Posts Tagged ‘skincare’

9 November 2010: 09:00

Shu Uemura Balancing Cleansing Oil

Beauty Review: Shu Uemura Balancing Cleansing Oil


Price: £27
Available from:  House of Fraser
What it claims to do:

A two-in-one cleanser and makeup remover.  A light, refreshing cleanser and makeup remover that thoroughly cleanses the skin without disrupting its natural balance, leaving it purified and blemish-free. Leaves skin smooth and protected without stripping it of its natural oils. shu uemura’s #1 selling Cleansing Oil. Suitable for all skin types.

Our reviewer says:
I have read a lot about the benefits of cleansing with oil lately, especially for those with oily/blemish prone skin like myself. Most people believe that oil-based cleansers and beauty products  are bad for oily skin. The truth is that it has now been proven that oil dissolves oil, and cleansing with oil can actually balance your skin. I use Shu Uemura’s hair oil and it’s amazing. so I was keen to try their skin care oil.

Final verdict:
This is an excellent cleanser and removes make-up effectively while leaving skin soft and hydrated. I highly recommend this cleanser for anyone with dry or irritated skin as it’s so gentle, yet effective.  It is quite pricey, however you only need a few drops to massage into your face before it emulsifies and you wipe off with a face washer.

Reviewed by Dearne

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22 October 2010: 09:00

NYR Frankincense neck cream

Beauty Review: Neal’s Yard Remedies Rejuvenating Frankincense Firming Neck Cream

Price: £38
Available from: Neal’s Yard Remedies

What it claims to do:
Lifts and smoothes all skin types
Our rich blend of rejuvenating frankincense, firming nutrient-rich marine algae and elasticity-boosting baobab oil, with a smoothing, collagen-stimulating tri-peptide, work synergistically to firm and tighten the skin around the neck, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and crepey skin.

Our reviewer says:
I haven’t used a cream specifically for my neck before. Usually, I just use my face moisturiser on my neck as well. But I’ve really enjoyed my new ritual of applying this luxurious cream each evening. Every time I open the pot of Frankincense cream, I savour the aromatic smell whilst massaging it in to my skin.  It’s the perfect consistency for me – not too thick, not too thin and not too greasy. It feels so good and leaves my skin feeling nourished and more supple, so it must be doing some good.

Final verdict:
I’m nearly at the end of my pot and I’ll definitely be back for more, as well as recommending it to friends.

Reviewed by Pippa

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13 October 2010: 09:00

Lush Glorious Mud body scrub

Beauty Review: Lush Glorious Mud body scrub

Lush Glorious Mud body scrub: beauty review

Price: £3.95 per cube
Where to buy: Lush
What it claims to do:
It’s a fizzy cube of rhassoul mud (cleansing clay from the Atlas mountains often used in mud masks) to be used all over the body to cleanse. The aloe vera extract is soothing, and the mix of sesame and vanilla will moisturise.
Mask your whole body for smooth, soft skin. It’s a combination of the basics of a mud mask with a little bit of Mo’s ballistic wisdom to get that fizzing effect that allows it to be smoothed over the body.

Our reviewer says:
I wasn’t sure about the scent of this product. It’s similar to their Crème Anglaise body lotion.  However, it’s worth giving it a whirl for the results on your skin. It leaves your skin so smooth. Your skin looks more moisturized instantly. It must be the sesame and vanilla.

The cube does fizz like a ballistic and I went a bit mad using the full thing in one go directly onto my skin. It is very messy too. My white shower and tiles looked very much like a beach by the time I was done. It’s probably not one to use on a work morning if you’re like me and prefer an extra 5 minutes in bed to 5 minutes spent rinsing down the shower afterwards!

I also used it on my feet as they don’t generally get much TLC and it worked a treat!

Final verdict:
This isn’t a product that I would use on a daily basis. It’s more for a weekend treat and it’s definitely a good one to use before applying something like Charlotte Island Body Tint. I give it top marks for leaving your skin feeling soft, supple and moisturised.

Reviewed by Julie

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6 October 2010: 09:00

Skincare tips from Neal’s Yard Remedies

Store manager, Nardius Zaki shares her expert advice on how to achieve beauty on the inside as well as outside. Discover her favourite Neal’s Yard Remedies products and top tips on improving your skincare routine.

Call in to the Neal’s Yard Remedies store for your own skincare consultation.

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4 October 2010: 09:00

Elemis Pro-Collagen marine cream

Beauty Review:  Elemis Pro-Collagen marine cream – 20th Anniversary Edition


Price: £99

Where to buy: Debenhams
What it claims to do:

The Pro-Collagen Marine Cream from Elemis is clinically proven to reduce the depth of wrinkles by 19% and increase hydration and moisture levels by 10%. This powerful anti-ageing cream provides a progressive lifting effect through increased collagen support. The dynamic combination of the marine algae Padina Pavonica and Absolutes, Gingko Biloba and liposomes delivers visible results within 15 days

Our reviewer says:
This moisturiser has a very light texture and glides on beautifully. My skin felt instantly moisturised and had a genuine glow.  I liked the slight fragrance too. I think my wrinkles look better and my face certainly looks fresher after two weeks of using the moisturiser.

Final verdict:
This is not a cheap purchase but my skin has been feeling so silky that I think I may have to continue to indulge.

