Body Back - Tried and Tested Products

Mineral Body Lotion by Ahaha (5/5)

My Mother bought this for me and although it could be used as a body lotion, I love it as a hand cream. I use it every night and it lives on my bedside table (until it runs out).

Posted under Ahava, Best Body Lotion, Body Lotion, Mineral Body Lotion By Ahava, Mineral Lotion, Moisturising, Moisturizing, Skin, Skincare, Skincare

Pore Refining Solutions correcting serum, Clinique (1/5)

This had no effect whatsoever, in fact it was more like a primer so it looks like the pores are smoothed immediately after application but that was it.

Posted under Clinique, Pore Refining Solutions Correcting Serum, Pores, Product Review, Review, Serum, Skincare, Skincare

Cellular Softening & Balancing Lotion by La Prairie (3/5)

The scent of this is heavenly and it is a pretty pink tonic colour in a solid glass bottle. The look works and the toner is refreshing. It needs to be used with cotton wool and I actually prefer toning sprays. They add more hydration.

Posted under Body Back, Heather Porter, La Prairie, Lotion, Skin, Skincare, Skincare, Tried & Tested

Gaylia Kristensen Heaven Hydrating Facial Mist (3/5)

The packaging is smart and this mist is in a silver canister with pump top, simple design and elegant to keep by the sink.

Posted under Mist, Skin, Skincare, Skincare

Gaylia Kristensen White Magic Anti-aging Brightening Serum (2/5)

This is an Australian brand and I found it in Sydney, it seems to be popular in some of the spas so I tried a couple of products within the range. This serum did not impress me particularly.

Posted under Ageing, Anti-Ageing, Anti-Aging, Beauty, Beauty Hack, Serum, Skin, Skincare, Skincare

Brazilian Propolis Mist, Epicuren (3/5)

This is a refreshing toning spray from this natural Californian brand. For all skin types, it is perfect to use after cleansing to close the pores before moisturising. Keep your eyes tightly shut as this mist can sting a little otherwise.The propolis ingredient gives this product an acquired scent, not everyone will take to the smell.

Posted under Body Back, Epicuren, Heather Porter, Skincare, Skincare, Tried And Tested

P20, Riemann Spf 30 (5/5)

This range of sun products is becoming increasingly popular, despite being around since 1979 (in fact the packaging does look rather 70s). I was recommended to try it by a friend who adores it. She was right...

Posted under Skincare, Skincare, Spf, Sunscreen

Hydralia, Yonka (5/5)

Another great ’serum' by Yonka, this one replaces the dermal range. I used Dermol 2 all the time and was disappointed that they stopped making it, however Hydralia is almost identical. It is described by Yonka as a concentrate rather than a serum but it would be used at the same time, under moisturiser as a good first base on a freshly toned face.

Posted under Anti-Ageing, Anti-Aging, Skin, Skincare, Skincare, Yonka, Yonka Hydralia

Amber & Lavender Body Crème, Jo Malone (4/5)

This would make a lovely gift for a friend or relation, it is a decent sized glass jar (175ml) and lasts for a long time. The cream kept its scent despite being open for a long time.

Posted under Body Creme, Jo Malone, Lavender, Moisturiser, Moisturizer, Skincare

Designer Lift foundation, Giorgio Armani (5/5)

This was highly recommended to me, so I tried it and have been really pleased with the result. This foundation gives good cover and includes an SPF20 too.

Posted under Armani, Foundation, Makeup, Skincare, Skincare

KNOW! Body Wash (5/5)

This is a new line called KNOW hair & Body products, manufactured in California. The NO in the title is a great way of advertising the fact that there are NO nasties in these ingredients. They are safe products. The NO list is most impressive, no: DEAs, Formaldehyde, Glycols, Parabens, PEGs, Petrochemicals, Phthalates, Silicones, Sulfates, Synthetic colors, Synthetic fragrance TEAs. Yet it doesn’t smell like dishwater despite no fragrance additives. The light lemon scented body wash is made up of lovely natural ingredients including rose, evening primrose, citrus, grapefruit and orange.

