Makeup Monday- Speed Review: Rimmel Provocalips

I recently picked up Rimmel Provocalips in shade 500, Kiss Me You Fool, from Boots. This is the first shade from the line that I've tried but I've been highly impressed and am keen to check out more (I believe there are eight shades) from the Provocalips range.

The packaging reflects the high street branding and price point. Despite not being the most luxurious in appearance, the fun design appealed to me- featuring a lip print on one end and the other end reflecting the colour of product itself.

Whilst the order in which to apply the layers of product is clear, the directions weren't and this may be a downside to anyone trying the product for the first time. Simply apply a thin layer of the colour, wait for approx. a minute and follow with the clear end. The doe foot applicator is functional and makes application a breeze.

I was highly impressed at the strong pigmentation of the lip colour, which is opaque in just one layer. I'd describe it as intense, rich and a true red. 

It felt comfortable on the lips and I didn't find it to be especially drying, as some long-wear formulas can be.

The best thing about Rimmel Provocalips is that it really is a transfer proof product making it easy to wear a bold lip colour with confidence. The colour is impressively long-wearing yet can be removed easily using an oil based product.

Rimmel Provocalips is one of the best lip products I've tried and at a very wallet friendly £6.99, I'm keen to check out more of the colours in the line.

Speed Review: Thea Organic Skincare Coconut & Jojoba Hand Creme

I like to support new and small brands, which I admire in the competitive beauty marketplace. With this in mind, I had hoped that today's review, which is of Thea Organic Skincare Coconut & Jojoba Hand Crème, would be a rave but I'm afraid that I wasn't wowed. 

For those unfamiliar with the brand, Thea Organic Skincare was launched in 2011. It was inspired by founder Althea's visit to Africa and it was this trip, combined with a science background and love of natural and organic ingredients that has led to an extensive product range today, with all products pH balanced, paraben and sulphate free and suitable for all skin types including sensitive.

My initial impression was that the packaging of Thea Organic Skincare Coconut & Jojoba Hand Crème isn't aesthetically pleasing and doesn't feel modern or luxurious. Having said this, I really liked the presentation- a hardy, rubberised bottle (which is a travel friendly 50ml) with a functional pump dispenser that releases just the right amount of product, avoiding wastage.

The name emphasizes the ingredients but if you're expecting a tropical coconut fragrance, you'll be left disappointed. There is no discernable scent.

I'd describe the texture, which is very lightweight, as akin to a lotion rather than a rich & conditioning cream. Again, the functionality of the pump dispenser lent itself well to the texture. Whilst I appreciated that it was easily absorbed & left no greasy residue, I didn't find it to be sufficiently nourishing. It adds a very light moisture to hands which would only suit those with no concerns over dryness.

Overall, at £12.95 for 50ml, I'm afraid that I wouldn't repurchase simply because there are more affordable hand creams which offer greater nourishing benefits.