Best Beauty Advent Calendars 2015

First of all I must apologise for talking about Christmas when we are only three days into November. Yes, we all know people who have finished their Christmas shopping already, however (if you are anything like me and want to keep Christmas in December where it belongs) please bear with me...

Beauty advent calendars have been getting bigger and better over the last few years. They are now available to suit every budget and the high street is getting involved in what was once a solely high-end domain. Most are either 12 or 24 days and (as much as I love chocolate) what could be better than getting a beauty-related present each morning in the run up to Christmas?! There's only one problem – many of the most popular brands sell out quickly. So if you fancy treating yourself, or someone else, you will need to get in quick. Hence the unnaturally early festive post from me.

So without further ado, here are 8 of the best beauty advent calendars:

CHARLOTTE TILBURY
The Book of Makeup Magic is a fabulous calendar by the one and only Charlotte Tilbury. It contains 12 of her most popular products: Magic Cream 15ml, Take It All Off 15ml, Wonderglow 15ml, Multi Miracle Glow 15ml, Supermodel Body 15ml, Goddess Skin Clay Mask 15ml, Mini K.I.S.S.I.N.G lipstick, Matte Revolution lipstick, Lip Magic, Mini Rock n Kohl liner, Nocturnal Cat eyes Eyeshadow, Magic Night cream.
£150, www.charlottetilbury.com

SELFRIDGES
The Selfridges Beauty Workshop Advent Calendar is a lot like their seasonal beauty boxes – exceptional value for money. The 24 little beauty treats are worth £226 in total and include Tweezerman tweezers, Eyeko skinny liquid liner, Ole Henriksen Truth Serum, Caudalie Divine Oil and lots more.
£60 www.selfridges.com

KERASTASE
This limited edition calendar contains 24 iconic Kérastase deluxe travel size products and one full size Elixir product worth £28.50 alone. If you are a Kérastase fan you won't want to miss this one. Visit the link below for details of all the products included.
£79.99 www.kerastase.co.uk

LUSH
Fans of Lush can enjoy 12 days of bath bombs, bubble bars, bath melts and body lotions! All products are vegan making it an ideal gift for anyone who likes to buy cruelty-free brands.
£49.95 www.lush.co.uk

CIATÉ
Fellow nail-polish addicts will love this Mini Mani Month advent calendar by Ciaté. This is another one that is excellent value for money as it contains 23 nail polishes and a nail file worth £124 in total.
£49 www.selfridges.com

THE BODY SHOP
The Body Shop's 24 Happy Days calendar has a really wide variety of treats, from cult classics to new products, including bath and bodycare, skincare, fragrance and more. Check out the full list at the link below
£60 www.thebodyshop.co.uk

LIBERTY LONDON
This calendar is a real luxury treat.. possibly the one I want to get my paws on the most! Who could resist that beautiful packaging with the iconic Liberty building illustration? Yes it is a little pricey at £149, but with over £400 worth of products inside, my beauty maths tells me it is actually a real bargain! It even contains 11 full-sized products alongside the deluxe sample sizes. Gifts include skin care from Eve Lom and Dr Sebagh, candles by Diptyque, cosmetics by Surratt and haircare from Davines.
£149 www.liberty.co.uk

JO MALONE
Jo Malone's advent calendar is always a hot favourite and rightly so. However, as a result it sells out very quickly. It is currently unavailable on their website but it might be worth checking your nearest store. If you can get hold of you one you will have 24 days of beautiful treats to look forward to! This is another one that scores highly on the packaging front too, with the brand's Georgian townhouse illustrated on the front.
£260, www.jomalone.co.uk


Other brands worth checking out include L'Occitane, Benefit (although I believe this has sold out online!), No7 and M&S Beauty. If you know of any others we would love to hear from you!

Kay's Beauty Wish List

I've been starting a list of beauty products that I wouldn't mind getting my paws on and the following are my top 5. I think I need to start a Christmas list and perhaps Santa will do the honours...

