Speed Review: MUA Makeup Academy Professional Trio Eyeshadow in Eden

I know that this time of year, everyone is counting down to payday so I thought it would be fitting to draw your attention to Superdrug exclusive makeup brand, MUA, also known as Make Up Academy. Every item in the MUA range costs just £1 and the recently launched MUA Professional range is equally wallet friendly.

I was sent the Trio Eyeshadow in Eden to try which contains shimmery shades of green along with a light gold for highlighting.

The three colours are a generous size which will last for ages, particularly given that these specific colours aren't for an everyday look. Having said this, there are other colourways available such as blues, browns, pinks and greys. 

The eyeshadows themselves are soft to apply making them easy to blend yet not so soft that there's "drop". The pigment isn't half bad either!

The colours offer a great way to add a twist on a classic smokey eye and at just £2.50 for the trio (that's around 85p per colour!), it's an affordable way to try new colours which you might not normally consider.

Speed Review: Aromatherapy Associates Enrich Body Scrub

Regular readers will know that I rate Aromatherapy Associates very highly indeed. It's a brand which I only truly discovered once I started writing but which I now regularly use as part of my personal beauty regime. I tend to go for their main aromatherapy line over the skincare or bodycare ranges but I recently tried their Enrich Body Scrub and wanted to share my thoughts.

The Enrich range is designed to treat dull, dry, out of condition skin so it's perfect for this time of year.

Enrich Body Scrub is a thick, balm style formula which lends itself well to the tub presentation. I initially applied the scrub onto dry skin before stepping into the shower but applying to damp skin allows the creaminess of the scrub to come through, adding to the indulgence. A little goes a long way.
Enrich Body Scrub contains frankincense and grapefruit, whilst ground coffee makes up the exfoliant. There's no mention of whether Enrich Body Scrub helps in the fight against cellulite any more than other scrubs although the topical application of caffeine is known to help so here's hoping!
The scrub itself is midway between abrasive and gentle but it's certainly effective. The predominant scent is warm, woodsy frankincense. It's not offensive but nor is it as pleasant as other Aromatherapy Associates products.
My skin was left feeling so nourished that I didn't need to moisturise afterwards.

At £33 for 200ml, Enrich Body Scrub is not cheap. Body scrub isn't a product which I necessarily feel you need to spend a great deal on- there are some fab wallet friendly products around and when money's tight, I'd say it's an area you can save on in order to invest in items such as skincare. Having said that, I enjoyed using this and you can tell that its a quality product so if you have got some pennies to spare, I'd recommend checking it out.

Stila Makeup Amnesty

If you're in London tomorrow, be sure to head over to Harvey Nichols where adorable American makeup brand, Stila are launching their new makeup counter.

To celebrate, Stila are giving away a free Lip Glaze in Kitten to anyone who hands in an old lip gloss, from any brand but hurry, the offer runs for one day only! Lip Glaze is one of the brand's bestselling products, worth £15 and Kitten is a gorgeously wearable nude, which suits all skin tones so it's worth popping in if you're in the area.
And for all you Northern lasses, keep an eye on the Manchester Harvey Nics website as I hear that the same offer will be running when their very own Stila counter opens next month.

Speed Review: The Sanctuary Salt Scrub

Today's review isn't of a new launch but a product that's been around for some time, The Sanctuary Salt Scrub. I quite like affordable spa brand, The Sanctuary, with my only complaint being that I'd prefer to see more of a natural emphasis.
The Sanctuary Salt Scrub is available either in a weighty tub or a single use sachet, ideal for holidays or if you simply want to try out the scrub.
The formula is surprisingly dry, with satisfyingly large grains of salt for an effective yet gentle exfoliation. It has a luxurious, spa scent which makes it feel really indulgent.
Upon application, you start to notice the coconut, jojoba and sweet almond oils which make up the formula and this remains on the skin once you're out of the shower so there's no need to moisturise, a great time saver.
I'm super impressed. My skin had been suffering somewhat from the effects of winter but it was left looking and feeling much better- it normally only feels like this in the summer!
The tub costs £10.20 for 650g and the sachet is £1.50 for 60g. A great, wallet friendly scrub, highly recommended.

