Innarah is a brand new brand for me and I was thrilled to have offered the opportunity to trail two of their products recently. My comprehensive blog is due to the comprehensive nature of these products and I hope you find some useless guidance here when trying to make decisions on in the complicated minefield of beauty products! The first of the tow products I will blog about is the Innarah Defense Oil.
Innarah Defense Oil
Natural oils have become staple part of my skincare regime over the years and I am always excited to have the opportunity to trial new brands. Innarah is a brand that I had not yet discovered and the Defence Oil certainly reigned in my intrigue due to their comprehensive description of the product.
As per Innarah’s description the product is described as follows: ‘This deeply nourishing oxygenated formula is a proprietary blend of oils and minerals combined using a revolutionary fermentation process’
It promises the following results….
- Provides deep hydration
- Anti-inflammatory
- Shields skin from the damaging effects of environmental aggressors and UV damage
- Delays the aging of essential skin cells
All Skin Types.
The rather stunning list of ingredients in this oil are as follows:
Kukui Oil, Coconut Oil, Sea Buckthorn Oil, Jojoba Oil, Oregano Oil, Elk Antler Velvet, Chamae Rose, White Gold Ormus, Rose Otto Oil, Sandalwood, Frankincense, Myrrh, Agarwood, Blue Lotus, Carrot Seed, Bergamot, Jasmine, Patchouli, Melissa, Helichrysum, Arnica, Calendula, Marine Phytoplankton and Phytoplasma Minerals, Amazon Botanicals Herbs, Lemurian Quartz Crystal.
After reading this description and much more besides I was eager to begin my trial… I will apologise for my lengthy review now, however, this IS a product worth talking about for a surprising and conflicting set of reasons.
On receipt my trial size oil was housed in small clear glass bottle with a rubber squeeze top pipette for easy dispense of a liquid product. I was a little saddened and dismayed at the seemingly low quality sticker on the bottle but I assume that this is for a trail size product only… Packaging is a big selling point on a product but from reading on Innarah’s website I am led to believe that the full size product is in a dark violet bottle with different graphics so I chose to ignore this slight visual flaw.
I had noted on the description that due to the product containing herbal and mineral ingredients there would likely be sediment in the bottle that should be shaken before use…. sadly my disappointment grew at that point as my bottle was completely solid with no hope of using the lovely pipette. The only way I could remove the product from the bottle was by scooping it out with the pipette which is a slight packaging error. The solidified oil looked quite grainy with a texture similar to Vaseline. However, once placed in the palm it instantly melts into a beautiful clear oil that can be easily applied to the skin. I was saddened and disappointed that the only way I could use this product in its liquid form was by standing it on top of my radiator for a few minutes. This was fine at night when my heating is on but in the morning I had to resort to ‘digging’ the solidified product from the bottle as it quickly crystallised once more.
In its liquid form the oil has a beautiful free flowing consistency and dispenses perfectly with the pipette. The oil is clear and as instructed you only need a couple of drops to treat the whole face, neck and décolleté area (never miss out this crucial place ladies and gents). The oil absorbs rapidly, beautifully and instantly warms, soothes and hydrates the skin. Pure heaven!! Although the instructions state it is fully absorbed within 15 minutes I found that I could apply my usual day or night cream a few moments afterwards without incident.
The fragrance of this product promises heady aromas due to some of its well-known ingredients such as Rose Otto Oil, Sandalwood, Frankincense, and Myrrh. This was another surprise as the product is relatively scentless considering some of its ingredients. I am not a huge fan of highly fragranced facial products so for me I was quite intrigued and attracted to the scent of the oil. I can only describe it as a faintly earth scent which to me gave confidence in its naturally earthly ingredients.
The results of the oil are instantaneous from first application. My complexion was plumped, hydrated, soothed and radiant. Over a few weeks of use the results became stronger. It did not have a huge effect on my fine lines and wrinkles but I give it 100% for hydration and radiance and it certainly balanced my hormonal skin.
This where the story ends for me. I was very happy with the results on my skin but my overall impression of the product was affected significantly by the physical consistency of the product. For most women (and men) of working age, the ease of use of a product is key. I sadly would not have the time to have physically ‘melt’ this product each time I wanted to use it. It would be completely impractical for my daily beauty regime. Combined with the whopping £180.00 price tag, I fear this oil would require a few tweaks in order to make it desirable to the common market. Maybe just a different dispenser to eliminate the confusion of the crystalized state of the oil?
