Beauty Favourites July
Yes
To Tomatoes Skin Clearing Facial Mask 48g (11.99)
What it claims to
do
This product claims to
be "a total deep pore treatment that refines, purifies and even moisturises
your skin, while keeping your complexion clean, clear and balanced. Filled with
potent anti-oxidants that fight free radicals, and bursting with powerful sebum
(acne-causing oil) absorbers". It contains 98% natural
ingredients.
How To
Use
The product doesn't
advise how often to use but I use this once a week or twice a week if I have a
bad breakout. The packaging advises leaving this on for 5 mins ( I prefer 10
mins) and to remove with a hot flannel.
Price
value
This isn't the cheapest
mask at £11.99, and on opening the packaging I was a bit shocked to see how
small the tub actually was. However upon trying it I realised how thin it
applies and it actually lasted about 2 months, so it does go quite along
way.
Packaging
Considering the price the
packaging is just cheap tub. The box it comes in is a lot larger than the actual
container.
Consistency
It is a very white thick
paste with a lovely scent. It spreads out easily and doesn't flake off like
some masks
The
results
I really liked this mask.
I saw a definite improvement in my skin even after the first try. It definitely
reduces and heals breakouts as well as reducing the oil in your skin. I'm not
sure if I noticed a reduction in pore size but after use it does leave my skin a
lot brighter and healthier looking.
Who's this for
& Would I buy again
This is a product that I
would only recommended to people with Oily/ Acne prone skin. It is drying and
would be bad for someone with dry or normal skin types. It is however
nonirritating so would be fine to use if you have sensitive skin. For me it is
definitely a repurchase as it was right for my skin type. I initially wanted to
buy the Yes To Tomatoes Cleanser but chose the mask instead, after the pleasing
results of the mask I will be looking into the cleanser as well. This was the
first Yes To product I'd tried and I am interested in trying out a few of the
other ranges.
Review
9/10
Available
here
High Potency Night A Mins®
Mineral enriched moisture lotion 50ml- £30
What it claims to
do
Formulated with extra
vitamins, extra minerals and a gentle exfoliating extract. Helps skin repair
while you sleep to reveal a brighter, more youthful texture and tone.
How to
use
The product recommends
apply over face and throat at night time. I use this every other night or every
night if I have scarring/ discolouration.
Price
Value
This is not the most
inexpensive product on the market but is the standard price for a Origins. The
product and Origins products in general last along time and are effective, so
I'd say yes it is good value for money.
Packaging
Small plastic bottle in a
box. I like the bottle but it's a bit difficult to get the product
out.
Consistency
This formula is really
light, much like a serum. It has a beautiful citrus scent which stays even after
applied
Results
This is amazing. It
leaves the skin feeling really soft, moisturised but not greasy. In the morning
my complexion is alot brighter. And I have seen a definite reduction in the time
it takes for my skin to help/ scars to fade.
Who's this for.
Would I buy again
This version is for oily
skin types, there is the original cream version for dry/ normal skin. It's very
light so does not aggravate the skin or leave it greasy. I bought this on sale
but haven't been able to find it on the Origins website so I'm not sure if
they're discontinuing it. However Origins have recently released an oil free
form of the original cream for oily skin types.
Review
9/10
Still available
Here
Cream Version
(oil free) - 100ml £32 available Here
Origins
Brighter by Nature SPF 35 Skin Tone Correcting Moisturizer 50ml-
£35
What it claims to
do
This clinically-proven
protective moisturiser helps to restore clarity and brightness to dull, uneven
skin.
Of course it’s not a
laser treatment, but this clinically proven protective moisturiser with
skin-illuminating Japanese Basil Leaf, Cucumber, Peony and Vitamin C plus
nature’s brilliant new advance, Palmaria, works at lightning speed to help
restore clarity and brightness to dull, uneven skin. It’s even formulated with
SPF 35 to prevent new spots from forming.
How to
use
The product recommends
using am and pm but I just use this in the day time.
Price
Value
This is a bit expensive
but it is worth the money. The jar is pretty big and you only need a small
amount of product so should last a few months.
Packaging
Nice easy to open jar,
quite heavy though so not best for travelling.
Consistency
Medium thick cream with a
citrus type smell, applies light though not heavy at all.