Speed Review: Sara Happ The Lip Slip

Sara Happ is a cult brand specialising in lip care products and is best known for The Lip Scrub. I was recently sent the complementary product to the scrub, The Lip Slip, a rich lip balm.
Presented in a gold gift box tied with a grosgrain ribbon, The Lip Slip feels special from the moment you first see it. The balm itself is a very thick, somewhat sticky formula packaged in a perspex tub. As a general rule, I prefer stick format lipbalms which I can apply on the go without having to worry so much about it being unhygienic so in this respect, I felt let down by the packaging.
The Lip Slip applies clear with a slight gloss and has a scent which reminded me of candied chestnuts.
I was initially sceptical over whether The Lip Slip would actually work and thought that it would simply be a gimmicky product that was enjoyable enough to use but which didn't really deliver results. I needn't have worried. It's amazing! It turns out that The Lip Slip is packed with conditioning ingredients such as Sweet Almond, Jojoba and Macadamia Nut Oils. With the emphasis upon quality ingredients, a little goes a long way. When I applied a small slick to my very dry lips before bed, The Lip Slip worked its magic and I woke to soft, smooth lips- incredible!
At £19, it's certainly a pricey lip balm but the fact that Sara Happ has chosen to specialise in lip care products shines through as this really delivers. I'd recommend it for very dry, chapped lips, particularly during the winter months.
Sara Happ The Lip Slip was kindly sent to me by http://www.beautybay.com/

Speed Review: Dr Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Mushroom Skin Calming Face Mask

In theory, I really like Origins, the natural brand from the Estee Lauder portfolio. However, I prefer the bodycare range and have previously found the skincare a bit hit & miss, loving some products whereas others haven't agreed with my skin. I decided to keep an open mind when it came to trialling Mega-Mushroom Skin Calming Face Mask.
The Mask is designed to calm skin after too much sun, wind, dehydration, flying or late nights. I haven't been doing anything as exciting as jetting off for some winter sun or a ski break but the changing temperatures, going from central heating indoors to cold outdoors, together with a recent cold have left my sensitive skin in need of some TLC.
Mega-Mushroom Skin Calming Face Mask is presented in a sleek, functional tube with clear directions making it easy to use. Simply apply to clean, dry skin, relax for 10 minutes, then tissue off.
The creamy mask has a surprisingly lightweight texture which means that it applies smoothly and feels cooling on skin. Everything about it appears to try to reinforce the natural message- it's a pale green colour with the distinctive earthy scent which is signature to the Dr. Andrew Weil Mega-Mushroom range of products. The scent won't be to everyone's liking as it is rather potent but personally, I liked it.
It's been a while since I used a tissue off mask and I have to admit that I'd forgotten how wonderfully hydrating they are. My skin was left looking brighter, healthier and feeling soothed.
At £32 for 100ml, Mega-Mushroom Skin Calming Face Mask is pricey but I did like it. Given that I'd probably only use this occasionally as a "rescue treatment", I'd prefer if it was available in a smaller size for a lower price.

Speed Review: Trevor Sorbie Professional Beautiful Brunette Warm Rich Intensive Treatment

I love regularly using hair masks to deep condition my hair so I was shocked when chatting to a friend recently who claimed never to have tried one. I had a sample of Trevor Sorbie Professional Beautiful Brunette Warm Rich Intensive Treatment, £5.10 for 200ml, in my "to trial" box which I immediately gave her to try out.

My friend has the sort of naturally straight, thick, gorgeous chocolate brown hair which Cheryl Cole would probably kill for. It always looks super healthy though she claims to do very little to it, other than use Tigi Bedhead products.

So, what did she think of Trevor Sorbie Professional Beautiful Brunette Warm Rich Intensive Treatment?

The packaging is a bit dull and uninspiring but the instructions are clear and easy to follow. The scent is a little boring but pleasant enough. The texture is decidedly offputting. However, once you get past the gooey texture, it's a doddle to use. I simply combed it through and left on for 5 minutes. I was surprised that you don't have to leave it on for very long but was pleased as it fit into my routine easily.
The difficulty came in rinsing it out due to the heavy coating feeling in my hair. Even after some time, I still wasn't sure if I'd rinsed all of it out or not.
Once my hair was dry, it felt soft, silky and manageable. However, I couldn't notice any huge difference in the appearance compared with when I just use conditioner and for this reason, I probably wouldn't use it again.
Would I recommend it? Probably not. It's a nice product but nothing special. A little bit "meh" and I didn't feel that there was anything to differentiate it from normal conditioner other than the odd texture.

