Speed Review: Elemis Herbal Lavender Repair Mask

I incorporate face masks as & when I feel that my skin needs them, rather than being disciplined about using them every Sunday for example. I recently tried Elemis Herbal Lavender Repair Mask, upon recommendation from a friend. Described as a skin balancing & calming mask, it contains clarifying & soothing rosemary, thyme & lavender essential oils along with kaolin to purify dull, blemished & congested, sensitive skin.

On first impressions, the packaging is in keeping with the Elemis branding. I didn't like that the large outer box has a false side as it initially appears as though you're getting more product than is the case. The tube inside looks quite clinical but the presentation is inoffensive. I appreciated the functionality of the tube which made it easy to dispense the mask without wastage.

Elemis Herbal Lavender Repair Mask has a smooth texture which was easy to apply to skin, without mess. The mask doesn't contain any exfoliating particles which I liked as I don't always want an exfoliating mask & in fact, I often exfoliate my skin beforehand if I know I'll be applying a mask so as to obtain optimum benefits. It felt gentle on the skin and as you'd expect from the name, it had a herbal scent which I personally liked. The only downside was that I felt as though I needed to use quite a lot of the product.

The mask gets to work in 10-15 minutes which some people may like as it's a good opportunity to take some "me time". I didn't mind this but I certainly wouldn't want to wear the mask for any longer, purely for reasons of convenience. That said, it's not an uncomfortable mask and in fact, my skin felt quite cooled while it was on. The mask didn't dry out on skin as some clay based masks can but it did "set".

When it came to removing the mask, I found it easy to remove with a damp cloth. It wasn't messy as some clay masks, or those with exfoliating granules, can be.

Following use, my skin didn't feel tight or stripped. My skin's tone appeared more even and brighter but I didn't notice many other effects.

Elemis Herbal Lavender Repair Mask is an enjoyable, pampering mask to use but I'm not convinced that it's particularly results driven and as such, I'd struggle to justify a repurchase at £30 for 75ml.

Speed Review: The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter

I've previously raved about The Body Shop Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil (click here to read) & today's review is of another product from the Camomile line, The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter.

On first impressions, the effortlessly cool tin packaging is both aesthetically pleasing and well suited to the product's formula. Admittedly, I found it a little unhygienic as you need to dip fingers into the product but I can't think of an alternative way in which The Body Shop could present it. The directions are clear and it's worth noting that the 90ml size is travel friendly.

The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter is a white, solid balm which resembles lard! I've heard it compared to the Clinique Take The Day Off Cleansing Balm and agree that the formulas are incredibly similar, however, I don't feel that they're "dupes"- not least because the Clinique version is fragrance free. The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter has a delicate, fresh floral fragrance.

Whilst I was dubious about whether The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter would be too heavy and cause my acne prone skin to break out, the packaging states that it's suitable for all skin types. Having used it & personally not experienced any problems, I'd agree with this. During use, it feels very gentle on skin & I appreciated that it can even be used around the delicate eye area (including by contact lens wearers), negating the need for a separate eye makeup remover. In fact, I believe that one of the first products in The Body Shop's Camomile range was the Gentle Eye Makeup Remover, which has been a popular product for a number of years.

I feel that the "Sumptuous Butter" name is a little misleading. This brings to mind a rich formula, such as that of Lush's Ultrabland. The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter melts effortlessly into skin and feels like a lightweight oil. It has a lot of slip and therefore, lends itself well to facial massage. I feel that, because it doesn't feel heavy on the skin, it would be a good introduction to those trying a cleansing balm for the first time.

It was easy to remove The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter with a damp hot cloth. It effectively removes every trace of makeup without stripping skin.

At £13 for 90ml, I feel that The Body Shop Camomile Sumptuous Cleansing Butter offers excellent value for money and would highly recommend it.

Speed Review: Kiehl's Nourishing Olive Fruit Oil Conditioner

Haircare may not be the first category to spring to mind when it comes to Kiehl's but the brand's Amino Acid Shampoo (reviewed here) is one of my favourites and as such, I was keen to check out other products from the line. I haven't tried the accompanying shampoo but I've recently been trialling Kiehl's Nourishing Olive Fruit Oil Conditioner.

I love the story behind the product, which is described on the packaging. Olive Fruit Oil, Avocado Oil and Lemon Extract are combined in a formula which is inspired by home haircare remedies.

As tends to be the case with Kiehl's products, the plain packaging is minimalist but effortlessly cool and I was happy to have the conditioner on display in my shower. The directions are clear and I appreciated the functionality of the tube dispenser with flip top lid.

