Friday, 26 February 2010

Organic Apoteke Cleanse Gel Reviews

Review of Organic Apoteke Cleanse Gel
by Gillian L.
PACKAGING - The Organic Apoteke Cleanse Gel trial sized gel comes in a neat glass pot which is very compact to slip into a toilet bag. The standard size comes in a 50ml bottle with pump dispenser enclosed in a box. All packaging is recyclable.
APPLICATION - The Organic Apoteke Cleanse Gel is applied twice daily, to a damp face, using the fingertips. Massage in gently and rinse well. Only a tiny amount is needed as this is a very concentrated and rich gel. It forms a lovely rich, lemon scented lather which was most refreshing in the morning. The tub was handy but I found it difficult to get small enough quantities so I ended up with too much and lots of lather for the hands also!
INGREDIENTS - As the name implies all ingredients of the Organic Apoteke Cleanse Gel are organic, vegetarian and cruelty free and use only the purest ingredients - vegetable glycerine gently cleans and soothes the skin; neem provides anti bacterial action and essential oils of lemon and bergamot. This lovely herbal blend is targeted at normal tending to oily and blemished skins.
RESULTS - The Organic Apoteke Cleanse Gel smelled divine and was eagerly tried by my teenage son and daughter whose skins are oilier, with very pleasing results. They particularly liked the fresh lemony scent which they said made them feel fresh and clean. I think it would be a very popular product with teenagers or anyone prone to spots as it does not have a medicated smell. My skin is combination type but very sensitive,even to essential oils so, unfortunately, I had to stop using it after a day as it left my skin feeling tight, itchy and with dry blotches which I think may be due to the essential oils. I also found the scent a bit overpowering.
PROS - Very good value as such tiny quantities needed. The trial sized 10g pot would easily last for 3 weeks, so handy for holidays.
- Ideal for oily, problem skins as it really does work to calm and clear blemishes.
- Scent is suitable for male or female.
CONS - Too concentrated for very sensitive skins especially if you are sensitive to essential oils. I found the scent also triggered my asthma. However I should have checked the ingredients more carefully and the gel is marketed at normal to oily skins rather than for sensitive ones.

The Organic Apoteke Cleanse Gel (£16.95) and the full range of Organic Apoteke products are available at Naturisimo.com

Tuesday, 9 February 2010

Jurlique Eye Makeup Remover Reviews

Review of Jurlique Eye Makeup Remover
by Elle A.
This Jurlique Eye Makeup Remover is effective, smells nice and soft on your skin. It doesn’t irritate the sensitive skin around your eyes, or sting if it gets under your eyelashes, unlike some makeup removers. This Jurlique eye makeup remover doesn’t foam either, which is nice – it’s more like a cream, and it has the same moisturising effect. It can remove even the most stubborn mascara and eyeliner, as well as eyeshadow, foundation and concealer (I’ve only used it on pencil eyeliner though, so I don’t know what it would be like on liquid eyeliner – it worked on mascara though so I guess it would work on that too). Jurlique makeup remover smells faintly of calendula (just a hint – not too overpowering) and doesn’t leave any oily residue. You can use it straight from the tube onto your fingertips and sort of massage it over your eyes that way, but I find it best to put a small amount on a cotton wool ball – that way you can use the other side of the cotton wool to wipe it away afterwards.
Another nice thing about this Jurlique product is the packaging. It comes in an aluminium tube which “squeezes” consistently – no splurges of makeup remover all over the place. The tube is white with black writing – simple, pretty and sophisticated. And, of course, it contains no petro-chemicals, synthetic fragrances, synthetic colours, parabens, sulphates or phthalates – all good!
The Jurlique Eye Makeup Remover (£16.99) and other Jurlique products are available from Naturisimo.com.

