Sunday 31 January 2016

Speed Review: Sanctuary Spa 5 Minute Moisture Boost Mask

Sanctuary Spa 5 Minute Moisture Boost Mask Review

Following on from yesterday's post, today's review is of another product from the Sanctuary Spa skincare range. Sanctuary Spa 5 Minute Moisture Boost Mask is described as the ultimate moisture boost to revive thirsty skin in minutes. The mask is designed as a rich & creamy treatment which contains nourishing organic shea butter, honey and organic rosehip seed oil to help skin renewal & protect against the signs of ageing & dryness to leave skin feeling silky soft & smooth.

I hate cold weather & have been ramping up the central heating recently but the downside is that it's taken its toll on my skin, leaving it dehydrated. Sanctuary Spa 5 Minute Moisture Boost Mask appealed to me thanks to the low time commitment required to give skin a hit of moisture.

The pale pink and white tube packaging is both aesthetically pleasing and functional. The directions were clear & easy to follow.

I was surprised at how thick & richly textured the cream mask is. Nonetheless, it was relatively easy to smooth onto skin although I noticed a slight tingling sensation upon initial application. It has a delicate rose fragrance thanks to the inclusion of natural plant extracts & essential oils.

Sanctuary Spa 5 Minute Moisture Boost Mask

Whilst this contains some good ingredients such as honey, rosehip & frankincense oils, rosewater and glycerin, I was disappointed to note the inclusion of ingredients such as mineral oil and dimethicone. The second most prominent ingredient is shea butter, which most likely accounts for the very rich texture. Shea butter breaks out my acne-prone skin so I tend to avoid products containing it. I found it difficult to relax knowing that it is such a key ingredient in this mask and whilst I often leave moisture masks on for longer than the directions recommend, even overnight (this one can be used as such for an intensive boost), I was concerned to do so in case it broke out my acne prone skin. During use, it felt cooling & soothing.

After the 5 minutes was up, the mask hadn't set on my skin (I didn't expect it would) but it had absorbed into my most dehydrated areas as well as where I'd only applied a thin layer.

The directions state that the mask can be rinsed or tissued off. I didn't want to risk there being any residue on my skin so thoroughly removed it using a hot flannel - although the fact that no product was left on my skin perhaps meant that I didn't gain the optimum benefits. That said, I did notice that my skin wasn't quite so thirsty the following day and didn't drink up my usual moisturiser to the same extent as it normally would. Conversely, it also felt a little irritated and congested.

Personally, I wouldn't repurchase Sanctuary Spa 5 Minute Moisture Boost Mask, owing to the inclusion of shea butter in the formula. For the same reason, I wouldn't recommend it as suitable for those with acne prone skin (even though Sanctuary state that it's suitable for all skin types). I feel that it's best suited to those with dry skin.

Sanctuary Spa 5 Minute Moisture Boost Mask costs £10 for 75ml, although a trial size sachet is also available to buy. It's an average mask which might be worth checking out if it was on offer but for me, it's not a standout.






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Saturday 30 January 2016

Speed Review: Sanctuary Spa Warming Detox Charcoal Wash


Sanctuary Spa Warming Detox Charcoal Wash review

Today's review is of Sanctuary Spa's Warming Detox Charcoal Wash, which seemed a fitting product to try at this time of year! 

I was initially intrigued by Sanctuary Spa Warming Detox Charcoal Wash when I saw the slimline tube in Boots and thought that it might be along similar lines to cleansers offered by the likes of Origins and Ren. However, as I tend to prefer oil based cleansers, I bypassed it and only revisited the product when the PR kindly sent me a sample for review. 

Sanctuary Spa Warming Detox Charcoal Wash is described as an intensely purifying yet non-drying deep cleansing daily face wash. The face wash is designed with warming benefits to help open pores and contains charcoal to help draw out impurities, whilst also removing excess oil, reducing shine and leaving skin smoother & looking clearer. 

On first impressions, I liked the design of the packaging which incorporates grey & thereby hints at the key ingredient of charcoal. I also liked that it's easy to see at a glance which skin type the product is aimed at. The functional tube with flip top lid made it easy to control how much product was dispensed. What's more, I appreciated the clear directions which I feel is important given that the cleanser is rather different to the standard drugstore face wash offerings. With this in mind, it's worth pointing out that I find the name to be rather misleading. Described as a "wash", Sanctuary Spa Warming Detox Charcoal Wash actually takes the form of a cleansing jelly. The gel is designed to be massaged onto dry skin until it transforms into a silky oil. Once water is added, it transforms into a milky wash. Such formulas are starting to creep into the offerings by drugstore brands but are usually the preserve of brands such as Oskia, Ole Henriksen and Nude. 

Sanctuary Spa Warming Detox Charcoal Wash

Sanctuary Spa Warming Detox Charcoal Wash initially appears as a lightweight, grey gel. It didn't have a great deal of slip when applied to dry skin, despite transforming to an oil texture and as such, I didn't feel that it lent itself particularly well to facial massage. Once water was added, it effortlessly transformed into a lightweight milk which didn't lather (the directions state that it will but I was pleased that it didn't) but was easily rinsed away. During use, I didn't notice any warming sensation which was unexpected given the name but it wouldn't put me off repurchasing. The wash is naturally fragranced with plant extracts & essential oils. I enjoyed the scent which reminded me of more expensive, spa products.

I'd have preferred if it could be applied to the eye area as I like the convenience of all-in-one products which allow me to forgo a separate eye makeup remover. 

Following use, my skin was left feeling clean but not stripped or dry which may be partly owing to the high concentration of hydrating glycerin within the formula (although I didn't notice any residue on my skin & still needed to moisturise afterwards). I feel that Sanctuary Spa Warming Detox Charcoal Wash is a good quality drugstore cleanser which offers value for money at just £9 for 100ml. 




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Wednesday 27 January 2016

Speed Review: Witch Oil Control Foaming Face Wash


Witch Oil Control Foaming Face Wash review

Witch Oil Control Foaming Face Wash isn't the type of product which I'd ever have tried had it not been sent to me for review. I tend to avoid foaming cleansers, preferring to use oils and balms to balance my acne-prone, combination skin. I also try to avoid skincare products which contain alcohol (as this does), although I'm admittedly not strict about this.

Witch Oil Control Foaming Face Wash is described as having a deep cleansing action to wash away excess oils and impurities. It contains mild and naturally derived cleansers to leave skin looking clear, healthy and smooth to the touch.

The bright turquoise packaging is on brand and would stand out on a crowded drugstore shop shelf. The directions were clear and easy to follow and I appreciated the functionality of the pump dispenser, which releases just the right amount of product, without wastage. One downside of the packaging is that the opaque plastic bottle meant that it was difficult to tell how much product was remaining.

The pump dispenser releases a soft foam which I found easy to work into skin. It has an inoffensive, fresh scent. The foam rinsed away easily, leaving no residue but my skin was left feeling squeaky clean (a feeling I don't like).

I found it frustrating that the product can't be used around the eye area and that I had to use a separate eye makeup remover, as I personally prefer the convenience of all-in-one products.

Following use, my skin felt soft but didn't feel stripped or tight although I still needed to moisturise.

Witch Oil Control Foaming Face Wash costs £3.99 for 150ml.
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Tuesday 26 January 2016

Speed Review: Mandara Spa Honeymilk Dream Nourishing Hand Cream

I've tried a couple of products from the Mandara Spa range but I must confess that it's not one with which I'm overly familiar. However, my hands have been feeling a little parched lately so I reached for the Mandara Spa Honeymilk Dream Nourishing Hand Cream from my "to try" box.

Mandara Spa Honeymilk Dream Hand Cream review


Mandara Spa Honeymilk Dream Nourishing Hand Cream is described as a rich & protective hand & nail cream with softening kukui nut oil, moisturising wheat germ oil & vitamin E to leave hands nourished for longer. It's free from "nasties" such as mineral oil and parabens.

On first impressions, the packaging is in keeping with the spa branding. The functional tube with flip top lid is transparent plastic with a matte finish and rose gold details. I was happy to have it on my desk at work.

Mandara Spa Honeymilk Dream Nourishing Hand Cream has a richer texture than I was expecting. It'a a smooth, rich cream which took a little effort to absorb into skin but once it did, there was absolutely no greasy residue. My hands were left feeling velvety smooth & conditioned. The fact that a little goes a long way is offset by the need to reapply fairly regularly. I didn't mind this as a trade off for there being no greasy residue but it does somewhat undermine the "to leave hands nourished for longer" claims.

I loved the scent which is a comforting (but not sickly) blend of acacia honey & almond which lingered delicately on skin for a few hours following the initial application.