This said and done, it DOES do wonders for the complexion and is undoubtedly an impressive product but I fear this is not a product that would be affordable or practical for most consumers….
Innarah Eye Treatment Crème
The Innarah Eye Treatment Crème is the second product of the range that I have been very fortunate to trial. Innarah is a range that I have not used before, mainly and regrettably due to the rather high price tags attached their products. This said, I will always attempt to ‘stretch’ my budget if I find a hero product that addresses my ageing concerns. I am relatively lucky not to suffer many lines around my eye area even approaching my mid-forties, however, sensitivity due to long hours spent in front a computer and allergies are an issue for me and I regularly suffer from irritation and puffiness in the eye area. Because of this I have to be extremely careful when selecting eye products.
I received a sample of Innarah’s Eye Treatment Crème which boasts a rather impressive and comprehensive list of ingredients, all combined into one small pot. Innarah’s comprehensive description of this product states the following…
"A silky and luxurious, ultra-hydrating crème designed to improve natural functions of the skin in the delicate area around the eye. Our revolutionary Eye Treatment Crème, a proprietary complex of anti-inflammatory ingredients, helps strengthen the tissue around the eye, diminish the appearance of dark circles and puffiness, soften lines and wrinkles, and reveal healthier, more revitalized skin."
My first thoughts were pure excitement as this sounds like the perfect product for me! The Crème is said to have anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant benefits and contains a stunning array of vitamins and minerals. Perhaps one of the most intriguing ingredients is ‘Elk Antler Velvet’. This immediately had me running to the internet to research this ingredient. The trust WWW provided this information..
"Elk velvet antler use in the Orient dates back more than 10,000 years, according to the Meadow Creek Elk Farms website. Elk velvet antler use for health reasons is more than 2,000 years old and dates back well before the 1700s in European and English medicationsNaturally occurring in elk velvet antler are essential amino acids, fatty acids such as linolenic acid, various minerals including magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron and phosphorus, according to Meadow Creek Elk Farms. Also present are major structural lipids or fats, collagen (a protein fiber substance of the body's connective tissue), glucosamine sulfate, anti-inflammatory agents and proteoglycans, which are important for joint cartilage and elasticity."
Innarah states that no animal testing has occurred and I have it on good authority that our lovely Elks are not harmed during the harvesting of the velvet (thank goodness).
After my research I was excited to begin my trial. The Crème itself arrived in a small travel size pot and inside there is a slightly off white crème based product. The Crème has a slightly gel like feel. The medium consistency makes it easy to dab your finger into the pot to remove the product. After researching the full size product I note that this is also housed in a pot. I am not a big fan of this type of dispenser for eye products and dipping a finger into any product can cause contamination and over use. The price tag of this Crème would justify a pump dispense in my opinion. The Crème is fragrance and colour free which is perfect for a high quality eye treatment. Many products that claim to be fragrance free often have an underlying scent but Innarah’s Crème is truly ‘scentless’!
The Crème is very easy to apply and glides on beautifully without fuss. There is an instant soothing and refreshing feel and the delicate skin around my eyes readily absorbed the product without leaving a tacky and oily residue. Innarah states that there is an instant visual reduction in fine lines. I did not note this but was very impressed with the lightweight refreshing formula. My makeup applied easily over the top. I am usually very sensitive to crème based eye products and often find that they cause puffiness. This did not happen at all with this product and I was thrilled. Considering it claims to have an anti-oxidant and ant-inflammatory action this got 100% marks for me. Over a few weeks I have indeed noticed a reduction in puffiness and my eye area is sufficiently hydrated. I have not noted, sadly, a reduction in the fine lines however.
All in all, this treatment cream really is a delightful and effective product, which offers most of the stated benefits. There are visible results and for me this was mainly a reduction in sensitivity and puffiness. Would I be willing to part with £97.00 for 15ml of this product…. well sadly I would not. For ladies or gentlemen that have no strings on their purses or wallets I would say a hearty YES but for me, the results of this product needed to offer a little more to encourage me to purchase a full size product.
