--What does the promo say?-- "Just relax. Lemongrass essential oil enhances clarity. Cardamom essential Oil helps soothe the mind. This nourishing body wash contains green tea extract to help keep skin looking younger and healthier."
--Packaging-- A nice contrast from the Lemongrass Cardamom Body Lotion, but still visibly part of the Bath & Body Works Aromatherapy range, the shower gel uses a similar style of label, but this time on a clear rather than a green plastic bottle, to create a sophisticated and useable result.
--Usage-- Very easy - just lather up whenever you're in the shower or bath, massage over body, and then rinse off.
--Appearance-- A transparent, slightly yellowy gel.
--Scent-- The citrus element comes through even more strongly than with the body lotion in the range, but it's not lemon - it definitely has something more sophisticated to it. Lemongrass definitely a good choice, but I still wished that I could smell the cardamom more.
--Texture/consistency-- That of your average shower gel: gloopy and viscous, but not sticky. It lathers well, though, creating a light film of bubbles that is easy to wash off.
--Effects on skin-- Makes skin soft, but the scent barely lingers - a couple of hours after showering, it's gone.
--Value for money-- While it's nice enough, for this money I prefer the body lotion, and for other shower gels in this price bracket, I'd prefer one by Caudalie, Escada, or, ironically, Crabtree & Evelyn.
perfect partners Lemongrass Cardamom Body Lotion, $13 Lemongrass Cardamom Body Mist, $15 Lemongrass Cardamom Pillow Mist, $10
--What does the promo say?-- "Just relax. Lemongrass essential oil enhances clarity. Cardamom essential oil helps soothe the mind. This ultra-creamy body lotion contains natural soybean oil to nourish and moisturize skin and glycerin to attract moisture to skin."
--Packaging-- A translucent green pump-action bottle, evoking the colour of cardamom pods. The label is classy and understated, and is reminiscent of Crabtree and Evelyn packaging. A class act all the way.
--Application-- Massage into arms, legs, stomach and chest area after bathing.
--Appearance-- Although it is not really visible through the bottle, the lotion is a simple creamy white, and leaves no discernible residue on the skin when rubbed in.
--Scent-- While the cardamom is less detectable than the lemongrass, the two combine expertly to create a pleasant scent. It is a subtle and sophisticated scent that is perceivable but not overpowering.
--Texture/consistency-- Not too runny or sticky, though perhaps I would prefer it to be slightly more creamy and luxurious. However, it rubs in very easily and smoothens skin effectively.
--Effects on the skin-- Helps to maintain a good overall skin condition, balancing out any irritation or dryness.
--Value for money-- For a mere $13, you just can't miss out. Stock up whenever you're Stateside.
perfect partners Lemongrass Cardamom Body Wash and Foam Bath, $13 Lemongrass Cardamom Body Mist, $15 Lemongrass Cardamom Pillow Mist, $10
RRP: £8.80 # of shades available: 2 (brown & black)
--What does the promo say?-- "In yet another mascara first, L'Oréal Paris introduces Telescopic Explosion Mascara, the first mascara at mass with a spherical brush and smooth formula to lengthen and separate every little lash. This breakthrough mascara revolutionises the mascara application process, making it possible to apply from every angle to reach every last lash for a completely fanned-out explosive effect. Truly, size does matter: this small brush yields big lashes! Contains paraffin, jojoba oil, palm oil, and vitamin B5 for lash conditioning. Outstanding consumer test results show no clumping, flaking or smudging; ophthalmologically tested, it is sensitive for sensitive eyes and for contact lens wearers."
--Packaging-- Mascara manufacturers have become more daring with their packaging concepts in recent years in order for the tubes to stand out on the shelf: Maybelline's Great Lash was probably the first, but recent others include Rimmel's Sexy Curves and some Barry M and Bourjois mascaras, as well as Maybelline's Define-A-Lash. L'Oréal's Telescopic Explosion continues to buck the trend with its bold red and black ensemble, and the spiky globular brush is pretty snazzy too. However, it's wrong of L'Oréal to claim in their PR that they're the first to do this: Givenchy was the first brand to pioneer this type of brush over a year ago. Nevertheless, I don't blame them for latching onto Givenchy's technology. Having had a good experience with Givenchy's version (Phenomen'Eyes), I was keen from the moment Telescopic Explosion came out to try it and see how it compared. I just hope that the main part of the wand, which is much longer than Givenchy's, is strong enough that the ball part doesn't ever break off in the tube.