Mandara Spa Honeymilk Dream Nourishing Hand Cream costs £7.50 for 75ml which I feel is a reasonable price given the spa branding & indulgent feel of the product.
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Sunday 24 January 2016

Speed Review: L'Oreal Elvive Fibrology Thickening Masque

Regular readers will know that I love to indulge in a Sunday pamper session, during which I use a clarifying shampoo followed by a hair mask.

L'Oreal Elvive Fibrology Thickening Masque review

I've recently been trialling L'Oreal Elvive Fibrology Thickening Masque, which I picked up when it was on offer in Boots. The thickening claims appealed to me (as I'm constantly on the hunt for products to boost my fine hair), whilst the bright colours of the packaging captured my attention and meant that it stood out on the crowded shop shelf. That said, it doesn't look luxurious but the design is in keeping with the wallet friendly price tag.

In terms of functionality, it will come as no surprise that I'd have preferred the convenience of a tube instead of the large plastic tub, particularly as the mask has a relatively lightweight texture. The directions were clear and easy to follow and what's more, I appreciated that the mask gets to work in less than five minutes.

L'Oreal Elvive Fibrology Thickening Masque

L'Oreal Elvive Fibrology Thickening Masque has a lilac colour and a pleasant scent (although I couldn't detect this once I'd dried and styled my hair). The lightweight, gel cream texture was easy to work through my hair and rinsed out impressively easily too.

Following use, my fine hair was left with a thicker, more volumised appearance. It wasn't weighed down but instead, had a healthy bounce. Frizz & flyaway were noticeably smoothed and my hair looked shiny and felt soft. As such, I feel that L'Oreal Elvive Fibrology Thickening Masque delivers on the claims.

The generously sized 300ml tub will last for a long time, meaning that at just £5.09 (at full price, although it's worth bearing in mind that L'Oreal is often on offer), it offers very good value for money. I'd highly recommend checking out L'Oreal Elvive Fibrology Thickening Masque, especially if you have fine hair.
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Saturday 23 January 2016

Speed Review: Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter

Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter review

Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter


For affordable bodycare, in my opinion, it's hard to beat Soap & Glory and I've recently been reaching for The Righteous Butter from the brand.

The Righteous Butter is described as an award winning body butter with softening shea butter and aloe vera.

In terms of packaging, the pink tub with retro imagery and fun, quirky descriptions is on brand. Regular readers will be unsurprised to hear that I wasn't a fan of the tub packaging as I find such presentation to be messy and unhygienic.

Soap & Glory The Righteous Butter

The Righteous Butter has a very rich, cream texture and whilst it's not akin to a balm (as some body butters can be), a little goes a long way meaning that the generously sized 300ml tub will last a long time. I was impressed at how easily absorbed the body butter was.

The Righteous Butter has the distinctive Original Pink Soap & Glory scent, which I personally like although I did find that it lingered and as it's quite a strong fragrance, interfered with other scent. For this reason, I tended to use The Righteous Butter at night, before bed.

Following use, my skin was left feeling soft, smooth and hydrated but not greasy. At £10 for 300ml, I'd recommend The Righteous Butter as an affordable way to nourish and pamper skin.
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Friday 22 January 2016

Speed Review: Benecos Cleansing Gel with Aloe Vera

Today's #DiscountJanuary review steps away from the drugstore and instead looks at a natural brand product, Benecos Cleansing Gel with Aloe Vera.

Benecos Cleansing Gel review

I don't know a great deal about the Benecos brand but from what I understand, it's a German company specialising in "naturally good" products.

Benecos Cleansing Gel is designed to gently cleanse skin with mild washing ingredients & lime blossom water, along with calming & cooling aloe vera to leave a natural, fresh invigorating fragrance on skin. The Cleansing Gel contains a nourishing herbal mix as well as the "free radical scavenger" Vitamin E.

I liked the design of the tube which gives the impression of a fresh, pure and natural product. Symbols on the tube clearly communicate its eco credentials as well as the fact that it's suitable for vegans. Disappointingly, there's no indication of the skin type that the cleanser is aimed at although from my web research, I know that it's targeted at those with normal, combination and oily skin. What's more, I was unable to find any directions for use on the packaging so I went with the assumption that it should be used as a face wash, on damp skin. Nonetheless, it's a functional tube with flip top dispenser.

I liked the lightweight, jelly texture of the cleanser which was perhaps unsurprising given the inclusion of aloe vera within the formula. It produced a soft, creamy lather which felt pleasant on the skin.

Benecos Cleansing Gel

Benecos Cleansing Gel with Aloe Vera has a delicate, fresh scent in which I thought I could detect a hint of tea. It's inoffensive and I wasn't able to notice it after the initial application.

The cleanser was easy to rinse away and didn't leave any residue on my skin. Following use, my skin was left feeling clean and refreshed but not tight or stripped.

I'm not the biggest fan of face washes (I prefer to cleanse my skin using oils) but feel that this is a good option that's worth checking out at the reasonable price of £6.95 for 150ml.





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Wednesday 20 January 2016

Speed Review: The Body Shop Hemp Foot Protector

The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector is one of my winter must-haves & a product which I've come back to year after year for more than a decade. As such, when I noticed that my feet were looking rather neglected after a couple of months in winter boots, I decided to treat them using the bestselling The Body Shop Hemp Foot Protector, in the hope that it would deliver the same effective results as the accompanying hand cream. After all, it is described as a heavy-duty foot cream which works wonders on very dry skin to soothe, rehydrate and soften rough, dry feet, helping to restore skin's moisture barrier and conditioning nails.

The Body Shop Hemp Foot Protector review

The Body Shop Hemp Foot Protector is presented in a small plastic tub which is instantly recognisable as being from The Body Shop. It's in keeping with the brand and I feel that the design is quite unisex (as the Hemp range is intended to be) but I'd have preferred the convenience of a tube.

The Body Shop Hemp Foot Protector

The rich cream texture means that a little goes a long way and as such, the tub will last & last. Despite the rich texture, it was easily absorbed into skin. That said, it leaves a residue on skin for a short time so I feel that it is best used at night. The distinctive, unisex Hemp fragrance won't be to everyone's liking but I didn't find it to be overpowering.

Following use, my feet were left feeling soft, smooth and nourished. This is an impressively results driven foot cream which I'd highly recommend.

The Body Shop Hemp Foot Protector costs £10 for 100ml.
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Tuesday 19 January 2016

Speed Review: Lee Stafford Poker Straight Shampoo and Conditioner

Lee Stafford Poker Straight Shampoo & Conditioner review

I've recently been trialling the shampoo & conditioner from Lee Stafford's Poker Straight range.

Both the shampoo and conditioner are presented in unashamedly girlie, bright pink bottles which would stand out on a shop shelf. I feel that the bright pink is fun and in keeping with the brand's image & wallet friendly price point. Aside from the text on the packaging, there's nothing to distinguish between the shampoo and conditioner & I'd have preferred slightly different packaging so as to easily be able to tell them apart in the shower. That said, the shampoo & conditioner are visible through the transparent plastic bottles so that goes some way to being able to tell them apart, whilst also being able to tell how much product is remaining.

Both products have the same scent which is described as being "a subtle fragrance boosted by a sweet chocolate, caramel and raspberry fruit heart, layered with velvety vanilla that entwines with a sensual base of fine woods and musk". I can't say that I was able to detect any of these notes. I absolutely hated the scent, finding it to be cheap smelling, synthetic & overpowering. It reminded me of cleaning products so I was pleased that whilst it lingered slightly after I'd dried & styled my hair, it was very subtle & I didn't find it offensive at this stage.
  
Lee Stafford Poker Straight Shampoo is described as containing "Mega Quat" to take kinks into submission & make early morning wrestling sessions with hairdryers a thing of the past. The claims state that it gently cleanses and softens hair leaving it super shiny and poker straight, whilst the (rather gimmicky sounding) P2Fifty Complex helps to protect hair from excessive heat damage. I appreciated the inclusion of heat protection.

Lee Stafford Poker Straight Shampoo has a relatively thick gel formula which I found easy to dispense thanks to the bottle's flip top lid. The clear directions on the bottle state that the shampoo should be used twice before conditioner & whilst I know some people like to follow this routine when washing hair, I'm not convinced that it's necessary owing to the generous lather which the shampoo produces. My hair felt tangled following use but otherwise, the shampoo rinsed out easily.

Following use, my hair was left smooth and with frizz diminished, although my naturally wavy hair wasn't straight with blow drying alone. It felt soft and had a high shine finish so in this respect, delivered on the claims. However, I don't agree that it "gently cleanses". The shampoo felt cheap to use and I was concerned that the harsh formula would irritate my sensitive scalp. Unfortunately, my fears proved correct and for this reason, I wouldn't repurchase.