This truly is a wonderful and effective range of products however they will not and cannot appeal to all budgets. I have been impressed with the results of my trials but feel that there needs to be some 'extraordinary' results to justify the staggering price tag. If money is not an issue to you than I would recommend these products
I was so excited when I was accepted for the trial of the Apple & Bears Honey & Hemp body duo. This is a brand that I have not tried before, and with my love of natural ingredient body products, I was intrigued.
When my gift set arrived, I was thrilled with the packaging. The Body Silk & Body Wash are housed in a stunning, high quality sturdy box package that instantly spelled quality and the promise of something special inside… I will start with the Honey & Hemp Body Wash as this is the first product you use in your bathing routine.
Apple & Bears Honey & Hemp Gift Set
Apple & Bears is a wonderful family run UK based business and I was thrilled to note that 5% of all profits are donated to the charity Breast Cancer Care. The ethos of this company is clear to see even from the packaging!
The bottles are beautiful! They look classy, quality and make a beautiful visual addition to your bathroom. They are made of recyclable plastic in a block white with beautiful and intriguing logs printed on the front. The Body Wash bottle has a handy and practical flip top lid which makes the gel easy to dispense.
On the rear of the bottles is an extensive list of ingredients. Pure proof of what is in your product with no veiled or hidden ingredients. Honey is a well-known ingredient that has instant and effective firming qualities whilst hemp is a deeply nourishing, moisturising and protective ingredient. There is an impressive and extensive list of natural oils and minerals in this product that in combination have amazing benefits on the skin.
Apple & Bears Honey & Hemp Body Wash
The Body Wash has a surprisingly thick consistency which promises a quality bathing experience. It has a beautiful gold colour and the fragrance is stunning!! You can certainly detect the hemp, which is a fragrance that I adore and there are tons of juniper and citrus which in combination give a mildly heady, exotic scent that infuses the bathroom during bathing! This fragrance is definitely suited to both male and female tastes and my husband was also rather impressed with this unisex fragrance.
I always use a body puff to apply my product and it is always a true test of the concentration of a product. Many shower gels that use synthetic ingredients result in an overwhelming explosion of bubbles which whilst being a pleasant bathing experience, always causes concern for me as to how much detergent ingredients are contained within a product.
The Apple & Bears Body Wash creates thick, creamy bubbles that are completely different to a synthetic product. This is proof for me that the ingredients are quality and I am not applying nasty chemicals and detergents to my skin. My skin feels instantly cleansed and energised and the product wraps you in a soothing and exotic cocoon of fragrance! The foam is easily and quickly rinsed away.
After drying with a towel, you can truly feel and instant toning and tightening sensation on the skin but do not mistake this for dryness, it is by far the opposite. My skin feels toned but moisturised with a subtle fragrance of product remaining on the body. The gel is so concentrated you only need a small amount for a full bathing experience.
On the hair, I did not find this product as favourable as my hair requires deep moisturisation. As a quick fix, on the go product, it has great benefits of being a multitasker but I think this is better suited to my husband as a shampoo as he cares a great deal less about moisturisation of his hair. Saying this, I suffered no irritation from this product as a hair wash so it is a big thumbs up for the capabilities of this bottle.
Apple & Bears Honey & Hemp Body Silk
The Body Silk is housed in a practical and beautiful shatter poof bottle with a handy pump action dispense lid. This is perfect for an easy application and prevents over dispense of your product. At no time, has the pump clogged with product like some other lesser quality products can do.
The Body Silk has an indulgent medium thick consistency and pearly white in colour. Its fragrance is intriguing. I was expecting the same fragrance as the Body Wash; however, there is a combination of the same fragrance of hemp, juniper and citrus but with a nostalgic and simplistic tone of a generic un-fragranced body cream.
This is very difficult to describe in written words but it gives a feeling of the expected fragranced body creams most popular on the market but with a simplicity of a quality, non-fussy body product! I use 4 pumps of silk for my entire body and the cream is absorbed quickly and easily into the skin. A testament to a highly concentrated product! Once again you can feel a toning sensation upon application and your skin is left mildly fragranced and deeply moisturised. The moisturisation lasts throughout day with no dissipation.
In combination with the Body Silk the Honey & Hemp range most certainly does as it says on the bottle. You are not bowled over by overwhelming fragrance but you are treated to a very effective, toning, nourishing and indulgent bathing experience. I would not hesitate to use other options from this brand.
