Friday 28 September 2012

B is for Beauty: September Favourites




Melvita Naturalift Youthful Skin Cream
(50ml- £30)


Product Info
Softens lines and wrinkles and has an immediate smoothing effect on the skin. The highly moisturising extract of wild Beech buds, rich in flavonoids and polyphenols, energises the skin’s microrelief, whilst the oligopeptides in the Hibiscus seeds help to reduce the appearance of expression lines. Immediate tightening, firming effect from the Argan nut proteins. Combined with vitamin and mineral-richChestnut, Camelina and Saflower oils, the Alpine buddleia works as a powerful anti-free radical. The juice of a New Zealand fern, Mamaku, revitalises the skin and fights against skin ageing, making this ‘wonder cream’ the star product of any skincare routine.

- 99.31% of the total ingredients from natural origin.
- 29.91% of the total ingredients from Organic Farming.

Ingredients
Aqua , Tilia Cordata Water *, Dicaprylyl Ether, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Octyldodecanol, Glycerin, Arachidyl Alcohol, Carthamus Tinctorius Oil *, Behenyl Alcohol, Parfum , Stearic Acid, Fagus Sylvatica Extract *, Cera Alba , Camelina Sativa Oil *, Dextrin, Hydrolyzed Hibiscus Esculentus Extract, Argania Spinosa Extract , Arachidyl Glucoside, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Cellulose, Hectorite, Citric Acid, Sodium Cocoyl Glutamate, Tocopherol, Benzyl Alcohol**, Limonene**, Hordeum Vulgare Extract*, Buddleja Davidii Extract, Geraniol**, Citronellol**, Cyathea Medullaris Leaf Extract, Linalool**, Castanea Sativa Extract *, Benzoic Acid, Citral**, Farnesol**.



How To Use

Apply a small amount of Melvita Naturalift Youthful Skin Cream to face and neck, morning and evening, after cleansing thoroughly.

Price & Packging

Quite expensive at £30 for 50ml, roughly lasts about 2 months. Simple plastic packaging with an easy to use pump. Visually I personally think the packaging design looks a bit cheap and if I saw it in a shop without any knowledge of the line would think it was a discount brand that wasn't any good.

Review

This is great ECO organic product, it was incredibly light yet hydrating. I really liked using this moisturiser, usually I find Anti- Ageing moisturisers to be too heavy and greasy on my oily skin type. It is lightly fragranced and is 99% organic so is perfect for sensitive skin types. It absorbs into the skin quickly and after use my skin felt more hydrated, fresher and smoother. Melvita claims that 74% of people notice a reduction in fine lines/ wrinkles. I've been using this on and off for a month and haven't noticed a reduction in my fine lines, but maybe it requires more concentrated use for a few months to see visible benefits. The moisturiser has no SPF so isn't that great for daytime used on its own without an SPF protective product. However because of its light consistency it is an excellent moisturiser to use under makeup.

Would I Buy Again/ Who's this For

I really enjoyed using this and have just reorder another tube. It is easy to see why Melvita is France's number one organic line and why Naturalift Youthful Skin Cream won an award in the new Anti-Aging Beauty Bible in the Anti-Aging Miracle Cream category (being the only certified organic moisturiser). It's a great product for all skin types. I'd recommend this to anyone looking for an Anti-Ageing moisturiser who struggles to find one that's non greasy/ non irritating.


Review 8/ 10

Available HERE






LUSH Coalface Bar
(100g- £4.70)
Product Info
Designed for oilier skins, this soap can be used on the face or body. Coalface includes liquorice infusion for softening and charcoal which absorbs grease and gently exfoliates the skin.
Ingredients
Liquorice Root Decoction, Propylene Glycol, Rapeseed Oil and Coconut Oil, Water, Perfume, Sodium Stearate, Sodium Hydroxide, Sodium Lauryl Sulfate, Powdered Charcoal, Sandalwood Oil, Rosewood Oil, Glycerine, Sodium Chloride, EDTA, Tetrasodium Etidronate, *Geraniol, *Linalool, Silver Edible Lustre
How To Use
Use like regular soap, add water to form a lather & cleanse face as normal. Can be used daily. Divided into smaller chunks make it easier to use.
Price & Packaging
Really reasonably priced; £4.70 for a 100g which lasts for a few months. Comes wrapped in simple paper which isn't very efficient for long term storage. Better to purchase a Lush Tin for storage or use a soap dish to keep it dry.
Review
I'm not usually a fan of facial soap as it generally irritates my skin but found Coalface to be perfect for my skin type. It lathers easily and contains small chunks of coal for light exfoliation. After use it leaves the skin soft and very clean feeling, although a bit tight. I did find with long term use that it does dramatically reduce oil and breakouts. Coalface is very similar to Dark Angels but is a lot less abrasive which makes it perfect for more sensitive skin types. I've been using my smaller sample size for about a month and still have more than half left, so it does last a long time. This is a great, effective product for a very reasonable price.
Would I Buy Again/ Who's This For
I'd definitely buy this again; I'm a big fan of Dark Angels and this is a similar product but one that can be used on a daily basis. It has really helped with controlling my oily skin and reducing breakouts. I'd recommend this for oily/ acne prone skin but not dry skin as it can be quite drying.
Review 9/ 10
Available HERE
Ideal to store in THIS