Lee Stafford Poker Straight Conditioner also has a flip top dispenser but I found that this didn't work particularly well with the formula, which is a pearlised lightweight white cream. I found it difficult to control how much product was dispensed and I'd have preferred the convenience of a pump. That said, the directions were clear and easy to follow. I liked that the conditioner was easy to work through my hair and that it rinsed out with relative ease.

Whilst I thought that I had rinsed the conditioner out thoroughly, I noticed that my hair had a "plastic-y" coating following drying & styling, both in terms of look and feel. My fine hair was weighed down but admittedly, was noticeably straighter than usual. Conversely, there were more flyaways & static than usual so I wouldn't describe this as a smoothing conditioner. My hair looked shiny but because it appeared that there was product on it, it didn't look natural or healthy. Whilst my hair felt soft and silky, my sensitive scalp was irritated. I didn't feel that the cheap formula was beneficial.

Even putting aside my personal feelings about the scent, I wouldn't repurchase because I don't feel that these products are suited to someone with my fine hair and sensitive scalp. Someone with thicker hair may have more luck with these products.



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Sunday 17 January 2016

Speed Review: Charles Worthington Salon At Home Strength & Repair Longer & Stronger Hair Masque



Regular readers will know that I like to treat my tresses with a weekly hair mask, which I use during my Sunday pampering session. I was recently sent the Charles Worthington Salon At Home Strength & Repair Longer & Stronger Hair Masque which is designed to help combat breaks, splits, tangles and frizzes thanks to the inclusion of a powerful Renovoil Complex that not only smoothes & nourishes the cuticle, making hair look instantly healthier & feel easier to manage but also, over time, helps to protect it, leaving it less prone to damage.

On first impressions, I found the tub (which features a handy flip top lid) to be aesthetically pleasing with a relatively high-end feel. That said, I'd have preferred the convenience of a tube or tub with pump dispenser.

The directions were clear and easy to follow and the low time commitment appealed to me as the mask gets to work in just 1 minute.

Charles Worthington Salon At Home Strength & Repair Longer & Stronger Hair Masque has a light cream texture which I found easy to work through my hair. I loved the scent which reminded me of a soft, sensual perfume although I couldn't detect it in my hair once it had been dried & styled. The mask was impressively easy to rinse out.

Following use, my hair was left looking smooth & healthy with a high-shine finish. It felt soft but was still manageable and wasn't weighed down.

I found Charles Worthington Salon At Home Strength & Repair Longer & Stronger Hair Masque enjoyable to use and was impressed with the results. I feel that it offers excellent value for money at just £5.99 for 150ml and would highly recommend it.




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Saturday 16 January 2016

Speed Review: Soap & Glory The Scrub of Your Life

Soap & Glory make some of my favourite body scrubs, with The Breakfast Scrub and Sugar Crush Body Scrubs featuring amongst my must-haves, so I was excited to Soap & Glory The Scrub of Your Life. Soap & Glory The Scrub of Your Life is described by the company as a thick, foamy, fresh smoothing body scrub which is satisfyingly stuffed with just the right ratio of scrubbing beads. 



The packaging is in keeping with the fun & quirky Soap & Glory branding. I appreciated the functionality of the tube packaging which made it easy to dispense, without mess or wastage.

The name gave me the impression that this would be a satisfyingly abrasive scrub, ideal for sloughing off dead winter skin cells so I was very disappointed that the scrub was more akin to an exfoliating body wash & didn't live up to the name. The scrub has a gel texture with a light concentration of pink synthetic wax exfoliating beads which simply didn't offer an effective enough scrub for me. It produced a generous lather.


Soap & Glory The Scrub of Your Life boasts the brand's signature Original Pink fragrance, which I enjoy but I was only able to detect it very lightly on the skin following use. No residue was left on my skin & I needed to moisturise afterwards. 

At £7 for 200ml, Soap & Glory The Scrub of Your Life is priced in line with other products from the range but as it lacked the satisfyingly abrasive quality which I look for when buying a body scrub, I wouldn't repurchase.
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Friday 15 January 2016

Speed Review: Simple Kind To Skin Smoothing Facial Scrub


Today's review is of a product which I would never pick up if I saw it on a shop shelf but one which was kindly gifted to me by the PR and I felt that #DiscountJanuary would be a fitting time to review it. Simple Kind To Skin Smoothing Facial Scrub is described as a perfect blend of active ingredients & vitamin goodness to remove dead skin cells and keep your skin brighter & more textured. I rarely use physical exfoliators and instead prefer the gentle efficiency of chemical exfoliators. This is particularly the case because I have acne-prone skin and wish to avoid granular scrubs which can take off the surface of active breakouts, causing bacteria to spread & scarring to occur and also because harsh scrubs with uneven granules can cause capillaries to break. Nonetheless, I decided to keep an open mind when trying Simple Kind To Skin Smoothing Facial Scrub.

On first impressions, the packaging is in keeping with the Simple brand. I'm not the biggest fan of the way in which they portray themselves as offering "pure" skincare, which I've found leads to the perception that it's a natural brand when this is far from the reality.

The tube presentation with flip top lid is functional and allows for controlled dispensing without wastage. I found the directions to be clear and easy to follow. Whilst I thought that it was, in theory, helpful that the directions include details on how those with different skin types should use the scrub, I disagreed with the recommendations. The directions state that those with normal to dry skin should use the scrub once a week, whilst those with oily skin should use the scrub twice a week. Personally, I feel that this should be the reverse & that over exfoliating may aggravate oily skin, causing it to overproduce oil whereas those with dry skin can get away with exfoliating more regularly.

Simple Kind To Skin Smoothing Facial Scrub has a creamy texture and is white in appearance. I wasn't too keen on the inclusion of mineral oil within the formula but I was pleased that it didn't lather, as I find that such formulas can strip the skin.

The exfoliant in Simple Kind To Skin Smoothing Facial Scrub is rice granules. These are suspended in average concentration throughout the cream. Despite not being a fan of physical exfoliants, I was impressed that the granules were finely milled and didn't feel harsh on the skin. The formula lent itself well to massaging into skin in a circular movement. I was unable to detect any discernible scent, in keeping with the Simple philosophy.

My skin was left feeling squeaky clean (which I don't like) and following use, it felt tight & stripped but admittedly, was also smoothed. Simple Kind To Skin Smoothing Facial Scrub wasn't for me. I wouldn't repurchase even at the very affordable price of £3.39 for 75ml (it's often on offer too) because whilst it's not terrible, there are better products out there.



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Thursday 14 January 2016

Speed Review: Lanolips Antibacterial Hand Cream



I'm a big fan of the Lanolips range- from the adorable sheep logo which features on the packaging to the results-driven products at affordable prices, it's hard not to like the brand. I'm yet to come across one of their products which I haven't liked. As such, I was excited to try Lanolips Antibacterial Hand Cream, which is designed to "instantly kill 99% of germs while moisturising with a silky liquid glove of ultra pure lanolin".

Lanolips Antibacterial Hand Cream appealed to me because I like the idea of hand sanitizers to protect against germs but find that they can be drying to skin. I liked that the hand cream combines the best of both!

On first impressions, the packaging appealed to me thanks to its use of a pretty mint green colour & a matte outer box featuring an illustration of the skinny tube within. I appreciated the functionality of the tube packaging, which features a flip top lid. What's more, it's a travel friendly 50ml.

Lanolips Antibacterial Hand Cream is a rich, smooth cream. A very small amount goes a long way- if you use too much, you'll be left with a greasy residue. Even when using a tiny amount, it felt as though a protective layer remained sitting on top of my skin (although it's not greasy as such).
For this reason, I wouldn't use it when out & about which is a shame as these are times when I tend to reach for my hand sanitizer, e.g. after using public transport. It would be a good product to keep on your work desk to subtly sanitize, although if you use too much, your hands will be rendered useless in terms of work as they will be too greasy! I wonder if Lanolips made such a rich texture as they expected it to be used in winter months when colds, etc.. are prevalent & also when hands are drier. I'd be interested to know how long the antibacterial properties remain on skin as this could count as a trade off for the greasy residue.

The pleasant, fresh fragrance reminded me of pine but not in a synthetic way that I'd associate with cleaning products! Following use, my hands were left feeling soft and smooth.

At £8.99 for 50ml, I feel that Lanolips Antibacterial Hand Cream offers good value for money as the tube will last & last owing to the fact that a little goes a long way. I like the ideas of this but wish that the texture wasn't so rich. Nonetheless, it's worth checking out.