Friday, 5 February 2010

A'kin Radiance Rosehip Oil Reviews

Review of A'kin Pure Radiance Rosehip Oil
by Anisa B.
The A'kin Radiance Rosehip Oil comes in a medicinal type glass bottle with a dropper. Since you only need 3-4 drops each time, I find it is easy to dispense the right amount each time.

The A'kin Rosehip Oil is a dark golden amber colour and has a herbal/woody smell that is unusual but does not last on the skin. It has a lighter texture than olive oil for e.g. and spreads easily and absorbs quickly onto the skin without it feeling greasy like most oils. 3-4 drops is sufficient for the face and neck and therefore a bottle will generally last 3-4 months. A’kin says that the rosehip oil contains 100% Rosa Canina Seed Extract which is certified organic and it is also rich in Pro Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Omega 3, 9 and 6.

I was thrilled to receive the A'kin Rosehip Oil to review as it is a product I’ve been using religiously for approximately 6 months so I feel very confident in its effectiveness. I started using this because I had scars that I wanted to get rid of and I was looking for hydration for my skin as every moisturiser I had been using was still leaving my skin with dry areas around parts of my face. Within a couple of days of using this product, I noticed that all those dry areas were gone, my skin felt softer and was glowing naturally. I have since carried on using it and I have found that my scars and discolouration have faded dramatically, and my skin rejuvenates itself a lot quicker. It is one of those products that I will never be without! It is for anyone that is looking to have brighter skin, a more even skin tone, and to restore skin to a more balanced form. It is also an excellent product to use for wrinkles and for the prevention of wrinkles too. I cannot recommend it enough and have only praise for it!

The pros of A'kin Rosehip Oil are:
- It is good at fading marks/uneven skin tone
- It provides extra hydration for the skin
- It is not as oily and heavy as most oils
- It can be used anywhere
- It provides visible results
- It is suitable for all skin types
The cons are: None

The A'kin Pure Radiance Rosehip Oil (£15.99) and A'kin Products are available at Naturisimo.com

Thursday, 4 February 2010

Trevarno Day Cream Reviews

Review of Trevarno Organic Day Cream
by Elizabeth O.
Packaging: The trial sized Trevarno Organic Day Cream comes contained in a small transparent jar with screw top lid. The full sized versions – available in quantities of either 30ml or 60ml – are contained in a brightly coloured jar which also has a screw top lid and means that you have to dip your fingers into the jar in order to get to the product.
Application: The product is a very light and subtle cream that glides along the skin effortlessly before melting into it. It is absorbed quickly and easily and is not at all greasy and only a relatively small amount is required to moisturize the face and décolletage sufficiently. The cream imparts a healthy glow rather than a gloss or oily looking sheen to the face and though the glow appeared to fade gradually throughout the day I was left with skin that felt adequately moisturized and supple.
Ingredients: As the first beauty company to meet the Organic Farmers and Growers strict standards in order to gain formal organic certification, Trevarno’s Organic Day Cream is bursting with organic goodies, cruelty free and ethical ingredients and harbors no off-putting nasties such as chemical preservatives or stabilizers. Consisting of Organic Lavender Flower Water, Sunflower Oil, Vitamin E, Grapefruit Seed extract and Jojoba Oil to name a few, the cream is made up of an appealing list of simple ingredients which combined give off a fresh and pleasant natural scent which lingers subtly on the skin.
Results: The Trevarno Organic Day Cream performed well on my oily, combination skin. The drier areas of my face were well moisturized whilst the oilier patches were regulated and my complexion overall appeared improved, slightly brighter and took on a dewy look after only a few days of using the product. My skin which is at times sensitive and can be quite reactive was not at all aggravated by the cream which also acts as a lovely base beneath makeup, contributing to a smooth and even natural looking finish. The Trevarno Organic Day Cream performed well and is very reasonably priced and therefore would definitely make it onto my Christmas wish list.
Pros:
My sensitive skin was noticeably relived and soothed by the product.
It is absorbed easily and quickly and has a pleasant yet subtle scent.
It available with or without added SPF sun protection.
The cream makes for a great base beneath makeup.
Cons:
The product comes contained in a screw top jar which means there is a risk of contaminating the cream as a result of dipping your fingers into it.