The Body Shop Candied Ginger Lip Balm
(15ml- £1.50)
Product Info
This non-sticky balm quickly hydrates lips. It has a fresh and zingy ginger scent.Instant hydration. Non-sticky. No parabens
Ingredients
Ricinus Communis Seed Oil (Emollient), Polyglyceryl-3 Beeswax (Emulsifier), Soybean Glycerides (Skin Conditioning Agent - Emollient), Cera Alba (Emulsifier/Emollient), Hydrogenated Castor Oil (Emollient), Butyrospermum Parkii Unsaponifiables (Skin Conditioning Agent), Bertholletia Excelsa Seed Oil (Emollient), Silica (Absorbent), Benzyl Benzoate (Solvent), Tocopheryl Acetate (Antioxidant), Ammonium Glycyrrhizate (Flavour), Mica (Opacifier), Parfum (Fragrance), Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride (Emollient), Limonene (Fragrance Ingredient), Tocopherol (Antioxidant), Hexyl Cinnamal (Fragrance Ingredient), Benzyl Salicylate (Fragrance Ingredient), Citral (Fragrance Ingredient), Zingiber Officinale Root Extract (Natural Additive), Eugenol (Fragrance Ingredient), Linalool (Fragrance Ingredient), Cinnamal (Fragrance Ingredient), Citronellol (Fragrance Ingredient), Zingiber Officinale Root Oil (Natural Additive), CI 77891 (Colour), CI 77492 (Colour), CI 15850 (Colour).
How To Use
Apply to the lips throughout the day.
Review
This is one of the best lip balms I have ever tried. It's incredibly moisturising without being thick or sticky. The Ginger scent makes it even better and it's a really treat to use. After use it leaves your lips really soft for days and relieves any chapping or dryness.
Would I Buy Again/ Who's This For
I really loved this lip balm and will be picking up a few more. There are 2 other flavours to choose from, Cranberry Joy & Spiced Vanilla. These are limited edition but are still available on the website and are definitely worth stocking up on. Great item to pick for colder months, great for anyone who suffers from dry or chapped lips.
Review 10/10
Available HERE


TAROCCO Moisturising Shampoo
(8.7oz- $15)

Product Info
This cleansing shampoo is filled with hydrating benefits from the extracts of Italian Olive Oil and the strong antioxidant benefits from the extracts of Sicilian Red Oranges.
Each Tarocco product features olive oil with extracts of Sicilian Red (Blood) Oranges, which are rich in vitamin C and other powerful antioxidants.

Ingredients
water, sodium laureth sulfate, cocamide DEA, glycerin, cocamidopropyl betaine, sodium chloride, fragrance, glycol distearate, olea europea fruit oil, orange extract, methylparaben, citric acid, tetrasodium EDTA, propylparaben, methylchloroisothiazoline, methylisothiazolinone, yellow 5, red 40

How To Use

Apply to hair and scalp massaging gently. Rinse thoroughly, if necessary, repeat.

Price & Packaging

It's not the most inexpensive shampoo but is really good quality and worth the money. If you can pick this up in a hotel it's worth snagging a few bottles to take home with you. Comes in a small clear bottle which allows you to see how much is left and has an easy to pour dispenser cap.

Review

This is a product I've used off and on over past few years, picking up mini bottles from various hotels. Luckily this is a range that is available for purchase. Tarocco shampoo leaves your hair incredibly clean, shiny and full of body. It also has the most divine citrus scent that lasts.

Would You Buy Again/ Who's This For

This is an amazing product, especially for one that is widely available as a hotel sample. I always look out for this when I'm in USA. It's suitable for all hair types and is great for people who like citrus scented products. Unfortunately only available in USA but is available from a few online sites.


Review 9/ 10

Available HERE


Lipstick in Glossy Pink


GLOSSYBOX Lipstick in Glossy Pink

(free with Glossybox worth £9.50- 4g)



Product Info

Glossybox Lipstick range was developed with professional makeup range Kryolan. Creamy consistency with a soft and velvety application.

How To Use

Apply like a normal lipstick directly on your lips or apply to your finger and push into the lip to give a more natural colour.