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Wednesday 13 January 2016

Speed Review: Burt's Bees Peppermint & Rosemary Body Wash



I'm not a morning person & particularly struggle at this time of year when the dark & cold make my bed an even more appealing place to stay. As such, I find uplifting and energising body washes to be almost an essential and have recently been using Burt's Bees Peppermint & Rosemary Body Wash. The company states that this 99.2% natural body wash contains peppermint oil & rosemary leaf extract to give an energising boost for body, mind & spirit and to leave skin feeling clean, smooth & refreshed.

On first impressions, I liked the effortlessly cool packaging and was happy to have it on display in my shower. The packaging is functional with a flip top dispenser and what's more, I liked that the plastic bottle is transparent so that I could tell how much product remained.

Burt's Bees Peppermint & Rosemary Body Wash has a relatively liquidy gel formula. It barely lathers which I didn't mind because I can find that body washes which contains SLS strip & dry out the skin. However, if you want to make it go further, I'd recommend using with a bath puff.

I loved the intense, natural peppermint scent which is ideal for morning use as it really helps to awaken the senses. The inclusion of peppermint oil means that this body wash isn't suitable for use in sensitive areas as it can be irritating. I feel that it delivers on claims, leaving skin feeling fresh, clean & revitalised.

Even though it's not the cheapest body wash, I feel that the £9.99 for 350ml price tag is fair & that this product offers good value for money thanks to the aromatherapy benefits.

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Tuesday 12 January 2016

Speed Review: Neutrogena Visibly Renew Elasti-Boost Body Balm



In spite of the fact that I remember having liked the popular, effective & affordable products previously, it's been years since I've used a Neutrogena body product but when I recently met with the PR, I was reintroduced to the range. I've recently been trialling the Neutrogena Visibly Renew Elasti-Boost Body Balm.

The packaging reflects the affordable price tag and it's unlikely that it would appeal to me if I saw it on a shop shelf. Thanks to the focus on collagen/ elasti-boosting properties, it appears to be targeted at those concerned about ageing skin which isn't top of my concerns just yet. I'm not a fan of tub presentations but accept that they tend to be the norm when it comes to rich body moisturisers.



Neutrogena Visibly Renew Elasti-Boost Body Balm has a rich texture. It's akin to a cream but has the smoothness of a balm (although it's not solid). It has a fresh, inoffensive scent which I didn't notice on my skin following application and I appreciated this as it meant that it didn't interfere with other fragrance.

I was very impressed at how quickly & easily Neutrogena Visibly Renew Elasti-Boost Body Balm was absorbed, without leaving a greasy residue. Following use, my skin was left feeling hydrated and velvety smooth (I was unsurprised to note the inclusion of silicones in the ingredients). What's more, my skin felt wonderfully conditioned and nourished for hours afterwards.

At just £4.99 for 200ml, I'd highly recommend Neutrogena Visibly Renew Elasti-Boost Body Balm.
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Monday 11 January 2016

Makeup Monday: Essence Mono Eyeshadow in shade 18, All I Need

Unless you have a Wilkos nearby, Essence makeup isn't the easiest to get hold of in the UK so when I stumbled across a branch recently, I couldn't resist stocking up on a number of products. After all, the products are incredibly affordable and on the whole, I've been impressed.

One of the products I picked up was the Essence Mono Eyeshadow in shade 18, All I Need. It's described as a super-soft & long-lasting eyeshadow and I'd agree with these claims.





The clear acrylic compact packaging means it's easy to find the desired colour in a crowded makeup bag and whilst it's obviously a drugstore brand, I didn't think that the packaging looked or felt very cheap.

The impressively pigmented formula applied smoothly, without fall out & was easy to blend.

The colour is very interesting and I find it works well for creating a single shadow, soft smokey eye which is ideal for every day use & work appropriate. I love pairing it with a flick of black liquid liner for a quick yet polished look.



In the pan it appears taupe but once on the eyelid, it has more dimension. On the lid, it appears as a flattering, muted silver taupe whereas in the depth of the crease, it appears more brown toned. It has a shimmering, soft metallic finish.

It's hard to believe that Essence Mono Eyeshadow costs just £1.60 for 1.8g (as a point of comparison, MAC eyeshadows are 1.5g). I've really been enjoying this eyeshadow and can't recommend it highly enough.
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Sunday 10 January 2016

Speed Review: Good Things Argan Oil Restoring Body Wash



I like and trust Good Things skincare so when I was browsing the shelves of Superdrug, their recently launched body care range caught my attention not least because of the bright, bold colours which unapologetically feature on the packaging.

I decided to try the Argan Oil Restoring Body Wash which is described as an argan oil, coconut and cocoa butter body wash to help nourish, moisturise and restore. Added allantoin provides an additional moisture hit, helping to leave skin feeling soft & smooth.

Good Things Argan Oil Restoring Body Wash has a thick, creamy consistency. It's almost like a jelly & despite the functional tube presentation, I found it a little difficult to squeeze out. That said, I was pleased that this meant there was no wastage. With a little effort, I was able to work the creamy gel into a lather although of course, a bath puff would help with this.

I absolutely loved the incredible fragrance which reminded me of far more expensive spa brands and meant that the body wash felt very indulgent to use. I was unable to detect the scent on my skin following use.

Thanks to the SLS-free formula, my skin didn't feel stripped but I still needed to moisturise following use.

At just £2.99 for 200ml, Good Things Argan Oil Restoring Body Wash is a wonderful way to add a pampering element to the daily routine of showering. I'd highly recommend checking it out.



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Friday 8 January 2016

Speed Review: Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Eventone Age Spot Hand Cream

I find Palmer's products to be a little hit & miss. I haven't been impressed with their skincare but generally enjoy their affordable body care and in particular, the Moisturising Body Oil is a product which I've repurchased time and time again. As such, I vowed to keep an open mind when trying the Eventone Age Spot Hand Cream.



The packaging is in keeping with the brand but is rather uninspiring. The functional, slimline tube with flip top dispenser is presented in a box- although I feel that this outer packaging is somewhat unnecessary and doesn't add any value.

The relatively thick cream has a silky texture but wasn't the most easily absorbed into skin. It didn't leave a greasy residue but I felt instead that a protective layer remained on skin, helping to lock in moisture and prevent skin drying out.

During usage, I loved the fresh, floral fragrance which I found to be a pleasant change from the brand which is most often associated with cocoa butter. Unfortunately, as it lingered on my hands, I found the fresh white lily scent to be reminiscent of hair removal cream!

My hands felt nourished for hours following use so I feel that the travel friendly 60ml tube would last a long time. I haven't used the cream for long enough to comment on the "Eventone" benefits- although that's not a concern of mine anyway as I don't suffer from age spots.

Palmer's Cocoa Butter Formula Eventone Age Spot Hand Cream costs £3.99 for 60ml.
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Thursday 7 January 2016

Speed Review: L'Oreal Elvive Smooth & Polish Shampoo




I'm not too fussy when it comes to conditioner but because I have a sensitive scalp, I tend to opt for salon brands such as Philip Kingsley & La Biosthetique when choosing a shampoo. That said, one of my favourite affordable hair care brands is L'Oreal so I decided to try L'Oreal Elvive Smooth & Polish Shampoo which is specifically targeted towards wispy & unruly, fine to normal hair (which I'd described mine as).

The various claims on the packaging appealed to me. L'Oreal Elvive Smooth & Polish Shampoo is said to perfectly smooth hair strand by strand thanks to the Keratin-Polish enriched formula, calming static, flyaways & wisps for a flawlessly polished, weightlessly flowing result which is soft & silky to the touch.

From the packaging, it's clear that it's a drugstore brand but nonetheless, the slimline bottle is functional with a flip top lid which allows for relatively controlled dispensing. I like that L'Oreal differentiate between their shampoo & conditioner packaging by having the lid either on the top or base of the product so that it's easy to grab the correct bottle in the shower. As the plastic bottle is opaque, I couldn't tell how much product remained.

L'Oreal Elvive Smooth & Polish Shampoo has a creamy gel texture which produces a generous lather, meaning that a little goes a long way. The lather felt silky soft and had a pleasant scent which I felt was reminiscent of salon brands. As it's a shampoo, I found it inherently easy to rinse out.

Following use, I couldn't detect the scent in my hair but I was highly impressed with the results. I feel that it delivered on the claims, leaving my hair feeling soft and looking noticeably smoothed, with frizz & flyaways diminished. My fine hair wasn't weighed down but was manageable. I was both surprised and impressed that it didn't irritate my sensitive scalp.