1. FARMACY SLEEP TIGHT FIRMING NIGHT BALM – $48 for 1.7oz
This is to be worn overnight, which tightens the skin and with extract of the South African acmella plant, encourages collagen production, evens skin tone and minimises wrinkles. Best of all it's a balm that transforms to an oil-gel, which dry skin will definitely appreciate. It's super duper ingredient is Echinacea GreenEnvy, which, from the blurb seems to protect the layers of the skin....similar to a heat protective spray for hair! It's also formulated without paraben, sulfates and phthalate and the packaging looks all hippy dippy spa, which is thoroughly appealing! 

2. HOURGLASS AMBIENT LIGHTING EDIT PALETTE – £65 

I love Hourglass, especially the Ambient Lighting Palette. I have hit pan on all three powders but this time....there are six! Strobe Light (new) Dim Light, Diffused Light (as per the original) and Luminous Flush, Mood Exposure and finally, Luminous Bronze Light. 

3. COLBERT MD ILLUMINO BODY OIL –  £90 for 75ml
See review for the face oil. Seriously, it's amazing! I can only hope that the body oil is equally as luxurious and works just as well. 

4. BURT'S BEES CITRUS FACE SCRUB – £10.99 for 55g
Made from all natural ingredients, such as ground almonds, oats, pecans and rose petals to gently exfoliate skin. For the price and the ingredients, I'm sold! 

5. AURELIA PROBIOTIC SKINCARE – £45 for 50ml
The Night Repair Oil is my first port of call. Initially, the word probiotics in the title reminded me of some kind of supplement or maybe even Actimel! However, the range is 100% natural and is designed to soothe dehydrated skin. Ingredients include: 100% pure botanicals (which helps the absorption), Kalahari oil providing essential fatty acids, Mongongo oil, which restructures and regenerates the epidermis, Kigelia, which tightens the skin, Baobab, which provides Omega 3, 6 & 9, and Hibiscus, which is used to fight free radicals and reduce stress. 

If you have tried any of these products I would love to know what you think of them!

The Body Shop – Camomile Silky Cleansing Oil

If you're prioritising where to spend money on skincare, then I personally feel it makes sense to spend on the products that stay on your face (serums, moisturisers etc.) and save on the ones that don't. With this in mind I've been looking at various high street makeup removers, and the Camomile Cleansing Oil by The Body Shop has been on my 'to try' list for a long time. It is only £11 for 200ml and frequently receives rave reviews from beauty journalists and bloggers.

THE PRODUCT
The Body Shop website states that this cleanser will effortlessly remove makeup from the whole face quickly and effectively. It also states that it is suitable for sensitive skin and contact lens wearers.

APPLICATION
I have normal/combination skin and find this product removes all my makeup (including waterproof mascara) very easily. It dissolves makeup on its own and then you can add water and use a face cloth to remove everything quickly. If you are lazy about makeup removal and resort to using the dreaded wipes, I would encourage you to try this instead. It makes the whole process incredibly hassle-free, no matter how late at night it is or how many glasses of wine you have consumed!

RESULTS
Regardless of how much or how little makeup I am wearing this cleanser always does a great job. I think it would be suitable for any skin type – even oily skin – as it removes makeup thoroughly and leaves no trace of oiliness when followed by a cleanser.

THE VERDICT
Fantastic value for money, I've been using it for several months now and I'm not even a third of the way through the bottle. The only downside is that it is not ideal for travel. I have taken it on several trips and even when the pump has been turned to the closed position, I still find an oily film coating all the cosmetics in my wash bag! The Clinique Take Off The Day Cleansing Balm is definitely better suited for travel as it is a solid balm.

£11 for 200ml, www.thebodyshop.co.uk

Space NK Apothecary

Having said in a previous post that I wanted a Sephora near to my front door, I realised how lucky us Brits are to have Space NK. Even if we are nowhere near a store, their website is thoroughly stocked and even though there are many expensive products listed, there are some great deals and products. Brands such as Emma Hardie – that you assume would cost the earth – are actually pretty reasonably priced.

Now, in times of tightening our financial belts, I love the fact that I can pop to Boots and buy a makeup remover for £2.99 but it is nice to have a fancier option, without the feeling that you are being pressurised to buy the whole shop.

