Melvita Hydrating Facial Gel

 Our Southern France correspondent, Sarah Cross, reviews this product from quintessentially Ardèche brand Melvita.

RRP: £25.00/40ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Ideal for dry to combination skin, this gel as fresh as the morning dew lightly moisturizes the skin for 24 hours. Rose floral water acts as a direct source of hydration, while Rose seed milk helps hold in the skin's natural moisture by maintaining the hydrolipidic film. To diffuse this moisture at the heart of epidermal cells, wild rose petal extract (derived from roses that grow at high
altitudes) helps to stimulate the synthesis of aquaporins – true "water channels". Enriched with mattifying rice powder, this gel is immediately absorbed and leaves skin shine-free. Its thirst deeply quenched, the skin stays soft and fresh all day long! Natural and Organic Cosmetic certified by ECOCERT GREENLIFE according to ECOCERT Standard available at http://cosmetiques.ecocert.com .
99% of the ingredients are from natural origin; 36% of the ingredients are from Organic Farming."

--Packaging--
The same style as for the micellar water, except with a white instead
of see-through bottle and a pale pink lid that pops off easily to reveal a push
down dispenser nozzle. It has the green MELVITA logo with the words ‘Gelée fraîche désaltérante’ in pretty pink (translated underneath into English) and the same lovely scattered arrangement of photographs in varying sizes with some very attractive pictures of roses, wild and garden varieties, petals, bees collecting nectar, and so on. There is a pink line traced around the bottle towards the bottom, giving a very pretty ‘girly’ effect. The dispenser means that the product is
not contaminated and that just the right amount is ejected each time. However, this also means that you cannot see how much of the product you're using and so have to go by the weight of the container in your hand to know if you're running out. The solid container also means it can't be cut open to get the last dregs. Naturally, though, you can't have everything, and the fact that these dispensers don't topple over (unlike Melvita's old tubes) is a big plus.

--Application--
Apply in the morning to cleansed face and neck.

--Appearance and texture--
I have never really been a fan of gels but this one has a nice texture. It is a creamy white and smooths over the face easily.

--Scent-- 
Divine. Rosey-posey!

--Effects on the skin-- 
What surprised me was how quickly it was absorbed into my skin…my face just said ‘WOW’ and soaked it up. Must be doing some good then! It didn’t leave my face shiny and provided a good base for make-up.

--Value for money--
Compared to the other ‘beauty giants’ Melvita’s products are reasonably priced and not over the top. As you only have to use a little of the product each time, I reckon it is good value.  

perfect partners 
Fresh Micellar Water, £15
Moisturising Rose Nectar, £25

Spa Review: L'Escale Orientale, Paris

An 'escale' in French is essentially a stopover, or perhaps a stage in a journey (a French online trip planner requiring you to take regional express train A followed by metro lines 6 and 12 and then a short walk, for instance, would tell you that your journey has 4 'escales'). It's therefore both significant and appropriate, then, that Parisian spa L'Escale Orientale chooses to use this word in its name. Located in one of the busiest parts of the French capital, near what is perhaps the city's biggest shopping district as well as the second busiest railway station in Europe, it's housed within a small courtyard that truly provides an oasis of calm and quiet away from the chaotic streets.

Specialising in hammam - the water treatment popular in places like Morocco and Turkey - L'Escale Orientale ensures that your treatment takes place in comfort and style, as well as allowing you to benefit from the latest technology. Their hammam treatment areas are essentially full-body capsules that you lie in while essentially completely stark naked (although I'm sure that if you wanted to wear your own swimming costume instead of the paper thong that they offer you, they would oblige), and that faithfully replicate the traditional Islamic hammam experience. Fans allow hot dry air to circulate over your body before gentle steam is introduced. After this, water jets provide strong massage from above and below your body, as well as from the sides of the capsule. Before the 30-minute experience commences, the spa staff check that the temperature of the water is to your liking before switching the capsule on (although they only seem to speak French there, so be aware of this before booking - which, by the way, you can only do by telephone).

Wearing makeup is not to be recommended, and while of course you may tie up your hair, this is unlikely to stop it from getting wet. None of this, of course, stops the hammam from being a fully satisfying and unusual experience: after treatment from the water jets you feel completely invigorated, and the gently changing coloured lights in the room and soft décor adds to the relaxation factor.