Throughout my trial, these products have proven their worth and I could not fault their performance in any way. All in all, I have developed a very fast love affair with these products. The price tag is high but the quality and quantity of the ingredients justify it. If you are looking for a high performance and high quality bathing product that uses only natural ingredients then I could not recommend this brand enough! As an addition to your own bathroom, or as a gift for a loved one, Apple & Bears have rocketed to the top of my list of quality bathing products.
A luxury body product range with visible benefits and quite clearly ‘made with love’
What could have been better for the Halloween week to have been accepted for a trial of this gorgeous nail polish by Ciaté!! This is brand that I have not used before and I was very excited to trial not only a new brand but a colour or varnish that I would not usually choose. Purple varnish is a real statement colour and from the photographs this polish certainly did appeal to my darker side!
When the varnish arrived it was housed in a lovely black oblong box with a cut out window in the front which displays the bottle perfectly inside. The bottle itself is a very clever and appealing design. The glass is curved on the back and is designed to ergonomically sit in your hand for ease of application. The brush has a very practical long lid which makes the holding of the brush and application very easy (there is nothing worse than trying to keep a steady hand when applying polish with a tiny handle). Ciaté state that their brush is flat with 250 bristles which makes application smoother and easier. I loved the little black bow on the front of the bottle which is a lovely aesthetic touch to the overall design.
My hands are most certainly hard working hands overall and with such a dark colour I was dubious as to the capability and staying power of this varnish. With dark colours I always use a base coat to prevent any staining and a top coat to aid longevity of the varnish.
The colour of the varnish inside the bottle was exciting. A dark plum purple with a light shimmer and a pearlescence that gives the dark polish a subtle depth. The application with the brush was certainly easy but the first coat was very thin and watery. My fear was unfounded as the second coat instantly provided the full depth of colour and it is beautiful!! The shimmer is not strong (I maybe would have preferred a little more) but the colour is rich and deep. Application with the long brush was very smooth and although this is not the fastest drying varnish I have used the drying time was good. After the application of my final top coat I was thrilled with results and smooth finish of the colour.
Not only am I a keen gardener I am currently renovating a property and this has certainly put my Ciaté varnish to the test. The top coat I used certainly increases the staying power of my varnish but my hands have taken a cruel battering in recent weeks. This varnish was very resilient, even to the worst treatment of my hands and nails and I gained 4 days of wear before any deterioration showed. This manifested itself in small chips but where the colour was not chipped, it remained visually perfect! Bearing in mind this is not a true gauge for most wearers as you would not usually subject your hands to the level of work that I am currently partaking in.
The varnish is very easy to remove and left no staining at all. The product has a medium price range and its performance is well worth the investment. I have no doubt that this bottle would last a very long time and therefore excellent value for money. A high performer with good looks and performance, perfect for bringing out your inner vamp!!
I have taken considerable time with this trial of the Kissglove Authentic Moroccan Deep Exfoliating Glove. The reason for this is that exfoliation is not intended as a daily treatment and I have been keen to observe the results of this product over a period of weeks as appose to days. The long term results of exfoliation are progressive, therefore this trial could not be rushed. Exfoliation is a key part to any beauty regime and over the years I have tried many exfoliation products available to the market. The glove exfoliator is the first of its kind that I have trialled.
The description of the Kissglove Exfoliating glove states that the glove is “Commonly referred to as a ‘kiss’ in Morocco, exfoliating gloves have been used for centuries by men & women to rejuvenate and revitalise the skin”. I am particularly drawn to products that refer to their origins and fascinated by different culture’s techniques and ingredients in beauty.
When the Kissglove arrived it was housed in a simple oblong cardboard box with the attractive colours of black and yellow. The glove can be seen through the clear viewing window on the front of the box. The instructions of use of the glove are simple, clear and concise. When removed from the box the glove itself is a simplistic design of a ‘mitt’ with an elasticated cuff and a handy hanging loop on the side. The colours are black and yellow which are striking and attractive in design. I could immediately see that the stitching and construction of the glove was very high quality whilst being extremely lightweight in construction.