Posted under Bath, Bath & Shower, Bath & Shower, Know Bath Wash, Know Body Wash, Skincare

Purely Age-Defying Ultra Rich Cleanser, Jurlique (2/5)

I think I shall leave this brand alone now, I have tried several of their products and do not want my column to be too full of negative comments! This thick creamy cleanser did not have the same absorption rate as other cleansers, it seemed to sit on the skin and clean the top layer only.

Posted under Age-Defying, Antiageing, Anti-Ageing, Antiaging, Anti-Aging, Jurlique, Purely Age-Defying, Skincare, Skincare, Tried & Tested

Purely Age-Defying Facial Serum, Jurlique (1/5)

This facial serum was a real disappointment. It streaks on the face and has to soak in or be gently rubbed until dissolved and felt too heavy for a serum. I continued to use it until it had finished but my face was not bright during this process. It felt ‘cloudy’. As the product took longer to soak in, I couldn’t use moisturiser immediately which did not help my morning rush.

Posted under Antiageing, Anti-Ageing, Antiaging, Anti-Aging, Skincare, Skincare

Protein Mist Enzyme Toner, Epicuren 3/5

Epicuren is a Californian range initially set up to help patients who suffered skin burns and other issues. It is natural and delicate. Some of the products I really like and others not so, but that is the same with most ranges I am too particular. However I do like this protein mist, it is my equal favourite with rose geranium mist out of the Epicuren toning sprays.

Posted under Epicuren, Face Mist, Mist, Skincare, Skincare, Toner

Protect & Perfect Hand Cream SPF15, Boots No 7 (4/5)

This is a low cost, good value, hypo-allergenic hand cream. I kept the easy-to-use tube by my bed and coated my hands at night. It soaked into the skin leaving my hands feeling truly nourished.

Posted under Hand Cream, Skincare, Skincare, Spf, Sunscreen

Gel Eclat, Lancome (1/5)

I was disappointed with this product, I needed a new foaming cleanser and thought I could rely on the Lancome brand. The product was so thick it was a challenge to squeeze it out of the tube. Once half way through it took far too much effort in the mornings!

Posted under Cleanser, Face Wash, Gel Eclat, Lancome, Skincare, Skincare

Purely Age Defying Mist, Jurlique (2/5)

Jurlique was recommended to me by a nutritionist because it is a natural skin care line and therefore safe through pregnancy. The mist is refreshing but I found the spray too directional. It was not a mist it came too strong. I therefore poured it into my favourite mist bottle (once empty) but the spray still came out like a jet rather than a mist. This indicates it is the consistency of the liquid that is just not quite fine enough.

Posted under Antiageing, Anti-Ageing, Anti-Aging, Face Mist, Jurlique, Skincare, Skincare

Bioderma Cicabio Crème (3/5)

This is a soothing repairing cream for irritated and damaged skin. Used by dermatologists, often for patients who have had a dermabrasion, laser treatment or similar. It is supposed to help restore the epidermis. It is a hypoallergenic, clinically smelling cream (no fragrance added which is a good thing) and goes on smoothly. I did find that it was calming for the skin and softening, it may have accelerated healing, but that is always difficult to test unless you leave a patch naked from the cream.

Posted under Skincare, Skincare

Satsuma Body Butter, The Body Shop (4/5)

The Body Shop can always be relied upon to provide good quality products at a value for money price. The body products are especially nice and good for gifts. The Satsuma body butter is in a small tub with a twist top. I like the fact it is not a huge tub just 48g so you are going to use it up before it gets old or forgotten. It smells exactly as its name suggests, a light sweet orange scent which only wouldn't work if you don't like the smell of anything orange.

Posted under Body Shop, Lotion, Moisturiser, Moisturizer, Skincare

Multi Defense Daily Moisturiser SPF42, Positively Ageless, Aveeno 5/5

This range is great. Cost effective, bought from drugstores across the USA. Nice packaging it doesn't look cheap even through it is good value for money. I saw this recommended in a magazine and tried it myself.

Posted under Anti-Ageing, Moisturiser, Skin, Skincare, Skincare, Spf

Arnica Cooling Gel, Arnicare by Nelsons (5/5)

This is perfect for little bruised knees and heads and any other part of the anatomy children seem to test. Also for adults, after any knock if no blood is drawn and it is just a bruise then gently coat the area with this gel.