The employees are very knowledgeable about the products and seem to have a genuine interest in skincare and beauty. I don't know how, but I almost feel like it's a calming experience! Maybe it's the decor and the presentation of the products, and, as I tend to go in at non peak times, the lack of people helps too.

My favourite store is the Covent Garden one, which is located in Shelton Street. The lady that tends to help me never pushes any of the products but instead, really listens to the type of product that I am after. She also gives out really good samples, which I nearly always return to buy. Smart move Space NK! 

My favourite Space NK products/brands include: 

1. Colbert MD Ilłumino Facial Oil (I reviewed this last week and having recommended it to friends and family, they have echoed my praise for this product)

2. Kevyn Aucoin makeup range/ Nars range

3. Ren 

4. Eve Lom/Emma Hardie (see review) 

5. By Terry 

6. Caudalie 

7. Glam Glow (see review) 

8. Beauty Blender

9. Diptyque candles (to me, they are just the kings of candles)
10. Algenist

I could go on but the point is, when you are in the mood to buy something that is a bit more than the basic product, you get lovely service whilst being given specific information about the product, that up until now has never been wrong. I have never regretted purchase from here and, shamefully, I shop here more than I go food shopping! Cooking just isn't my forte.... Luckily, for Space NK, skincare and beauty are!

uk.spacenk.com 

The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturiser

This was a bit of an impulse buy whilst browsing in The Body Shop. My beloved Clinique moisturiser had almost run out and I thought I would try something new – especially as this particular product is targeted at 'dull, tired, grumpy skin'! My skin has been looking a little dull lately for the usual reasons (I still don't understand why my vitamin-packed diet doesn't completely counteract the effects of too much alcohol or not enough sleep but there you go...)

THE PRODUCT
According to the Body Shop this mosturiser takes a three-pronged approach to improving your skin:
• Boost glow: Skin is clarified, revealing your natural healthy-looking glow.
• Energise: Fresh, lightweight formula fights signs of fatigue, with an invigorating fragrance. 
• Hydrate: Infuses skin with moisture.

APPLICATION
It is a gel like consistency that is very light-weight as promised. It absorbs quickly and has a cooling effect (possibly one of those products that would be particularly effective stored in the fridge, although I haven't tried that yet). The scent is really nice and 'orangey' without being too overpowering. The only downside is that it comes in a pot and, like many of you, I find a pump to be a more hygienic option.

RESULTS
I had high hopes for this moisturiser. The Body Shop has a good reputation for using great ingredients and at £16 it is on the pricier end of high street moisturisers, so I assumed I would notice a dramatic difference. (By comparison Clinique's Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion is £18 for the same amount of product.)

Although it is a nice refreshing moisturiser I can't say I have noticed any real difference in my skin in terms of 'glow'. As it absorbs quickly it is a great pre-make up moisturiser first thing in the morning, but as we move into autumn/winter I prefer a cream to a gel and will be looking for something that is nourishing as well as hydrating.

THE VERDICT
This is a perfectly nice moisturiser and I really don't have anything bad to say about it. However, as the main claim is 'glow boosting' and I haven't seen any evidence of this I don't think I would buy it again. There are high street moisturisers that are far better value and high-end ones that might cost a little more, but that are truly worth it for the benefits that you see.

£16 for 50ml, www.thebodyshop.co.uk

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Circle Perfector

Today's review is for those of you who suffer with panda eyes in the morning, whether as a result of one too many late nights or just frustrating genetics! I think my problem is a combination of the two and I'm always on the lookout for products that will make me look like I've had a few extra hours shut eye.

THE PRODUCT

Kiehl's Clearly Corrective Dark Circle Perfector is a skin-colour eye cream that claims to instantly brighten the under eye area and visibly correct dark circles. I discovered it whilst shopping for cleanser (Kiehl's are brilliant for giving out samples of products that you might want to try) and the first thing the lady in the shop told me was that a little bit goes a very long way... she wasn't wrong!