Upon researching the material used for this product I was delighted to see that it is made mainly from Viscose which is a by-product of wood and nylon. This material has a natural ability for exfoliation due to its course texture. I love that the glove is made from natural products and not synthetics like so many others on the market. The glove slips effortlessly onto your hand and is suitable for any hand size and the elasticated cuff ensures that it does not slip off during your exfoliation massage.
The instructions state that you should not add any bathing products to the water when bathing whilst you use the glove. Partly due to the fact that products can affect the exfoliation texture and make it less effective on the skin. As instructed I soaked in the bath for a while to open my pores and soften the skin. As instructed I used long sweeping circular motions. I did not have to use any pressure as the texture of the glove ensures instant and easy exfoliation. Although you can certainly feel the rough texture of the cloth it is in no way uncomfortable or unpleasant. It gives an instant reassurance that your skin is receiving exfoliation and circulatory massage. The process is very easy and the fact that you are wearing this product as a glove makes it simple to reach all areas of the body with precise control and pressure.
I have to admit, I was not expecting huge results from this glove due to the fact that I regularly exfoliate (at least twice a week) with good quality exfoliation products, therefore I assumed my skin would have few dead cells to remove. I was very wrong!! Almost immediately after beginning massage, I could literally see the dead skin rolling off onto the surface of the glove. I have NEVER seen this amount of exfoliation from a product and I was simply stunned at how little effort was required to remove dead skin cells. To say I felt a little shocked at the apparent ‘state’ of my skin was an understatement. I not prone to photographing my skin (or dead skin cells) to show the world but I simply had to show how effective the product is. You can cearly see the dead skin cells that were removed in abundance in the photographs below
As mentioned, the results from this glove are effortless and removal of the dead skin cells from you glove is simple. You just rinse and hang your glove up to dry! There is of course a slight reddening of the skin after use but this is completely natural and the result of increased circulation to the skin surface. There is no tenderness after using this glove. If you suffer anything of the sort after use than you are most certainly massaging to hard. After bathing my skin felt so incredibly smooth and soft, my body moisturiser absorbed more rapidly than it has ever done before. When slipping into my trousers that evening I could physically feel my polished silky skin under my clothes!
After several weeks of using this glove twice weekly I have eradicated any dead skin cells and a few areas of keratosis pilaris (skin bumps). Any patches of ingrowing hairs (from razor shaving) are non-existent! These results have improved weekly over time.
I can honestly say that this is by far the most effective and incredible body exfoliation product I have used to date and after several uses there is no sign of deterioration in the glove at all. The quality will ensure that this product will last for a long time, making it excellent value for money! I have completely reverted to this product from my old cream based exfoliators. If exfoliation is a chore for you then I implore you to try this product. It is effortless, incredible and addictive….If like me ou think your skin is sufficiently exfoliated then make this your one purchase this year....you will not regret adding the Kissglove to your bathroom shelf!!
Philosophy Hope and Purity Made Simple Range Reviews
I am constantly searching for high performance products for my beauty regime and in recent years the formulations of cosmetics and beauty products have become more complex and as a result more expensive!
I was recently given the opportunity to trial a few new products from Philosophy whom I already regard a good quality and trusted brand. I have always been attracted by Philosophy who have a unique and quirky packaging design for each and every one of their products. Each product is printed with an individual ‘philosophy’ that is conducive to the product within. Hope in a Jar has a plain white packaging with its little ‘philosophy’ printed on the front.
The products I write about today are from Philosophy’s Hope range and Purity Made Simple Range. Although my findings are varied, I hope you find these reviews useful…
Philosophy Hope in a Jar Oil-Free Moisturiser
I am constantly searching for high performance face creams. I was given the opportunity to trial a face cream from Philosophy which I believe is one of their ‘hero’ products from their ranges. When a product from a range is labelled as a ‘hero’ I am always excited to trial it to judge as to why it is a standalone product in a worldwide and confusing market of face products!
I tend to have problematic skin that is prone to hormonal break outs and the usual ageing concerns as I have now past my 40’s. I try not to use heavily fragranced creams and tend to air more towards natural ingredients that will not aggravate my complexion. Upon reading the ingredient list of ‘Hope In A Jar’ I was slightly concerned to see ingredients I had never heard of but was never the less keen to see its performance!