A favour....

I'm delighted to have been nominated for Escentual.com's Blog of the Year Awards, hooray! If you're not familiar with Escentual.com, it's an online beauty retailer which stocks lots of lovely brands and has introduced innovative schemes such as their Try Before You Buy sampling service.

The Awards are 100% voted for by blog readers and Escentual.com customers so if you've enjoyed reading Skin Deep throughout the last year, I'd really appreciate you continuing your support by voting for me. Voting is open until 1st February and literally takes a couple of seconds, simply click here for the link. Alternatively, you can click on the button on the right hand toolbar which will also take you directly to the site. Thanks so much!

Speed Review: Naked Get Fresh Minty Menthol Body Wash

I'm a big fan of the affordable, natural range, Naked. Regular readers may recall that their Take Care Naked Orange Blossom Body Wash won the Best Shower Gel category in my first annual Skin Deep Awards 2010 so I was looking forward to trying Minty Menthol Body Wash.

As the name suggests, Minty Menthol Body Wash has a sweet mint scent which makes it ideal for morning use. I certainly found it helped to wake me up, although it's not as energising as the Shiffa Basil, Mint & Black Pepper Shower Gel which I tried last year. The scent doesn't linger on skin once dry.
The website also recommends it as a cooling choice post-workout but not being a gym bunny, I can't comment on this.
The gel itself is quite thick and would lend itself well to use with a shower puff. I liked the functional bottle which is transparent so that you can see how much product is remaining.
At a wallet friendly £3.99 for 250ml, I think that this, like all of the Naked Shower Gels, represents good value for money. I highly recommend the range for everyday use.

Skin Deep talks to...

Samantha Field, PR for KMS California and Goldwell Haircare

SD: Why beauty PR?
SF: I started with Goldwell & KMS California as a Marketing & Events co-ordinator but as the brands evolved so did my involvement and I decided that I wanted to move into PR. I have always loved writing, a key skill for the role- and I also love beauty so it seemed like the perfect career move for me! The company were great and supported me while I retrained- even setting up external internships for me!


SD: What is the best aspect of your role?
SF: The people within the vibrant hairdressing industry. It's such a fun, charismatic and intriguing industry where you get to meet interesting people, the events are enjoyable not dull and sober and there is a lot of room for creative license!

SD: And the worst?
SF: Hmm, probably my lazy hair days! When I tell people that I work within the hair industry they automatically look at my hair, which is generally quite messy (I call it "undone-chic). On the bright side, I work with a lot of lovely and generous hairdressers who are happy to style my hair for big events... thank goodness!

SD: What would you be doing if you weren't working in beauty PR?
SF: It's a bit of a cliche these days but I would love to run a tea shop/ photography gallery. I love baking cakes and drinking tea so it would be an extension of my everyday life, and my fiance is a photographer!

SD: What is the best insider tip you've picked up?
SF: Always shampoo your hair twice. Firstly to loosen the oil and dirt and secondly to deeply cleanse. Beverly C told me this and it makes such a difference to the feel of your hair.
SD: You have 5 minutes to get ready- what do you do?
SF: Easy! I spritz my hair with KMS HAIRPLAY makeover spray which acts like a dry shampoo, then spray KMS HAIRPLAY dry wax on the ends of my hair and ruffle up for my signature undone look! Then I'd apply a ton of Lancome Hypnose Mascara, some Daniel Sandler Watercolor on my cheeks (I just bought his limited edition POP shade- it's gorgeous) and I'm good to go!


SD: Any beauty guilty pleasures? 
SF: I still love the smell of Dewberry from The Body Shop, even after all these years. When they brought back the body lotion last year I was a bit too excited...

SD: Any favourite treatments?
SF: I love using Soap & Glory Heel Genius foot cream. It's so nice to slather it all over your feet and pop a pair of socks on before bed- it feels lovely.

SD: What are your desert island beauty essentials?
SF: Moisturiser, KMS Silksheen Leave-in Conditionr and a Vaseline lip balm.