The Trevarno Organic Day Cream ( £10.34) and Trevarno Skincare Products are available from Naturisimo.com

Tuesday, 2 February 2010

A’kin Creamy Cleanser & Toner Reviews

Review of A’kin Rose and Geranium Creamy Cleanser & Toner
by Louise M.
Packaging: This A’kin cleanser and toner is packaged in a very practical flip-top squeezy bottle which stands upside down so you can get to every last drop inside. The plastic also means that you don’t need to worry about it smashing which makes it practical for travel. Although it has a smart and classic aesthetic it is also made from recyclable plastic, which environmentally-conscious as well as beauty-conscious consumers will be pleased to hear.

Application: The texture of the A’kin cleanser & toner is wonderful; it has a rich, creamy texture when it comes out of the tube, but it turns to more of a cleansing milk as soon as it gets wet so does not feel too heavy on the skin. The sumptuous texture also means that it is not at all drying or tacky, which is often a problem for my very dry skin.

Ingredients: As you might expect from A’kin which calls itself ‘the purist company’ the ingredients are free from any parabens, mineral oils, artificial colours or scents and many other nasties. Similarly they do not use any animal-derived products or test on animals and use certified organic ingredients where possible. Once opened the bottle should last twelve months. I have extremely sensitive skin, especially on my face and I had no problem at all with this A’kin cleanser and toner which is very mild indeed. This product moisturises your skin with shea butter and tones it with witch hazel both tried and trusted natural ingredients. Above all others however my favourite ingredients have to be the rose flower water and geranium oil which give it a really luxurious feminine scent and makes it feel like a real treat to use.

Results: This A’kin product claims to be both a cleanser and a toner, and while I was certainly impressed by this first claim, I am less sure of its toning properties. I wear waterproof eye pencil every day and to my surprise the A’kin cleanser removed it all without any effort at all, my skin felt clean and moisturised with every use. However, I cannot say that I felt as though my skin had been obviously toned. Perhaps this is because I am used to a separate liquid toner, and would certainly be an excellent option for someone whose dry skin prevents them from using more astringent alternatives. In spite of this, A’kin Cleanser and Toner won me over and I would be happy to purchase it again.

Pros of the A'kin cleanser & toner:
It thoroughly removed even waterproof eye makeup without any need to scrub the skin.
It suits all skin types, even very sensitive and dry skins.
It smells divine, very feminine and luxurious.
It lasts for 12 months once open, giving you plenty of time to use all 225ml.

Cons:
The toning properties may not feel astringent enough for some.
As an Australian company some UK consumers may prefer a brand which has a smaller travel footprint.

The A’kin Rose and Geranium Creamy Cleanser & Toner (£13.99) and the full range of A'kin skin care are available at Naturisimo.com

Wednesday, 27 January 2010

Barefoot SOS Face and Body Cream Reviews

Review of Barefoot Botanicals SOS Rescue Me Face and Body Cream
by Debra S.