The cream is a medium consistency, part way between a lotion and a cream and is opaque white in colour. For my first application I dispensed a pea size amount to test its concentration. On this test I was not disappointed. The product is indeed highly concentrated and it glides beautiful and easily onto the face and neck area. It has a wonderful silky feel and distributes evenly onto the skin. The product absorbs extremely quickly and leaves no trace of residue, shine or greasiness. I could immediately feel the hydration and comfort from this product but there is a slight downside. I am assuming that this product is classed as ‘fragrance free’ which whilst promising great things for problematic skins, it did no favours for me for this somewhat very expensive cream. There are no apparent perfumes added to this cream but it does has a slightly stale cream scent which is not unpleasant but it lacks the indulgence of it high priced counterparts.
After application my skin felt soft, smooth and hydrated and the longevity of the moisturisation was good. I found it slightly odd that it is recommended to apply this product several times a day as I believe it would be a waste of product. Twice daily was perfectly sufficient. After finishing the full trial I was pleased that I suffered no adverse reactions and my complexion remained clear and fresh. There was no visible difference to my fine lines; however this product does not claim to be anti-ageing. I believe it is better suited to younger, problematic skins. I sadly did not feel that this product was worthy of its high price tag
For those of you that prefer a lightweight, non-fragranced face cream I can confirm that this is a very good quality product that ‘does what it says on the tin’ however with its slightly strange scent and a rather high price tag I would not be encouraged to purchase it for my own beauty regime.
Philosophy Hands of Hope Hand and Cuticle Cream
I have just completed a trial of the Hands of Hope Hand & cuticle Cream by Philosophy. Hand cream has been a daily staple in my beauty regime for many years and I am always keen to try new ranges in the hope that I will find a cream that will force me to change the brand that I have used for the past 10 years.
The Hands of Hope Cream is housed in a simple white, easy squeeze tube with a black screw top lid and black print. The cream itself has a medium consistency and is opaque white in colour. When testing a cream based product for the first time I like to test the concentration of the product. They way that I do this is to dispense a maximum of a pea size to begin with. The true sign of a high quality product is its performance by using only a small amount. My current and staple hand cream has a very thick consistency as my hands suffer from dryness so I had slight reservations when I noted the thinner consistency of this product.
When massaged between the hands this lovely cream absorbs rapidly and easily and leaves no greasy residue or tackiness. It has a beautiful comforting feel on the skin and I was thrilled to feel that it has a high moisturisation capability for such a lightweight cream. I am assuming that this product is fragrance free, as whilst there is a slight scent to the product, it is not perfumed in any way. I often appreciate un-fragranced products however I did feel that this lovely hand cream could benefit from a mild fragrance at least to make it more appealing to a wider range of users.
The moisturisation of this cream has good longevity, however I did feel the need to re-apply after a few hours so it does not offer the depth of moisture that I require on a daily basis. This said, it does not detract from the fact that this is a very effective if not simplistic little hand product that I would not hesitate to recommend for those of you who prefer a lighter cream and it would be a more than effective travel product on a short trip away but sadly for me it is a little too simple for my needs
Philosophy Hope Springs Eternal Facial Mist
Facial mists are a rarity for me in my beauty regime and until now I have often found that they have little or no benefit for my skin….this was until I found this little gem by Philosophy!
I received a small sample of the Hope Springs Eternal Facial mist. Upon reading the ingredients this product claims to contain hyaluronic acid which is an excellent and high performance hydrator and sea minerals, also of great nourishing benefits for the skin. I noted that this product is designed for dehydrated skins so was excited to put it to the test.
The mist is housed in a pump spray bottle with a little ‘philosophy’ printed on the front, conducive to the product within. As per the instructions this product can be used to refresh the complexion throughout the day whilst re-hydrating it for a moisture boost.
To apply you should hold the spray 10-12 inches from the face and with closed eyes, you should mist your skin. As this was a sample size I am unsure how the full product bottle would compare but I did find the pump action mist a little too powerful to make the application pleasurable. The mist did not seem to have a wide enough spread to mist the whole face at once so on this application side it was a little ‘hit and miss’.