SD: What do you predict will be the next big thing in beauty? SF: That's tough! Who knows, there are always so many new products and services to keep up with. I do think hair colour trends are becoming more adventurous though, and this year is going to be huge for cool violet and copper tones.
SD: Finally, what does Skin Deep mean to you?
SF: Beautiful is being happy, healthy and kind... the rest is just an enhancement!

Speed Review: Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

Even if you haven't tried Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, there's a good chance you'll have heard of it if you regularly follow the beauty press. It's something of a hero product for the brand, with celebrity fans such as Dannii Minogue and Erin O'Connor raving about it. As the name suggests, it's an exfoliator which is gentle enough for daily use. It is suitable for all skin types.
Daily Microfoliant is presented as a white power which has a rice based enzyme, papain and salicylic acid to slough off dulling skin cells. To use, you simply dispense approx. a half teaspoon onto very wet hands and make a paste which you apply to your face in circular motions. I like the ritualistic aspect of this and it's simple to do. The only difficulty I have is trying to ensure no water gets into the bottle of powder (which would ruin it) so I tend to step out of the shower when pouring the powder onto my hands.
Although you can feel the exfoliant working, it's very gentle. Daily Microfoliant has quite a strong, earthy scent although it doesn't linger.
Skin is left feeling smooth and looking radiant. It's an impressive product which I'd definitely recommend checking out. For me, daily use is a little over the top and my skin starts to feel tight if I use it everyday. For this reason, I tend to use it one day, wait two days, then use again and that seems to give the best results for my sensitive skin (which tends towards dehydrated but otherwise is pretty problem-free).
It's pricey at £38 for 75g but a little goes a long way and the bottle will last ages, particularly if you don't use it every day. The results speak for themselves.

Speed Review: Soap & Glory Scrub Actually

Like many, I'm a big fan of the wallet friendly Soap & Glory range of effective products so I was excited to try another of their body scrubs, Scrub Actually.
Having bemoaned the fact that The Breakfast Scrub and Sugar Crush scrubs were both presented in tubs, I was pleased to see that Scrub Actually is presented in a handy tube.
Matching the girly packaging, Scrub Actually is a pink coloured gel formula. The exfoliants are granules of brown and white sugar and although I generally find salt scrubs give a more satisfying exfoliation, you can really feel this working. The scent of Scrub Actually is described as fruity blueberry- to me, it smells like sweets, incredible! Despite being a gel formula, my skin didn't feel dry after using this and that's most likely due to the inclusion of apricot kernal oil, kukui oil, mango butter and vitamin E. I'd definitely recommend this if you're looking for a reasonably priced body scrub for regular use.
I tend to get through quite a lot of this but at just £6.89 for 200ml, I don't feel guilty about doing so.

Happy New Year!

I'd like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who has supported Skin Deep in the last year.

I've been absolutely delighted that Skin Deep has gone from strength to strength in 2011, which wouldn't have been possible without PRs and readers alike. One of the highlights of my year was meeting some of the people who have supported Skin Deep, including fellow bloggers and I hope to repeat this in 2012.

My New Year's Resolution is to be a better blogger and I'd love to hear if there's anything you'd like to see more or less of on Skin Deep.

Mainly, however, I hope that 2012 brings you all health and happiness. Have a good one.

Second Annual Skin Deep Beauty Awards

Welcome to the Second Annual Skin Deep Beauty Awards, a round-up of the best products to have crossed my path during 2011. As with the first awards, there's absolutely no glitz and glamour, just 100% honest opinion.
Are your favourites here? Do you agree or disagree? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

HAIRCARE

BEST SHAMPOO...LA BIOSTHETIQUE
A winner for the second year running, this is the shampoo which I repeatedly purchase.

BEST CONDITIONER...SCHWARZKOPF BC BONACURE SENSITIVE SOOTHE
This lightweight conditioner didn't irritate but simply left my hair feeling healthy and easy to style.
Click here for my original review.

BEST MASK... PHYTO PHYTOKARITE ULTRA NOURISHING MASK
This natural mask left my hair sleek and super shiny.
Click here for my original review.

BEST HAIR OIL... HEALTHY SEXY HAIR SOY RENEWAL
A new category this year which reflects the huge popularity of hair oils. My hair has been transformed since I switched from serum to oil and my favourite is this version from Healthy Sexy Hair.
Click here for my original review.