Kiehl's Nourishing Olive Fruit Oil Conditioner contains hydrating glycerin along with lanolin (which I tend to get along well with as a beauty ingredient although it's obviously not vegan friendly). Some may be interested to know that the conditioner contains silicones. Given that the conditioner is aimed at nourishing dry hair, I was expecting a rich texture so I was surprised at how lightweight it was. The conditioner has a gel cream texture which I found easy to work through my hair and what's more, it rinsed out with relative ease too.

I absolutely adored the incredible, comforting scent although I couldn't detect it in my hair once it had been dried & styled.

Following use, my hair was left feeling wonderfully soft. It had a high shine finish and was noticeably smoothed, although my fine hair still had movement & body and wasn't weighed down.  Overall, I've been highly impressed and would recommend Kiehl's Nourishing Olive Fruit Oil Conditioner, which costs £19 for 200ml.

Speed Review: Cowshed Spearmint Exfoliating Sea Salt Scrub

If you've been neglecting your skin over the winter months and need an effective scrub with which to slough off those dulling dead skin cells then today's review will have come at just the right time.

Cowshed Spearmint Exfoliating Sea Salt Scrub is a luxury body exfoliator which contains sea salt crystals suspended in nourishing macadamia oil to leave skin buffed to perfection, along with seaweed & honey to nourish and energising spearmint essential oil.

On first impressions, I found the packaging to be aesthetically pleasing. A generously sized tub is presented inside of an outer cardboard box which features the same mint green colour & design. the clear directions are printed on both the outer box & the tub. Regular readers will know that I dislike tub packaging, finding it to be both messy & unhygienic to use, but it's difficult to see how else Cowshed could present this scrub.

Cowshed Spearmint Exfoliating Sea Salt Scrub has a dense texture which I found made it rather difficult to scoop out with my hands. It would be helpful if Cowshed included a scoop with the scrub, particularly because this attention to detail would reiterate the luxury branding. The scrub is made up of a high concentration of finely milled exfoliating sea salt granules suspended in oil. It makes for a gentle yet thorough exfoliation. The subtle spearmint scent is pleasant but not overpowering & I didn't notice it lingering on skin following use.

Immediately after use (when still in the shower), I noticed an oily residue left on skin. However, following use, there was no oily residue but my skin was simply left feeling soft, smooth and nourished, with no need to moisturise. 

At £40 for 350ml, Cowshed Spearmint Exfoliating Sea Salt Scrub is undeniably expensive and it would be difficult for me to justify a repurchase because I tend to skimp on body care and spend more on facial skin care. That said, it is both a pleasure to use & an effective scrub which I'd recommend if you're looking to make a luxury purchase or give an indulgent gift. 

Speed Review: Odylique Lemon Butter Hand Smoothie

Odylique is not a brand with which I had been familiar but I was recently sent a selection of their products to try and wanted to share my thoughts, starting with today's review of the Lemon Butter Hand Smoothie.

First, a little about the brand... Odylique is a family run, natural skin care company which specialises in products for those with sensitive skin. The name means "power of nature", in homage to the organic herbs, virgin & cold-pressed plant oils and natural active ingredients found in therapeutic concentrations within the products- which are all handmade in Suffolk, UK.

Odylique Lemon Butter Hand Smoothie is the newest addition to the handcare range. The organic hand cream is designed to soothe and moisturise the most sensitive, dry, cracked or hard-working hands thanks to the inclusion of hydrating coconut & cocoa, organic sea buckthorn, healing aloe vera and a lightly fragrant blend of skin soothing essential oils.

On first impressions, the outer box packaging clearly communicates the message that it's a natural brand, without being worthy. Information on the box includes the fact that it's suitable for vegans and contains no palm oil. It's certified by the Soil Association as 100% natural origin and 93% organic. I loved that the ingredients list is written twice (not something I've come across before)- once as a traditional INCI list and again "in plain English", reiterating the fact that there are "no nasties" hidden within the product.

The tube inside is fairly plain and looks a little amateur owing to having a stuck-on label rather than printed plastic. That said, the tube packaging is functional for use.

I loved the lightweight texture, which I'd describe as akin to a lotion. It was easily absorbed with no greasy residue.

The lemon scent is a fresh, botanical fragrance rather than a sweet, foodie scent and therefore, feels more grown-up and expensive than others.

Following use, my hands were left feeling hydrated and smooth.

Odylique Lemon Butter Hand Smoothie is a pleasure to use but I feel that it's ever so slightly overpriced at £12 for a travel friendly 60ml tube.