--Application-- Application is easier than you might think, but anybody who has experienced Givenchy's version will already be a pro at this. Carefully stroke the balled brush over the lashes, and don't be hesitant to go for tinier lashes at the corners of the eyes. Perhaps don't try this while in motion (e.g. on public transport) unless you're feeling especially confident, though.
--Appearance-- A professional and defined appearance. Perhaps not completely perfect (a few tiny clumps were present on application), but nevertheless much more detailed and far better than many other mascaras in the same price bracket.
--Texture-- Can't argue with this: the texture is smooth and luxurious.
--Longevity-- I took a shower without removing my makeup (and without having needed to retouch my mascara even once throughout the day) and it didn't even smudge. Score.
--Value for money-- This is an excellent, affordable alternative to Givenchy's Phenomen'Eyes, combining quality with innovation (even if it isn't theirs) and with value for money. And with such eye-catching packaging, it's hardly any wonder that it's already flying off the shelves in Europe and the UK.
perfect partners L'Oréal Paris Color Minerals Eyeshadow, £7.82 L'Oréal Paris Kohl Minerals Eyeliner, £7.82 L'Oréal Paris Colour Appeal Star Secrets Trios Eyeshadow, £7.82
--What does the promo say?-- "A relaxing, softening and highly absorbent mask that cleanses the surface of the skin gently yet thoroughly. The extraordinary absorption capacity of a special blend of Clays, combined with plant extracts (Licorice, Matricaria and Rose hips) and essential oils, gives this mask gentle deep-cleansing benefits to eliminate the impurities which dull the complexion. In five minutes at the most, your skin feels fresh, clean and toned, your complexion looks matte, luminous and more even, your face appears rested and regains spectacular radiance."
--Packaging-- Having only tried this on a sample basis, I can't really say, but it looks like a fairly basic twist-top tube. The pink of the tube is a nice touch in the world of face masks (where most packages are white or green) and it just bears the information that you need to know.
--Application-- Apply a generous layer to clean skin on face and neck. After 3-5 minutes, remove with lukewarm water and follow with toner. No problems here - though I usually follow my masks with moisturiser, not with toner, otherwise surely you're wiping away all the good stuff you've just put in?
--Appearance-- A nacreous pink lotion that looks beautiful. Looks more chalky once applied to the face, and leaves no visible residue on the face after use.
--Texture/consistency-- Very smooth and quite runny (not so watery that any would be wasted on its exit from the tube, though), although perhaps begins to feel slightly 'heavier' and more intense during use as the essential oils do their work.
--Scent-- Quite heavily perfumed, but that's bound to be the case given how packed full of essential oils and fruit extracts this is.
--How does your skin feel afterwards?-- Very definitely 'treated' - as if you've just been for a facial. Very smooth and soft.
--How does your skin look afterwards?-- Sadly, I saw no difference at all (in fact, it was possibly even slightly redder due to the concentration of the oils that it contains) and for this price, I would have expected to.
--Value for money-- This is pretty expensive, and for this price I am pretty much expecting miracles, and this mask just didn't provide (I'd especially warn those with sensitive skin to avoid it). If you're going to spend in this price range, push the boat out another £6 and get Crème de La Mer's Refining Facial, which really does deliver awe-inspiring results. If your budget is lower, however, there are plenty of masks with similar ingredients that just contain fewer essential oils. Kaolin (or clay) is probably the most important ingredient here, and there are oodles of clay masks on the market that won't leave quite such a big hole in your pocket.
Survive summer skin with Elizabeth's Daughter Just because the summer months are drawing to a close, it doesn't mean that the sun's on its way out. Your skin needs protecting and hydrating all year round, and one way of doing this is with products from Elizabeth's Daughter. Their daily moisturiser, £24, contains SPF15 as well as fresh pumpkin, shea butter, vitamin E, and oils from rice bran and sesame seeds, and for a little light refreshment, the skin spritz (£18) contains lots of lovely stuff from rose water and aloe vera to mountain balm and strawberries. The best of the lot, however, is probably their multi-purpose soothing and glossing balm (also £18), which contains apricot butter and meadowfoam, and can be used on any area of the body that needs TLC, from lips to heels. While the fact that the brand was originally designed for young girls makes the price tags seem a little surprising, this translates into an affordable treat for adults. Stockist details available at www.elizabethsdaughter.co.uk .