BEST STYLING PRODUCT... JOHN FRIEDA 3 DAY STRAIGHT
I was seriously impressed when I first tried John Frieda's 3 Day Straight styling product early in the year and it seems I wasn't alone as it went on to win rave reviews and become a big seller throughout 2011.
Click here for my original review.

BEST TOOL... JOHN FRIEDA SALON SHINE IONIC HAIRDRYER
This transformed the way in which I styled my hair and I've recommended it to a number of people.


SKINCARE

BEST CLEANSER... BARE MINERALS DEEP CLEANSING FOAM
2011 saw the introduction of the bareMinerals skincare line which exceeded my expectations. This facial wash offers fantastic value for money and is highly recommended.
Click here for my original review.

BEST CLEANSING WIPES... GOOD THINGS TOTAL WIPEOUT CLEANSING WIPES
I still don't really agree with cleansing wipes but if you must use them, these are the ones to go for.
Click here for my original review.

BEST EYE MAKEUP REMOVER... ELIZABETH'S DAUGHTER THE EYE MAKEUP REMOVER
A winner for the second year running, I keep coming back to this gentle product presented in functional packaging.

BEST SERUM... CLARINS HYDRAQUENCH INTENSIVE SERUM BI-PHASE
Pricey, yes but this serum works wonders to hydrate with immediate effects. I can't get through winter without it.
Click here for my original review.


BEST FACE CREAM... CREME DE LA MER
The cult cream left my skin looking better than ever and although famously expensive, a little of this quality product goes a long way ensuring that the tub lasts for months.

BEST NIGHT CREAM... RODIAL GLAMTOX NIGHT
A new category this year and a suitably worthy winner. The eyewateringly expensive gel-cream is worth every penny. It's the night cream that my fellow beauty writers & I all swear by.


BEST EYE CREAM... YES TO BLUEBERRIES INTENSIVE FIRMING EYE REPAIR CREAM
I've tried plenty of eye creams over the years but was left seriously impressed with this new launch, which costs less than £20.

BEST DECONGESTING MASK... ELEMIS DEEP CLEAN PURIFYING FACE MASK
It's no secret that I'm a big fan of Brit spa brand Elemis and although not in the target market, I was impressed with the newly launched Fresh Skin range aimed at teens in 2011.
Click here for my original review.

BEST HYDRATNG MASK... HEAVEN BY DEBORAH MITCHELL HYDRATING AND FIRMING MASK
A winner for the second year running, this helps to rehydrate tired skin. The Heaven brand has gone from strength to strength in 2011 and if you're yet to discover the range, there's no better time to check it out.

BEST EXFOLIATOR...OLE HENRIKSEN WALNUT COMPLEXION SCRUB
I always said that I didn't like physical exfoliants until I tried this scrub. This is the product that I simply couldn't get enough of in 2011.
Click here for my original review.

BEST SPOT TREATMENT...GOOD THINGS STOP THAT SPOT CLEARING GEL
I've tried other spot treatments this year but kept coming back to last year's winner which offers great results at a reasonable price.
BEST LIP BALM... AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES MOISTURISING LIP BALM
Just one slick of this nourishing balm treats chapped lips.

BEST SALON TREATMENT... VAISHALY PATEL FACIAL
If money was no object, this tailored facial is the one I'd have every month.


MAKEUP

BEST PRIMER... URBAN DECAY BRIGHTENING COMPLEXION PRIMER POTION
As with their cult Eyeshadow Primer Potion, this foundation primer ensures the lasting results of any makeup it's worn under.
Click here for my original review.

BEST FOUNDATION... CARGO LIQUID FOUNDATION
A winner for the second year running, my favourite foundation gives good, lasting coverage.


BEST CONCEALER... ORIGINS QUICK, HIDE LONG-WEARING CONCEALER
Ever since Origins expanded their colour range at the start of 2011, this concealer has been a personal handbag essential.
Click here for my original review.
BEST BLUSHER...MAC CREAM BLUSH
A beauty low for me in 2011 was the news that MAC had discontinued my beloved Sweet William shade from their Cream Blush range, which won in the first awards. My favourite colour may have gone but the formula remains my must-have for fresh-faced radiance in an instant.


