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?

Saturday Samples

                 

Another week has passed and its time for another delve into my samples box.  I am really pleased with how this series has been encouraging me to use up some of my travel and sample-sized products that I would otherwise neglect and I have found a  few products already that I am planning on purchasing the full sized products.

Temple Spa Aaahhhh! Soothing Balm for Aching Feet and Limbs

Temple Spa was a brand I had never heard of until I spotted their products in a hotel we stayed in for hubby’s birthday last year on the Isle of Skye and it was refreshing to find some products that were not the usual Molten Brown staples usually found in boutique hotels. 

This is a thick gel which contains dandelion, lavender and menthol to calm and sooth your feet and on applying it, the scent of menthol is very prominent.  I tried this for the first time after a 10k run, smoothing it onto my feet and calves.  It rubbed in easily and didn’t leave any sticky residue and  was certainly soothing, although after a few minutes my feet did feel rather cold which would have been the menthol taking effect.  I did find this quite relaxing for my tired feet, although I would probably be more likely to use it in the summer or on holiday, when my feet are feeling hot and swollen after walking around all day.  I could see this complementing my Body Shop Peppermint Foot Spray nicely for an end of day treat!

Quick Verdict

A useful addition to my summer footcare routine, I’m looking forward to trying this out properly when it gets warmer.  In the meantime, it will sooth my tired, achy feet

Blemish Complex – Clarifying Cleanser, Exfoliating Blemish Cream and Skin Perfecting Lotion

Blemish Complex is a brand from the US which was created by dermatologists for dermatologists and has been in development for 35 years so it should be pretty good at tackling problem skin.  

There are three steps to the process: cleansing, exfoliating / treatment and moisturising so it isn’t all that different from other skincare solutions and routines.  There was only enough product in each of the sachets for 2 applications so these are my initial impressions only.  I always test skincare for a month before reviewing to ensure they have been fully tested and my skin has had time to adapt.

Clarifying Cleanser – the scent was very clinical and not particularly pleasant.  This scent was also present across all three of the products, however I am willing to overlook that if the product works well.  It is a clear, foaming gel which is applied to damp skin and rinsed off.  I did like this but it felt quite harsh and I was wary of putting it anywhere near my eyes.

Exfoliating Blemish Cream – Another gel product, this tingled and stung for the first 20 seconds of application.  Again it was applied to damp skin and massaged in.

Skin Perfecting Lotion – Essentially a regular moisturiser, this was massaged in after the blemish cream had sunk in.  I didn’t find it to be particularly unique or especially hydrating.

Quick Verdict

Two applications of these products are not enough to test out their claims and first impressions leave me thinking the full 3 steps are a little harsh for my sensitive skin.  I would however be tempted to try out the Exfoliating Blemish Cream from the range, in collaboration with my usual cleanser and moisturiser.

Trilogy Instant Bronzing Gel

I have to admit that I am not a frequent fake-tan user, as having a NC20 skintone that tans easily I don't feel overly pale.  My legs however do not see the sun that often in winter and they do tend to look a little neglected, so I decided to give this sample of bronzing gel a try.

 

First impressions are that is smells unlike most other self tanners, more of a caramel smell which isn't entirely unpleasant, just unusual! 

 

It looks a deep golden bronze on application but soon fades to an even, natural brown and keeps developing for a couple of hours.  It is non-sticky too and dries within about 10 minutes so there is no sitting around in your pants waiting for it to dry!!

Leg pre bronzing Gel - eeek!

 

 

After an hour, not a massive different but you can see the shimmer.

I did notice that it was VERY shimmery and sparkly and for that reason I would probably only use this for the evenings - it is a little too much for me during the day.

Quick Verdict
As a self-tan novice, I found this very easy to use and applywith no streaks!  For those who like to add a bit of shimmer and sparkle to their tan, this may be a useful product to try.

Have a good weekend

Victoria
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Saturday Samples #5

Phew its Saturday, it feels like it has been a long week!

I've only tried a couple of products from my samples box this week but they were both decent sized products which allowed me to test them out properly  

Bliss Lemon and Sage Soapy Suds

This is from their ever-popular lemon and sage range (I think I also have a body lotion with this scent in a draw somewhere..) and can be used either as a shower gel or as a bath foam.