Results
This definitely does what
it says. The moisturiser leaves your skin hydrated and visibly improves
imperfections. It feels really nice on the skin, very light and the scent is
amazing. The added SPF 35 is also really good, usually moisturisers only offer
SPF 15, so this is a great choice for Summer time. I was so impressed by this
that I purchased it in serum form too which I now use with the
moisturiser.
Who is this for.
Would I buy again
This is recommended for
all skin types. I'd recommend it as a good choice if you have oily skin as it's
very light. It's a great moisturiser for Summer time as it has a high SPF. If
your worried about scars/ imperfections then you should definitely try this, it
gives noticeable results in the first week of using.
This is my new favourite
day moisturiser and I will be repurchasing.
Review
10/10
Available
Here
Origins Brighter By Nature Skin Tone Correcting Serum
30ml- £34
What it claims to
do
Skin tone correcting
serum. It`s true brightness with no regrets.
This clinically proven
plant serum with naturally-derived Vitamin C helps create more even skin tone
and zaps the appearance of dullness, dark spots and discolourations. Cucumber
and Japanese Basil Leaf help prevent future spotting and freckling. There's no
scarring or scorching skin. No downtime, no hefty price tag. It's true
brightness, with no regrets. Eliminates dark spots and discolourations. Helps
prevent new spots from forming. Gently exfoliates skin to erase dullness. Skin
appears vibrant, radiant and even-toned.
How to
use
The product recommends
using am and pm used with your regular moisturiser. I use this just in the
morning with the matching moisturiser. One pump is enough to cover the
face.
Price
Value
This is expensive and the
bottle is very small. I got this in a set and I'm not sure I would buy this
unless it was on offer just because it is expensive.
Packaging
Nice easy to bottle with
a pump. It is very light plastic which is cheap considering the cost. It is very
light though so good for travel. If I can't carry the larger moisturiser version
I take this with me instead.
Consistency
Very light like most
serums. Has a similar scent to the other products in the line.
Results
I always use this with
the moisturiser so I'm not sure how effective it is on it's own at combating
imperfections. However it does add extra glow to my complexion and leaves the
skin very soft and smooth.
Who is this for.
Would you buy again
This is suitable for all
skin types. Because this is expensive I'd only recommend this if you have skin
imperfections or very dull skin that you wish to combat. If you have an even
skin tone you could probably find a cheaper serum on the market that works for
you. I like using this with the matching moisturiser to get the ultimate effect
of the product and speed up the healing process of scars, but if you only wanted
to buy one I'd recommend the moisturiser as it is cheaper, lasts longer and
offers the same benefits. The serum however is better for travel as it's smaller
and the packaging is lighter. Not sure I'd pay full price for this but I'd
repurchase if it was on offer in a gift set. I'd prefer a cheaper
alternative.
Review
9/10
Available
Here
Neal's
Yard Remedies Rehydrating Rose Daily Moisture (100ml)-
£22.50
What it claims to
do
Neal’s Yard Rehydrating
Rose Daily Moisture is a replenishing lotion ideal for normal and dehydrated
skin. Rich in skin protecting antioxidants, damask and hundred petalled roses,
with soya and calendula oils, it helps restore the skin’s radiance.
Created to infuse the
skin with the nutrients required to support good health and a radiant
complexion, the softening Neal’s Yard Rehydrating Rose Daily Moisture is a light
and easily absorbed lotion. Essential fatty acids from pure plants oils are
combined with a double action rose formulation to soothe and balance the skin
while moisture boosting hyaluronic acid gives your skin a dewy
freshness.
How to
use
The product advises to
use directly after cleansing. I've been using this mainly as a night time
moisturizer or when my skin feels a little dryer. You need a very tiny amount as
it spreads out very easily.
Price
Value
I got this free in a
beauty box so was the smaller 45ml size (which is estimated at £11). It lasted
about two months so I thought that was pretty good value. I think this size is
only available in gift sets. The full size is quite expensive but I think it
would be good value for money as you need a tiny amount when using and it should
last a few months.
Packaging
I received a tube sample
of the product which was pretty basic. I really like the look of the full size
packaging it looks alot more expensive and has a handy pump which should make
application alot easier
Consistency
This is a very light
moisturizer with strong rose scent. You need alot less product than usual
moisturizers as it spreads out alot. If you use two much it's quite hard to get
it to sink in.