APPLICATION

You really do need a tiny amount of this product. Used carefully it is opaque enough to cover dark areas, however this means that if you use too much it goes sort of chalky and doesn't blend in. It's not a moisturing product as such so it sits on top of the skin, hence why you only need a small amount. I'm very glad I was given this advice because had I gone in too heavy-handed I would have been complaining about the product rather than singing its praises!

RESULTS

I'll admit I was initially sceptical of the bold claims, but it really does work! It's paler than my skin tone, so in summer it's a bit too pale for me, but I use it to correct dark circles and then go in over the top with my usual toned concealer and the combination works very well. It even has SPF30, which is fantastic, because I know like many people I tend to ignore the eye area when protecting my skin from the sun!

THE VERDICT

I'm very impressed with this product and would definitely purchase it again. At £29 it is a bit expensive, but when you only need a tiny amount it will last a very long time. It's definitely worth picking up a sample if you are interested as I'm not sure it is a shade that will work on all skin tones and types.

£29 for 15ml, www.kiehls.co.uk

On a separate note, Kay has just left for sunny Florida (jealous? moi?!) so coming up over the next couple of weeks she will be sharing holiday-related posts such as beauty must-haves for travelling and tips for packing your suitcase. So keep an eye out for those!

Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm

I popped into Space NK to pick up a Nars primer and whilst I was there, I had a gander at the skin care section (always dangerous!) and, actually, to be honest, the Diptyque candles....yes, I bought one. I was only meant to buy a primer! 

Any who, wanting something moisturising that would remove makeup, the lovely sales assistant introduced me to Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa Cleansing Balm. I have heard great things about Emma Hardie products, but had never actually tried anything from the range.

I tested the product and was immediately impressed by the consistency. It was light, despite the density and although it was a balm, it didn't feel greasy. The sales assistant informed me that Hardie created this product after being ill and wanted something that would nourish her skin. According to the website, emmahardie.com, the 'Moringa Cleansing Balm is a balanced daily cleanser that thoroughly cleanse deep in the pores, moisturises and calms all skin types'.

I have used this product several times and my face looks considerably smoother, especially considering that I wasn't using a harsh cleanser prior to this. I was using an excellent one from REN. However, now, my skin does look healthier. Having had a gander at the ingredients, so far, it does what it claims to do: 

Grape Seed Oil and Sweet Almond Oil rich in essential fatty acids help to plump and soften

Moringa seed extract, Wild Sea Fennel and Vitamin E balance, purify and help to minimise the appearance of open pores

Essential oils of Orange, Neroli and Mandarin rejuvenate and revitalise the skin whilst calming the senses

Jasmine and Rose help to recondition dull, dry, dehydrated and mature skins

Removes all traces of face and eye make-up and is so pure it doubles as a soothing and hydrating mask if left on the skin for ten minutes

The lady at Space NK said that the product can also be left on, as a mask, over night. It can even be used as a hair mask. 

So, how much is it? I was expecting £50 +, mainly because of the size. You get a 100ml, plus cloth. However, I was pleasantly surprised, it is £38.00. This is especially impressive when you consider that a little product goes a long way and, apparently, if you use too much, it can congest the pores. 

Moving onto the cloth. It has a muslin side for breaking down the makeup and dirt and a microfibre side that is used to gently remove the product in a sweeping motion. I'm not a huge fan of these types of cloth. It looks like a bacteria's paradise, even if you do rinse it properly. I prefer to rinse with warm water or use a flannel and chuck it in the wash. 

Other than this, the only thing that I am not too keen on is the fact that it's not a pump dispenser, which means your fingers go into the product to use it. I don't hate this but I'm not a huge fan of it either. 

However, would I repurchase? Yes, yes, yes. And probably buy a few more candles and numerous products whilst I'm there! 

www.uk.spacenk.com 

www.emmahardie.com 

Aveda's Energising Eye Treatment

So, Jen and I have been writing about inner beauty, which for us means a kind heart but also looking after yourself by eating well. However, looking after your skin is also important, which is why I felt the need to share this review. 