Packaging: Barefoot SOS Face and Body Cream packaging is basically a white tube and clear lid with lots of information on the front and back, including a logo, but no other images. This is a very simple and unimpressive packaging design with font print in turquoise, black and silver.
Application: It takes a few seconds to sink into the skin, but is very light and non-greasy. I would have preferred a more creamy concoction. It smelt like paradise, however, although it was definitely not overpowering. I would rate this as a fantastic fragrance in which I could smell both the lavender and orange blossom.
Ingredients: Well, the ingredients are listed on the packaging as containing: borage oil, shea butter, evening primrose oil, calendula, burdock, mahonia, French lavender, chamomile and orange blossom. The website also states that the Barefoot Botanicals SOS Cream ingredients include: neroli, comfrey and chickweed. There is a full list of every ingredient on the very simple to read website. I am happy with these, as they include some of my favourites and most trusted natural remedies for dry skin.
Results: I was incredibly impressed with the results of Barefoot Botanicals SOS Cream. I have some eczema on my elbows and noted that this cream was suitable for the condition. I must say it certainly was, as upon my very first application, it calmed this complaint down and it seemed to disappear with the second application. There were no allergic reactions at all, despite having very sensitive skin. Barefoot Botaniclas SOS Cream felt wonderful on both my face and neck and afterwards my skin felt really soft and silky to touch. I also used it on my hands, which are very dry at the moment, and, it made them instantly soft too. The results lasted for hours and hours. It is quite economical too, as I did not apply much. Barefoot Botaniclas SOS Cream is a fabulous cream which I would be very happy to buy…
Pros: No allergies at all
It smelt fantastic
Natural ingredients which I know and trustListed ingredients on the packaging
Cured my eczema, at least temporarily
Quenched my dry skin
Made my skin feel soft and silky to touch
Cured my eczema, at least temporarily
Quenched my dry skinMade my skin feel soft and silky to touch
Cons:
The packaging is a little cheap looking
It was not as rich as I prefer creams to be

Rosa Fina Nourishing Cleansing Milk Reviews

Review of Barefoot Botanicals Rosa Fina Nourishing Cleansing Milk
by Sally S.

Packaging: The Rosa Fina Cleansing Milk comes in a plastic pump dispensing bottle inside a beautiful box outer. I love the simplicity of the pump dispensing bottle, it gives out just the right amount. I was disappointed to see that the bottle is plastic though, I prefer glass as it’s easier to get recycled.

Application: The Rosa Fina cleanser is a light textured milk. It is refreshing to use and a little goes along way as you massage it into the face and neck. The best method of removing it is with a hot cloth or flannel. It can be used to remove eye make up too and did not sting my sensitive eyes at all. However I think it would struggle to remove waterproof mascara effectively.

Ingredients: The aroma of the Rosa Fina Cleansing Milk was gorgeous, a very sophisticated smell which made it very pleasant to use each day. The fragrance comes from the rosa damascena, juniper, frankincense and mandarin essential oils. The ingredients are 100 % natural and careful attention seems to have been placed on using refreshing, cleansing and detoxifying herbs to support the rosa mosqueta oil that is used through out the range for its firming properties.

Results: Having used the Rosa Fina cleanser for a while I have found my skin has remained problem free, the cleanser removes all traces of make up. My skin has felt a little drier since using the cleanser which is not a problem as it can be a tad oily if not treated properly.

Pros:
Fantastic dispensing pump delivers just the right amount.
Only requires a small amount of product so the 125ml will last ages.
Skin feels fresh and clean after using the cleanser.

Cons:
· Plastic bottle, I prefer glass.
· It did not remove my eye make up fully.
Barefoot Botanicals Rosa Fina Nourishing Cleansing Milk (£19.95) and Barefoot Botanicals products are available at Naturisimo.com