Speed Review: Time Bomb Bombshell Body Sole Survivor Foot Cream

I must confess to being rather neglectful of my feet when it comes to my beauty regime, particularly during the cooler months. However, I decided to address this and reached for Time Bomb Bombshell Body Sole Survivor Foot Cream, having previously enjoyed Time Bomb Bombshell Body Hand To Hand Combat Hand Cream (read my review here).

Time Bomb Bombshell Body Sole Survivor Foot Cream is described as a super rich foot cream & powerful "callus busting" treatment. It's enriched with non-greasy emollients & loaded with hydrating glycerin, which is found naturally in healthy skin. Aromatic eucalyptus cools stressed skin & soothes weary soles. The company claims that the effective blend softens, conditions and helps to improve even the roughest skin.

On first impressions, I liked the matte, baby pink slimline tube. The directions were clear and easy to follow.

The cream has an interesting texture, unlike any other foot cream I've tried before. In fact, it reminded me of a hair conditioner! It's a lightweight, pearlised gel which felt silky to the touch & was easily absorbed.

The eucalyptus scent was pleasant and a welcome change from the standard peppermint which seems to be the go-to foot cream fragrance.

It felt slightly cooling on skin and I agree with the company's claims that it would be a good choice for treating tired, sore feet.

Following use, my feet were left feeling soft, smooth & conditioned.

Time Bomb Bombshell Body Sole Survivor Foot Cream costs £14.50 for 75ml which I feel is ever so slightly overpriced. It's a pleasant foot cream which I enjoyed using but I'd personally struggle to justify a repurchase unless it was on offer.

Speed Review: The Body Shop Rainforest Moisture Hair Butter

I like to treat my tresses on a weekly or fortnightly basis by using a hair mask. Whilst I have my favourites, I tend to switch it up as I enjoy trying different masks and I've recently been trialling The Body Shop Rainforest Moisture Hair Butter, which the company describes as a luxuriously rich and intensive deep conditioning treatment that leaves hair soft, glossy and tangle-free.

The Body Shop Rainforest Moisture Hair Butter appealed to me as a hair butter sounded like something a little different but essentially, it is simply a hair mask, albeit one which is free from silicones and parabens.  

It will come as no surprise that I disliked the tub packaging and this was furthered by the fact that I felt that the functionality of a tube presentation would have lent itself well to the rich cream formula. That said, I appreciated the clear directions which were easy to follow and what's more, I liked the convenience afforded by the mask getting to work in just five minutes.  

The Body Shop Rainforest Moisture Hair Butter contains honey and olive oil along with pracaxi oil and manketti nut oil and this is apparent in the scent, which is comforting and nutty. I found it easy to work the mask through my hair and it was also relatively easy to rinse out. 

Following use, I was disappointed to note that rather than being left with tangle-free hair, my tresses were more tangled than normal. Equally, once I'd dried and styled my hair, it wasn't particularly smoothed and frizz & flyaways were worse than I'd normally experience. That said, my fine hair felt soft and thicker than usual, without being weighed down. It had a healthy movement, volume & bounce and looked fairly shiny. 

Despite being relatively affordable at £8 for 200ml, I'd be unlikely to repurchase The Body Shop Rainforest Moisture Hair Butter simply because it isn't one of my favourites and I don't feel that it completely delivers on the claims. 

Speed Review: Klorane Camomile Shampoo for Blonde Highlights

I was recently sent Klorane Camomile Shampoo for Blonde Highlights but being brunette, I passed it on to my blonde friend Ellie to try.

Klorane Camomile Shampoo for Blonde Highlights is designed to enhance & reveal golden highlights, leaving blonde hair radiant, soft, shiny & easy to style. So, did Ellie feel that it delivered on the claims? Over to her...

I was familiar with the Klorane brand but I had never used any of their products. I wasn't very impressed with the packaging. I found the bottle quite bland and it wouldn't have caught my eye on the shop shelf. The floral design gives the impression that it's quite a natural product. Overall, I didn't feel that the packaging reflected the price point.

The ingredients and directions for use are only on the outer box and I was surprised not to see them also printed on the bottle. I found this a little frustrating as I sometimes like to check back & see if a product contains a particular ingredient, without having to keep the outer packaging. Nevertheless, this alone wouldn't put me off purchasing the shampoo.

The slimline bottle fitted neatly on my shower shelf & I liked that I was easily able to see how much of the product is remaining. I found the cap a little difficult to open.

Klorane Camomile Shampoo for Blonde Highlights has a creamy consistency & lathers really well. I felt that I didn't need to use as much product as I usually do with other shampoos owing to the generous lather it produces. It left my hair feeling smooth, even when wet & rinsed out easily. It didn't leave any residue and I also felt that it had a detangling effect.

The shampoo does smell strongly of camomile. It's a fresh scent but I found it a little clinical. That said, I wasn't able to notice the scent once I had dried & styled my hair.