Continuing in the Oriental hammam tradition is the full body exfoliation and massage. The exfoliation takes place in the same hammam pod, with the assistant using an exfoliation glove to slough away dead skin cells from your entire body. This has the desired effect of making you feel smooth and glowing before your massage. Prior to the massage, you are given a new paper thong, plus a paper bathrobe, to put on - and in typical French style, this leaves little to the imagination. You are then led to a room decorated in dark pink and brown, which is dimly lit and where relaxing music plays. A five-minute massage is given while you are wrapped in a towel to ensure that you are fully dry after the hammam and exfoliation routine, and then a 15-minute massage using warm oils ensues. Finally, excess oil is soaked up through another 5-minute massage with the towel (although those who are new to massages with oil should be warned that it can still be a good idea to wear older clothes, or clothes that you care about less, to wear afterwards). The spa staff are skilful in the art of massage and have an appropriately firm touch to see off knots or aches. However, they did not ask about any back conditions that could be affected by the massage, so come prepared to tell them about this in advance.

At the end of the massage, you may be invited to have a quiet cup of sweet green tea in the reception area, where plush banquettes abound for moments of further relaxation and contemplation. Having been given this trio of treatments as a Smartbox gift from my inlaws, I have no idea how much was paid for the treatment (especially as the particular box I was given is no longer available), but can estimate from the Smartbox website that the price was between €35 and €75. I suspect, however, that according to the list of treatments on the L'Escale Orientale website, what I had was closest to their Essaouira Escale Classique, which consists of a hammam, exfoliation, and a 30-minute massage with perfumed massage oil and comes to €95 (or €175 for a pair of you, which makes €88 each). So it could be suggested that you get a better deal through the Smartbox even with that two-person discount. However, my excellent experience and the not-too-bank-breaking price means that I would definitely consider returning and perhaps even gifting the experience to others. After all, these precious moments of physical and mental calm are perhaps indeed priceless.


94 rue St-Lazare, 75009 Paris
00 33 1 48 78 20 69
http://www.escaleorientale.fr/ 

Gatineau Peeling Expert Microdermabrasion Cream

RRP: £35.50/75ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Gatineau Peeling Expert Microdermabrasion Cream deeply exfoliates your skin to smooth away rough, dead skin cells, to reveal a fresh, revitalised and glowing complexion. Reveal a radiant new you with a little help from Gatineau."

--Packaging--
An elegant white and silver plastic tube that stands on a white screw cap (on some smaller tubes, the screw cap is silver). Easy to use and closes securely.

--Application--
Wet your hands and face and gently massage a small amount of the exfoliator over your face. The exfoliator can be mixed with your face wash in your palms if desired, or used alone. Wash off using a damp flannel.

--Appearance--
A white cream with no visible particles. However, on the face, a few small white particles can still be seen after rinsing.

--Scent--
None to speak of - just smells clean without being chemical. Could be likened to cotton.

--Texture and consistency--
Satisfyingly scrubby without being too abrasive; however, it's not always easy to rinse off, with some of the exfoliating bamboo beads still being left on the skin afterwards.

--Effects on the skin--
Sadly, this didn't seem to do much short-term or long-term. While skin felt softer, dry patches did not go away immediately after using, or recur less frequently over longer time periods.

--Value for money--
My tube is a smaller size, coming as part of a Gatineau gift set (which was already discounted when I bought it), so I don't feel cheated by what I paid for it. However, I would definitely be loath to pay the £35 asking price for this exfoliator. If I were going to spend £35 on an exfoliator (which is unlikely, just so you know), I'd be far more likely to go for the offerings at this price point from Ole Henriksen, Carita, or Aesop.

perfect partners
Vital Sculpt Cryo-Contouring Serum, £41.50
Floracil Eye Makeup Remover, £35/400ml
Meltaogenine Futur Plus Anti-Wrinkle Radiance Mask, £40
Gentle Silk Cleanser, £35/400ml  

Gatineau Peeling Expert Microdermabrasion Cream is also available as a trial size in the following gift sets:
Top To Toe Peel And Smooth Collection, £55
Cleanse and Peel Collection, £63
Top to Toe Collection, £74
Anti-Ageing Deep Clean and Polish Collection, £47  

Radox Muscle Therapy Bath Soak

 RRP: £2/500ml

--What does the promo say?--
"There's nothing quite like a hot soak to ease the aches out of your tired body.  Taking a bath in Radox Muscle Therapy Herbal Bath, with our blend of black pepper and ginseng will help gently warm your muscles and revive your body and mind.  Just sink in, lie back and feel rejuvenated."