Tuesday, 24 November 2009

Weleda Skin Food Reviews

Review of Weleda Skin Food
by Linda B.
Packaging: The Weleda Skin Food comes in a metal tube in a recyclable box. The tube and box have different shades of green on them and both have a clean and neat design.
Application: The texture of the Weleda Skin Food is a very rich cream which glides over the skin easily. It absorbed very well and did not leave a greasy residue. This organic cream is gentle enough to use on the face yet effective enough to use on very dry areas such as elbows, hand, knees etc. I used it on the dry patches on my face every night for 4 nights and it corrected the dryness so I then only had to apply it once every 3 or 4 nights If you pat the Weleda Skin Food onto the face it avoids dragging the skin. Other areas can can have the cream rubbed in until it is absorbed. I also used it as a lip balm and my lips became soft and smooth after 3 days. As my hands can get very dry I applied a liberal amount at night and put on cotton gloves. I have never used such an effective hand cream before and my hands were soft and supple after 4 nights. I used it on my elbows, knees and ankles and it was very effective after a few days. These areas are now ‘flake‘ free and I cannot recommend this Weleda product highly enough. I will certainly make sure I always have some in my home. You only have to use a very small amount as a little goes a long way so use sparingly. Weleda Skin Food has been around since 1926 and is a nourishing, deep penetrating and hydrating treatment for the whole body. It is perfect as a skin remedy and helps protect the skin against the winter weather. After soothing the rough, dry irritated areas you do not have to use it every day as it is so effective.
Ingredients: Weleda Skin Food is completely natural and the full list of ingredients are printed very clearly on the box in Latin and English. The essential fatty acids and vitamin E from the organic sunflower seed oil moisturises and conditions the stubborn dryness. The organic Pansy and Rosemary leaf extract have mild antiseptic properties that calms dry irritations. The biodynamic and organic Calendula flower exctract has anti-inflammatory properties. The delicate fragrance is formed from refreshing essential oils including Sweet Orange and Lavendulae. It also contains lanolin and beeswax and is suitable for vegetarians.
Results: After using Weleda Skin Food for over 2 weeks my skin is soft, smooth and repaired. The results are amazing. I have not found anything so gentle and yet so effective to use on all areas of my face and body. This one product does the job of several other creams which are sold for one purpose.
I would recommend Weleda Skin Food to everyone especially if they have sensitive skin.
Pros:
1. It is gentle enough to be used by the whole family even on the most sensitive skin.
2. It is very effective at moisturising and conditioning all dry and rough areas no matter how bad they are.
3. It can be used as a protection against the winter weather - ideal for people who work outdoors.
4. It leaves skin feeling soft and smooth.
5. You only have to use a very small amount so it lasts a long time.
6. It is one product to replace several others.
7. It is very reasonably priced and has a long shelf life. (Up to 2 years)
Cons:
1. The scent takes a few minutes to disappear.

Weleda Skin Food (£6.95) and the full Weleda skincare range is available at Naturisimo.com.

Thursday, 19 November 2009

Pai Macadamia Rose Cream Reviews

Review of Pai Macadamia and Rose Dry Skin Cream
by Kelly B.
Packaging: I tried the sample jar of the Pai Macadamia and Rose Dry Skin Cream which is a clear glass screw top jar with white plastic lid. However the 30ml full size is a clear glass pump action bottle which would be more hygienic for more lengthy use. The Pai lettering is black and simple yet classy. The ‘P’ of the word Pai extends into a leaf like shape which appears to appropriately depict the natural ingredients always used by the brand.

Application: The texture of the Pai Macadamia and Rose Cream for dry skin is quite buttery and greasy. A little goes a long way as it seems to melt into your skin as butter would. I found the formulation uncomfortable on my skin as it was just too greasy for my taste. This texture must be due to the high content of macadamia nut oil. I found it too rich as a day cream so I used it as a night cream only. The sample pot gave me 7 uses for my face and neck, more than ample for you to decide if you like it enough to purchase the full size.The Pai Macadamia and Rose Dry Skin Cream's fatty texture seemed to create a film over my skin rather than ever being properly absorbed. My skin appeared to find it hard to breathe through the cream and after the third or fourth application it caused me to break out in a few spots. On the plus side, this organic face cream is gentle enough to use on the delicate eye area. It does not create any puffiness which rich creams used on the eye area often can. The scent of the Pai Macadamia and Rose Dry Skin Cream is extremely gentle, almost no scent, but very faint undertones of rose can be detected. I like the fact that the Pai organic cream is white so it will not stain the neckline of clothing.
Ingredients: The mainly organic ingredients of the Pai Macadamia and Rose Dry Skin Cream seem to be an impressive list of known skin hydrators and nourishers, such as; macadamia nut oil, apricot kernal oil, borage oil, shea butter, vitamin e, vitamin a, and manuka oil. Many of these ingredients are also tremendously anti-aging as is the added rose water, rose geranium and frankinscense. Plus importantly, no toxic preservatives.