Following use, my hair truly felt healthier. It felt clean and silky after every use. I didn't feel that it particularly "enhanced" my highlights but it didn't strip or dull the colour either.

At £7 for 200ml, I feel that Klorane Camomile Shampoo for Blonde Highlights is a little overpriced. I would be prepared to pay around £5 for it. Having said that, I'd recommend the shampoo to other blondes & would repurchase because my hair did feel great after using.

Speed Review: Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S. Thirst Quenching Serum

I use a serum underneath my moisturiser on a daily basis, usually as a way of ramping up the moisture levels & treating my dehydrated skin. I've recently been using Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S. Thirst Quenching Serum, which I've heard recommended as a good, relatively affordable option thanks to the inclusion of glycerin. 

As a general rule, I like Caudalie as a brand and whilst I initially discovered it through their body care products, I tend to trust French skincare. On first impressions, the packaging is both aesthetically pleasing and functional, thanks to the pump which allows for easy and controlled dispensing. Whilst I liked that the transparent packaging allowed me to tell how much was remaining, the glass bottle means that it's not ideal for travel. 

Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S. Thirst Quenching Serum has exactly the kind of texture which I like in a serum. It's a lightweight milk which applied smoothly and was quickly & easily absorbed into skin. Once absorbed, I wasn't able to feel the serum on my skin. There was no tackiness or greasy residue, my skin simply felt smooth & hydrated. The serum has a fresh, pleasant scent. 

Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S. Thirst Quenching Serum is oil-free but I wish that the formula was also free from silicones. It's this which would primarily put me off repurchasing. That said, the serum doesn't feel silicone laden or suffocating on skin. 

I was pleased that it worked well under both moisturiser and makeup without inferring in the formulas or breaking up. My skin felt hydrated throughout the day and I didn't experience any breakouts when using this on my acne prone skin. 

Caudalie Vinosource S.O.S. Thirst Quenching Serum isn't my favourite out of those I've tried but I feel that it is a good choice for those seeking a basic serum to tackle dehydration. I feel that £29 for 30ml is a reasonable price point for the product.

Speed Review: Ole Henriksen Empower Foaming Milk Cleanser

My preferred method of cleansing is using a cleansing oil or balm but I was recently sent Ole Henriksen Empower Foaming Milk Cleanser to try & I wanted to share my thoughts. 

The Empower range is a relatively new addition to the L.A. based facialist's line of products & is specifically aimed at those experiencing the first signs of ageing, which appeals to me as I fall within that demographic. 

Ole Henriksen Empower Foaming Milk Cleanser contains antioxidant-rich ingredients including Arctic Cloudberry, along with Nordic Cotton Extract to prevent dehydration & restore suppleness, and exfoliating Willowbark. I like the nod to the facialist's Scandinavian heritage through the inclusion of these ingredients. 

I've previously mentioned that I like the unapologetic way in which Ole Henriksen uses bright, bold colours in their packaging & the Empower range, which features bright pink, is no exception. Ole Henriksen Empower Foaming Milk Cleanser is presented in a plastic bottle in an outer box and I appreciated that this features a "use by" date. I noted that there's a rather long ingredients list so this is unlikely to appeal to those who prefer simple & natural products. 

The directions were clear & easy to follow. I appreciated the functionality of the pump dispenser and what's more, I liked that the transparent packaging enabled me to see how much product was remaining. 

Ole Henriksen Empower Foaming Milk Cleanser is a lightweight milk with a pleasant, fresh scent. I was able to work the cleanser into a soft & creamy, light lather. It was easy to rinse away.

Disappointingly, Ole Henriksen Empower Foaming Milk Cleanser can't be used around the delicate eye area and as such, a separate eye makeup remover is necessary. Personally, I prefer the convenience of an all-in-one product such as my cleansing oils.

Following use, my skin was left feeling squeaky clean and whilst some people may find this satisfying, I felt as though my skin had been stripped & that it was desperate for the oils & hydration to be replenished. For this reason, I'd be unlikely to repurchase.

Ole Henriksen Empower Foaming Milk Cleanser cost £20 for 190ml.



Speed Review: Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo

Aveda's Smooth Infusion Conditioner (reviewed here) is one of my favourite conditioners. It delivers on the claims, helping to noticeably smooth without weighing down my fine hair. As such, I was keen to try the accompanying Smooth Infusion Shampoo.

On first impressions, I liked the packaging. The pale turquoise colour and minimalist design appealed to me. Unlike the conditioner, which is presented in a tube, Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo is presented in a plastic bottle and I appreciated that this made it easy to distinguish between the two when in the shower. The only downside is that it's not transparent and therefore, difficult to tell how much product is remaining.  The flip top dispenser is functional, although a pump would allow for more control when dispensing the product.