Keep your hair radiant too Summer often has a delightful side effect of making already blonde hair blonder and making skin more radiant. I reckon that the above on Elizabeth's Daughter already has the latter part covered, but for the former, I've just been sent John Frieda's delightful Sheer Blonde Go Blonder, which allows hair to keep that sunkissed look all year round. Having used John Frieda's stuff before, I already know that things are probably going to go well.
Calling all Gok Wan fans! I'm sure that all fans of the beauty guru will forgive my returning to skincare for a moment, because following his past collaboration with Dorothy Perkins (to make stylish clothes for normal-sized girls), Gok is teaming up with Boots to create his own skincare range. You can bet it'll be just as affordable and attractive as his clothes lines, and featuring everything from body scrubs to hand creams, the Gorgeous range is rolling out in larger Boots stores from September 14. Sounds good to me.
Be a VIP with Beauty VIP October sees the launch of Beauty VIP - a beauty membership club offering access to exclusive discounts and treats. Unlike most VIP clubs, however, it seems both simple and affordable: you buy the Beauty VIP book for £30 from your nearest bookshop, which not only comes chock-full of reviews, interviews and tips, but also entitles you to receive a membership card which gives you access to more than 250 discounts at a variety of beauty hot spots, ranging from hair salons to luxury spas, as well as a year's worth of other beauty savings. Not to be missed!
Do it yourself Well, with a little help from Josie Maran too. See in the below video how to make lavender and argan mist, using ingredients from your own garden. Credit-crunching AND naturally good. Josie's Argan Moisturising Stick - a multi-use treatment for dry areas - has also recently launched at Sephora for lucky US and mainland Europe buyers.
Snuggle into autumn Essie's new autumn collection not only draws on the warm berry shades that we know and love, but also incorporates happy brights, and more formal greys and browns. The nail colour names are also a welcome change from the usual territory of 'blush' and 'orgasm', taking their inspiration instead from our autumn and winter wardrobes. So pull on your angora cardi, and for the first time deck your nails in it too. If you fancy something with a little more of a megawatt shine, though, you could always try Rimmel's 60-second nail varnish, which comes with a patented Pro-Cision brush to make application just that little bit easier. *UK buyers can purchase Essie nail colours from www.perfectnails.uk.com
Celebrate Organic Fortnight I've already reviewed the fairly snazzy Purity range from Superdrug, and it's now getting involved with Organic Fortnight (September 5-20), by offering discounts on the Purity range as of yesterday (August 30) and free Purity samples for anyone who orders from the Superdrug website between now and October. Superdrug is also offering free updates on the range from www.dare-magazine.co.uk and from www.purityorganicskincare.com , but even more excitingly, the first 30 people to place orders with their fashion affiliate, www.peopletree.co.uk, will receive a Purity gift basket worth £50, to celebrate sustainability and Fair Trade. Korres is also participating, with its new Materia Herba range centre stage. Adhering to strict ECOCERT standards, it offers cleansing, moisturising and anti-ageing products for all skin types, starting at just £20. Available September 2009 from Liberty and from November 2009 at Harvey Nichols. Beautiful!
Travel-tastic The summer holidays may already be over, but looking ahead to half-term travels this October, there are plenty of fabulous travel kits on the market, such as Dr Hauschka's new offering. For a mere twenty-four of your English pounds, you can grab yourself a cleanser, two toners, a day cream, a hand cream, an eye cream, and a lip salve, containing all kinds of delicious stuff from carnauba wax to candelilla. So what are you waiting for?!
This works Or at least, let's hope it does. It sounds good on paper if nothing else: This Works combines effective skincare with aromatherapy to create its newest additions. Fresh Skin, £20, is an alcohol-free toner containing malachite and oak bark to harmonise, balance, soothe and calm skin, while Perfect Hands, £18, contains various elements of loveliness from coconut oil to musk mallow. Available now from www.thisworks.com .
