot came with a spatula.
--Effects on the skin--
As good as any commercial body butter, and better - it softens skin really well and the essential oils have their own calming qualities too. Also a worthy rival for Liz Earle's Superbalm, which is a little more than twice the price.
--Value for money--
I was sent mine for free by the company's PR (thanks guys!) but I would definitely purchase this once my pot runs out (although when that'll be, who knows, as one pot seems to last ages too). Without doubt a brand to watch.
perfect partners
Sea Mint with Kelp soap, £3.95 (comes with matching cotton bag for an extra £3)
After Exercise Soothing Deep Muscle Rub, £8.95
RRP: £5.99 for 473ml
--What does the promo say?--
"Palmer's® Olive Oil Formula® Co-Wash Cleansing Conditioner is a unique,
all-in-one cleansing cream that replaces shampoo, conditioner, deep
conditioner and detangler. This gentle, no-lather cleanser contains an
exclusive blend of natural Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Vitamin E, Keratin
Protein and natural herbal extracts to moisturize, soften and detangle
hair for the gentlest daily cleansing possible. The salon-quality
formula is a safe way to pamper dry, frizzy and over-worked hair and
scalp.
Formulated without Sulfates, Detergents, Lather, Phthalates, Petrolatum, Mineral Oil or Harsh Chemicals."
--Packaging--
The large green plastic bottle would definitely stand out on the shelf, as this isn't at all a common colour scheme for hair care bottles. The colour is natural, not lurid, and so accurately reflects the idea of olive oil being the main component. It's sturdy, so stands alone in the shower easily, and the pump-action mechanism makes for quick and convenient use.
--Application--
The advisory notes on the bottle state that a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 40 pumps per use may be required depending on the length and thickness of your hair. As my hair is not that long (only down to my chest) or thick, I went for the lower end of the recommendation (12 pumps). You then smooth this through your hair and leave it on for as long as possible while washing. Finally, rinse it from your hair before drying and styling as normal. Alternatively, you can leave the product in your hair without rinsing if you wish to capitalise on its conditioning more than its cleansing properties.
--Appearance--
A pale cream that doesn't leave any visible residue in the hair.
--Scent--
A natural scent that perhaps surprisingly makes the most of several of the lighter-smelling ingredients (such as olive oil and camomile), while the stronger scents (for example, rosemary and peppermint) are not detectable.
--Texture and consistency--
Creamy and luxurious. I found it difficult to rinse out, however.
--Effects on the hair--
Sadly I found that this really weighed down my hair, even when I used less than recommended (e.g. 9 pumps). While it made it easy to style (as promised), I think this would only work if you also had dry roots as well as dry ends. As someone who has greasy roots and dry ends (grr - what a combination!), it didn't quite meet my needs.
--Value for money--
If this product works for you, then it's great value. At just under £6 for half a litre, it WILL last ages (although of course this will vary depending on your hair length and thickness). However, I'd be more interested in trying the accompanying hot oil treatment, as I've had more success with similar treatments in the past. In the meantime, I'll be passing the Co Wash on to someone with drier hair to see if they get a better result.
perfect partners
Olive Oil Smoothing Shampoo
Olive Oil Replenishing Conditioner
Olive Oil Gro Therapy
Olive Oil Conditioning Spray Oil
Olive Oil Strengthening Leave In Conditioner
Olive Oil Invigorating Hot Oil Treatment
Olive Oil Moisturising Hair Milk
Olive Oil Hair Dress
Olive Oil Deep Conditioner Sachet
Olive Oil Curl Extend Hair Pudding