Aveda Smooth Infusion Shampoo is a lightweight, pearlised creamy gel which produces a generous lather meaning that a little goes a long way. It has the same, gorgeous botanical scent as the conditioner. As a shampoo, it inherently rinsed out easily.

Following use, my hair was left looking noticeably smoothed but not weighed down. The smoothing effects were enhanced when used with the accompanying conditioner, although I found that my fine hair looked a little limp the following day and consequently, I'd personally avoid using the two together.

At £18 for 250ml, it's not the cheapest shampoo but the price is in keeping with the Aveda brand and in my opinion, isn't extortionate particularly because I feel that the bottle will last a long time. I feel that it delivers on the claims & would recommend but if, like me, you have fine hair then the conditioner is my preferred product of the two.

Speed Review: L'Occitane Verbena Body Salt Scrub

I like to use a body scrub a couple of times a week to slough off dead skin cells. I'm not particularly fussy when it comes to brands & don't feel that it's a product which is worth spending a lot on- after all, you could simply make your own using basic kitchen ingredients! That said, I've recently been trialling L'Occitane Verbena Body Salt Scrub which combines salts from the Mediterranean Sea with pure extracts of verbena, orange, geranium and lemon tree along with grapeseed, apricot and sweet almond essential oils to nourish & moisturise and anti-oxidant vitamin A to help tone.

On first impressions, the weighty packaging looks effortlessly cool, on brand and aesthetically pleasing. I was happy to have it on display in my bathroom. L'Occitane are known for their support of eye charities and I like that they extend this by incorporating Brail text on the packaging.

The tall, plastic jar could mean that it would be difficult, messy & unhygienic to use, however, L'Occitane have gone some way to addressing this by including a handy wooden scoop. This thoughtful detail adds to the high-end feel of the packaging and therefore, I feel that it would make a good gift. As the jar is transparent, it is easy to tell how much product is remaining.

I'm not usually a fan of citrus fragrances but the incredible fresh, juicy lemon verbena scent is mouth-wateringly good! Having said that, I was unable to detect it on skin following use.

When I'm reviewing body scrubs, I'm often left disappointed that they aren't sufficiently satisfyingly abrasive but if anything, I found L'Occitane Verbena Body Salt Scrub to be slightly too abrasive thanks to the high concentration of large, course granules of salt which are packed into the oily formula. However, my skin was left feeling smooth and nourished.

There was no greasy residue left on skin but I didn't feel it necessary to moisturise following use.

At £27 for 400g, L'Occitane Verbena Body Salt Scrub is a pricey option. I'm pleased to have tried it but feel that I'd struggle to justify a repurchase.

Speed Review: Face Matters All Day Spritz

I like to keep a facial spritzer on my desk to refresh & hydrate my skin throughout the day. Such products may be most readily associated with the hot summer months but I feel that they're equally beneficial when factors such as central heating are taking their toll on skin. I've recently been using Face Matters All Day Spritz and wanted to share my thoughts.

Face Matters All Day Spritz is described as an intensive & innovative pure collagen-boosting spritz to transform & revitalise skin, leaving it looking fresher, smoother & much firmer.

On first impressions, the minimalist packaging isn't the most exciting although it does reflect the emphasis on results rather than unnecessary additives. The matte white outer box with grey & silver writing looks clinical and would be unlikely to appeal to me if I saw it on a shop shelf, whereas the spritzer bottle inside looks far more luxurious (whilst still having a simple design).

Face Matters All Day Spritz is presented in a weighty, frosted glass bottle. It's sufficiently transparent to be able to tell how much product is remaining, which I appreciated. Whilst the 100ml bottle is technically travel-friendly, I feel that the weight of the bottle & the fact that it's made of glass mean that it's not suitable for travel or carrying in a handbag for on-the-go use.

The packaging doesn't feature any directions for use but I was pleased to note that the ingredients list was short.

Given the name, "All Day Spritz", I had expected quite a fine mist but the spray is rather concentrated & needs to be held at arm's length to deliver an even spray which won't leave the skin drenched. That said, it is refreshing to use and nonetheless, worked well over makeup.

The facial spritzer doesn't have any discernible fragrance which ties in with the Face Matters "no unnecessary additives" philosophy and could make it a good choice for those with sensitive skin. I have to admit that personally, I'd have found it more indulgent to use if it incorporated an aromatherapeutic scent.

At £50 for 100ml, Face Matters All Day Spritz is one of the most expensive facial spritzers I've come across. Price per ml, it exceeds Omorovicza and is only £5 cheaper than Creme de la Mer's version.