Price & Packaging

Packaging is a sleek black tube. Price is £9.50 which seems a bit high considering a MAC lipstick is the same price, however it is fairly good quality. I would personally price it in the £6- £8 price range.

Review

I was really surprised by this product, when I received it in the August Glossybox I assumed it would be a cheap product and that the colour wasn't very me. However I decide to give it a try after reading so many good reviews and was pleasantly surprised. The colour is a lot paler on the lips than it looks in the tube but still is very pigmented. giving a suitable but effective nude pink lip. The colour only lasts a few hours and is not very long wearing and does need to be replied often. One of the best things about the lipstick is the consistency which is creamy and moisturising and feels great on the lips.

Review 8/ 10

Available through Glossybox/ Kryolan
Click for enlarged view
Peppermint Cooling Foot Spray
(100ml- £6)
Product Info
A summer essential, this cooling spray refreshes hot, tired feet and combats odour.
Ingredients
Alcohol Denat. (Solvent/Diluent), Aqua (Solvent/Diluent), Glycerin (Humectant), PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil (Surfactant), Mentha piperita (Fragrance/Essential Oil), Mentha arvensis (Fragrance/Essential Oil), C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate (Emulsifier), Acidophilus/Grape Ferment (Natural Additive), Menthol (Fragrance/Cooling Agent), Panthenol (Skin/Hair Conditioning Agent), Limonene (Fragrance Ingredient), Parfum (Fragrance), Linalool (Fragrance Ingredient), Propyl Gallate (Opacifier/Antioxidant), Tocopheryl Acetate (Antioxidant), Butylene Glycol (Humectant), Denatonium Benzoate (Denaturant), CI 42090 (Colour).
How to use
Spray onto feet as required and allow to dry.
Price & Packaging
Easy to use spray bottle. Clear plastic lightweight container means its easy to carry in your bag and see how much is left. Pricing is fairly reasonable at £6 for a 100ml bottle.
Review
This was a lifesaver when I was on holiday. Hours of walking in hot weather left my feet sore and tired, but this was an instant refresher to relive this. The strong minty scent is also great at preventing an foot/ shoe odour caused by hot weather. Really useful travel essential or great to use after a long day of walking. Small travel size bottle is perfect size for carrying around.
Would You Buy Again/ Who's It For
I will be picking another one of these up the next time I go travelling as I found it really useful and effective. I'd recommend this as a holiday essential or if you do alot of walking.
Review 9/ 10
Available HERE
Foaming Facial Wash Gel
- for skin prone to outbreaks
(100ml- £8)


Product Info
A very mild foaming facial cleanser for skin that is prone to outbreaks, pimples and blackheads. The foaming ingredients is derived from soap bark. contains lots of soothing aloe vera and a special blend of Amazonian oils which have been proven to fight impurities, plus organic alpine willoherb extract which regulates sebum and oily skin and our special blend of essential oils.

  • for skin suffering from outbreaks

  • very gentle foaming cleanser suitable for sensitive skin

  • or people who prefer a foaming gel rather than cleansing lotions

  • suitable for teenagers and adults alike

  • ideal preparation for our matching toner, facial gel and facial lotion

  • 100% vegan and cruelty free

  • with organic ingredients


Ingredients

Ingredients: Aqua, Caprylyl capryl glucoside, Cocomidopropyl betaine, Aloe barbadensis leaf extract, Glyceryl oleate, Quillaja saponaria bark extract, Xanthangum, Potassium sorbate, Sodium benzoate, Citric acid, Copaifera officinalis (Balsam Copaiba) resin, Garapa guaianensis seed oil, Euterpe oleraca (Cabbaga) fruit extract, Glycerin, Epilobium fleischeri resin extract, Lavandula Angustifolia flower extract, Melaleuca alternifolia leaf oil, Amyris Balsamifera resin extract, Citrus medica peel oil, Linalool*, Limonene*, Citral*, Geraniol*, Citronellol* *Occurring naturally in essential oils
How To Use
Moisten skin and apply a small amount, gently massaging into skin until a light lather forms. Rinse with plenty of lukewarm water, pat dry and apply our facial spritz and lotion.
Price & Packaging
Simple clear plastic bottle with easy to use pump. Very reasonable £8 for a 100ml bottle.
Review
I had never heard of CEBRA before but came across the brand when researching new skincare lines online. I noticed the brand had a free sample pack to try for the small cost of postage. I was pleasantly surprised when I received a full sized facial wash and another product in the mail, especially as the facial wash alone is worth £8. This is one of the best facial washes I've tried for acne prone skin. Within a few days I noticed a visible difference in the clarity of my skin; oil was reduced, and I was less prone to blackheads and breakouts. The product is organic so there are no harsh chemicals making it ideal for sensitive skin types. It is however very drying so I would not recommend this for daily use; either when you are suffering from a breakout or off and on. The only issues I have with the cleanser is that it is non foaming (I prefer foamy cleansers) and doesn't have the best scent. However I was so impressed with its overall performance that I'll be purchasing another bottle shortly.
Would I Buy Again/ Who's This For
I really liked this cleanser and found it very effective for my skin type, I will be repurchasing. I'd recommend this for oily/ acne prone skin but not for dry or combination skin types as it is very drying. If you apply for the sample pack first you can receive a tailor made pack for your skin type to see what is best for you. There is also 10% off your first online order.
Review 9/10
Available HERE
Dermalogica Age Smart Multivitamin Thermafoliant
(75ml- £29.65- £41.00)


