Other bathing favourites (l-r): Rituals Hammam Delight (£8.50); Dr Hauschka Almond Soothing Body Wash (£13.50)
Balance Me Super Moisturising Body Wash – £9
I’m all in favour of time savers – anything that gives me more quality time with Dominic West in ‘The Affair’ is a winner.
If that time saver can do me good as well…I’m definitely all in. I picked up a sample of this body wash from Balance Me recently, and I was thoroughly impressed. There are those that will tell you that body washes are pretty much one and the same, but I disagree.
There are definitely body washes out there cheaper than £9, but I do feel that if you’re looking for quality, you have to be willing to pay a little more.
Balance Me give you serious value for money with a sulphate-free, hydrating body wash that is just perfect for dry or sensitive skin. Containing Shea Butter, and calming Yarrow and Patchouli, this body wash is loaded with good stuff to treat your skin while it cleans.
The benefits of using a body wash like this is that the sophistication of the formula means that your skin isn’t stripped of moisture by harsh foaming agents. Your skin is left not only perfectly clean, but soothed and nourished. I wouldn’t recommend skipping a body moisturiser altogether, but this body wash is so brilliantly hydrating that your skin will need less product applied. Saves you time and money? Not a bad combination at all.
This month, my favourites have all been geared towards one concept: making life easier. It’s February; it’s cold, and dark, and Easter with its plethora of chocolate eggs seems very far away. You need your products to do their fair share of the heavy lifting and get you through into Spring.
OGX Biotin and Collagen oil mist (£6.99) When it comes to hair care, the more idiot-proof, the better. I can be a bit over-eager when applying product and anything that allows me to apply in measured doses really does get my vote. I have been introduced to the OGX line via Caroline Hirons’ website (http://www.carolinehirons.com) – and while I’ve loved the Macadamia Oil and Coconut Water shampoos and conditioners, the Oil Mist has impressed me the most.
Spritzed onto freshly-washed hair, it’s a beauty cliché, but a little really does go a long way. A light mist onto the hair is all you need to protect and condition your locks. It doesn’t weigh your hair down, and while it doesn’t replace a conditioner, for times when you’re in a hurry, or even using it as a booster for when your hair needs a little extra help, it’s pretty near perfect. http://www.sisley-paris.com/en-GB/skincare/face/eye-and-lip/sisleya-contour-yeux-et-levres-15ml.html
Sisley Sisleya Eye and Lip Contour Cream (£119) This product forms part of my journey into luxury skincare (which will be blogged about in further detail in March) – and it’s a journey that’s been most illuminating.
I am not usually someone who is able to spend this amount of money on a single product – the normal ceiling for my beauty budget would be around the £50-60 mark and I have experienced great results from products well under that price point. I’m no beauty snob – I don’t think a big name necessarily guarantees quality, and my experiences of buying beauty products over the years have taught me to keep an open mind – a game-changer can emerge when you least expect it.
I picked Sisleya Eye and Lip Contour Cream as it was one of Sisley’s (many) iconic products and I have wanted to try a top-notch eye cream. I’m not particularly lined, but my concerns are more with tackling lack of firmness, dark circles and the general ageing process.
I do believe that when it comes to eye care, spending a little extra is worth it, as the skin is so much more delicate and shows signs of ageing much earlier than the rest of the face. Sisley put their energy into sourcing the best ingredients, and the Sisleya eye cream contains several actives including vitamins E and B5, plus Padina Pavonica (fun beauty fact: the same ingredient featured in the Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream).