Happy 10th Birthday Pixi! Makeup brand Pixi celebrates its 10th birthday this year with the release of its Wake Up Kit for eyes, created by Petra Strand, the progenitor of the brand. Designed to help you create smoky eyes flawlessly, Strand says that the colours are inspired by autumn in her native Sweden, mimicking nature and seeming to have appeared organically on the face. Available soon from www.pixibeauty.com, I think that creating the smoky eye look just got easier, even for beginners with makeup, and perhaps even better, the West London store also offers affordable makeovers from just £15.
Getting the most out of your skin www.myskin.com not only recommends products based on your skin condition and skin type, but will also take the lead from you by taking account of the products you already use, and recommends products based on what others with your skin type are using too. You can use this to form a 'virtual shelf' of products, as well as checking out blogs, creating your own 'skin profile' and chatting in the website's forum. Use the invite code exclusive to this blog - Bianca - so that you can join up for free.
Wishing you a romantic autumn Pinks are contrasted by grey, beige and gold in Givenchy's stunning new autumn palette, and the autumn look is completed by uber-glossy lips, available in Gloss Poétique Rose, Rouge Interdit Poétique Iris, and Rouge Interdit Poétique Camellia. With the eye palette priced at $53, it is undeniably expensive...but oh so worth it. Je vous souhaite donc un automne poétique...
Since the 1950s (when teenagers first realised that they actually had their own identity) people have become more demanding, more assertive, and more individualistic. This ranges from making one's own choices (i.e. not having things decided or arranged by one's parents) to being more demanding as a consumer, and the latter is particularly evident in the cosmetics market.
It is difficult to tell exactly when custom cosmetics became more popular, although I'd hazard a guess at it (at least as we know it) being at some point in the past fifteen years. However, at its most basic level, it arguably goes back further, at whatever point in time skincare companies decided to differentiate between those with oily, dry, normal and sensitive skin, and when makeup companies started to increase their spectrum of foundation, concealer and powder colours. Certainly it appears that the one-size-fits-all approach is fairly risky, and, in today's market, fairly primitive as well: there are still companies that assume that one cleanser will suit all skin types, or that one concealer colour will seamlessly blend with any skin tone. While occasionally this is successful - I'm thinking of Liz Earle's cleanser, for one - on the whole the maxim holds that if you are trying to please everyone, you'll actually end up pleasing no-one (or at least very few).
Then, one day, someone clever presumably picked up on this potential for dissatisfaction, and correctly assumed that the possibilities for appeasement among the perfection-seeking, beauty-conscious population were endless. Ever since then, the market for customised cosmetics has become increasingly more popular - not just out of a more demanding psyche, but also because humans are always seeking perfection, and custom cosmetics give them the illusion (or perhaps reality) that they will be able to achieve it.
So what's available? At the most sophisticated, and perhaps most well-known level of its kind, Prescriptives offers custom blend foundations, lipsticks and glosses, powders, concealers, bronzers and tinted moisturisers. This doesn't come cheap, with their custom blend foundations starting at £45 - but as one of the very pale, who has often suffered with the 'palest' shade of high street foundation streaking on orange, the motives of a Prescriptives custom blend buyer are fully understandable.
There are, of course, plenty of other custom blending companies (see the list at the bottom of the page). But if you don't have that kind of money to blow on just one foundation, there are (thankfully) other options. At a baser level, Revlon and L'Oréal are perhaps the most prominent high street exponents of customised makeup. Revlon brought the customisable foundation to the high street buyer last year with its Custom Creations foundation, which allows the user to turn a dial to darken or lighten the foundation, adapting it to a summer tan or paler winter skin. Avon has done something similar with its SpectraColor lip gloss, whereby consumers 'dial up' the strength of colour required.
L'Oréal, however, is the undisputed king of this particular high street niche. As well as its Made for Me Naturals Lipstick and its Colour Appeal Trio Pro, which allow users to select lip and eye products according to their eye colour and hair colour, the recently rolled-out Studio Secrets range takes this to a whole new level, with colour charts available alongside the products in the line to help users extend the concept in even more detail. And yet it's not as confusing as it sounds on paper, making it very consumer-friendly, and, perhaps most importantly, idiot-proof.