--Packaging--
This is intended primarily for use in the bath, and so has a black screw cap and an open top (as opposed to a pump action or one of those plastic discs with a hole in it). This is naturally fine for bath use, but means it's not easy to control the amount that comes out of the bottle if you're hoping to use it in the shower (I don't have a bath at home, so this was bound to occur). The fact that the bottle is see-through is great for knowing how much is left, and the herbal illustration is appealing and concise.

--Application--
Pour as much as desired into the bath, and let relaxation commence.

--Appearance--
A translucent red that doesn't look too gory when lathered up! Does not leave stains.

--Scent--
Reflects the black pepper aspects slightly more than the ginseng, and my husband liked the scent more than I did. This appeal to men may well explain why Boots have categorized it under 'men's bath soaks' on their website.

--Texture and consistency--
Quite runny, but not so liquid that you waste the product. Not at all lumpy or irritating, and forms a perfectly smooth lather on skin, while still washing off easily when you want it to.

--Effects on the skin--
The scent will linger for a short time on the skin, so may contradict some women's perfumes, but shouldn't be an issue for men's aftershaves. (However, I'm not sure I know anyone who has time to bathe in the morning, so perhaps this isn't really relevant.) Skin also feels moisturised. Since, as mentioned, I don't have a bath at home, I don't think I was really able to maximise the bath soak's full therapeutic qualities. However, I can believe that it would have a psychological effect as an absolute minimum, as the scent is very relaxing and invigorating. Once I've had a chance to test it in a bath, I'll let you know!

--Value for money--
Just £2 seems very reasonable for such an enormous bottle - and Superdrug has it on half price at the moment, so even better. I'd say this does what it says on the tin, and I'd definitely be looking to try their other bath soaks to explore the range of scents.

Radox's other bath soaks
Spa Conditioning (honey, milk, almond); Brazilian Fusion (dragon fruit and camu camu); Stress Relief (rosemary and eucalyptus); Muscle Soak (clary sage and sea minerals); Relax (lavender and water lily); Moisture Soak (calendula and rose); Sleep Easy (camomile and jasmine)

Cosmetics and Beauty News (March 2013)

Feeling plucky?
Tweezerman, maker of some of the best tweezers in the industry, has adopted Lindsey Vonn as its brand ambassador, and in celebration, is running a contest to win around £80 of Tweezerman tools. I've already entered - and you should too! Just check out the Tweezerman website for details.

You give me fever
 Hay fever is no joke, and as spring and summer come into view, plenty of people will be getting their supply of clean hankies out - there are more than 10 million UK sufferers seeking relief each year. ESPA's Resistance Oil range, which can be used in the bath, tries to combat hay fever by including tea tree and eucalyptus to boost our natural defences against pollen and other environmental aggressors. Fumakilla's Pollen Face Spray could also be a good investment - its ion polymers reputedly stop pollen from entering the eyes and nose by creating an invisible veil over the face. It can be applied over makeup, and one bottle contains around 160 applications. Sufferers may also wish to investigate The Bakewell Soap Company's Beekeepers' Delight soap, which is aimed at highly sensitive skin and those suffering from skin ailments. Containing goats' milk, oats, jojoba oil, beeswax and organic honey, it could just help to keep you feeling lovely, rather than a snotty and irritated mess - and at £4.95 a bar, it also won't break the bank.



Extra special cosmetics
As someone whose skin tone has always been ludicrously pale, I've often had trouble with high street brands when it comes to finding foundations, concealers and powders that make a reasonable match with my skin. However, those in this situation need look no further than EX1 Cosmetics, which promises to supply those with "Asian and exotic skin tones", thanks to its provision of "bespoke shades from very fair to deep olive". Department store prices may no longer prevent you from purchasing products that actually suit you - and you can buy from a variety of online retailers at present, including Lookfantastic, HQHair, and Beauty Expert.