I did rather enjoy using it as a shower gel, it woke me up in the morning and foamed nicely without leaving my skin too dry and tight afterwards.  I did feel that the scent of lemon could have been a little more prominent though as I could identify the sage much more readily and it reminded me of cooking - not what I really want to think about at 6.15 in the morning!!

I tried using it as a bath foam but was rather disappointed with its performance.  I had to use quite a bit to produce sufficient bubbles and the bubbles themselves only hung around for about half an hour before completely disappearing.  I like a long bath of an hour to totally relax and work my way through the week's Grazia, and I ended up just bathing in warm water as the scent didn't stick around for long either.

Quick Verdict

Useful as a shower gel but not ideal as a bath foam due to the disappointing amount of bubbles and their lack of longevity.  At over £15 for a full sized bottle, I won't be repurchasing.

Bare Minerals Original SPF15 Foundation in Medium Beige

I have to admit to being a total novice when it comes to mineral foundation but I've heard so many raves from friends about this foundation that I had to give it  a shot when I saw it languishing unloved in my samples box.

The sample comes with a small brush which you use to apply the foundation by buffing it onto your skin.  Now I don't have a lot of time in the morning, and certainly don't have more than about 10 minutes to do my whole makeup routine, so I always felt that mineral loose powder foundation was something which would require lots of time to do it properly, although I suspect you would become quicker over time as you got more practised.

When applying I did notice that some of the powder kicked up so I would probably recommend getting dressed afterwards to avoid covering yourself in powder like I did!!  I would say it provides light-medium coverage  - enough to cover any discolouration and redness in your skin but not enough to really cover any prominent blemishes.  It did feel very light on my skin, not mask-like at all, and my skin stayed fairly matte for the 5 hours I wore it.

Quick Verdict

If you only require a light coverage, you may like this foundation as it feels very soft and almost like you are not wearing any base at all.  If you are someone like me, who hurriedly dashes out the door in the morning and likes her products to multi-task and be super simple to apply, then this may not be for everyday use, as it does require a little extra time in your make-up routine.

Have a good weekend

Victoria

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Saturday Samples #4

Another week has flown, by so its time to see what I have managed to try out of my samples box this week.

Dermalogica  Multivitamin Power Recovery Mask

From previous reviews I had read, this mask seemed to be a lifesaver for tired, dull skin. I have been working a lot lately and getting home late so I thought this would give my skin the pick me up it so desperately needs.  

Although it says it is a mask, the product goes on as a clear gel and you leave it on for 10-15 minutes, once a week, to work its magic.  I didn't experience any tingling on application, and after the time was up, I rinsed it off as directed.  The next morning, I woke up to 2 huge blemishes on my chin which are still there now and refuse to budge!  I can only put these down to the mask and therefore I won't be using it again.  It may be that I didn't use it correctly or that it is just a big coincidence, but it is most likely that it was too rich for my combination skin and my skin reacted in the way it knows best!  I won't be trying this again and it will be going in my 'donate to friends' box!

Price - £24.85-£33

Where to Buy - Jersey Beauty Company, Pure Beauty

Ojon Damage Reverse Instant Restorative Hair Serum

I only had one use out of this so I'm not sure how much I can comment on its restorative properties.  I generally don't tend to use serums much as although I have dry, processed ends, my scalp and top half of my hair gets oily very quickly.  I tried using this only on my ends, following my usual shampoo and conditioner routine.  It certainly tamed any flyaways and made my hair sleeker and smoother, however towards the end of the day it did start to look rather lank and lacking in volume, despite only using a teeny tiny amount.  I've come to the conclusion that serums are probably not for me, although I could see this working for those with thick, dry hair and those who are prone to the frizzies. 

Price - £22

Where to Buy - John Lewis, House of Fraser

Green & Spring Light Cleanser

I am not usually a cream-based cleanser person, preferring instead to use a facial wash, eye make up remover and a toner afterwards to remove my makeup at night.  First impressions of this cleanser is that it is very thick and feels very luxurious, however the thickness comes at a price as I found it almost impossible to get the cleanser out of the bottle!  I did manage eventually, but it took rather a lot of effort and I notice if you purchase the full-sized product it comes with a pump, which is much more user friendly! 