Posted under Antiageing, Antiaging, Arnica, Nelsons, Skincare, Skincare

Aromatic Shower & Bath oil, Cinq Mondes (5/5)

One of my favourite shower products. Here is a perfect marriage between an oil and a shower gel. It is oily on contact, but amazingly still creates a luxurious creamy lather. There is a range of different scents and one is often drawn simply to which colour you like the best.

Posted under Aromatic, Bath & Shower, Bath And Body, Body Wash, Oils, Shower Gel, Skincare

Advanced Protective Shield Moisturiser SPF40, Trish McEvoy (2/5)

This may be a UVA/UVB oil-free sunscreen moisturiser from a top make up brand, but it is far too runny in consistency to be a permanent occupier of space in my bathroom cabinet. I will not be replenishing this stock!

Posted under Moisturize, Moisturizing, Skin, Skincare, Skincare

Scrub your nose in it, Soap & Glory (2/5)

This range in Boots is affordable and well designed. I like the 1940s style packaging and quirky names. There are other products within this brand that I rate more highly than this one.

Posted under Face Scrub, Scrub, Skin, Skincare, Skincare

Gentle Eye Makeup Remover, Lierac (1/5)

This is a gel, I bought it by mistake because I love their liquid eye make up remover. I was a bit disappointed that I had bought the wrong item and I didn't see the 'soothing floral gelee' on the front.

Posted under Makeup Remover, Skin, Skincare, Skincare

Boob Tube Bust and Neck Firmer, Mama Mio (3/5)

Creams that promise bust lifting have to live up to big statements so I am always reticent at trying them. This white cream comes out of its pump top thickly, but feels mousse-like without the fluff, hard to describe but the texture is lovely.

Posted under Care, Mama Mio, Skin, Skincare, Skincare

Skin Tight Toning Serum, Mama Mio (5/5)

I love Mama Mio's quirky slogans the brand feels exactly what us women think and need. 'Think juicy grape not wrinkly raisin'! This lift,tighten and tone lightweight gel is easily applied but does leave a fine serum on the skin. This does give the appearance of a smoother texture on the skin so I have used the product on a regular basis to test whether it is just a visual improvement when the serum is actually on the skin, or a lasting one when it is washed off.

Posted under Mama Mio, Serum, Skin, Skincare, Skincare, Toning

ESPA Lift & Firm Moisturiser (2/5)

I like the ESPA brand and some of their products are superb. ESPAs body care and body oil ranges are what they are famous for. Skin care I still haven't found a 5 * product. This is an average facial moisturiser but expensive so not really worth the money, I feel.

Posted under Antiageing, Antiaging, Face Lotion Review, Firm Moisturizer, Firming Moisturiser, Skin, Skincare, Skincare

Nutri-Protect Mains by Yonka (4/5)

This is a new hand cream and really rather nice. It is a non-oily formula which absorbs well and doesn’t leave a greasy feel. Ingredients include shea butter and grape seed oil with vitamins A, C and E. Essential oils including mandarin and magnolia are nourishing and give a delicate scent.

Posted under Hands, Hands Feet & Nails, Skin, Skincare, Skincare, Yonka

Colostrum Hydrating Mist by Epicuren (1/5)

I thought I would try this toning mist because I was told it was really refreshing and replenishing for the skin. I can't say I noticed an improvement above any of the other toning products I have tried, nor was it particularly pleasant to use.

Posted under Moitsurizing, Skin, Skincare

Hawaiian Mask by Nohea Natural (5/5)

This product is absolutely superb. After the very first time I tried it I saw an improvement in my skin tone. I used it for a second time just two days later and my face look so fresh and glowing, and more youthful. There is magic in this face mask. The ingredient is 100% pure Hawaiian Arabica Berry Extract (coffee arabica) and is made in Hawaii at it's source. The mask improves skin tone and texture, also healing the skin at the same time. This is such a boost for the skin, I have never seen such a beneficial result from any other mask to date.