Reviewed by Sarah

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13 September 2010: 09:00

Good Things Stay Clear Purifying Cleanser

Beauty Review: Good Things Stay Clear Purifying Cleanser

Price: £4.99
Available from: Exclusively at Boots
What it claims to do:
Oily skin needs careful treatment to clear away excess sebum without stripping it of moisture. In addition to mango and blueberry extracts, this gentle anti-blemish cleanser contains willow-bark extract, which has an anti-microbial action on the skin, so is good for young skin that is prone to breakouts.

Our reviewer says:
Good Things by British Journalist Alice Hart-Davis caught my eye recently in Boots so I decided to give it a go as my skin has broken out over the summer. I tend to avoid anti-acne skincare ranges as I find them too harsh on my skin and they only irritate it further. Good Things is more gentle than most brands and smells absolutely good enough to eat!

Final verdict:
I think this range is perfect for young skin as it cleanses without stripping the skin of moisture which can cause more breakouts and skin irritation. I think it’s perfect for teens and those starting out their first skincare regime and it’s a great price.

Reviewed by Dearne

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8 September 2010: 09:00

Neal’s Yard Remedies face mask

Beauty Review: Neal’s Yard Remedies Power Berry Face Mask

Available from: Neal’s Yard Remedies

Price: £24
What it claims to do:
Boosts radiance and protects youthful skin.
Antioxidant-rich acai, bilberry, cranberry and grape in a gel refining mask, revitalises for fresh, glowing skin

Our reviewer says:
This face mask is totally different to those that I’ve used in the past. It’s literally like putting berries on your skin and it makes you look very grubby whilst it is on. You leave it on for 10 minutes, then when you wash it off, it forms a milk-like consistency which you massage in.

It does make your skin feel lovely and it gives you a bit of a glow.  It’s not an exfoliating mask, so it’s not one to use to cleanse your pores. It does make your skin feel brighter though.

Final verdict:
I will continue to use this mask as it does give your skin a boost. I’ll still use my exfoliating mask for a deep cleanse though.

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3 September 2010: 09:00

Lancaster Tan Maximiser Soothing Moisturiser

Beauty Review: Lancaster Tan Maximiser Soothing Moisturiser

Price: £21 (125ml)
Available from: Debenhams
What it claims to do:

- A deeper tan with less sun exposure.
- Intensifies the tan by up to 80%.
- Prolongs the tan 5-9 days post exposure and repairs sun induced skin damage (ultrasomes) the rescue remedy for sunburn. Lightweight calming and soothing cream.
- All skin types. This lightweight cream gives a delicious,soothing sensation.
- Tan booster
- Heliosome, an exclusive Lancaster complex, helps the skins recovery process by stimulating melanin production, naturally enhancing your tan by up to 50% to 80%.
- Soothing
- A unique soothing complex calms skin recently exposed to sun for instant comfort.
- Moisturising
- Active hydrating properties re-moisturise dehydrated skin and reduce the risk of peeling, leaving the skin supple and silky-smooth.
- Result:
- A more intense, longer-lasting tan. Soft, supple, radiant skin ,better prepared for subsequent sun exposure.
- Dermatologically tested. RPF tested (Free Radical Protection. Non-comedogenic.

Our reviewer says:
I applied this moisturiser after some heavy-duty sunbathing and left it on overnight. The cream calmed my skin where I’d been a bit casual with the sun block and any scalded skin was brown by the morning.

Following the holiday, I’ve been using the moisturiser every day to see if it can eek out the tan a little longer as the claim said it would.

Final verdict
It’s hard to be certain that my tan has lasted longer than usual, but my gut instinct is that it has. Plus, it’s great for sunburn so I will definitely be using this moisturiser for future holidays.

Reviewed by Sarah

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26 August 2010: 09:00

Johnson’s gel wash

Beauty Review: Johnson’s Face Care – Daily Essentials refreshing Gel Wash for normal skin

Price: £2.99
Available from: Boots,Superdrug

What it claims to do:
‘Daily essentials’ is a complete range of facial cleansers and moisturisers developed with Johnson’s expertise in soft, delicate skin to give you gentle and effective skincare.
Our refreshing gel wash, enriched with essential, skin loving mineral and vitamins gently lifts any impurities whilst caring for normal skin with:
- skin loving minerals known to restore freshness
- vitamin C derivative known for its antioxidant properties
Suitable for sensitive skin

Results:
- Skin is cleansed, feels soft and refreshed.

Our reviewer says:
The Daily Essentials range may be new, but the smell is typically Johnson’s and so felt quite familiar. The gel wash has lots of little pink grainy bits in which are good for exfoliation. The gel’s quite runny and really easy to use.  I found it good if you’re prone to sporadic breakouts.

Final verdict:
My skin definitely felt softer after using it. For me, it’s a product to use in the morning and it’s gentle enough to use every day. I still prefer a normal cleanser-toner routine at night to remove the day from my skin though.

Reviewed by Julie

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18 August 2010: 09:00

Kiehl’s creme de corps

Beauty Review: Kiehl’s creme de corps

Price: from £15.50
Available from: House of Fraser

What it claims to do:
Super-enriched moisturising treatment for the body with Beta-Carotene for dry skin that needs extra care and moisture nourishment. It takes a little linger to soak in, but worth the wait! Since its birth more than 30 years ago, Creme de Corps has always been a favourite with almost 30 million ml produced a year! It is also known as “the secret backstage weapon”, being used on models’ legs to smooth and give high shine on the catwalk.

Our reviewer says:
A light-weight cream that glides on and sinks into the skin faster than I expected. Pleasant fragrance that is not too strong. I used it on a bad case of sunburn and it prevented peeling.

Final verdict
I really like this product and would certainly recommend it. I will be changing my body moisturiser to this one.

Reviewed by Sarah

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