Whilst Face Matters All Day Spritz is pleasant enough, I simply wasn't wowed by it and as such, couldn't justify a repurchase, particularly at such a high price point.

Speed Review: Joico K-Pak Revitaluxe Bio-Advanced Restorative Treatment

Regular readers will know that I like to indulge in a Sunday pamper session, which includes using a clarifying shampoo followed by a hair mask. I've recently been trialling the rather scientific sounding Joico K-Pak Revitaluxe Bio-Advanced Restorative Treatment, which contains a blend of Jojoba Oil, Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acid, Aloe Vera Juice & Evening Primrose Oil to protect against damage, breakage and dehydration, whilst also preventing colour fade.

The gold and black packaging of the outer box and tube looks high-end and is in keeping with the salon branding. I appreciated the functionality of the tube presentation, which allows for hygienic and controlled dispensing without wastage. I also liked that the directions were clear and easy to follow. What's more, the fact that the mask gets to work in just 3-5 minutes means that it is convenient to incorporate into my routine.

The smooth formula meant that it was easy to work the mask through my hair and it was also relatively effortless to rinse out.

The scent wasn't to my personal liking. To me, it seems to be a weird blend reminiscent of melon, milk & honey and the combination reminded me of the scent of hair removal cream! That said, it's not an overpowering fragrance during use and once my hair was dried & styled, it simply lingered as a subtle & inoffensive freshness.

Following use, I was wowed by how super shiny my hair was left looking. My fine hair wasn't weighed down but instead felt silky soft. Overall, I was impressed with Joico K-Pak Revitaluxe Bio-Advanced Restorative Treatment and whilst I don't love it as much as my beloved Macadamia Deep Repair Masque (reviewed here), I'd still recommend it, particularly to those with damaged hair. At £16.95 for 150ml, it's not the cheapest mask but nor is it the most expensive and I feel that it offers good value for money.

Speed Review: The Body Shop Wild Rose Hand Cream SPF15

As a beauty writer, I try hundreds of products and very few make the grade in terms of earning a permanent position within my regime. The Body Shop Hemp Hand Protector is one of just a handful of products to have done so. I've been using it for years & years and for me, it's a winter must-have. The only minor downside is the scent so I recently tried The Body Shop Wild Rose Hand Cream SPF15, hoping that it would give similar results.

The Body Shop Wild Rose Hand Cream SPF15 is targeted at those with mature skin (whereas the Hemp range is aimed at those with very dry skin) and is designed to hydrate & help protect against the appearance of brown spots. It contains rosehip oil and Community Fair Trade Brazil nut oil. I was reassured by the inclusion of SPF15 as, despite being strict in my approach to incorporating a SPF into my facial skincare, I tend to neglect my hands.

On first impressions, the metallic tube packaging appealed to me because I tend to like such presentations. It's a pleasant change from the standard, overly feminine designs which feature on many rose based products. What's more, it's functional.

The Body Shop Wild Rose Hand Cream SPF15 has a lighter texture than the Hemp Hand Protector, which is perhaps unsurprising given that the products are aimed at different skin concerns. I'd describe it as a light cream. It was easily absorbed and I was impressed that it left no greasy residue.

As the name suggests, The Body Shop Wild Rose Hand Cream SPF15 has a light rose fragrance which isn't overpowering. The scent lingered delicately on my skin following use.

My hands were left feeling soft, smooth and hydrated. It's not the most nourishing formula but nor does it claim to be.

The Body Shop Wild Rose Hand Cream SPF15 is available in either a handbag sized 30ml version for £5 or a generously sized 100ml tube, which represents good value for money at £11.

Speed Review: Janjira Art of Siam Argan Oil Body Butter

Janjira isn't a brand with which I'm particularly familiar but I was recently introduced to the Thai, spa-inspired brand by the PR & I've been trialling a number of their products including that which is the focus of today's review, Janjira Art of Siam Argan Oil Body Butter.

Janjira Art of Siam Argan Oil Body Butter contains shea butter along with soybean, jojoba seed and organ oils to protect, nourish and moisturise skin.

On first impressions, the packaging clearly communicates the Eastern message. This, together with the use of gold and jewel tones makes it feel luxurious & reminiscent of spa brands. I'm not the biggest fan of tub presentations, finding them to be messy & unhygienic but accept that they tend to be the go-to choice when packaging body butters.

Whilst I like the moisturising benefits of body butters, I often find them to be too rich and I hate the greasy residue which many leave on skin. As such, I was thrilled to discover the texture of Janjira Art of Siam Argan Oil Body Butter, which is one of the most lightweight body butters I've come across. I loved how easily absorbed the body butter was, leaving no greasy residue.