Results
This was the first Neal's
Yard product I'd tried and I was very impressed. It's not usually a brand I'd
consider but after receiving this sample I've decided to try a few products out
from the line. The moisturiser is very hydrating and would be perfect for Winter
months or if you have quite dry skin.
Who's this for.
Would I buy again.
This is recommended for
normal skin types but the product claims it is especially good for dryer skin. I
love rose scented products and really enjoyed using this, but after looking at
the Neal's Yard line I would have probably preferred to use a moisturizer
specifically for oily skin (Palmarosa is recommended for oily skin). Saying that
this product was very light and non greasy so didn't aggravate my skin or make
it oily. This product uses organic ingredients which I like as I've noticed a
difference in my skin after using more organic based products. I will be
purchasing a few more products from the Neal's Yard line but probably from a
different line that's more suited to my skin type.
Review
8/ 10
Available
Here
or in a smaller
(45 ml) size as part of set Here
and currently as
a free gift Here
Coconut
Beautifying Oil 100ml- £9.00
What it claims to
do
Beautifying Oil is pure
beauty in a bottle. Made with a lightweight blend of nut oils including
Community Fair Trade marula oil, it gives instant hydration and a shimmering
finish. This one has a totally tropical coconut scent.
How to
use
The product can be used
on face, hair or body. And can be applied to either damp or dry skin/ hair. You
only need very small amount. I've been using this on wet hair when I leave it
to air dry or on the ends when its dry. It can also be used as a hair mask. I
also add a few drops to my bath as well as rubbing a small amount on my skin. A
small amount can also be applied as a face oil or as a mask.
Price
Value
A great price for a
multi-purpose product. It really goes along way so will last for months.
Excellent value for money.
Packaging
Comes in a small plastic
bottle. Easy to remove product. Good size for travel.
Results
I love coconut scents and
the strong smell from this product really lasts which makes it especially
enjoyable to use. On hair I like to apply this when its wet and let it air dry.
I have curly hair and it nourishes my hair and smooths down any frizz. However
when blow drying with the oil it weighs the hair down alot and can look greasy.
You do really have to be sparing with the quantity and void the roots. dding a
small amount to my bath or apply directly to my skin leaves my body feeling very
soft, nicely scented but not greasy like some oils. I was a bit sceptical to try
this on my face but was pleasantly surprised. it didn't irritate my skin at all
and did not clog my pores. It's nice to use at night time to relieve dehydrated
or tired skin. It leaves your face feeling very soft and smooth. This could also
be used a moisture mask for the same effect.
Who's this for.
Would I buy again
This product advises that
is suitable for ll skin types. I'm sure this would be perfect if you suffer from
dry skin as it's very nutritioning. I do think that it feels oilier than most
oils on my face but it doesn't clog pores or aggravate the skin. I think it's
probably better to use as a night time treatment. In terms of hair if you have
thin or oily hair this is probably best not used as a styling aid as it can make
hair look greasy very easily and weigh it down making it look flat. I'd
recommend using it as an overnight hair mask instead. if you have normal/ dry
hair this should be suitable to use but be very sparing when applying and avoid
the roots. I'm along way off from finishing this but will probably repurchase.
It comes in a range of other scents; Moringa, Shea, Cocoa Butter
,
Sweet Lemon
,
Strawberry, Mango, Satsuma, Pink
Grapefruit, Olive, Chocomania, so I may try a
different one on the next purchase.
Review
8/10
Available
Here
Botanics Botanics Skin Brightening Toner
250ml- RRP £3.99
What it claims to
do
Botanics Skin Brightening
Toner is a gentle toner that sweeps away every last trace of cleanser and
brightens your complexion while also working to refine pores and minimise excess
oil.
How
to use
Product
advises sweeping over face after cleansing. I use this as my day time
toner
Price
Value
This is a
large bottle especially for the low price. I've been using this for a few months
and have barely made a dent.
Packaging
Simple
plastic bottle. Nothing special but easy to pour out. Not best size for
travel.
Consistency
Water like
consistency with a floral style smell.
Results
I was
really impressed with this especially because of how cheap it was. Previously
I'd been using an expensive toner, and although there was nothing wrong with it
there wasn't anything special about it to be paying £20 every couple of months.