Yesterday, I went to 'Treat' Hair and Beauty, which is an exclusively Aveda salon in Battle, East Sussex. I was having the 'Energising Eye Treatment' and simply thought that I was going to rejuvenate my sleepy looking eyes but it was so much more than just the eyes. Actually, the treatment should be called 'Whole Skin Enerising Treatment Whilst You Relax'. Perhaps a tad long for a name but it sums everything up.

Before I go into details, here's a quick summary: 

• It is a treatment that is relaxing and although it focuses on the eyes, the feet, back, neck and face get attention too. 

• It uses hot and cold techniques to encourage lymph drainage, which reduced the discolouration of the skin under my eyes. 

• Rollers and a brush are used, which enhances the experience. It means a variety of sensations encourage relaxation, as well as sorting out the eye area. 

• It lasted about 40-45mins, which for me, is a perfect amount of time. 

• It costs £32 but Treat had a special offer and it was £24. It was worthy of so much more than £24. 

• My skin felt different after the treatment. Not just my eye area, my whole face felt hydrated and as if collagen had come alive! 

• My skin stayed moisturised and hydrated for the rest of the day and my makeup applied so smoothly that evening. 

Before and after, no filters used. My skin felt healthier and the darkness under my eyes had been reduced.

The treatment and experience

As soon as I walked into the salon, one of the owners, Jess (who runs and owns it with her sister Sam) greeted me and I went straight into the treatment room. First, I am a big fan of not waiting. I get bored easily...yes, I am a complete child when waiting is involved. Second, it was cold out (where is spring?) and to get all snuggly in a robe and into a heated duvet was the best moment of the day. Third, the aroma in the room was calming and not overwhelming. I can get a bit queasy with strong scents, so this was perfect. 

Jess introduced Aveda's new Botanical Kinetics range, which uses plant extract to stimulate hydration and recharge the skin. There is an Intense Hydrating Soft Creme for normal to oily skin and a Rich Creme for dry to very dry skin. What interested me the most was that organic cupuacu butter (nope, I can't pronounce it either) has been used, which contains lipids, like our skin, which helps to create a barrier and prevent moisture loss. As Jen and I have been looking at a more 'natural beauty' way of life, I am becoming more and more of a fan of ingredients that mirror what our bodies would naturally do, plus the words 'organic' and 'butter' make me happy!

Jess also explained that the idea of the treatment was to rejuvinate all of the skin, but paying attention to the eye area to decrease puffiness, discolouration from lymph blockages and reduce dark circles. Lymph drainage would be encouraged through using products and techniques, which would feel hot and cold on the skin. 

So, after Jess had explained the range and the aims of the treatment, she placed a towel under my feet, for extra comfort and hot towels around my toes. I was loving life at this point! Apparently, this treatment is also about recharging the whole body, which includes the feet, as they touch the earth and, therefore, energy escapes from them. Whatever the reason, I do love to have snuggly toes, so I was all for it. 

Next, I was asked to select an aroma that would be used throughout the treatment. I chose lavender and with that, the treatment began. The hot towels were removed from the feet, and dried with a small massage. My face was cleansed and freshened and two products were applied all over the face. One was fairly cold, which is all part of the treatment. It was explained that hot and cold products would be applied to stimulate the skin, including collagen. 

My favourite part of the treatment came next. Jess used pressure points on the neck, back of head, temples and forehead and it was as if all tension had just scarpered away. After this came the eye treatment, which had several stages. First, product was pressed into the skin around my eyes, followed by a figure of eight motion, which did not pull at the skin at all. Rollers were then used, which were cool to the touch and felt so rejuvinating. Next, a brush applied product and, again, in a figure of eight motion, which warmed the skin. Product was then removed from all of the skin and final cremes were applied.

Finally, relaxation was amped up through the pressure points and the finale, the bed being raised and essential oil being rubbed into my upper back, with a heat pad placed around my neck and shoulders, whist I relaxed with a glass of water. 

My initial thoughts were: 1. my skin feels puffed up (in a good way) and 2. this is so much more than just an eye treatment (thought whilst snuggling into the heat pad!) 

Aveda has only recently launched this treatment and it is available in a variety of Aveda salons for £32. However, Treat has a special offer that lasts until 11th April, for £24. Well worth it.