Janjira Art of Siam Argan Oil Body Butter has a strong, sensual fragrance which won't be to everyone's liking. It's described as a blend of lavender and eucalyptus oils to help relieve stress. I couldn't detect individual notes but the scent was luxurious. The downside is that it could interfere with perfume and even though I wasn't able to detect the scent on skin once it had settled after the initial application, I opted to apply the body butter at night. 

Following use, my skin was left feeling wonderfully hydrated and nourished. I've been highly impressed with Janjira Art of Siam Argan Oil Body Butter and would recommend checking it out. 

Janjira Art of Siam Argan Oil Body Butter costs £26 for 250ml.

Speed Review: Super Facialist by Una Brennan Vitamin C+ Brighten Skin Renew Cleansing Oil

Regular readers will know that my go-to method of cleansing my combination, acne prone skin is a cleansing oil. I find these products to gently yet effectively remove makeup, whilst having a balancing effect on my skin. DHC's cult Deep Cleansing Oil is my all-time favourite but I enjoy trying different versions and have most recently been using Super Facialist by Una Brennan Vitamin C+ Brighten Skin Renew Cleansing Oil. The product is described as containing Vitamins C & E along with olive, rosemary, cucumber seed, grapeseed & rosehip oils to leave skin cleansed, refreshed and soft to the touch.

On first impressions, I liked the packaging which looks sleek and relatively high end. It's reminiscent of the packaging of the Origins cleansing oil but with better functionality because the flip top lid has a hole which is the perfect size to allow for controlled dispensing, avoiding wastage. The well thought out design also features a "pool" in the lid to collect any spillages. I liked that the transparent, plastic bottle enabled me to tell how much product was remaining & I feel that the bottle lasted a long time. The directions were clear & easy to follow.

Super Facialist by Una Brennan Vitamin C+ Brighten Skin Renew Cleansing Oil is a medium textured oil and as an oil, inherently lends itself well to facial massage. Thanks to the inclusion of bitter orange oil, the citrus scent is uplifting and makes this the ideal choice for morning use. To me, the scent is reminiscent of The Body Shop's satsuma range.

The cleansing oil emulsifies into a milk on contact with water and effectively removes makeup. Although I don't use waterproof mascara, I found that I sometimes needed to follow with a separate eye makeup remover to remove all traces.

It's difficult to comment on whether or not I noticed any brightening benefits but my skin was left feeling soft without any stripped or tight feeling following use. I didn't experience any breakouts as a result of using the cleansing oil.

Super Facialist by Una Brennan Vitamin C+ Brighten Skin Renew Cleansing Oil isn't my favourite cleansing oil but it's nice enough and offers a relatively wallet friendly option at £10.99 for 200ml.

Speed Review: Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water

I use a primer on a daily basis to prolong the wear of makeup on my combination skin although I've been known to substitute traditional primer for a quick spritz of setting spray underneath my foundation at times when I've been in a hurry. As such, I wasn't wowed when I heard that Smashbox were introducing a Primer Water. I felt that it was a gimmicky product which wouldn't be any different to using a setting spray under makeup (which I can apply as a 2-in-1 product, "sandwiching" my foundation). However, I was sent a sample to review and I have to say, I'm impressed.

On first impressions, the packaging looks high-end despite being a plastic spray bottle. It's presented in a box and has a fairly minimalist design. The spray is inherently quick & easy to use, particularly as it doesn't need to be massaged into skin. I appreciated that the bottle is transparent, allowing me to tell how much product remained. The only downside is that I did notice some slight leakage when I took it away for a weekend and seeing as I wouldn't want to waste a drop, I wouldn't recommend it for travel (besides, the 116ml bottle isn't travel friendly- although I believe that a smaller "try me" size is offered in the USA).

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water has become my go-to method of priming my skin. I love that the formula is alcohol and oil free and I haven't experienced any breakouts on my acne-prone skin as a result of using this. Furthermore, the silicone free formula means that it's a good choice for those who, like me, find such primers to feel "suffocating" on the skin. Instead, it adds a shot of hydration and feels refreshing, making it ideal for use in the mornings or hot climates. I wasn't able to notice any discernible scent.

As you'd expect, Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water works well under makeup, helping to prolong the longevity. I've used it under a variety of foundations from different brands and it has worked well under them all, without interfering with the formulas or causing oxidisation. Enlarged pores aren't a concern of mine so I can't comment on its pore-minimising benefits (although the company makes no such claims).

It's worth noting that Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water can also be used to set makeup or as a refresher throughout the day, although I personally haven't used it in this way.