This is my first experience of beauty luxury, and I wasn’t disappointed: what impressed me was that the product really performed at an enhanced level. My eye area was smoothed, and hydrated, as you would expect, but after a few uses, my eyes felt ‘cushioned’ by the cream. There was a lifting effect, but it was subtle and gradual –gently firming and making the eye appear more ‘wide awake’. The features you would expect from an eye cream around the £50-60 mark were all there, but the noticeable difference was how the product continued to work hours after it had been applied. I didn’t need to keep ‘topping up’ product during the day as one application in the morning really was enough. In terms of efficacy, Sisley really proved its worth – it not only delivered results but offered real value for money. Very impressed. http://www.blissworld.co.uk/skincare/shop-by-product-type/moisturisers/bliss-fabulous-face-lotion-spf-15/
Bliss Fabulous Face Lotion SPF15 (£26.50) I bought this for a bargainous £7.99 at TK Maxx (totally #bargainbrag) and this month it really has become my little buddy. The slimline tube is ideal for touting around with you during the day. The past few weeks have seen my skin flag in its ability to cope with a pretty standard British winter. Whereas Liz Earle’s Skin Repair moisturiser comes in very handy for evenings, during the day I just need one or two moisture top-ups and the Bliss moisturiser has done the job perfectly.
It is a mid-weight texture – a lotion that has depth and substance to it, rather than being thin and watery. Applied onto the skin, it soaks in beautifully, hydrating like a ruddy dream. It’s self-evident that Bliss has really worked on the formula of this lotion – it’s no bog-standard, this-will-do moisturiser tossed in to flesh out their range. The quality of the SPF provision alone highlights the care that has gone into making this product. Containing SPF 15, this lotion provides UVB plus UVA protection – while getting sunburn during February isn’t going to be high up on your list of beauty concerns, the UVA rays (responsible for sun-related skin ageing) are always present, even during winter. I thought that would cheer you up!
The Bliss moisturiser is a good all-rounder with equally impressive ingredients including vitamins, minerals and skin-nourishing Omegas. With such attention to detail, all that’s left for you to do is a dab on a generous splodge, and let it get to work. http://www.cowshedonline.com/chamomile-refreshing-toner-250-ml.html
Cowshed Chamomile Refreshing Toner (£16) Again, another product that bears testament to my boundless laziness. Can’t be bothered to wipe a bit of toner across your face? Just spritz it on – and you’re done. This is a gorgeous toner that importantly contains no alcohol – there are lots of toners that pretend to be your best friend, but Cowshed’s Chamomile Toner is the real deal. Containing lavender and chamomile essential oils, this gently refreshes and revives, making it an everyday staple that’s so gentle and user-friendly it definitely creeps over into the luxury category. The spray dispenser, whilst enabling my laziness, is a great money-saving device. The 250ml bottle sold on Cowshed’s website will last you an age. http://www.philosophy.com/shower-gel/snow-angel-shower-gel,en_US,pd.html
Philosophy Snow Angel body wash – (purchased in Philsophy sale for £7) A shower gel might not seem like a time saver, but bear with me. I do love Philosophy’s scented body washes and their Christmas limited editions are a particular treat – forget the gingerbread lattes – give me one of Philosophy’s body washes and I’m a happy girl. Philosophy’s Snow Angel is a beautiful, delicate, airy scent that hangs around long after your bath or shower. But while the scent draws you in, it’s the quality of the cleanser that’s the surprise in this product. Scented body washes tend to have a bad reputation with their fondness for foaming agents – but Philosophy always goes the classy route, and this non-drying formula cleanses thoroughly without leaving residue or stripping your skin. During winter, this body wash has been a must-have, as my skin has been more in balance – hence less dryness, and less moisturiser needed. It’s a beauty win-win. While Snow Angel itself may be difficult to get hold of now, Philosophy’s range has a fruity, floral or sophisticated fragrance to tempt you – go sniff ‘em out! http://www.boots.com/en/Superfacialist-Rose-Peaceful-Skin-Night-Cream-50ml_1493126/
Una Brennan Superfacialist Rose Peaceful Skin Night Cream – £16.99
There’s no two ways about it – I’m a fan of this budget range, and its moisturisers in particular are worthy of note. Not greasy, or tacky, or too lightweight – these perfectly pitched beauties keep your skin smooth, hydrated and just get the job done.