I feel that the affordable price tag of just £3.99 for 400ml (bear in mind that L'Oreal is often on offer) represents excellent value for money and I'd highly recommend checking this out.
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Wednesday 6 January 2016

Speed Review: Childs Farm 3-in-1 Swim in Strawberry & Organic Mint



Childs Farm 3-in-1 Swim in Strawberry & Organic Mint isn't the sort of product which would ever have appealed to me had it not been gifted to me by the PR. I don't have children and as such, I'd be likely to bypass it based on the juvenile packaging if I saw it on a shop shelf. It's designed to wash away chlorine & leave skin and hair clean & shiny. The 3-in-1 name relates to the fact that it can be used as a shampoo, conditioner and body wash- although I've only used it as a body wash.

Despite finding the design rather juvenile, it is admittedly also quite cute, fun & in keeping with the family friendly brand. The packaging states that it is free from "nasties" such as parabens and I found it reassuring that it's even promoted as being suitable for newborns.

I found that the flip top made it a little difficult to control how much product was dispensed and I felt as though I went through the bottle quickly. That said, I appreciated that the transparent bottle meant that I could tell how much product was remaining.

Even though the formula is SLS free, I was able to work the pearlised gel into a generous, soft lather. A bath puff would, of course, make it go further.

The strawberry & organic mint scent is fresh & fruity, almost like fizzy sweets but it's not sickly. I can see that it would appeal to kids. I couldn't detect the scent on my skin following use. My skin was simply left feeling fresh & clean but not stripped or dry.

Even if you don't have children, this does the job and would be a good addition to a gym bag.

Childs Farm 3-in-1 Swim in Strawberry & Organic Mint costs £3.99 for 250ml which I feel is reasonable and would recommend checking it out.

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Tuesday 5 January 2016

Speed Review: Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water



I like to use a micellar cleansing water on those occasions when I'm too tired to bother with a full cleanse as I feel that they're a better alternative to wipes. I also like to keep them in my skincare cabinet for those times when I want a quick refresh (e.g. if I've removed my makeup in the evening upon my return from work & want a quick swipe of something to clean my face before bed) and sometimes, to remove eye makeup residue when my facial cleanser hasn't done the job. I'd heard good things about Garner Micellar Cleansing Water and picked it up on a whim when it was on offer in Superdrug.

The packaging isn't the most exciting but it isn't offensive & is functional for purpose. It features a flip top lid and I found it easy to control how much was dispensed onto a cotton pad, without wastage. I liked that the bottle is transparent, enabling me to see how much product remained. I opted for the mini format & in all honesty, this was largely because I thought that the 125ml bottle was cute. That said, I'd prefer if the smaller size offered was travel friendly- it seems slightly illogical to me to offer a mini format which isn't.

During use, the cleanser feels gentle & soothing on skin. I wasn't able to detect a scent. It removes makeup relatively effectively considering that it's not an oil or balm cleanser (I was able to remove all visible traces of a full face of makeup using 3 saturated cotton pads) & I was impressed at how gently yet effectively it removed all traces of eye makeup too (I don't use waterproof mascara but tend to wear quite a heavy, smokey eye).

Following use, there was no tacky residue left on my skin. It was simply left feeling clean, refreshed and gently hydrated thanks to the inclusion of glycerin in the formula.

Personally, I can't tell a difference between this & Bioderma. Well, except for the price tag and, dare I say it, the fact that I slightly prefer the Garnier version.

This is, hands down, one of the best micellar cleansing waters I've tried. When you consider the affordable price tag of just £1.99 for 125ml (it's often on offer for the bargain price of £1 though!), I feel that it's hard to beat and as such, can't recommend it highly enough.
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Monday 4 January 2016

Speed Review: L'Oreal SuperLiner Perfect Slim Liquid Eyeliners (brown & grey)

One of my New Year's resolutions is to be a better blogger and along with aiming to be more regular & consistent in my blog posts, I also want to return to featuring my regular "Makeup Monday" posts. I'm kicking things off with a review of L'Oreal SuperLiner Perfect Slim liquid eyeliners. 


I've never been wowed by the L'Oreal eyeliners which I've tried previously so when the PR gifted me the L'Oreal SuperLiner Perfect Slim Liquid Eyeliners in brown (04) & grey (05), I have to confess that I wasn't overly exited to try them.

One of the factors which did tempt me to try them was the colours. Whilst I tend to use different coloured pencil eyeliners, black is my default choice when it comes to liquid or gel liner. I thought that the brown & grey colours would offer a softer alternative, particularly for daytime use.

Each of the L'Oreal SuperLiner Perfect Slim liquid eyeliners is presented in a sleek black pen format, with gold writing adding a luxurious effect. The colour of the eyeliner is signified by the lid, which is conveniently coloured to match the shade inside. I found this particularly helpful given that I have a rather crowded makeup collection.

The packaging is functional for use & I liked that there was a different texture and slight dip towards the end of the pen, where it should be held, to help ensure an effortless application, described by L'Oreal as a grip zone hold for optimum control.



The eyeliners themselves have easy-to-use felt tip applicators which have been designed with a 0.4mm tip to provide a stylish & intense sweeping line and enhance the shape of the eye. I felt that the felt tips were the perfect length & width and I found that they made creating a wing practically foolproof.

It's quite a wet formula but once in place, it set quickly & didn't budge all day long. I've been highly impressed with the longevity of these following application.

The colours are highly pigmented, meaning that I only needed to rest the tip of the felt pen along the upper lash line & the colour transferred smoothly, without any need to drag or pull the delicate skin. I found it best to store the eyeliners tip down to ensure a smooth flow of product when I came to use them.

I can't recommend L'Oreal SuperLiner Perfect Slim liquid eyeliners highly enough. I've been using them nearly every day since first trying them. I feel that they'd be a good choice for beginners and experts alike (thanks to the selection of seven different colours & finishes available) and that the £6.99 price tag is fair.


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Sunday 3 January 2016

Speed Review: Superdrug Naturally Radiant Skincare



As a general rule, I feel that skincare is an area of beauty where it's worth spending as much as you can afford to, making savings on items such as makeup & bodycare instead. That said, there are some gems at the drugstore (along with a lot of duds) and I've previously been asked to recommend affordable skincare products hence my research into Superdrug's Naturally Radiant range. I may have bypassed this range had it not been for rave reviews on Youtube, in particular of the Superdrug Naturally Radiant Brightening Renewal Face Mask. It was quite difficult to get hold of but I managed to hunt down a tube and as the range was on a "buy one, get one free" offer, I decided to try out the Superdrug Naturally Radiant Brightening Hot Cloth Cleanser as well.

Superdrug's Naturally Radiant range comprises more than ten products ranging from cleansers to serums and moisturisers, with the most expensive product being a facial oil for £7.99. As the name suggests, the range is designed to awaken skin's natural glow. So, did the products deliver on the claims?

Superdrug Naturally Radiant Brightening Hot Cloth Cleanser
Superdrug Naturally Radiant Brightening Hot Cloth Cleanser contains nourishing cocoa butter along with kiwi fruit & mulberry fruit extract to cleanse away makeup & impurities whilst also providing gentle exfoliation, leaving skin feeling renewed, soft & ultra clean.

Whilst it was originally the face mask which I intended to buy, the slightly higher price point of the Hot Cloth Cleanser meant that this was the product I paid for, receiving the mask for free. The packaging reflects the higher price point in that the cleanser is presented in an outer box. Inside, the Hot Cloth Cleanser is presented in a functional tube for easy & controlled dispensing. I appreciated the inclusion of a muslin cloth which I feel adds value & is a nice touch, particularly given that it's an affordable product. The directions were clear & easy to follow.

Superdrug Naturally Radiant Brightening Hot Cloth Cleanser has a rich, creamy texture and as such, little goes a long way. It absorbed into my dehydrated skin and the way in which my skin drank it up reminded me of Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish although I wouldn't necessarily call it a dupe. I could only detect a light, slightly powdery fragrance but it wasn't overpowering or offensive.

Superdrug Naturally Radiant Brightening Hot Cloth Cleanser was easily removed with a hot cloth. It effectively removed traces of makeup, leaving skin feeling soft but not stripped or tight. A slight downside is that it can't be used around the delicate eye area and as such, a separate eye makeup remover is needed. I personally found this a little frustrating as I prefer all-in-one products. It's not my favourite hot cloth cleanser but for the affordable price of £5.99 for 150ml, it's not a bad option.


Superdrug Naturally Radiant Brightening Renewal Face Mask
Superdrug Naturally Radiant Brightening Renewal Face Mask is described as being formulated with a unique, energising complex & infused with brightening, antioxidant-rich kiwi and mulberry extracts to help revive skin's radiance, clarify skin discolouration and even out skin tone. It contains fruit acids to naturally exfoliate and refine skin's surface texture for a more youthful-looking complexion. Like the Hot Cloth Cleanser, the mask is suitable for vegetarians & vegans.

On first impressions, the packaging reflects the affordable price tag and as aforementioned, this is part of the reason why I might have bypassed it if it hadn't been for the rave reviews. That said, I appreciated the functionality of the tube packaging and what's more, the directions are clear & easy to follow.