Results: The Pai Macadamia and Rose Dry Skin Cream is certainly nourishing and my skin was noticeably softer and silkier whilst I was using it. It seemed to reduce some fine dehydration lines and took away a little redness. However I found it far too oily and it appeared to create a water tight barrier that my skin couldn't easily breathe through. I feel there are so many superior natural creams for dry skin such as Logona face creams, and particularly the Comvita Huni range which is fantastically hydrating and gives the skin a real glow.

Pros- A little goes a long way
- Suitable for delicate eye area
- Reduces dehydration lines
- Reduces redness
- Softening and nourishing
- Gentle scent
- White cream (no clothes staining).
Cons- Too greasy
- Difficult for skin to breathe through
- Too oily for daytime use
- Can cause break outs

Wednesday, 18 November 2009

Whish Pomegranate Shave Cream Reviews

Review of Whish Pomegranate Shave Cream
By Elisabeth O.

I couldn’t have been happier on the day the Whish Pomegranate Shave Cream landed at my door. Having wanted for some time to try a more natural alternative to the conventional shaving creams and gels that I have used before, I decided to put it to the test and set about waiting until the growth on my legs resembled Sherwood Forest before putting it to use.

Whipped to perfection the Whish Pomegranate Shave Cream is like a thick but light and silky creamy mousse. It smoothes over the skin with ease performing as though a lusciously protective barrier between the blade and the surface of the skin has been created. Due in part perhaps to the inclusion of a range of fortifying oils such as jojoba seed oil and pomegranate oil with organic shea butter, it feels more like a nourishing balm once applied and nothing like any other shaving cream that I have ever used. Owing to this the blade travels along the skin with a glide rather than dragging and even though there was an abundance of hair on my legs for it to see to, only a small amount of the Whis product was required for each. Both immediately after use and on the following day the skin on my legs appeared calm and moisturised in place of the dry and flaky aftermath brought on by shaving that I have become accustomed to. Whilst the product rinses away from the skin effortlessly, it took a few more swishes under the tap than I am used to before the blade on the razor appeared to be squeaky clean.

Whish shave cream does not produce any foam and once on the skin it is virtually translucent so calls for one to keep track of the areas that have just been shaven as there is no colour or foam in this product to act as a guide for you in use. The gorgeous and yummy scent is more bubble gum like than pomegranate and lingers subtly on the skin for some time after it has been used. This natural shave cream comes contained in a simple plastic bottle with pump dispenser functioning which takes a good few attempts to get working the first time but goes on to deliver just the right amount of product with a few pumps thereafter.

Having wanted to switch to more natural shaving creams for some time I found this one to be a great addition to my routine. Delivering on its promises to moisturise, soothe and nourish, those looking for a new shave cream who are undeterred by the significant price tag will discover that the Whish Pomegranate Shave Cream performs well, smells absolutely lovely and is loaded with plenty of ingredients that will have you saying yes please.
Pros: *Performs well and rinses away from the skin easily
*Leaves skin feeling moisturised after use
*The scent

Cons: Translucent appearance on application makes it difficult to distinguish between the shaved and unshaven areas
*Took some time to rinse blade clean
*The scent may deter some from the product


Whish Shave Cream with Pomegranate (£16.40) and the Whish Body range are available from Naturisimo.com.

Tuesday, 17 November 2009

Pai Organic Cleanser Reviews

Review of Pai Camellia & Rose Cleanser
by Sally S.
Packaging The Pai Camellia & Rose Cleanser is in a bottle with a pump action top, what a great feature! I firmly believe that the less you dip your fingers in a pot of cream the better. Dipping simply adds bacteria and the product goes off more quickly. The bottle comes inside a cardboard box, the font and packaging in general are classic, no fuss and clean in appearance.