However, a less generalist approach is available, even from very mainstream brands. Two products have found their own stronghold, even among this already niche market (albeit a steadily increasing one): lipstick, and fragrance. Lipstick matching is arguably even more important, and even trickier to get right, than foundation matching: finding the right lipstick shade is further affected by things like teeth discolouration, and by the fact that a dream lipstick shade being discontinued can set you back even further in seeking a unified look that suits you. While getting your own lipstick blended (by Prescriptives, 3 Custom Color, or by ColorLab at Selfridges, among others) might seem like you're paying for the most expensive lipstick on the planet, presumably this is offset by the fact that you no longer have to waste money on lipsticks that make you look like a vampire.
The custom scent market is perhaps newer, but it is definitely there, and with easily accessible brands, too. By going to http://www.bbwfindyourfragrance.com , for instance, consumers can use Bath and Body Works' new application to create a customisable fragrance profile, offering up the perfect scent for any mood and occasion by choosing characteristics to describe themselves. Unlike most customisable fragrance companies, Bath and Body Works allows perfume lovers to do this reasonably.
And is it really worth it? I should say so. I've never made a failed selection yet at L'Oréal's counter, and have heard great things about Prescriptives' services. The beauty of all this is that custom blending is available at such a variety of prices - ergo, you simply can't go wrong.
Best Shampoo: Kiehl's Rice and Wheat Volumising Shampoo Gives some vigour to lifeless hair, making it silky soft too.
Best Hair Conditioning Treatment: Alberto Balsam VO5 Hot Oil Treatments The ultimate salon-quality rescue treatment in your bathroom.
Best Heat Protection Hair Product: Tresemmé Heat Protection Spray Still got it.
Best Deodorant Brand: Mitchum Yes, you really can go for 48 hours on one application.
Best Skincare Regime: it's a tie! Clinique Anti-Blemish Solutions/Liz Earle Clinique gets you the results you want - fast - with the greatest in lab technology. Liz Earle is not quite as quick, but you will get results eventually - all with luxurious natural products. A special mention also goes to Garnier's Vital Restore Daily Beauty Serum and to Lloydspharmacy YOUR Organics Anti-Ageing Night Cream, for restoring vitality and smoothness to skin.
Best Exfoliator: another tie! Lush Ocean Salt/Purity Organic Skincare Facial Exfoliator Purity uses coconut shell to send dry skin packing, while Ocean Salt uses (as you'd expect) great chunks of sea salt. Both strong natural contenders to get you smooth skin.
Best Face Mask: Crème de La Mer Refining Facial Expensive, but oh so worth it. That diamond dust really does get you some sparkling results.
Best Intensive Moisturiser: Liz Earle Intensive Nourishing Treatment Mask Wakes up your skin with its essential oils and creamy texture.
Best Suncare Brand: still Vichy. Its facial suncare smells of celery, but protects marvellously and doesn't bring you out in spots. Top.
Best Hand Cream: Atrixo Sends dry patches packing.
Best Foot Cream: Boots Gorgeous Feet Reviving Overnight Rescue Smells like chocolate and vanilla, and restores your feet to smoothness in no time.
Best Body Moisturiser: Jergens At supermarket prices, it hydrates your skin and banishes cellulite naturally.
Best Primer: No7 Shine-Free Makeup Base Works so well that you can even use it to fight shine when you're not wearing any makeup at all.
Best Eye Primer: Benefit Lemon Aid While a little pricey for what it is, there's no denying that it evens skin tone around the eyes and keeps eye makeup in place.
Best Concealer: L'Oréal Touche Magique There's quite simply none better to create a flawless look with great value for money.
Best Tinted Moisturiser: Avon Personal Match Barely There Makeup It's had some stiff competition this year, but the rivals just couldn't knock it off the top spot.
Best Foundation: No7 Stay Perfect Creates a flawless base that minimises redness and stays in place all day, without feeling too heavy on your face in the summer.
Best Face Powder: Benefit Dandelion Excellent for a flawless finish and for adding extra glow and colour. A versatile product - just make sure you go bargain hunting for it.
Best Eye Colour: Guerlain Ombre Eclat Paradis Exotique This has been the best addition to my makeup bag in a long time: as well as staying put all day, the colours are innovative, fresh, and great for spring and summer.
Best Mascara: Givenchy Phenomen'Eyes Originally touted as a limited-edition product only, I rushed out and bought it, and wasn't disappointed. The good news, however, is that it's still around. Get it now.