The Rose Peaceful Skin Night Cream is a new addition to the range, and I for one am loving it. It’s not just a gorgeously-scented product (although the rose aroma is expertly judged), but a moisturiser with serious skincare clout.
Containing hyaluronic acid, rosehip oil and cucumber and willow extract, this moisturiser aims to rejuvenate, replenish and hydrate. It soothes tired skin, and the gentle but distinct rose scent lulls you off to sleep. It’s a genuinely restful night-time moisturiser, and a joy to use. The texture isn’t too heavy, which makes it ideal for layering on top of a treatment oil or serum. It’s a great option if you’re new to night creams as it’s impossible to be too heavy-handed with it – as with all products in the Una Brennan Superfacialist range, this night cream performs above and beyond its face value.
That’s it for another month – March should prove interesting as I’ll be going outside my comfort zone with brands like New Zealand organic skincare line, Tiaki, and vegan skincare line Dr. Scheller. Will I be impressed? Will they make the March favourites list? Ooh…the dramatic tension. Until next time…
Hopefully better late than never, here is Part 2 of my Budget Buys series (£10 and under). In no particular order…
Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Body Oil – £7.99
Another golden oldie from the body care aisle, Neutrogena’s Norwegian Formula Body Oil is a tried-and-tested standard that delivers great, long-lasting hydration.
Lightweight and non-greasy, this oil is best applied to slightly damp skin, sealing in the moisture. It’s a brilliantly economical way of moisturising, giving substantial results for very little product.
The versatility of this oil is the reason I chose it over other budget options: it can be used all year round, giving a beautiful sheen to sun-tanned skin as well as tackling stubborn patches of dryness during the winter. A product that works this hard to make you look good should be a staple in everyone’s body care collection.
Boots Botanics Organic Facial Oil – £9.99
We’re all becoming wise to the benefits of using a treatment oil, but if you’re unsure of where to start – this is a great all-rounder. This little gem is a wonderful introduction to how just adding one element can really boost your skincare routine.
A facial oil that’s 100% organic, this Boots Botanics wonder contains rosehip (its seeds are an excellent source of skin-friendly Omegas) and is paraben-free. These are qualities you’d expect from a prestige product, and this facial oil delivers high quality hydration without fuss or fanfare.
Designed to be used under a moisturiser (but can be used on its own as an overnight treatment), this facial oil nourishes your skin, soothing dryness and calming irritation. Its calming proprieties make it ideal for most skin types, including combination. The idea of putting oil onto an oil-prone skin may seem ridiculous, but a good treatment oil like this will calm and regulate your skin, meaning your sebum glands will not be so likely to rebel and over-produce oil, lessening the potential for break outs. A skin that’s more in control then needs less ‘trouble-shooting’, meaning less product is required to get it back in line. You save money, time and hassle – and who wouldn’t love that?
Soap and Glory Peaches and Clean 3-in-1 Deep Purifying Cleanser – £8.00
Soap and Glory have featured heavily in the £10 and under section of my Budget Buys, and with good reason. While their body care products are excellent, and offer real value for money, their skincare line is equally well regarded and Peaches and Clean is a great example of what S&G do best.
This cleanser gets to work on de-clogging blocked pores and tackles grime, dirt and general build-up like nobody’s business. This is a great daily cleanser if you regularly wear make-up – but even if you don’t, use 2-3 times a week and this cleanser will make a real difference to the clarity of your skin.
It’s the sophistication of the formula that really makes this a great value product; a deep cleaner that doesn’t strip the skin but still clarifies and helps to clear blemishes. The texture of the cleanser works easily around the skin, feeling much more expensive than its £8 price tag. Importantly for a deep cleanser, it rinses off cleanly as well – it’s amazing the amount of cleansers that boast of being deep-cleaning, but are almost impossible to rinse off without leaving residue behind. It’s pointless having a great cleansing formula if it outstays its welcome on your skin and ends up clogging your pores and causing even more problems. There’s no such issue with Peaches and Clean – it rinses off quickly and easily and leaves your skin with a gentle glow.