Spray you love me

Ladies with special birthdays coming up (like myself...cough) may be hoping for a high-quality fragrance as a gift. However, some feel that the art of scent-making has been lost over the years as the industry becomes ever more commercialised. Former VP of Chanel and Manager of Jo Malone, Dom de Vetta, definitely feels this way, and has teamed up with rising perfumer Julie Massé to create Shay and Blue, which has just launched at Harvey Nichols. Made with real flowers, fruits and spices, the perfumes promise to create rich opulent experiences that are made in England with skill and passion. Perfumes will be blended seasonally according to what's growing in the UK, and all will be sold in smoky blue glass bottles. The six scents that are currently available include Atropa Belladonna (incorporating cassis, narcissus and vanilla), Sicilian Limes (containing salt limes, rosemary and moss), and Suffolk Lavender (mixing lavender, melon and pine). And with prices from £30, they cost no more than commercial perfumes either.

Other unique perfume gifts are available from Anna Sui, whose tin houses are just too adorable to pass up. Secret Wish, Flight of Fancy, and Fairy Dance now come in collectable metal boxes that you can keep even when the perfume itself is long gone, transforming into jewellery boxes thanks to the handy hooks inside. For £36, you get a tin box and a 50ml Anna Sui fragrance.

Curl creation
We girls don't always style our hair as often as we'd like, mostly due to the time constraints wrought by over-complicated styles. However, John Frieda has just launched a video in an attempt to help women create curly hair easily - and, in celebration, has also started a competition whereby you can win weekends away, girls' nights out, and luxury meals. You'd be silly not to enter :)

Had enough. Period.
Some women manage to get through the time of the month with ease, but others (as I did when I started) have immobilising pains that make them throw up and keep them off school or work once a month, which not even prescription painkillers (such as mefenamic acid) can always touch. The Bowen Technique aims to combat cramps in a drug-free and non-invasive way thanks to specialised massage with regular rests throughout the 30-60 minute treatment. Knowing how much pain periods can cause, I would try anything to get on with my life, and would encourage any other sufferers to do so as well.

Magic matrixyl
Another chronically female concern is anti-ageing, and the beauty world has gone mad with the news that magic ingredient matrixyl is the only one to really have any effect. How far this is really the case can probably only be ascertained through detailed examination of the research involved; however, should anyone wish to capitalise on this discovery, several high street brands already contain matrixyl, such as the ranges by No7's Protect and Perfect, Sarah Chapman, Erno Laszlo, Docteur Renaud, Marks and Spencer, and Olay's Regenerist. Online shopping also offers up a wealth of possibilities: try Dr Lewinn, Medik8, NeoStrata, Skin Doctors, and DuWop.

Weight and see

Weight management is an equally perennial problem for the fairer sex. The latest product to help with this is the Malory Band, acting like a belt that you wear around your waist, underneath your clothes, to help remind you of your target weight and stop you from eating so much that you'll spend the rest of the afternoon feeling like a beached whale on the sofa. The belt's fabric is washable, durable, and can even be worn in the shower. It also comes with a unique buttonhole system, meaning the belt can be tightened as you lose weight - and by continuing to wear the band, you can maintain your weight once you've reached your target. Of course, you also use it in conjunction with eating well and regular exercise, making it one of the healthiest systems out there. 

Along Came Betty
Benefit's coy vintage style has been aped by several brands over the years, including The Vintage Cosmetic Company, Too Faced, Hard Candy, and Betty Hula. Another 'Betty', in the form of Along Came Betty, tries to appeal in the same way and is now available at Tesco, but manages to stand out on the shelf thanks to its deliberately over-dramatic black and white photographs on the pack, and lower price points (prices start from £4.99). You never know when a cheaper alternative might be better than your usual product - and you haven't got much to lose by trying this cute brand.

We're off to see the wizard
With the recent release of Oz The Great and Powerful, OPI has released a line of nail polishes inspired by the film, all with Oz-like names: Lights of Emerald City, When Monkeys Fly, and Which is Witch? are just a few of them. All are priced at £11.50, but you can get a special set of 4 mini polishes for £13.95, which is a great way to test-drive a few at a lower price (specifically I Theodora You, Don't Burst My Bubble, Glints of Glinda, and What Wizardry Is This?). All together now: there's no place like home... 

Also on the nail varnish scene are gel polishes, with brands like COLLECTION leading the way. Hopefully a long-lasting high-shine finish is now available even for ladies who don't want to ruin their nails! COLLECTION's range of 15 colours is out in May and will cost just £3.20 per bottle. 

Our darling dads
While all of the above would make great gifts for mums, it's important to not forget our dads (especially with Fathers' Day on the approach in June). If your dad is into male grooming, you could try Crabtree and Evelyn's new sets, which contain shaving essentials and muscle soaks to name just a few and start from £8. The scents available are Sandalwood, Nomad, and West Indian Lime - not to mention the classic Gardeners range, providing gifts for surely every lifestyle.