At £20 for 116ml, Smashbox Photo Finish Primer Water is at the pricier end of the scale, however, I've been impressed at how long the bottle lasts and for convenience, it's hard to beat. Those on a budget may prefer to wait for wallet friendly brands to bring out their versions (I wouldn't be in the least surprised if this is a product which is heavily copied), however, I've been very impressed and would repurchase.

Speed Review: DHC Mineral Mask

Regular readers will know that DHC Deep Cleansing Oil is one of my all time favourite, can't live without, holy grail skincare products so it will come as little surprise that when the Japanese brand introduces a new product, I sit up & take notice. Today's review is of the recently launched Mineral Mask.

Described as a pore purifying mask, DHC Mineral Mask contains naturally clarifying kaolin and bentonite clays, along with antioxidant rich soy, nourishing chlorella, soothing aloe and brightening mulberry. It is designed to draw out impurities, promote natural skin cell turnover to improve smoothness and leave skin feeling soft, refreshed and looking more radiant. So, did it deliver?

DHC Mineral Mask is presented in an outer box which reflects the design of the black and gold tube inside. Whilst it looks fairly luxurious thanks to the colour scheme, I wasn't wowed by the packaging and it would be unlikely to appeal to me if I saw it on a shop shelf. That said, DHC isn't known for their packaging and it's what's inside that counts.

The directions were clear and easy to follow and I appreciated the functionality of the tube packaging, although I'd have preferred a flip top lid instead of the screw top one.

The mask has a very smooth, thick formula which I found easy to smooth onto skin. It's not messy and there are no exfoliating particles. A little goes a long way so the 100ml tube will last a long time. I didn't notice any discernable scent which was a little disappointing- I'd have found the experience more pampering if there was an indulgent fragrance.

During use, the mask felt cool and soothing on my skin. Its smooth, green appearance made me feel as though I resembled Jim Carrey's character from The Mask! It set onto skin but didn't feel uncomfortable. I appreciated the convenience afforded by the mask getting to work in just 10 minutes, therefore requiring little commitment. It removed effortlessly which again, I appreciated.

DHC Mineral Mask isn't a bad mask. It was relatively pleasant to use but I didn't find it to be particularly results driven. I didn't see any noticeable results following use and as such, I'm not convinced that the rather high £29 price tag is justified and I'd be unlikely to repurchase

Speed Review: Benefit Benebalm

I'm a big fan of lip butter formulas and anything which I can apply to lips without a mirror but which adds a hint of colour & a hit of hydration appeals to me. As such, when I heard that Benefit offer a version, I was excited to try it out.

Benefit Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm is available in four shades, designed to complement the popular lip & cheek stains (Benetint, Chachatint, Posietint & Lollitint). It's described by the company as a hydrating tinted lip balm with mango butter & sodium hyaluronate to condition. It can be used alone or over a favourite tint to add sheer, buildable colour & leave lips soft. I opted for Benefit Benebalm, based on the original, bestselling Benefit Benetint. It's described as a rose tinted balm, whereas Posiebalm is described as poppy-pink, Chachabalm as mango tinted and Lollibalm as candy-orchid. The outer box packaging is similar in design to the tints. Inside, Benebalm is presented in a high-shine, red reflective tube with pink polkadots. I really liked the packaging, which stands out in a crowded makeup bag or handbag & is also fun and in keeping with the Benefit brand. What's more, the packaging is functional with a pull off lid and twist up functionality.

The bullet has a slanted tip which allows for a smooth and controlled application, although as the bullet is quite wide, it's not the most precise. That said, as the resulting colour is so sheer, it can be applied without a mirror. Benefit Benebalm has an inoffensive scent which is best described as similar to lotion.

In the bullet, Benefit Benebalm looks bright red and could be off-putting to some for this reason. However, it lives up to the sheer tint claims. One layer adds a very sheer hint of rose colour. Even when a number of layers are built up, the colour is a very, very sheer red. The colour isn't nearly as pigmented as something such as the Revlon Lip Butters, for example. It's a flattering colour which I feel would look good on a range of different skin tones. The finish isn't a high shine gloss but lips simply look hydrated and healthy. The colour wears off evenly & doesn't leave a stain.

It feels very comfortable & hydrating on the lips and this feeling lasts for over two and a half hours. It may be of interest that it doesn't contain an SPF.

I feel that Benefit Benebalm would be a good choice for those who want a hint of colour on their lips but are wary of the highly pigmented colour which a traditional lipstick offers.

At £14.50, I feel that Benefit Benebalm is reasonably priced considering the brand as well as the price points of other, similar products. For me, it's not an essential addition to my makeup bag but something which is nice to have for "no makeup" makeup days.