Once I spritzed my face I was very pleasantly surprised at the instantaneous cooling and freshening effect on my face. Refreshing is the key word here and my skin felt instantly fresh, cool and comforted. The fragrance is barely there but very pleasant. I kind of floral fresh that is uplifting and enlivening. The product dries almost immediately without leaving any trace of residue or stickiness on the skin and perhaps the most pleasant aspect of the product is that it does indeed give your skin an instant and noticeable boost of hydration! It is also suggested that this product can be used for ‘setting’ your makeup after application. If you makeup is prone to cracking during the, as mine is prone to do, this mist does indeed refresh the look of your makeup and prevents that dry, dehydrated look that your complexion can take on later in the day.
For me, there are no particular progressive benefits to constant usage of this product however it is a little handbag gem for anytime throughout the day that your skin feels jaded, dry or dull. One spritz of this mist gives an instant refreshing boost to the skin and I think it would make an amazing travel companion to hotter climbs.
Whilst the price tag is not enormous in comparison to some other brands I feel that I would be willing to make a full size purchase especially for travel purposes. I would not class this as a treatment product per se however as a refreshing boost to those that travel and work in air conditioned environments this could be a real gem of a purchase!
Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-step Facial Cleansing Cloths
My final product in this blog is the Philosophy Purity Made Simple One-step Facial Cleansing Cloths and whilst I am not a regular user of cleansing cloths, I was keen to try this product from a trusted brand.
I received one cloth; however the usual pack would contain 30 cloths for approximately £9.19. Whilst this is certainly not a low price tag, I was not entirely deterred due to the fact that Philosophy is generally a high quality brand. The cloth itself is a very generous size or 8 x 8 inches, more than sufficient for a good facial cleanse. I was excited to see that the ingredients contain many natural oils that would not strip the skin like lesser brand cloths can do. Saying this, however, I was a little dubious to see ‘Pepper oil’ and ‘Sandalwood oil’ in a cloth that is designed for the face than can have delicate and sensitive areas.
When opened, the cloth is pure white and very soft to the touch. This is a big plus if like me, you are sensitive to scratchy and rougher cleansing cloths when using a ‘wiping motion’. When unfolded the cloth is not saturated but quite dry, however the presence of oils can give more of a dry feel than the more aqua based cleansing cloths. There is also a pleasant fragrance to the cloth that is not overbearing.
Cleansing with a facial cloth is not rocket science, so I proceeded to gently wipe and cleanse my face. Sadly and shockingly this is where the whole experience plummeted for me! It is important to say, before you read on, that Philosophy do state that you should avoid the eye area with this cloth. The closest I got to my eyes was my upper cheekbones and just above my eyebrow area.
However, the moment I cleansed face, the skin around my eye area began to burn and this reaction was instant. It was so rapid and uncomfortable I had to stop halfway through my cleanse to wipe my eyes with my usual cornflower eye cleanser to remove the residue of the cloth. Whilst I am always loathe to criticize any good brand I admit that this sensation put me into a temporary panic and I was shocked at the reaction my eyes had to this product. Determined to give the cloth another chance I continued to cleanse the remainder of my face and neck. The irritation was minimal in other areas but still there. After cleansing I noted that the makeup on the cloth was very minimal and I was not convinced that my skin had been sufficiently cleansed. Once again I returned with my usual product and found that there was a large amount of makeup still left on my face that had not been removed by the cloth.
On re-reading the ingredients, I am all but convinced that the extreme irritation I suffered must have been to the pepper oil possibly combined with the sandalwood and geranium. I would never hesitate to put these ingredients on my body within a moisturiser but I am unconvinced that they are suitable for more delicate areas of the face. When using a cloth it is difficult to completely avoid the eye area.
In fairness to Philiosophy, much research is undertaken when producing and introducing a beauty product to the general public but I have never suffered such an extreme reaction in my eyes with any other product before, even when I specifically tried to avoid that area as per their instructions. On the packaging of the cloth it is stated that ‘mild tingling may occur upon initial application’. I took note of this before use but for me the ‘tingling’ was actually a ‘burning’ sensation which was very uncomfortable. In the morning my eyes were puffy and irritated. My facial skin suffered no adverse reaction.
In light of the fact that Philosophy is aware of some possible tingling or irritation (this is obviously why it is printed on the packaging) I am a little dismayed that the ingredients have not been altered to address this problem. For such a good quality, trusted brand I was very saddened by this experience and would not be able to recommend this product to others for fear of them suffering the same irritation that I did.