Also available is ManCave Natural Grooming, which prices its vegan products (which all contain at least 12 essential oils) from a mere £3.99. With borage to moisturise, caffeine to energise, and willow bark to fight bacteria, high-quality products such as these will with luck ensure that our dads are kept in tip-top condition, and therefore there for us for a long time yet.

Be Zen
One of the most important things in life is surely to "keep calm and carry on". Naturally there are a host of products offering to help us do this, such as the recently-launched B/Attitude natural skincare products for face and body, which promise to fuse ancient traditions with sensory experiences thanks to ingredients such as ginseng, passion flower, juniper and green tea. Another brand, Caldrea, tries a similar tack with its aromatherapeutic line, which uses botanicals that include linden flower, angelica, and chia. These essential oils hopefully work on our minds as well as our bodies - as when our looks decay, it's only our minds we're left with. Wishing you a peaceful April :)

Kiss Haute Couture Lashes

 RRP: £4.49 for a single pack; £7.49 for a duo pack; £16.99 for a pack of five
# of varieties: 4 (Lust, Flirt, Coy, Wink)

--What does the promo say?--
"Kiss Haute Couture lightweight lashes not only look natural but feel natural. When used with the included applicator, you'll be amazed at just how easy applying lashes can really be."

 --Application-- On the back of the box there are helpful drawings of how to apply the lashes using the pink applicator they've included in the pack, as well as a booklet with more detailed instructions. I'm not exactly a false lash aficionado and it did take me a couple of goes to get them in the right place and not poke myself in the eye but all in all they're pretty straightforward. The glue was easy to apply although I didn't use mascara before applying the lashes, so I don't know if the glue would react with  mascara if you did. 

Instructions: 1) If needed, trim lash size to fit your eyes. 2) Apply Kiss adhesive to lash band: wait 30 seconds for adhesive to become slightly clear and tacky. 3) Using the applicator, apply lashes along natural lash line. Hold, allowing adhesive to dry completely.

--Appearance-- As you can see from the photos, these lashes are quite 'BIG' and they are definitely for if you want to make a statement. They fit the eye pretty well but as mentioned, you can trim them down if you need to. Having worn them, I would suggest that you wear mascara on your normal lashes just so the colour is the same. These are unmistakably false lashes - I would only ever wear them for a big event like a prom or a dressy occasion as they basically take up half of my face, but they do have a nice look to them. Saying that, I would definitely be up for trying other styles of lashes in this range. 

 

--Longevity--

These stay on for as long as you want them to, and they were easy to remove when required (though as always with these things, it depends on how much adhesive you put on).
--Value for money-- 

These are in line with other market values, and it's definitely good that you can use them more than once, thus increasing product value.

by Eye and Eye Makeup Correspondent, Gemma Summons

Cosmetics Contemplations: Summertime, and the living ain't easy

As the days get lighter and the nights get shorter, we're reminded that summer is almost upon us. Not that you'd know it from the snow/wind/rain/general coldness we've been having, but I know deep down that before I can say "school's out for summer" the IGCSE and IB exams will be underway and I'll be trying to teach and control my sweat patches at the same time, while simultaneously wondering just how to stop my makeup sliding off my face and my students skipping school.

The truth is that I really don't like summer, which is basically like saying you don't like dolphins or Crunchies or teddy bears (thanks, Marian Keyes, for that analogy). I prefer winter fashions and winter food. I don't like being hot, or being woken up by birdsong at 5.00 in the morning when I know my alarm is not due to go off for another hour and a half. And, as mentioned, summer brings its own specific set of beauty bugbears, such as the ongoing attempt to keep excess body hair at bay. 