Superdrug Naturally Radiant Brightening Renewal Face Mask has a gel texture which made it easy to smooth onto skin. It felt cooling both on application & during use which I found soothing & enjoyable. I didn't notice a scent.

I appreciated that the mask gets to work in just 10 minutes, which isn't too much of a commitment so it was easy to work into my routine. After 10 minutes, the mask hadn't set except in areas where I'd only applied a thin layer (the directions state that a generous amount should be applied). I found it easy to remove, without mess.

I didn't find Superdrug Naturally Radiant Brightening Renewal Face Mask to be results driven in terms of delivering an immediate, noticeable improvement on blackheads but it doesn't directly claim to do so. My skin was left looking radiant and the texture appeared smooth & refined. As I'd expect, other products (e.g. moisturiser) applied and absorbed more easily following use. People often compare Superdrug Naturally Radiant Brightening Renewal Face Mask to the popular REN Glycolactic Radiance Renewal Mask and overall, I'd say that the results are similar. At just £4.99 for 75ml, I feel that this is a good, affordable option which I'd recommend if you're looking for a wallet friendly way to treat skin.





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Saturday 2 January 2016

Speed Review: Aussie Miracle Dry Shampoo Mega Instant (for normal or greasy hair)



Today's blog post kicks off #DiscountJanuary here on Skin Deep, with all reviews being of affordable & drugstore brands.

That said, I feel slightly surprised at myself for today's review. Aussie isn't a brand which I tend to veer towards. Whilst it was one of my go-to choices during my university years, I now prefer salon brands such as Philip Kingsley, La Biosthetique, Aveda and Bumble & Bumble to name a few favourites. Equally, I rarely reach for dry shampoos. The combination of fine hair and a sensitive scalp which I've been cursed with mean that I usually need to wash my hair on a daily basis, negating the need for dry shampoo (except when travelling). If I want to add volume, I usually use a volumising or texturizing product instead of dry shampoo. However, I recently picked up the Aussie Miracle Dry Shampoo Mega Instant on a whim. I had low expectations as I seem to recall having heard some negative reviews, however, I decided to try it for myself and wanted to share my thoughts.

The packaging is in keeping with the affordable brand, featuring the Aussie colours, meaning that it's instantly recognisable but it's not offensive. The matte finish of the canister & slimline appearance make it more aesthetically pleasing than some. The branding & lighthearted ethos of Aussie follows through to the directions, which are written in a fun & informal way but nonetheless, are clear and easy to follow.

The standard aerosol spray format means that it's functional for purpose, easy to apply in a targeted way and I was also impressed at how much control I had over the amount applied. It felt cooling & soothing upon application and I was pleased that it didn't irritate my sensitive scalp. I enjoyed the pleasant scent which I'd describe as a fruity hairspray but it's not sickly sweet.

I appreciated that I couldn't detect any white cast or chalkiness in my naturally brunette hair.
The product felt weightless in my hair and even when I massaged it into my scalp, I didn't notice much talc or gritty residue. That said, if a generous amount is applied, it leaves a slight powdery & gritty residue which isn't sticky or uncomfortable but simply adds a little "grip", making it an option for use before creating an up-do.

My hair instantly looked revived, with second/ third day greasiness absorbed (I first tried this on a Saturday, having last washed my hair on Thursday). However, as an option for absorbing grease, it's not the best I've tried for the simple reason being that if you want to use it for this purpose, I found it necessary to reapply throughout the day (it's worth noting that a handbag or travel friendly 65ml size is available). That said, absorbing grease wasn't the primary reason why I used this so it didn't bother me too much that it didn't deliver in this respect.

There was a subtle volume boost, helping to add some body to limp hair. It left a mattified finish to hair, which some people may not like but which I personally didn't mind.

I found myself using Aussie Miracle Dry Shampoo Mega Instant most regularly as a quick refresher in the mornings, almost like an affordable hair perfume, when I wanted to disguise any lingering odours e.g. from going out the previous night.

Overall, I liked Aussie Miracle Dry Shampoo Mega Instant and was pleasantly surprised at the results. At £4.71 for 180ml (although it's often on offer such as 3 for 2), it's reasonable priced compared with similar brands and I'd consider repurchasing.
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Friday 1 January 2016

Skin Deep Beauty Awards 2015

Happy New Year!
In keeping with tradition, January 1st marks the annual Skin Deep Beauty Awards. It's hard to believe that the awards are now in their 6th year and once again, there are new categories making the 2015 awards the biggest ever! The awards honour my favourite beauty products, whether they be longstanding must-haves or new discoveries. As always, those winners which have been recognised for three years or more gain a well deserved place in the Skin Deep Hall of Fame.
Help yourself to a flute of virtual Champagne and a virtual canapé (they're calorie free!) and let's raise a toast to the winners.



HAIRCARE

BEST SHAMPOO... KIEHL'S AMINO ACID SHAMPOO

Being recognised for the first year, this coconut scented shampoo cleanses hair effectively yet gently, without irritating my sensitive scalp & simply leaves hair looking & feeling healthy. Read my original review here.

BEST CLARIFYING SHAMPOO... CLYNOL HAIR EXPERT CLEAR CLEANSING SHAMPOO

A new category for 2015 which represents the fact that I've incorporated a clarifying shampoo into my hair care routine this year & it's all thanks to Clynol Hair Expert Clear Cleansing Shampoo, which has completely reversed the way I perceived clarifying shampoos. This fresh scented shampoo doesn't irritate my sensitive scalp but simply leaves hair feeling clean & free of build up. Read my original review here.

BEST DRY SHAMPOO... PHILIP KINGSLEY ONE MORE DAY DRY SHAMPOO

Another new category for 2015 which reflects the popularity of dry shampoos. Admittedly, the Philip Kingsley version isn't the best for volumising but it absorbs grease whilst also soothing the scalp, helping to refresh.

BEST CONDITIONER... AVEDA SMOOTH INFUSION CONDITIONER

Winning for the second year in a row, Aveda's Smooth Infusion Conditioner delivers on the claims by helping to smooth & diminish frizz, without weighing down fine hair. Read my original review here.

BEST HAIR MASK... MACADAMIA DEEP REPAIR MASQUE

I treat my tresses to a pampering hair mask every Sunday and hands down, the best I've tried this year is the Macadamia Deep Repair Masque. It's easy to see why this intensive conditioner is so popular. The fruity fragranced mask gets to work in under 10 minutes to leave hair shiny, soft & smooth but not weighed down. Read my original review here.

BEST HAIR OIL... L'OREAL ELVIVE EXTRAORDINARY OIL

This affordable hair oil beats pricier versions & wins for the second year running not only because it offers unbeatable value for money but also because it leaves hair nourished & smoothed with a healthy shine but never weighed down or with a sticky or greasy residue.

BEST STYLING PRODUCT... ALTERNA BAMBOO SMOOTH KENDI DRY OIL MICROMIST

I've reached for this lightweight finishing mist countless times over 2015. It leaves hair shiny & smooth, with frizz & flyaways diminished, whilst also caring for tresses.

BEST TOOL... GHD HAIR STRAIGHTENER

These bestselling straightening irons have returned to the top spot in 2015 because they're quick & easy to use, leaving hair sleek & smooth.


SKINCARE

BEST WASH OFF CLEANSER/ CLEANSING OIL... DHC DEEP CLEANSING OIL

I use a cleansing oil every morning and have tried numerous versions but the bestselling DHC Deep Cleansing Oil continues to outshine all others. I credit this wonder oil with transforming my acne-prone skin. It's gentle yet effective and has a balancing effect on combination & oily skin types. I can't recommend it highly enough. What's more, the price tag is wallet friendly. Click here to read my original review.

BEST CLEANSING BALM/ HOT CLOTH CLEANSER... CLINIQUE TAKE THE DAY OFF CLEANSING BALM

This richly textured, unscented balm glides onto skin, gently yet effortlessly removing all traces of makeup without causing my acne-prone skin to break out.

BEST CLEANSING WATER... GARNIER MICELLAR CLEANSING WATER

This gentle yet effective micellar water is one of the best buys around, outperforming many pricier rivals.

BEST CLEANSING WIPES... DERMALOGICA PRECLEANSE WIPES

I took these wipes travelling with me earlier this year because the oil base means that they offer a more effective cleanse than most wipes. Click here to read my original review.

BEST EYE MAKEUP REMOVER... CLARINS INSTANT EYE MAKEUP REMOVER

A smokey eye is my signature look so it's important that I have an effective eye makeup remover on hand. This bi-phase eye makeup remover makes light work of removing even the heaviest & most dramatic looks.