So this was the first cheaper brand I've tried in over 10 years. I'm not sure if
I noticed it refining oil or shrinking pores but it really does leave the skin
looking brighter and more radiant. It's refreshing and not harsh on the skin.
The scent is also something I really like about it, a clean refreshing scent.
Who's
it for. Would I buy again
This is
aimed at oily skin types and does contain alcohol so maybe not the best product
for dryer skin tones, although I did not feel harsh on my skin type. Nice
product if your after a brightening toner at a good price. Unfortunately Boots
have re branded their Botanics line so this is unavailable on line (some may
still be in stores) and I'm not sure they are bringing it back. There are a few
sites though that still have it t a similar price. This would have been a
product I would have repurchased if easily available at Boots, but if it's not
brought back I might try the Rose
Toner Spray which
seems pretty similar.
Review
8/10
Still
available Here
Superdrug Naturals Shampoo Tea Tree & Peppermint 300ml- £0.99
What it claims to
do
Let nature do the work
with Superdrug Te Tree & Peppermint Shampoo for normal hair. Richly
formulated with natural extracts of anti-bacterial tea tree and invigorating
peppermint to gently remove everyday residue. Leaves your hair feeling clean and
looking soft and healthy.
How To
Use
Everyday shampoo for
normal hair. Advises repeat washing for extra cleanliness and in conjunction
with the matching conditioner. I use this as a daily shampoo.
Price
Value
At 99p this is a great
value for money product especially for how good it is.
Packaging
Average looking bottle,
has a filter on the neck to control the amount of product that comes out.
Nothing fancy but it is very cheap.
Consistency
Green gel like formula
with a very strong Tea Tree/ Peppermint scent.
Results
I wasn't expecting much
from this product because of how cheap it was, but picked it up on an impulse as
I love peppermint scents. I was really surprised at how good it was especially
for 99p. It really leaves your hair squeaky clean and smells amazing.
Who's it for.
Would I buy again.
The product advises use
on normal hair but because of how squeaky clean it leaves your hair and scalp
I'd say it would be excellent for oily hair too. This is my new favourite cheap
shampoo for everyday use. I'll definitely be picking this up again and will
probably get the matching conditioner too.
Review
9/10
Available
Here
Origins
Never A Dull Moment
Skin-brightening
Face Cleanser (150ml)
£17.00
What it claims to
do
Melts makeup, dirt and
debris to banish bleakness. With each passing year skin's ability to do its own
daily slough of surface stuff slows down. Skin can look mighty drab and dreary.
So we blended extract of crushed Papaya, with creamy cleansers to create a
lush-lathering, fruit-smoothie of a face wash. Simply swirl it over
splashed-moist skin and watch how swiftly it disposes of dingy, dried up cells,
makeup, dirt and debris to totally banish bleakness. Skin emerges with a fresh,
radiant sheen. Feels sleek and silky-smooth, never
stripped-dry.
How to
use
Product advises using
several times weekly; more often if skin acts oily. Wet palms and lather up.
Massage over moist skin in a circular motion. Rinse. Pat dry. I use this as a
day time cleanser, daily.
Price
Value
This is by no means the
cheapest cleanser on the market but the Origins cleansers in general are
extremely good value for money. They last a long time as a little goes along way
and are very effective cleansers.
Packaging
Standard tube, it's also
see through so you can see how much is left.
Consistency
Almost clear like formula
with a very strong citrus scent. A 5p size amount really lathers up and covers
the hole face.
Results
This is a really
refreshing cleanser with the most heavenly scent. Origins Checks and Balances
has always been a firm favourite of mine but this is equally as good. It lathers
up really easily; some people don't seem to like that quality to Origins
cleansers but that's one of my favourite qualities. I've been using the travel
size of this I got in a set and it's lasted over 2 months so the full size
should last a fair few months. I like to use this in the morning as it has a
very refreshing effect and leaves the skin noticeably brighter and more radiant.
Who's this for.
Would I buy again
The product advises that
this is for oily skin types so may be too striping if you have dry skin. It's a
great product if you have scarred/ acne prone skin as it makes a clear
difference to skin tone and oil reduction. Also If you like citrus smells then
you'll love this product. I will be repurchasing this and making it my regular
face cleanser along with Checks & Balances.
Review
10/10
Available
Here
