Saturday, 25 February 2012

Saturday Samples: Estee Lauder BB Creme and Nicky Clarke Volume Shampoo / Conditioner

Today’s Saturday Samples are a quick look at Estee Lauder’s new BB Crème and Nicky Clarke’s Volume Shampoo and Conditioner

Estee Lauder BB Crème SPF35

You have probably seen reviews of this already on other blogs so I will keep this fairly brief.

This is the newest offering to the array of BB creams available within the UK market and at £32, it is one of the most expensive too. As I am sure you are aware, BB creams are meant to provide a halfway house between a tinted moisturiser and a foundation. They generally give a light-medium coverage, moisturising properties and include an SPF as standard.



Estee Lauder’s BB Crème is only available in two shades, light and medium and the light is not particularly light so those with a fair skin may find it too dark. I found it quite thick to spread, especially over my dry areas of skin. I would say it gives a fairly light coverage though as it sheers out quite a bit. It also smells fairly strongly of watermelons which is fine if they are to your liking but it is rather pungent if you are not a huge fan!
Quick Verdict
Its good to see BB Creams becoming more widely spread within the UK and I have no doubt that there will be many people who find this works fabulously for them.  For me, it is a little too thick and unforgiving on my combination skin, especially my dry patches.  The price for a full-sized tube is also way too high, comparable with a high-end foundation. 


Nicky Clarke Volume Shampoo and Conditioner
As someone with fine, coloured hair, I am always looking to add more volume to my locks and I don't always feel like tipping my head upside down at 6am whilst using the hairdryer in order to achieve volume!

This shampoo and conditioner are fairly lightweight to use, and leave my hair feeling clean and easy to manage without any flyaways.  I managed to get 4 washes out of these sachets (I had two each of the shampoo and conditioner) so I felt as though I gave them a fairly good test over the past week.  Whilst I didn't see any major volume improvement, my hair didn't feel limp either, so I felt this did a reasonably good job.

Quick Verdict
If you have fine hair, this shampoo and conditioner are a good option to try.  They will not give you major volume (only a good blow-dry and / or some heavy-duty volumising products can achieve this) but they will stop your hair looking lank and give some much-needed body. 

Have you tried either of these products?  
Have you tried any good BB creams?


8 comments:

  1. I really really liked the Estee Lauder B.B Creme. I'm kinda sorry I tried the sample as now I'm more than likely going to be £32 poorer. lol

    I couldnt smell watermelon, just cucumber.
    xo

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    1. Glad you liked it - why do we always fall in love with expensive products!
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  2. Good review hun, I've not tried a BB cream and I don't think I will be trying the Estee Lauder one at £32, do you have a favourite cheaper alternative?

    Might have to give the Nikki Clarke shampoo and conditioner ago though as my hair is always looking lifeless. I hate having thin hair :( xx

    www.misssunshinesparkle.blogspot.com
    Mac giveaway now on!

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    1. I haven't really tried any other BB creams but in terms of tinted moisturisers, I find No7s one really good as it comes with SPF15 and you can get it cheaper with the No7 vouchers.
      x

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  3. Love the sound of the BB cream! I've used the Nicky Clarke shampoo and conditioner before and I wasn't best impressed! Xx

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    1. You should see if you can get hold of a sample of the BB cream and give it a try. I'm sure an Estee Lauder Counter will have some or Latest in Beauty may have some left. It was quite a generous sample and you don't need to use much.
      x

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  4. The Nikki Clarke products sound good :) It's a shame about the BB Cream though, it sounds like it'd be too dark for me. Although I wouldn't be able to use it if it had watermelon in as I'm allergic! xx

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    1. The BB cream is quite dark and will be too dark for many I think. I understand that BB creams generally adapt to skintones but I really think another lighter one would have been useful.
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