So since being a hermit for the summer months is not an option, how can we limit feeling and looking like hot sticky messes, knowing that we'll never look like those girls in catalogues who frolic flawlessly on beautiful beaches while sporting the latest fashions? Here's a few of my tips now, so that you can start investing before it gets too hot:

1. Get yourself a decent deodorant. Mitchum, plus those 48-hour ones, are generally reliable. Hit the pound shops for savings, or wait until other retailers have their own deals on.
2. Go for sleeveless tops. This will help to keep sweat patches to a minimum. If you must cover up later (to protect you from the sun, or to keep warm in the evening), go for a shawl, or for a shirt made from a sheer fabric so that sweat patches will be less visible or avoided completely.
3. Go for long-lasting makeup so that you can go all day without touching up, whether you're at a pool party, the beach, or work (ew). Especially recommended are 17 Tattoo Me liquid eyeliner, Benefit's Stay Don't Stray primer, and Clinique's BB cream.
4. Set with bronzer. Helps with making your makeup last longer, and can be used all over your body to give a sun-kissed glow from day one. I like Agnes B's offerings, but other more experienced bronzer aficionados will undoubtedly be able to offer more suggestions that are more readily available.
5. Buff your body. Exfoliators will get rid of impurities, such as sweat, that may be sitting on the top layer of the skin just waiting to clog pores. Plus, it creates a smoother base for makeup and body lotions, prevents ingrown hairs, and makes waxing less painful. Those by Purity Organic and Lush are good value.
6. Moisturise. This not only (like exfoliating) helps to create a smoother surface for makeup to cling to and improves conditions for waxing, but also helps prevent sun damage - especially if you choose a moisturiser containing a sun protection factor. Try products by Neutrogena and Oxy for face, and products by Jergens and Astral for body.
7. Avoid heat styling. Hairdryers and straighteners are bad enough for your hair as it is, but the sun, sea and chlorine in the summer could make your hair even worse. So lay off the heat styling tools, and either towel dry your hair or leave it to dry naturally after washing. If you really can't resist, make sure you use heat defense sprays to offset some of the damage.
8. Go to the salon for a wax. While shaving is cheap and painless, and bleach can hide darker hair growth, these methods require repeated use, sometimes daily. Even though waxing means you might have to grit your teeth, it's worth it to know that you'll get through your beach holiday without the fuzz creeping up on you before you've had time to blink.
9. Get down to the gym, or out to your local park for a run, or to your nearest pool for a swim. There's a chance you'll look better by the summer if you do (at best) - and at worst, you'll feel better and will have used your time productively.
10. Protect your eyes. Use sunglasses, even if you're just on your way to work. You only get one set of eyes and squinting is never a good look. If you wear glasses regularly anyway, and like me you can't stand contacts, invest in a prescription pair.
11. Get a pedicure - feet are the hardest body parts to keep looking lovely. They're also better value than a manicure, as we do less with our feet and so the polish tends to stay on the nails longer. Better yet, to save cash, have a friend or family member do yours, and then return the favour!
12. Use sunscreen - sunburn is not a good look and skin cancer won't be either in years to come. My faves are lotions by Piz Buin and Vichy; shop online for the best deals.

Melvita Fresh Micellar Water

Our Southern France correspondent, Sarah Cross, reviews this product from quintessentially Ardèche brand Melvita.
 
RRP: £15

--What does the promo say?--
"This fresh and delicately perfumed 3-in-1 formula removes make-up, cleanses and tones, thanks to the action of micelles, which trap impurities. Enriched with wild rose petal extract (derived from roses that grow at high altitudes) and moisturizing rose floral water, the Fresh Micellar Water cleanses skin perfectly without any drying effect. Within moments, skin is soft, fresh and radiant. In a single, simple step, skin is free of make-up, perfectly clean and fresh!"

--Packaging--
The bottle is clear and slightly frosted, showing the level of micellar water as you use it. It has a white screw top lid. The bottle has the green MELVITA logo with the words ‘Eau Fraiche Micellaire’ in pretty pink (translated underneath into English) and, new for Melvita, a lovely scattered arrangement of photographs in varying sizes with some very attractive pictures of roses, wild and garden varieties, petals, bees collecting nectar etc. There is a pink line traced around the bottle towards the bottom, giving a very pretty ‘girly’ effect. It is a lovely addition to the array of lotions and potions women normally have on their bathroom shelves.

--Application--
Apply morning and evening to face and eyes in circular motion, using a cotton pad. No need to rinse.

--Scent--
If you like roses, and I do, then it is divine!

--Appearance--
A completely clear liquid.

--Effects on the skin--
It removes make-up very efficiently and smells lovely afterwards. Nice going to bed smelling of roses! I tend to use this only at night to remove make-up but the smell is a bit addictive, and I could see myself using it in the morning as well to simply freshen up the skin before putting moisturizer on.