BEST SERUM... ELEMENTAL HERBOLOGY CELL FOOD

It's easy to see why this lightweight, milky serum is one of the most popular products from the natural brand. It's impressively results driven & I can notice a difference in my skin when I'm not using this.

BEST FACIAL OIL... AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES MATTIFYING REFINING FACE OIL

This luxurious face oil wins for the second year running because it feels indulgent to use whilst also leaving skin nourished & balanced.

BEST FACIAL SPRITZER... NEAL'S YARD REMEDIES WHITE TEA FACIAL MIST

This 92% organic facial mist wins for the second time because it hydrates skin whilst also calming the senses thanks to the inclusion of Bach Flower Remedies essences in the formula. Read my original review here.

BEST FACE CREAM... LA ROCHE POSAY ROSALIAC UV LEGERE

If you watch the "Empties" videos on my YouTube channel, then the winner of the Best Face Cream category will come as no surprise. La Roche Posay Rosaliac UV Legere is one of my most repurchased items. This gel cream moisturiser hydrates & protects skin without clogging pores and works well under makeup, making it an ideal option for everyday use.

BEST FACIAL SUNSCREEN... KIEHL'S ULTRA LIGHT DAILY DEFENSE SPF50

Even though this facial sunscreen offers high SPF & broad spectrum protection, it lives up to the lightweight name and doesn't break out my acne prone skin. What's more, it works well under makeup.

BEST NIGHT CREAM... VICHY IDEALIA SKIN SLEEP

A winner for the first year, this relatively affordable night cream contains caffeine, hyaluronic and salicylic acids in a nourishing yet easily absorbed formula.

BEST EYE CREAM...ARK REVERSE GRAVITY EYE CREAM

A winner for the first year, this results-driven eye cream leaves the delicate eye area brightened, rejuvenated & hydrated. What's more, I love the cooling rollerball applicator which massages the eye area as part of the application process.

BEST DECONGESTING MASK... OMOROVICZA DEEP CLEANSING MASK

This gentle yet deep cleansing mask may be pricey but nonetheless, it's a must have within my skincare kit & once again, scoops the award for Best Decongesting Mask. Click here to read my original review.

BEST HYDRATING MASK... HEAVEN BY DEBORAH MITCHELL HYDRATING & FIRMING MASK

This natural mask with rose oil, lavender & marshmallow is a morning after saviour, helping to rehydrate tired skin.

BEST REJUVENATING MASK... OSKIA RENAISSANCE MASK

A winner for the second year running, this indulgent gel mask contains AHAs and fruit enzymes to leave skin glowing & revitalised.

BEST EXFOLIATOR... ALPHA H LIQUID GOLD

Winning for the second year in a row, this cult product is deserving of the hype thanks to the results driven formula which leaves skin revitalised and glowing.

BEST SPOT/ ACNE TREATMENT... LA ROCHE POSAY EFFACLAR DUO +

Winning for the second year running, this cult product is a must have which I'd highly recommend to anyone with acne prone skin because it reduces breakouts, promotes healing & diminishes scarring.

BEST LIP BALM... LANOLIPS 101 OINTMENT STRAWBERRY

This rich balm with tempting strawberry helps to soothe, protect & heal even the driest lips, leaving them conditioned.

BEST SALON TREATMENT... ULTIMATE AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES FACIAL

This indulgent facial from one of my favourite brands is both pampering & results driven.


MAKEUP

BEST PRIMER... SMASHBOX PHOTO FINISH PRIMER WATER

When I heard that Smashbox were introducing a primer water, I thought that it was gimmicky. That is, until I tried it. This effective primer which is oil, alcohol & silicone free, helps makeup stay in place all day without clogging pores. What's more, I love how quick & easy the application process is.

BEST EYESHADOW PRIMER... URBAN DECAY EYESHADOW PRIMER POTION

I've tried numerous eyeshadow primers but the cult Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion remains a favourite. It helps to prolong the wear of eyeshadows, prevents creasing & enhances their colour. I also love that the packaging has been updated to incorporate a doe foot applicator for ease of use. Read my original review here.

BEST SETTING SPRAY... SKINDINAVIA THE MAKEUP FINISHING SPRAY

This finishing spray helps to take down any cakey or powdery finish and boosts the longevity of makeup.

BEST FOUNDATION... MAKEUP FOR EVER HD FOUNDATION

The formula of my "holy grail" foundation was updated in 2015 but it remains a favourite because the buildable base feels lightweight on the skin yet delivers a flawless finish. The formula is free from SPF making it a good choice for photography & furthermore, it's available in a variety of shades.

BEST BB CREAM... DR JART + REGENERATING BEAUTY BALM

Winning for the third year in a row & therefore, earning a place in the Skin Deep Hall of Fame, this BB cream combines impressive, buildable coverage with SPF30 protection and is an essential within my summer makeup kit.

BEST UNDEREYE CONCEALER... BOURJOIS123 PERFECT CC EYE CREAM CONCEALER

A winner for the first time, this affordable, lightweight concealer has a brightening effect under the eyes & helps to disguise dark shadows.

BEST BLEMISH CONCEALER... LAURA MERCIER SECRET CAMOUFLAGE

This compact concealer wins for the first time after becoming a must-have within my makeup kit. It lives up to the name & is particularly effective at covering "textured" blemishes whilst the two-tone format means that it can be customised for the perfect shade match.

BEST PRESSED POWDER... RIMMEL STAY MATTE PRESSED POWDER

Winning for the second year running, this wallet friendly pressed powder delivers on its claims by helping to set makeup & leave a longwearing matte finish whilst also helping to control oil.

BEST LOOSE POWDER... BENEFIT THE POREFESSIONAL AGENT ZERO SHINE

Winning for the second year running, Benefit The Porefessional Agent Zero Shine is the ideal choice for travel or on-the-go touch-ups thanks to the handy packaging which incorporates a precision brush. It delivers on claims by leaving a matte finish, helping to set makeup & going some way to controlling oil.

BEST BRONZER... NARS LAGUNA

This cult bronzer remains the unbeaten favourite thanks to the smooth formula and believable sun-kissed glow which it imparts to skin.

BEST CONTOUR... KEVYN AUCOIN THE SCULPTING POWDER

Winning for the second year running, this highly pigmented, cooled toned powder is a favourite for creating a believable chiselled look and what's more, the finely milled formula means that blending is a breeze.

BEST POWDER BLUSH... MILANI BAKED BLUSH

Winning for the first year, this pigmented yet blendable long-wearing blush has become a favourite. I was initially concerned that the popular shade Luminoso would look glittery & fake on skin but this vegan-friendly, luminous peach shade has been one of my most worn in 2015 thanks to the flattering, wearable colour which complements most makeup looks.

BEST CREAM BLUSH... BOURJOIS LITTLE ROUND POT CREAM BLUSH

Winning for the first year, this wallet friendly cream blush has a smooth texture and is impressively long-wearing.

BEST POWDER HIGHLIGHTER... MAC MINERALISE SKIN FINISH IN SOFT & GENTLE

The best highlighter category has been split into two this year, to recognise the different formulas available. Winning for the first year, MAC's popular powder adds a natural, flattering glow to skin.

BEST CREAM/ LIQUID HIGHLIGHTER... BENEFIT GIRL MEETS PEARL

This natural highlighter has an easily blendable, cream formula which gives a "lit from within" appearance to skin, making it a worthy winner for the third year & scooping a place in the Skin Deep Hall of Fame.

BEST BROW PRODUCT... TOM FORD BROW SCULPTOR

My "holy grail" brow product wins for the third year in a row and therefore, earns a place in the Skin Deep Hall of Fame. I love the attention to detail which is evident in the packaging that features a spooly brush and sharpener. The angle of the pencil means that it's practically foolproof to use and I adore the cool toned shade "taupe" for filling in brows naturally.

BEST POWDER EYESHADOW... MAC

MAC Eyeshadows are a favourite thanks to the wide variety of colours and finishes available. On the whole, I find them easy to work with, blendable & pigmented. I'm a big fan of the customisable palettes but my most reached for shades in 2015 have been the popular All that Glitters paired with Brown Down.

BEST CREAM EYESHADOW... BOBBI BROWN LONG-WEAR CREAM SHADOW

This pigmented, blendable cream applies smoothly to lids and works equally well as a base or worn alone. Furthermore, it stays in place for hours without creasing. I love the gunmetal shade Galaxy for creating a simple smokey eye.

BEST EYESHADOW CRAYON... NO7 STAY PERFECT SHADE AND DEFINE

Winning for the second year, this wallet friendly eyeshadow crayon is easy to use, applies smoothly without dragging skin and the pigmented colour is long-wearing, without creasing. My favourite is the shade "Cool Mink" which I use to create a wearable, soft smokey look that's flattering on my brown eyes.