Best Kohl Eyeliner: it's a tie: Avon Color Trend/Giorgio Armani Smooth Silk Pick the Avon for its cheap and cheerful durability, and Giorgio Armani for this plus sophistication and versatility.
Best Blusher: Bourjois Little Round Pot Quite simply the best.
Best Lipstick: MAC Pro Longwear LipColour While it can occasionally feel a little gritty on the lips, this is easily forgiven by the fact that it won't move an inch by day, but is easily removable when you finally want to kiss it goodbye.
Best Lip Balm: Kiehl's #1 Lip Balm Having the reparative facility of a balm, but with the shine of a gloss, it's perfect for any girl who needs a glamorous lip balm that works miracles at a reasonable price.
Best Lip Gloss: Benefit Her Glossiness Again, not worth the high street RRP, but with its gorgeous colours, witty names and fruity scents, it's well worth bargain hunting for.
Best Makeup Compact: Too Faced Little Pink Book Contains everything you need in one tiny, lightweight 'book'. Genius.
Best Makeup Remover: Estée Lauder Take It Away Melts away makeup without a trace.
Best Brand: Liz Earle They are ambassadors for beauty, providing head to toe natural care for men and women and for all skin types and ages. A modern, honest brand that delivers palpable results at reasonable prices. Truly a job well done.
--What does the promo say?-- "Boots Gorgeous Feet Reviving Overnight Rescue works to melt away dry skin & renew texture. Take a step in the right direction and give hardworking feet a pampering overnight treat. Simply massage this deeply restorative cream into feet before bed and wake up to skin that’s soft, smooth and renewed. This incredible formulation works to dissolve hard skin and regenerate fresh new skin while you sleep."
--Packaging-- A see-through, squat glass jar with a shiny pink lid. This is all set off by the pink label, which only tells you what you actually need to know. Lovely. Comes in a pink box for ingredients information and suchlike, though I'll tell you here that it contains grape seed oil, cacao butter, bilberry leaf extract, sugar maple extract, lemon peel, and lemon flowers. Delish.
--Application-- "Apply a generous amount of cream to clean dry feet before going to bed. Wear cotton socks overnight to seal in the treatment." Not a problem - in fact, you don't even really need to use cotton socks with it as it sinks in so well on its own.
--Appearance-- A thick creamy white lotion. Leaves no visible residue on skin.
--Scent-- Lovely! Like vanilla and white chocolate.
--Texture/consistency-- Does not leave feet leaving greasy, and rubs in very well, leaving feet feeling smooth and soft.
--Long-term effects on skin-- Excellent - I was having real trouble with my feet, with a truckload of dry skin that just wouldn't shift (even with the help of a Scholl foot cream). Still not perfect yet, but there's been a huge improvement, which I'm sure will continue.
--Value for money-- Even the dinky 50ml pot lasts ages and ages (I've been using mine for weeks and have barely made a dent in it), so it's worth every penny of the £2.19. Buying three of these in a row, rather than getting the 150ml pot, barely costs you a few pence more, so if this is easier on young spenders' purses, don't hesitate to do it that way. A fantastic foot cream that should be by every girl's bedside table.
--What does the promo say?-- "Philosophy's Amazing Grace Firming Body Emulsion (473.1g) is a brilliant, body-firming moisturiser! The perfumed, polyphenolic emulsion is a multi-tasking moisturiser that revitalises dry, aged or wrinkled skin with a unique blend of antioxidant vitamins E and C, shea butter, macadamia nuts and olive oils."
--Packaging-- Much like the matching shower gel, it comes in a rounded, hard plastic bottle with a black flip-top cap (though the picture shows a pump-action bottle, so I'm going to assume it's still available in both types of bottle). Nothing difficult about this.
--Application-- Apply liberally to arms, legs, breasts, and stomach...basically anywhere apart from your face that needs it. Rub in to leave a light sheen on skin and leave to sink in.
--Scent-- Slightly cottony; reminiscent of freshly laundered bedsheets. A perfectly acceptable, neutral and pleasant scent that won't interfere with perfume. However, this product presented the same problem that I've had with other Philosophy products: there is no indication anywhere on the packaging of what the scent actually is. Even the ingredients list just says 'fragrance'. Now, don't get me wrong, while the scent does arguably embody the essence of 'grace', that doesn't mean that I don't want to know what the scent actually is. In fact, it concerns me: if Philosophy were using natural scents in their products, surely they would want to say? If this really does contain shea butter, nut oils etc, I'm surprised that they don't want to make more of it on the bottle, rather than just giving it a passing mention in the promotional material.