Posted under Face Mask, Skin, Skin Back, Skincare, Skincare

O.Mega Super-Rich Body Cream by Mama Mio (5/5)

The tag line on this large bright tube is ZAP SUPER-DRY SKIN and it caught my eye so I thought I would try it. I have been exercising a lot this week and layered this cream on after my shower. I swim daily so my skin really needs nourishing after all that chlorine etc. This cream is slightly thicker than the average moisturiser but not so thick it feels like an emollient. It has a fresh lemon smell to me, which is funny because lemon is not an ingredient! But the contents are a good well considered list; aloe, avocado, rose hip, evening primrose and sweet almond to name but a few.

Posted under Dry Skin, Lotion, Mama Mio, Skincare

Clean Slate, cleanser by Mama Mio (4/5)

This is a gentle foaming cleanser rich in aloe, omega 3,6,9 and probiotics. A healthy boost albeit a face wash not a moisturiser, but great the fact that it is moisturising too.

Posted under Face Back, Mama Mio, Skincare, Skincare

Bee Venom Mask , Heaven by Deborah Mitchell (5/5)

This wonder pot of a mask has a strange smell, it’s list of ingredients resembles the list of an apothecary’s shelf some notable ingredients include: bee venom, Manuka honey, tea tree oil, rose extract oil, lavender and silica.

Posted under Age-Defying, Anti-Ageing, Anti-Aging, Bee-Venom, Deborah Mitchell, Face Mask, Heaven, Heaven Skincare, Mask, Skincare, Skincare

Collagen, Linda Meredith (5/5)

My favourite collagen serum. It is light, clear and non-sticky, hence it spreads finely and easily over the face and neck.

Posted under Age-Defying, Anti-Ageing, Anti-Aging, Anti-Wrinkle, Collagen, Linda Meredith, Skin, Skincare, Skincare

Pro-Collagen Serum Amplifier, Epicuren Discovery (4/5)

Epicuren’s answer to an age-defying serum. This serum is more like a light soft cream.

Posted under Age-Defying, Anti-Ageing, Anti-Aging, Collagen, Skin, Skincare, Skincare

O Mega Body Buff, Mamma Mio (5/5)

This is a great exfoliant for the body. It contains micro-ground pumice, sweet almond oil, aloe vera, chamomile and vitamin E. The tiny granules are plentiful so the exfoliating can be fast and easy. The consistency is just right, not too liquid and slippery, but not too dry and granular. It advises on the product to use before the shower for optimum effect.

Posted under Body Buff, Mama Mio, Skin, Skincare, Skincare

Lucky Legs, Mama Mio (5/5)

A light serum feeling lotion for legs and feet, bringing relief from water retention and fatigue. The scent is lovely and fresh containing spearmint (refreshing, smells clean – good for smelly feet), chamomile (reduces swelling, calming, – after a day on your feet), aloe vera (nourishing for the skin) and other natural ingredients including a mild antibacterial tonic.

Posted under Legs, Skin, Skincare

Lotion Tonique Invigorating Mist (for dry skin) Yonka (5/5)

I use this toning mist as my regular toner, morning and night. The perfect partner with my Lait nettoyant (Yonka cleanser) It is a light spray with a lifting fresh scent. Alcohol free.

Posted under Skin, Skincare

Lait Nettoyant Cleansing Milk, Yonka (5/5)

A soft pale blue, mildly scented cleansing milk. Like its partner, Lotion (toner) I have used this for ten years and my skin has not tired of it.

Posted under Skincare

Orange Flower Cell Renewal, Heaven Skincare (5/5)

This is a super toner, it is fresh, scented but not too sweet. After cleansing or shower, this toner has an easy to use pump top and doesn't get fully absorbed by cotton wool immediately.

Posted under Heaven Skincare, Skin, Skincare, Toner

Rejuvenating Eye Remedy, Shiffa (3/5)

This middle eastern brand is becoming more and more popular. I was recently recommended this eye cream by a facialist in LA who said in her experience it was the best eye cream she has come across.

Posted under Eyes, Skincare

Yonka Advanced Optimizer Serum (4/5)

This serum gets absorbed quickly, without leaving an oily layer on the face. I like this quality in a serum.

Posted under Anti-Ageing, Anti-Aging, Skincare, Yonka

Yonka Advanced Optimizer Crème (4/5)

This is the cream moisturiser, ideally to pair with the Yonka serum. The scent compliments the serum and I appreciate it every time I use it. For morning this does also absorb well into the skin....

Posted under Cream, Skincare, Yonka