I have bought the treatment for my friend's birthday and I am looking forward to hearing what she thinks of it too. 

www.treatbeauty.co.uk 

www.aveda.co.uk

SLS and sulphate-free products on the high street

In light of our dedication to 'Healthy January', I wanted to share a bit about SLS-free products. As Kay has already mentioned, approximately 60% of the ingredients we slap onto our skin on a daily basis are absorbed into the bloodstream. And funnily enough, after a long time of wondering why the skin on my hands got so irritated, a doctor finally decided that I should try avoiding products with SLS. 

She had ruled out food allergies and nickel allergies, but within a week or two of avoiding SLS my hands got better. I’m not the fount of all knowledge on the subject, but here is a little bit about why you might want to consider avoiding SLS, especially if you have sensitive skin.

What does SLS stand for?

Sodium Laurel Sulphate (also Sodium Laureth Sulfate) is an inexpensive and widely used chemical found in many products we use on a daily basis: shower gel, toothpaste, shampoo etc.

What actually is it?

SLS is a detergent and a surfactant, so essentially it cleans and foams up to create the kind of lather we have come to expect from our shampoos, cleansers and shower gels. The more bubbles the better right?! Wrong. SLS can be highly irritating to the skin, scalp, gums and so on. It is a harsh chemical and therefore far better suited to cleaning your kitchen floor than your face. Go and compare the ingredients in your shower gel and floor cleaner and you’ll see what I mean! I wear gloves when I am cleaning to avoid the chemicals coming into contact with my skin, so why would I put unnecessary chemicals on my face?!

Won’t I miss the bubbles?!

Nope. We have been trained to think that bubbles equate to cleanliness, but as soon as you tell yourself that a product doesn’t need to lather up to clean effectively, you will get used to it and be pleased with the results. If you want bubbles stick to champagne.

How can I avoid SLS?

The good news is that because the world in general is starting to become more aware of the ingredients in food and beauty products, many manufacturers have started to create SLS-free items. In fact any brand worth its salt in terms of using high quality natural ingredients wouldn’t even consider using floor cleaner in its face washes! I have only tried a few items, but here are some SLS free products at high street prices worth a look:

Yes to Carrots/Cucumbers shower gels

My lovely sister bought these for me from Waitrose when she found out I was on the hunt for SLS-free products. They are fantastic, smell great and last a really long time! They are 95% natural, Petroleum, SLS and Paraben free and cruelty-free.
£7.99 for 500ml 
www.yestocarrots.com 
Find a UK stockist here.

L’oreal Ever Riche No Sulphates shampoo

Shampoo is a funny one to review as the results vary so much depending on your hair type. First and foremost it didn’t irritate my hands which is a bonus, and the first few times I used it the results were great. It is surprisingly thick and almost lathery for a sulphate-free product so a good first one to try. However, although my hair is thick in volume, the individual strands are quite fine and poker straight, therefore the heavier consistency started to weigh it down. My verdict? If you have dry, thick or course hair and like a very moisturising shampoo this might well be for you. If you have fine hair, give it a miss. Another point to consider; it may be sulphate-free but L'Oreal is never going to be a go-to brand for healthy, natural ingredients.
£5.99 for 200ml 

www.loreal-paris.co.uk

The Body Shop Rainforest Shine Shampoo

The Rainforest Shine Shampoo is free from silicones, sulphates, parabens and colourants. Instead it contains pracaxi oil, caméline seed oil and Community Trade olive oil, sugar, and aloe vera. This shampoo works much better for my hair type. It cleans it nicely and I then leave my hair in a towel until it is 80% dry before blow-drying with a large round bristle brush. The result? Very shiny hair and a happy scalp!

For other hair types they also do Volumising, Moisture and Radiance versions.
£2 for 60ml, £4.50 for 250ml

www.thebodyshop.co.uk 

Unlike other ingredients we have discussed this month, there is no scientific evidence linking SLS and cancer, so I'm not suggesting you throw all your shower gels in the bin! However, if you have any trouble with skin irritation, or simply want to lessen the amount of chemicals you are putting onto your body, SLS-free is something to consider. Especially when you can find good products on the high street. And if the result is shiny hair that needs washing less frequently, who's complaining?!