The cleanser has a lovely lavender scent which feels quite soothing and calming before I go to sleep and it removed my makeup easily, including my mascara, and was very gentle on my sensitive eyes.  I do like Green & Spring products and if you are into more natural cream cleansers, this could be a good option, however it is too rich for me and it hasn't managed to convert me to cream cleansers yet.

Price - £28

Where to Buy - Green & Spring, House of Fraser, Bath and Unwind

Victoria

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Saturday Samples #3

This week's Saturday samples products are again a bit of a mish-mash and have all been sitting, unloved, in my sample box for a wee while.

Dr Organic Bioactive Skincare Organic Rose Otto Skin Lotion

This was only a small sample but I managed to make it last a couple of days, only using it on a targeted area (my dry elbows and arms!).  It moisturised nicely, although I did feel it took rather a lot of rubbing in to absorb fully.  The rose scent also evoked strong memories of collecting rose petals and putting them in a jar when I was younger in an attempt to make perfume (did anyone else ever do this?!).  All very nice but not what I want to smell of for the following couple of hours after using it.  I prefer more sophisticated rose scents that smell a little more complex.

Price - £7.19

Where to Buy - Holland and Barrett

Caudalie Vinosource Quenching Sorbet Creme

This cream claims to be a godsend to dry, thirsty skin and I have to admit from the outset that I am not the correct target audience for this product.  It is very rich and would be perfect for winter skin or if you have been outside a lot and need to add something soothing to your skincare routine.

I tried using it as a night cream, rather than twice daily as suggested, but it was still a little rich for my combination skin.  I have, instead, been smoothing it on my neck and chest, which usually get less attention from me on a daily basis and it is definitely making the area feel smoother.  Perhaps one to try if you have very dry skin.

Price - From £18.50

Where to Buy - Boots, Feel Unique, SpaceNK, HQ Hair,

Biotherm Aquasource Levres  SPF8

I've been testing this lip balm out for the past week and I'm rather pleased with its performance.  It has a faint fruity scent and glides on as a clear gloss - great to just slick on if you are popping out to the shops or if you don't want to wear a bright lip.  I haven't found it as moisturising as other similar balms such as Lanolips, but it does a fair job and the addition of an SPF is a welcome bonus, although SPF8 cannot really offer enough protection for your lips in high summer.

The main issue I have with this product is the price.  I couldn't justify spending  £13 on something that does effectively the same job as a much cheaper product and for that reason, I wouldn't purchase a full-sized tube.

Price - £13.28

Where to Buy - Boots

Thanks for reading and hope you are having a good weekend.

Victoria

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Saturday Samples!

This week’s samples are a mixture of bodycare, skincare and makeup.

Biotherm Lait Corporee Anti Drying Body Milk with Citrus Extracts 

Normally I am a bit meh about body lotions / milks / butters as I don’t have particularly dry skin and never really have the time to sit around waiting for lotions to sink in before getting dressed. I do however often moisturise dry patches such as knees and elbows and it is for this purpose that I have been using this body milk. 

This sample came from a business class travel bag hubby managed to scrounge on our honeymoon, along with some champagne even though we were in economy!  The consistency is fairly light and certainly non-greasy and it sinks in very quickly. I adore a citrus scent and this one is gorgeous and reminds me of satsumas (!), although it doesn’t seem to stick around for long, unlike some of the Body Shop body butters. So far it seems to be doing a fairly good job of providing some moisturisation but if you have particularly dry or scaly skin, this probably won’t be heavy-duty enough for you. 

Quick Verdict

A gorgeously-scented body milk that sinks in quickly, this is a good luxury product which seals in moisture and leaves your skin feeling smooth.

Price - £30.13

Where to Buy - Boots

Green & Spring Mild Toner 

I often think of toners as being something which strips the skin of oil, leaving it dry and in a worse condition than it was initially. This small travel-sized sample from Green & Spring appears to have proven me wrong as it lives up to its mild claims, with a gentle scent of rose, which seems to sooth and soften my skin without stripping it, and instead leaves my skin feeling refreshed after cleansing in the evening.

I have had no breakouts whilst using this and I have been using it daily for around two weeks so I think a full-sized bottle, whilst not cheap at £22, would last you a long time as I am still only halfway through the bottle.