--Value for money--
Seems to be lasting quite well so far. Can’t say yet how long a
bottle will last but I have been using it for at least two weeks non-stop and only a quarter of the liquid has been used. Would repurchase.

perfect partners
Argan Oil, £18
Hydrating Facial Gel, £25
Moisturising Rose Nectar, £25 

Green People Cooling Hydrating Mist

RRP: £13.99

--What does the promo say?--
"A cooling spritz for face and body. An instant hydration booster offering skin cooling relief. Keep in the fridge to use as a cooling mist on ‘sun-kissed’ skin in the summer. Instant hydration in a light mist, with a gentle toning effect. Soothes, refreshes and balances. Chill in the fridge or take travelling to 'cool as you go'. Also great for hot flushes (neck/décolletage)."

--Packaging--
A white and blue spray bottle that's perfect for all ages and genders. The cap pulls off easily whenever you need it, but stays on firmly when you don't.

--Application--
Spray onto face or body whenever needed. This is simple enough, but the force with which the spray is propelled out of the bottle means that obviously you shouldn't be aiming directly at your eyes. Make sure also that you remove your glasses or sunglasses, as even though the force of the spray is strong, it's not that targeted, so you will get some splashback on your lenses even if you are careful.

--Appearance--
A completely clear liquid.

--Scent--
Unfortunately, I found the blend to be unbalanced, and even though I like the scent of orange flower water (and the taste! It's great for baking :) ), in this spray it was far too overpowering, with the other scents not getting a look-in.

--Texture and consistency--
Completely non-sticky and non-greasy. A great formula to refresh and revive.

--Effects on the skin--
Quite refreshing when sprayed on, but if the force of the spray was not so strong this effect would be heightened. Even more refreshing if kept in the fridge! Non-irritating.

--Value for money--
The retail price of £13.99 was a little more expensive than I had anticipated (luckily mine was sent through for free by Green People). However, a little research reveals that this is in line with other brands that are of similar esteem, including Bath and Body Works and Pure Fiji. Plus, when you consider the high quality of the ingredients (organic essential oils don't come cheap) and the product's general versatility (perfect after a day in the summer sun or a winter morning at the gym), it seems more and more reasonable. It all just comes down to whether the scent is for you - perhaps Green People should consider making a range of different scents? Nonetheless, theoretically a good standby all year round.

perfect partners
Hydrating After Sun, £12.95
Sun Lotion SPF15 with Tan Accelerator, £17.95

Creme de la Mer Oil Absorbing Tonic

RRP: £55 for 200ml

--What does the promo say?--
"The Oil Absorbing Tonic is the vital transition between cleansing and treatment. Infused with Colloidal Mineral Water, the topical benefits of this soothing tonic are readily apparent. Creme de la Mer's exclusive Deconstructed Waters™ within the tonic revitalize and enliven the skin with no signs of dehydration. Anti-irritants delivered through these negatively charged waters soothe and tone the skin, preparing it to readily receive the maximum benefits of skincare to follow. The Oil Absorbing Tonic, formulated for oily or problem skins, is infused with algae extracts to significantly reduce excess sebum that can lead to adult breakouts."

--Packaging--
A translucent turquoise bottle that's topped with a plastic turquoise screw cap. Gently complemented by the pale coral logo, it keeps information to a minimum. The bottle's translucency means you can always see how much is left, which is nice, and the colour scheme ties in well with the brand theme of "la mer".

--Application--
The Creme de la Mer website says that you should "shake gently to activate tonic. After cleansing, moisten a cotton pad and gently apply all over face and neck, dabbing in a gentle press and release motion. Repeat until cotton pad comes away clean." Nothing tricky about this.

--Appearance--
Even though the bottle makes the toner seem blue, it doesn't come out blue on the cotton pad, so must be clear. No visible residue is left on the skin.

--Scent--
Smells like it has a high alcohol content. However, it does smell refreshing and this is also reflected in how it feels on your skin on application.

--Texture and consistency--
Even though there is a definite sediment in the bottle before shaking, the toner does not feel grainy in any way, and as stated, feels refreshing. 

--Effects on the skin--
Lamentably, I saw no real improvement in my skin as a result of using this product, despite the fact that oiliness was reduced slightly. However, the skin was not irritated in any way and I didn't experience any extra breakouts.

--Value for money--
I bought this toner in the US, where you can pay significantly less depending on the exchange rate (it's $65, which today comes to around £43). However, I expect far better results from a product in this price bracket and would point you to Clinique's anti-blemish solutions toner for a better result and a less ouchy moment at the till.

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