I haven't eliminated SLS from my skincare routine entirely but, if I am stressed and my skin is feeling sensitive, I keep well away and it certainly does the trick for me. Unfortunately there are still one or two products that contain SLS that I really like which leaves me in a bit of a quandary... 

For lots more information about SLS visit slsfree.net

Have you tried any good SLS-free products? We would love some recommendations!

Balance Me – Cleanse and Smooth Face Balm

As you will know by now, we are devoting January to looking at a healthier approach to beauty. Kay wrote this post about the not-so-pleasant ingredients that can crop up in some products and, after reading it, I thought it would be a good time to review a cleanser that has been in my rotation for a while. It is a great cleanser and most importantly it is free from the kind of ingredients that many of us try and avoid.

TYPE OF PRODUCT

Cleansing balm for normal to dry/sensitive skin

INITIAL THOUGHTS

I received a selection of Balance Me samples at an event last year. This UK brand has won several awards and its products contain no parabens, sulphates, petroleum, mineral oils, silicones, artificial fragrances and colours, or other nasties. You can find a full ingredients list on the website which is another bonus.

APPLICATION

Massage a small amount of the balm into your face for 30 seconds. Add water and continue massaging for a further 30 seconds, before removing any residue with a warm cloth. A cloth is provided but I prefer my usual white flannels; they are better at removing residue and I can grab a clean one every day.

If you haven't used a cleansing balm before, it might feel a little oily initially – not what you want if you are trying to avoid breakouts – but it massages beautifully into the skin and trust me, it does a great job.

THOUGHTS

This is a very effective cleanser and feels nourishing for the skin. It contains fine oat powder to smooth the skin yet I find it gentle enough to use around the eye area. I typically use it as a second cleanse and it removes any remaining, stubborn makeup effectively. It leaves your skin feeling thoroughly cleansed and ready for any serums/moisturisers, although I prefer to use a toner on a cotton pad in between, to ensure that all traces of the cleanser are removed. I love that the brand use natural ingredients and the products are great value for money.

REPURCHASE?

By the time I was halfway through the 15ml sample (which lasted a surprisingly long time!) I had already ordered a full size tube. Delivery from the Balance Me website is quick, you build up discounts as you purchase, and I even received a free sample of their Radiance Face Oil. You can buy the sample sizes too, which I think is a reflection of the brand’s confidence in their products – the perfect way to try before you buy and ideal for travel.

I think that my more recent discover of Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cleanser might just beat this one for me, but both are great cleansers and worth a look if, like us, you are paying attention to the ingredients in your products.

£20 for 125ml

www.balanceme.co.uk 

I Do Not Want a Sweaty Sheep on my Face!

HOW HEALTHY ARE THE INGREDIENTS IN YOUR BEAUTY PRODUCTS?!

Beauty products can be filled with 'nasty ingredients' that cause skin irritations and link to an increased chance of developing cancerous cells. This is something I have been researching in recent months as I have had to make some changes to my diet etc. for health reasons.

To cut a long story short, my good bacteria was killed off due to taking several courses of antibiotics last year, leaving bad bacteria to rave and party it up. To help with strength and stamina, I decided to cut out sugar and yeast based food. Uhhhh, it was dull, but worth it when I started feeling better after just one week. That had a knock on effect and I started doing some general health research. Hence, this is all fairly new to me but I am paying far more attention to what is in the stuff I eat and slap onto my face and body.

Before I begin, it's important to mention that although it is good to aware of these issues, this post is not designed to encourage paranoia. Using a small amount of the so-called 'questionable' ingredients that I am about to discuss probably isn't the end of the world, but it is certainly a good thing to be aware of what is in the products that we use. Especially when 60% of what we put onto our skin is absorbed into our blood streams. To me, that's quite a high percentage.

So, which are the less than favourable ingredients?

Petroleum, carcinogenics and parabens.

Why are they used?

They are used as fillers, to bulk the product and to preserve the shelf life, which tends to be seven years. That seems a tad long to me. 