Quick Verdict

Whilst I’m still not sure if toners are a vital and necessary part of my skincare routine, I have enjoyed using this one as I found it gentle enough for regular use on my sensitive, and often temperamental, skin. If you are looking for a new toner, it may be worth giving this one a try. 

Price - £22

Where to Buy - Green & Spring, Bath and Unwind, House of Fraser,

Dior Forever Foundation in 020 Light Beige

I haven't tried any Dior foundations previously so i was interested to see how this wore.  The product itself was quite liquid and watery and glided on easily with my fingers.  I have tried to provide swatches below but they have come out a bit darker than it really is, due to the absence of natural light.

Unblended Swatch

Initially, I thought this shade was a bit light for my skintone but once I had blended it in, it seemed to 'settle' and left a very natural, semi-matte finish.  I would say it has light-medium coverage and it evened out my skin tone and left me feeling like I wasn't wearing any foundation.  Having only tested it once, I can't really comment on the lasting power, but suffice to say I have been wearing it for about 6 hours and I have not yet needed to blot it, it is still looking pretty much as it was when I applied it and it was applied on only moisturised skin with no primer.  

Blended Swatch

Quick Verdict

I will certainly be taking a closer look at this foundation and seeing if I can try a larger sample for a few days.  It was easy to apply and blend and had a very natural-looking finish which would be perfect for an everyday foundation.  It also includes SPF25 which is an added bonus.

Price - £29.50

Where to Buy - Boots

Saturday Samples!

This is the first in a semi-regular series of posts in which I will be delving into my sample box and trying out a couple of products that have so far been neglected. These will not be full, in-depth reviews as I obviously will not have been able to test them out vigorously. They will be more of a quick snapshot of initial thoughts.

So lets see what I have been trying out this week!

Clarins Multi-Active Day Early Action Wrinkle Correction Cream

Phew, the name is a bit of a mouthful! In my head, I always think I am a bit young for anti-wrinkle creams (I permanently feel about 17 and the amount of responsibility I have sometimes scares me!) but I do need to face up to the fact that I probably need to start using these kind of creams soon, especially with the big 3-0 approaching later this year….

This is a daycream that Clarins suggest you use every morning on your face and neck and claims to be suitable for all skin types. The tube contains a reasonable 15ml and I have been using this for at least 10 days and I’m still not quite finished it.

I always associate anti-wrinkle creams with heavy, rich, oily formulations which are too much for my sensitive, combination skin. However I was pleasantly surprised by this one as it was not greasy in the slightest and in fact had a rather thick texture that I think would make difficult to spread on drier skin. I did not experience any outbreaks or issues with my skin whilst using it and whilst I have not been using it for long enough to assess whether it actually ‘reduces early wrinkles’, I would consider buying the full sized product.

Quick verdict

A surprisingly good lightweight skin cream which promises to ‘reduce early wrinkles to leave skin smooth, fresh and younger-looking again’. Whilst I don’t think this would be suitable for those with drier skin, for those with combination skin this could be a good place to start with preventive anti-ageing skin care.

Price –£38

Where to Buy –  Feel Unique, John Lewis, Boots, Clarins

DP London Firming & Smoothing Body Cream 

DP London produce a small range of products which include organic ingredients and botanical oils and have a real luxury feel about them, albeit with a price tag to match! They are a fairly new company, having only launched in the latter part of last year.

This was a very small sample so I was really only able to assess the moisturising properties of the cream and the overall appearance, texture and scent and not the firming and smoothing properties. What I did manage to try out, I liked. It has a very luxurious scent and sank into my skin easily without feeling greasy. I usually use a body lotion or cream at night before bed and I found that it sank in quickly so I wasn’t waiting forever for it to dry before I could clamber into bed! I’m not sure how moisturising it really was, compared to a cheaper brand such as Nivea or a Body Shop body butter, and at £36 for a 175ml jar, you could probably get something which felt just as luxurious for a good £10 less.

Quick verdict

A nice treat which feels luxurious and combines organic and fair trade ingredients. However it is rather pricey and personally I would never spend this much on a body lotion as I think you can buy products which are just as good for much less.

Price- £36

Where to buy – DP London,