BEST BRONZER... GUERLAIN TERRACOTTA FOUR SEASONS BRONZER
A winner for the second year running, this cult bronzer provides realistic colour.

BEST EYESHADOW... NARS
An impressive range of highly pigmented shades which apply beautifully.

BEST EYELINER...YSL L'EYELINER
A winner for the second year running, this liquid liner is has become a mainstay in my makeup bag due to its intense pigment, long-wearing formula and ease of application.

BEST MASCARA... TOPSHOP MAKEUP MASCARA
I was initially dismissive of the move into wallet friendly makeup from High Street favourite, Topshop but the range has surpassed my expectations and I'm particularly fond of the mascara.


BEST LIPSTICK... GUERLAIN ROUGE G JEWEL LIPSTICK COMPACT
Uber desirable packaging, rich pigments and a non-drying formula combined to make this my top lipstick of 2011.

BEST LIPGLOSS...NARS
NARS Lipglosses captured my heart this year when I discovered the vampy but wearable Nana shade.

BEST NAIL POLISH... REVLON
The long wearing, quality formula and value for money prices makes Revlon polishes the best on the High Street.


BEST TOOL... TOM FORD BRUSHES
Because it simply doesn't get much more luxurious than this!


BODY

BEST SHOWER GEL...SHIFFA BASIL, MINT AND BLACK PEPPER BODY WASH
The most energising shower gel I've come across, this is what gets me moving in the mornings.
Click here for my original review.

BEST BATH SOAK...AROMATHERAPY ASSOCIATES BATH AND SHOWER OIL
I swear by the aromatherapeutic benefits of these versatile oils which win for the second year running.

BEST SCRUB... SOAP & GLORY SUGAR CRUSH BODY SCRUB
It's not the most indulgent scrub but it has been my most reached-for this year, at least in part due to the amazing cocktail fragrance.
Click here for my original review.

BEST BODY OIL... ELEMIS EXOTIC FRANGIPANI MONOI MOISTURE MELT
Winning for the second year running, this indulgent oil is one of my favourite beauty products.

BEST BODY MOISTURISER...JERGEN'S NATURALS
Also winning for the second year in a row, these affordable body lotions are a great choice for everyday use.

BEST SUNCARE...LANCASTER
Another one winning for the second year running, this reliable range is the one I use to protect my skin in the sun.

BEST FAKE TAN...SUNBELIVABLE
I don't regularly use fake tanning products although of the ones I've tried, this new launch is by far the best.
Click here for my original review.

BEST FOOTCARE...ELEMIS TREAT YOUR FEET FOOT CREAM
If you dislike the scent of peppermint, finding a foot cream which you'll enjoy using can prove challenging. Elemis stepped up to the challenge this year with the launch of Treat Your Feet Foot Cream from their new Spa at Home range which boasts an addictive scent and works effectively.

BEST HANDCARE...BLISS HIGH INTENSITY HAND CREAM
I'm a big fan of the Bliss Spa range
Fab winter handcare with the signature fresh scent from OPI's avocado inspired range

BEST TOOL...FITFLOPS
Ok, not technically a tool but they are pitched as a beauty item and for me, they're an essential. From the original sandals in summer to the supportive boots in winter, there's hardly a day that goes by without me wearing these.

BEST TREATMENT... STRIP WAXING
The best Brazilians in London.
Click here for my original review.


FRAGRANCE

BEST FRAGRANCE (WOMEN'S)... L'ARTISAN PARFUMER
Fragrance is one of my favourite beauty areas and I particularly adore specialist fragrance houses such as L'Artisan Parfumer. If you're searching for a new fragrance, head here where the wonderful staff will ensure you leave with a signature scent.

BEST NEW LAUNCH... GUERLAIN SHALIMAR PARFUM INITIAL
I was initially horrified when I heard that Guerlain were playing around with the legendary Shalimar. That is, until I smelt the stunning results. Shalimar Parfum Initial is a welcome addition to the range from the French house.

BEST HOME FRAGRANCE... NEOM ORGANICS
For the second year running, the natural range of triple wick candles from NEOM takes the prize due to their room filling fragrances which offer therapeutic benefits.