BEST EYESHADOW PALETTE... URBAN DECAY GWEN STEFANI

Celebrity collaborations rarely appeal to me but it was difficult to avoid the Gwen Stefani for Urban Decay eyeshadow palette which launched towards the end of 2015. The weighty gold, white & black palette with satisfying magnetic closure features 15 pigmented, smooth & blendable eyeshadows each with names synonymous with the singer. I love the selection of colours, which ranges from wearable neutrals to unexpected pops of colour, as well as the variety of finishes including mattes, satins & shimmers.

BEST PENCIL EYELINER... TOO FACED PERFECT EYES WATERPROOF EYELINER

This pigmented liner combines the intensity of a gel with the functionality of a pencil in a formula which is incredibly long-wearing, making it a worthy winner for the third year in a row. It has also gained a place in the Skin Deep Hall of Fame.

BEST LIQUID/ GEL EYELINER... BOBBI BROWN LONG-WEAR GEL EYELINER

This popular product scoops the award for the Best Liquid/ Gel Eyeliner for the first time this year. The smooth formula is easy to work with and it delivers on the long-wearing claims.

BEST MASCARA... MAYBELLINE THE FALSIES FLARED VOLUME EXPRESS MASCARA

This affordable mascara wins for the third year in a row and therefore, earns a place in the Skin Deep Hall of Fame. It adds a feminine, fluttery & volumised effect to lashes and holds a curl without crispiness, clumps, smudges or flakes.

BEST LIPSTICK... NARS AUDACIOUS LIPSTICK

Winning for the first year, NARS Audacious Lipsticks are hands down, the best I've tried. The packaging is sleek with a satisfying magnetic closure and the lipsticks inside are pigmented, smooth & creamy and wear well. I particularly love the shades Lana & Raquel.

BEST LIQUID LIPSTICK... RIMMEL PROVOCALIPS

I've never previously been wowed by the liquid lipsticks I've tried hence the category never having been included in the Skin Deep Beauty Awards before now. That is, until I came to try Rimmel Provocalips earlier this year. These impressively long-wearing, pigmented lipsticks feel comfortable on the lips and offer everything I've been seeking in a liquid lipstick format. What's more, they're affordably priced. Read my review of the shade Kiss Me You Fool by clicking here.

BEST LIP CRAYON... REVLON COLORBURST JUST BITTEN KISSABLE BALM STAIN

A new category for 2015 which recognises the popularity of this format, which most brands now offer. Revlon Colorburst Just Bitten Kissable Balm Stains may not be the most recent launch but they scoop the award thanks to the wearable colours, longwearing formula and minty fresh fragrance. Crush and Honey are amongst my favourite shades.

BEST LIP TINT... CLARINS INSTANT LIGHT LIP BALM PERFECTOR

Winning for the first year, these smooth lip butters add a wearable hint of colour to lips in a nourishing formula which boasts a tempting toffee fragrance. The neutral shade Rosewood is a favourite.

BEST LIP LINER... NO7 PRECISION LIPS PENCIL

This affordable lip liner wins for the third year & therefore, earns a place in the Skin Deep Hall of Fame. The smooth formula and twist up functionality make it a worthy winner. The shade Nude is the ideal neutral for light & medium skin tones.

BEST LIP GLOSS... NYX BUTTER GLOSS

These affordable, much hyped lip glosses boast a tempting bakery scent, feel smooth but not sticky on the lips & feature a doe foot applicator for controlled, precision application of the wearable colour.  Read my review of the Angel Food Cake shade here.

BEST NAIL POLISH... SOIGNE

Winning for the first time, this French line of 5-free formula polishes brings a new luxury to nail polishes. Beautifully presented, the formulas are impressive and the colour selection includes classics and unusual, colourful shades.

BEST TOOL... REAL TECHNIQUES BRUSHES

Real Techniques brushes scoop the award for best tool once again. This Youtuber created line of affordable, synthetic brushes is unparalleled when it comes to offering value for money. The brushes feel super soft, wash well, dry quickly & don't shed even though I use them almost daily. Favourites include the Buffing Brush and Silicone Liner Brush.


BODY

BEST SHOWER WASH... RUBY RED REVIVING BODY CLEANSER

This natural body wash contains an uplifting blend of lime, mandarin & cedarwood, making it ideal for morning use.

BEST BATH SOAK... AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES BATH & SHOWER OILS

Aromatherapy Associates Bath & Shower Oils are one of my all time favourite, can't-live-without products so it's perhaps unsurprising that they've once again scooped the award for Best Bath Soak, having been recognised every single year in the Skin Deep Beauty Awards.

BEST SCRUB... SOAP & GLORY THE BREAKFAST SCRUB

This wallet friendly scrub wins once again thanks to the satisfyingly abrasive formula and good-enough-to-eat scent. Read my original review here.

BEST BODY OIL... ELEMIS FRANGIPANI MONOI BODY OIL

This indulgent body oil which boasts an incredible scent is one of my must-have products so it's perhaps unsurprising that it's once again recognised in the Skin Deep Beauty Awards, having scooped the award every year.

BEST BODY MOISTURISER... THE SANCTUARY RELAX COCOONING BODY BUTTER

This affordable body butter is easily absorbed & doesn't leave a greasy residue on skin, however, a comforting, warm & sensual scent lingers, making it the ideal choice for evening use. Read my original review here.

BEST SUNCARE... LANCASTER

I was lucky enough to spend a lot of time in the sun in 2015 and Lancaster is my trusted brand when it comes to protecting my skin.

BEST AFTERSUN... HAWAIIAN TROPIC SILK HYDRATION AFTER SUN

This affordable gel-cream wins for the third year and earns a place in the Skin Deep Hall of Fame. The easily absorbed formula soothes & moisturises sun parched skin, leaving a fresh scent.

BEST FAKE TAN... XEN-TAN MOROCCAN TAN

Winning for the third year and earning a place in the Skin Deep Hall of Fame, Xen-Tan's Moroccan Tan adds a deep yet believable colour to skin.

BEST GRADUAL TAN... PALMER'S NATURAL BRONZE GRADUAL TANNING MOISTURISER

This affordable gradual tan wins for the third year and earns a place in the Skin Deep Hall of Fame thanks to the natural colour it adds to skin.

BEST INSTANT COLOUR... THIS WORKS PERFECT LEGS SKIN MIRACLE

The hint of natural colour which adds an instant tint to pasty limbs, together with skin caring ingredients including arnica & vitamins C & E make this a worthy winner.

BEST FOOT CREAM.. THE BODY SHOP HEMP FOOT PROTECTOR

This rich foot cream wins once again thanks to its ability to instantly get to work, leaving feet pedi perfect.

BEST HAND CREAM... THE BODY SHOP HEMP HAND PROTECTOR

I come back to this winter essential year after year because it quickly & effectively tackles even the driest & chapped skin. The botanical scent may not be to everyone's liking but I recommend it time & time again nonetheless because the results are so impressive.

BEST TOOL/ ACCESSORY... CRABTREE & EVELYN NAIL POLISH REMOVER WIPES

These individually wrapped wipes are ideal for travel or simply keeping in a desk drawer or handbag for "emergencies". One wipe is sufficiently saturated to be able to remove polish from all ten fingers and the effectiveness gives no hint to the gentle, soy-based formula.

BEST SALON TREATMENT... STRIP WAXING

This celebrity favourite offers the best Brazilians in London so it's perhaps unsurprising that it has once again scooped the Best Salon Treatment award. The efficient & professional staff, along with themed rooms & distracting TVs manage to make this beauty chore somewhat bearable.


FRAGRANCE

BEST FRAGRANCE (WOMEN'S)... GUERLAIN SHALIMAR PARFUM INITIAL

Guerlain's sophisticated blend of bergamot, rose, jasmine, patchouli, vetiver, tonka bean and vanilla make this sensual floral chypre a worthy winner once again.

BEST FRAGRANCE (MEN'S)... ACQUA DI PARMA

This iconic, unisex fragrance is a must-try classic. Sicilian citrus fruits blend with lavender, verbena, rose and rosemary in a refreshing scent that's particularly well suited to the summer months.

BEST NEW LAUNCH... GUCCI BAMBOO

Exotic florals are blended with woody notes in this new launch from the Italian design house.

BEST HOME FRAGRANCE... NEOM ORGANICS CANDLES

NEOM's luxury candles have been recognised every year in the Skin Deep Beauty Awards and once again scoop the award thanks to their indulgent, room- filling, therapeutic fragrance blends.


Finally, I'd like to take this opportunity to thank each & every one of you who has supported Skin Deep over 2015 & beyond.

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