Max Factor Masterpiece Mascara – £9.99 / Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mascara – £7.99
This is a game of two halves as I appreciate that different lashes have different needs. I’ll put it simply: when it comes to budget mascara, Max Factor really does have the market covered. There are some brands that come close, but for longevity you can’t beat Masterpiece or 2000 Calorie.
For those who need length, Masterpiece mascara is your new best friend: Max Factor will tell you that the secret of Masterpiece’s success is all down to its iFX brush, allowing precision brushwork. But if I may, I will beg to differ. The genius part of both mascaras is the formula: not too wet, not too dry. It’s easy to work with, doesn’t smudge easily but can be removed quickly if need be. They are both ready-to-go formulas, giving you the same level of result from the first to the last use.
My personal favourite is the 2000 Calorie mascara. I don’t need a mascara so much that delivers length, but rather one that provides volume with definition. The last part is key: my lashes are quite thick so they will clump together in nano-seconds if I use a formula that’s too wet or too gloopy. In short, I am the Goldilocks of mascara. Max Factor’s 2000 Calorie Mascara was a real find for me – before I had never found a decent formula under £20, but at £7.99, the 2000 Calorie Mascara and I are going steady and it’s my personal make-bag favourite.
Burts’ Bees Citrus & Ginger Root Body Wash – £9.99
A sulphate-free cleanser, Burts’ Bees do great products whose ethos is very much beauty-with-a-conscience. There are several different body washes in their range, but I went with Citrus & Ginger, as its uplifting scent is simply my favourite. Packed with essential oils and a gentle plant-based complex to cleanse the skin, this is a great choice to get you moving in the morning. Sure, you can get shower gels at much cheaper prices, but the key word would be cheap. The formulation of this body wash doesn’t cut corners, it leaves you clean and refreshed, but thanks to the honey and glycerin added, your skin will never feel dry or itchy afterwards. You’ll end up needing to use less body moisturiser, saving yourself more money, which you can then spend on cake. Or something not quite so autobiographical.
The ones that nearly made the cut (l-r): The Body Shop Nutriganics Cleansing Gel Oil (£10); Superfacialist by Una Brennan Rose Calming Creamy Cleanser (£7.99); L’Oreal Skin Perfection 15 Second Miracle Cleansing Oil (£7.99)
As always, there were products that got darn close to making the Top 10. I’ve found that budget skincare has really upped its game in recent years, providing real quality to gain a loyal customer base instead of always going for the cheap option. As customers become more beauty-literate, this is good news for all of us as brands are working harder than ever before to provide us with genuine value for money. Here’s a few more products that are definitely worth taking a look at:
Soap and Glory Sexy Mother Pucker Gloss Stick – £8 (a truly brilliant alternative to the Clinique Chubby Sticks…easy to wear, great colour pay-off – I have all of them and wish S&G would make more colours…hint hint)
Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer – £3.99 (a beauty bloggers’ favourite, but with good reason. Brilliantly blendable with adaptable coverage, this takes on the big-budget brands at their own game)
Boots Ingredients Coconut and Almond Intensive Hair Mask – £1.99 (no, that’s not a typo. It really is a hair mask for under £2. This own brand range from Boots is excellent value for money, but the hair mask really takes the biscuit. It tames frizz, hydrates dry, stressed hair like a dream. I’ve been buying this for years and it never lets me down. Buy it. You’ll love it.)
The Body Shop Facial Massager – £6 (a frankly ingenious little gizmo, this mini massager is a brilliant tool to use as part of your cleansing routine. There are numerous videos extolling the virtues of facial massage on YouTube, but for the best, head to make-up artist Lisa Eldridge’s channel for this in-depth video on why massage matters)
My next selection will be Budget Buys up to £15. I will be casting the net a little wider to include more beauty tools and haircare products including brands such as Real Techniques, Philip Kingsley, REN and The Body Shop. Until next time…
designergirl77 