A powerful thermal skin polisher that combines physical and chemical exfoliants to refine skin texture and enhance penetration of age-fighting actives into skin while advanced technology ingredients condition and treat the skin.
- Gently polishes off dulling skin cells to reveal smoother, fresher skin immediately.

- Thermal technology activates upon contact with water to drive beneficial ingredients further into skin.

- Provides antioxidant protection while suppressing the formation of AGEs.

- Inhibits collagen-degrading MMPs while conditioning skin.

- Skin looks and feels dramatically improved and smoother.

Ingredients
Retinol (Vitamin A), Tocopherol (Vitamin E) and Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C): pure Vitamin A (stable in this anhydrous formula) helps reverse the signs of aging by normalizing cells and stimulating new collagen formation while gently exfoliating. Vitamin E helps smooth skin while a stable form of Vitamin C stimulates skin strengthening collagen.
Camellia Sinensis (White Tea) Leaf: polyphenols protect skin from ROS while inhibiting collagen-degrading MMPs and the formation of AGEs.
Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed: a potent antioxidant that fights ROS, reduces inflammation, inhibits MMPs and stimulates new collagen synthesis while inhibiting the formation of AGEs.
Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root: an anti-inflammatory, antioxidant extract that soothes and calms skin. Helps reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation.


How To Use

After cleansing, apply to damp skin in circular motions for 1 to 2 minutes, avoiding the eye area. A more intense result can be achieved by using directly on dry skin. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and sponges. Use two to three times per week.
Price and Packaging

Clean simple packaging, squeezy tube which makes application easy. The RRP is quite steep at £41 although it is available online from £29 which is slightly more reasonable.

Review

The product promises to reduce the signs of ageing by exfoliating the skin to create a brighter and smoother texture. The consistency is grainy without being too harsh. After use it does leave your skin softer and smoother through light exfoliation. I have not used this long enough to comment on whether it reduces the signs of anti ageing, but it does leave the skin looking visibly brighter and more radiant. I really enjoyed using this product and found it to be a great gentle exfoliater to use once a week.

Would I Buy Again/ Who's This For

I did really enjoy this product but I'm not sure I would pay full retail price for it as I generally try and keep my skincare to under £30 per item unless I find them amazing. It is an excellent gentle exfoliator that is suitable for all skin types and does have the added benefit of being anti-ageing. Dermalogica do offer samples and consultations at their counters so it may be worth paying a visit to try this product before purchasing to see if it is right for you. If you don't mind paying that much for a product or are a fan of the Dermalogica line I'd recommend trying this. However if the cost is a bit steep for your budget I'd recommend just trying something else at a lower cost as there a cheaper exfoliater on the market that are just as good.

Review 8/10

Available HERE


Origins Organic Silkening Body Spritz
(150ml/5oz- 7.41- £9.99)
Product Info
Origins used fine-quality organic soy lecithin known for its amazing ability to draw water from thin air to increase skin hydration. And organic sunflower oil, with its essential fatty acids and vitamins to make skin softer, smoother, and more supple. You'll love the 360-degree pump that allows you to turn the bottle upside down to easily mist and hydrate hard-to-reach shoulders, backs and behind the knees. Origins own blend of organic clove, rose, lavender, patchouli and red thyme essential oils helps protect the purity of this product.

How To Use
After bath or shower, mist all over body and massage in gently.
Product & Packing
Plastic Bottle with 360 degree spray cap. Clean & simple design.
Review
This is one of Origins most elusive products. It makes appearances every so often in gift sets or pops up temporarily on the internet. Luckily this month I tracked one down online just in time for my holiday. It has a nice clean fresh scent albeit one that is quite strong, which is perfect for Summer months. The spray cap works at any angle so it's easy to spray all over your body. It's really nice to use after the shower or at the pool/ beach when it's hot. The product is organic which is also great
Would You Buy Again/ Who's This For
If you like Origins bath products, you'll like this. It has the same similar Ginger like scent as their other products. If I can get hold of this I will definitely be repurchasing. If you don't like strong scents then this is probably not for you as it can be quite heavy.


Review 9/ 10

Available HERE & HERE

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