Which beauty products contain them?

Multiple brands use them, so it is worth checking the labels. (I have actually stopped using Elizabeth Arden 8 Hour Cream because it contains mineral oil. It's not necessarily harmful but it doesn't react too well on my skin).

 

THE 'NOT SO GREAT' INGREDIENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR:

Parabens: There are several names that all apply, the clue is to look for the paraben bit in the name. It is used to preserve a product, however, it mimics the oestrogen hormone, which has been linked to breast cancer tumours. Parabens have been found in multiple cancerous tumours. 

Talc: Advice to all you dry shampooers – do not breath it in! The talc is a carcinogenic. Carcinogenic = causing cancer in living tissue. 

Mineral Oil: It's the top bit of petroleum when it is distilled. It's scooped off (I'm pretty sure that is not the correct term). It is difficult to get rid of and so, is sold to cosmetics companies as a filler. It clogs pores and causes skin reactions, acne and can emphasise signs of ageing. It's used in baby oil and having done some research, there seems to be some controversial issues starting to arise. The other school of thinking is that it is ok to use mineral oil in cleansers, but only if they are ones that you wash off immediately. It's definitely not a product that you want to leave on your skin.

Petroleum: It does not allow the skin to breath and absorb oxygen into the blood stream, potentially resulting in premature ageing. Also linked to tumours, acne and breast cancer. 

Animal bi-products: Imagine this if you will... everything that humans will not eat from an animal is put into grinders. This is alongside road kill and animals from shelters that have not been adopted. Horrid. The remains are steamed and cooked. The fatty material on the top is refined and used as a cosmetic filler. A quarter is fecal matter. Now, I know that there has been a surge of unique facials using bird dropping masks but at least with that you have made the conscious decision to have poop put onto your face. 

Lanolin: I would really prefer sheep kept their own sweat to themselves. This is from wool and is a sheep's perspiration. It can cause skin irritations and poisonous if ingested. Quite frankly, it makes me feel a little queasy.  

With that being said, it would seem natural products are the way forward. However, organic/natural/botanical products are probably better for us but can cause havoc with the skin. Breakouts, acne, redness, as the skin struggles to break down the natural ingredients.

So, if I'm honest, I have been trying to find a happy medium. Products that are have fewer fillers etc. but will actually show results and will not leave my skin looking lumpy and bumpy.  

My happy mediums include: 

Coconut oil Good for you and reminds me of cocktails

Liz Earle products Thumbs up!

Ole Henriksen I use the Truth Creme and serum

Yu-be Moisturising Skin Cream

REN The Omega 3 Optimum Skin Oil serum is excellent and has a clean skincare certification

Do you have any suggestions for products we should try? Please let us know! 

Keihl's Ultra Facial Cleanser

 

TYPE OF PRODUCT

PH balanced liquid cleanser for all skin types.

INITIAL THOUGHTS

This was another sample from the Selfridges box that just seemed like an ideal size to take on holiday, so I didn’t really have any expectations as such. I just threw it into my wash bag and didn’t give it another thought until I came to use it. It’s a liquid cleanser that you apply to a damp face. As it is quite thick, I like to massage it into my skin when it’s dry, then add a tiny bit of water to thin it out. It lathers up without feeling like a nasty foaming cleanser full of sulphates that will strip skin of all its moisture.

THE VERDICT

I’m very happy with the current cleansers I have on rotation and wasn’t really looking for another one, but this really surprised me! It is very gentle yet it thoroughly removed all of the residue that can left behind when you’ve just removed your makeup with a balm or oil. I use it most nights and used it in the morning too while I was on holiday, and I'm really pleased with the results.

Kiehl's is a particularly good brand if you are interested in knowing exactly what goes into the products you use. They always list ingredients and make it very clear that an ingredient will never be used based on aesthetics, only if it is beneficial to the skin.

REPURCHASE

Yes! As I said, I really wasn’t looking for a new cleanser but this one has stolen my heart. Good work Kiehl’s! And thank you Selfridges for introducing me to yet another fab product.

£8.50 for 75ml

www.kiehls.co.uk