--Appearance-- A white, smooth lotion.
--Texture/consistency-- Basically perfect: not too runny or thick, definitely not sticky, and seems to sink into the skin quickly.
--How does your skin feel afterwards?-- Pretty smooth, so on the surface of it, it appears to do a good job. However...
--Long-term effects on the skin-- ...it apparently doesn't actually work. I've been moisturising my entire body with this stuff for a couple of weeks now and had been thinking that it was doing a fairly good job. But then today I went to have my legs waxed, and the beautician asked me if I used a body lotion on my legs. I said yes, thinking she was going to say that she could tell because my skin was soft, or something. However, she said quite the opposite - that my skin was dry! Great! So at least one skin professional thinks that this stuff does not work...
--Value for money-- Given the above, and given the price of this, I would definitely not buy this again. It's nice enough, but not worth the price tag, and for something that is artificially fragranced (come on, there's really no need for it), doesn't contain an SPF AND apparently doesn't work, I'll be avoiding like the plague. Go for a Lush, Body Shop or Liz Earle body moisturiser instead.
perfect partners Amazing Grace Shampoo, Bath and Shower Gel, £17.50 Grace Fragrance, £29 Amazing Grace Eau de Parfum, £38 Pure Grace Hot Salt Scrub, £19.50 Pure Grace Shower Cream, £17.50
RRP: £2.19 each for 200ml. However, prices vary across the internet, starting at just £1.. Other varieties from the Sunsilk range: Lively Blonde, Deeply Brunette, Care and Repair, Colour and Shine, Waves and Curls, Fresh and Flowing, Voluptuous Volume
--What does the promo say?-- "Is your hair stuck between straight and curly, neither one nor the other? Sunsilk Silky & Straight Shampoo and Conditioner, enriched with satin proteins, will help smooth your hair along its whole length, leaving it fabulously sleek and shiny."
--Packaging-- A cheerful purple tube that sits sturdily on its plastic flip top lid in the shower. The quality of said lids varies - my conditioner lid closes very well but the shampoo lid is weaker, meaning that lots of water collects in the lid during showers. It's also too big to take on holiday with you if you're travelling on hand luggage, but is a good size for everyday use.
--Usage-- Massage the shampoo through wet hair and then rinse. Then stroke the conditioner through clean, rinsed hair and leave on for 2-3 minutes before rinsing out. You can repeat this procedure again if you like, but to be honest, it's not really necessary.
--Scent-- A nice clean cotton-type scent. While this is nice, maybe something more fruity, matching with the purple bottle (blackberries perhaps?!) would be a welcome novelty to rival brands such as Herbal Essences. However, it's definitely not unpleasant and shouldn't offend anyone.
--Appearance-- A white, glossy lotion, with the shampoo being runnier than the conditioner.
--Texture/consistency-- Very smooth. No problems here.
--Rinsability-- Fairly easy to rinse out; I occasionally find that I miss the very front of my scalp, but I think that's due more to my own shortcomings than to those of the shampoo and conditioner.
--How does your hair feel afterwards?-- I have very dry hair, so perhaps the Care and Repair version of Sunsilk would be better for me. You've probably already guessed that my hair still felt quite dry after the use of this shampoo and conditioner. However, there was nevertheless a definite improvement.
--How does your hair look afterwards?-- Definitely straightened. Good job!
--Value for money-- This is about the price of your average shampoo and conditioner, and I think that its price and its supermarket audience is reflected in both this and the fact that as with most supermarket haircare you do seem to end up using a fair amount of the stuff each time as compared with more expensive haircare. However, the bottles do seem to last a really long time despite this (though the conditioner always runs out before the shampoo...why?!), and deliver solid, dependable and palpable results every time. I've never had anything but a positive experience with Sunsilk, having also tried their range for blondes, and it's a great cheaper alternative to brands such as John Frieda. Onto the Care and Repair range for me, then...
perfect partner Sunsilk Silky and Straight Leave-In Cream, £2.19
RRP: $13 for 10 fl.oz.