Application The Pai Camellia & Rose cleanser has a soft light textured cream. This Pai product felt gentle and light as I massaged it into my face and neck, it quickly dissolved my make up and did not sting my eyes as I cautiously decided to test their claims that it is suitable for removing eye make up. The fragrance is light, a little rosy and geranium smelling, pleasant and very subtle. I removed Pai cleanser from around my eyes with damp cotton pads and it removed my entire eye make up, for my face and neck I used a muslin cloth which was perfect for gently exfoliating too.

Ingredients
The ingredients list is refreshingly simple and nutritious. The camellia oil is said to be packed full of omega 3 and vitamins A, B, C & E and sweet almond oils nourish the skin whilst the rose water soothes. There appear to be no dubious ingredients sneaked in which could be due to it having the soil association stamp of approval.

Results I used the Pai cleanser for several days and found it kept my normal (ish) skin balanced and even. My skin felt soft not taught after using and completely fresh and clean.

Pros: It softened my skin whilst it cleansed.
Wonderful for sensitive skins, so gentle yet thorough.
I love the pump design to prevent waste and contamination.
The 125ml bottle should last 8-12 weeks- fantastic value for money!

Cons: The smell is so subtle it’s a little boring to use.


The Pai Camellia & Rose Cleanser (£20.00) and Pai Organic are available from Naturisimo.com

Monday, 16 November 2009

Rawganic Product Reviews

Review of Rawganic Moisturising Soap
by Ruth H.

Packaging
: The Rawganic Moisturising Soap is packaged in a simple but effective paper wrapper, which contains details of the product itself and the ingredients. It also shows that the product has met the Soil Association organic standard.

Application
: Although I don’t usually use soap as I find it makes my skin dry, this Rawganic product was surprisingly effective. The Rawganic bar contains bitter orange and juniper oils which make is smell beautiful, and the texture is very creamy. It doesn’t lather like ordinary soap does, but this is due to the lack of sodium laureth sulphate in this product. The lack of lather did not detract from its effectiveness, and my skin felt thoroughly clean after using the soap, but without the usual dryness I associate with ordinary soap.

Ingredients: The Rawganic soap contains over 98% of certified organic ingredients, and uses essential oils rather than synthetic fragrance. The product is non-GM and doesn’t contain parabens, sodium laureth sulphate, synthetic colourants, formaldehyde or urea which can all cause skin problems. The ingredients are clearly listed and give you confidence that the product itself is of a high quality, and will be kind to your skin.

Results: The Rawganic soap is marketed as ‘a gentle cleansing and moisturising soap containing organic juniper and bitter orange’. I think that this product lives up to the claims. The texture of the soap is creamy and it does smell beautiful. The Rawganic company also claim that their products are suitable for everyone including those with sensitive and delicate skin, and again this organic soap lives up to the claim. From the usage so far it appears that the bar will last for some time, and this is another of its advantages. I would definitely buy this soap again, and now I have tried this item from the Raw Organic range I will be looking to see what other items are available.
Pros: Lovely scent
Long lasting product
Ingredients which are good for sensitive/dry skin
Cons: None noted as yet.
The Rawganic Moisturising Soap (£3.50) and the Rawganic skincare line are available from Naturisimo.com

Tuesday, 10 November 2009

Pai Chamomile and Rosehip Cream Reviews

Review of Pai Chamomile and Rosehip Face Cream for sensitive skin.
by Caroline S.
Packaging Pai Chamomile and Rosehip Face Cream is supplied for use in a glass pump-action dispenser bottle, which prevents contamination of the cream with fingers and helps to ensure freshness. The packaging is clear and enables you to see how much product is left at all times. Definitely something you would be happy to have on display in the bathroom.

Application The Pai organic cream initially appeared to be quite thick, of an almost custard-like consistency. However, upon application, you realise that, yes, it is thick, but thick in the same way as whipped cream - dense but very light and silky. It absorbs almost instantaneously into the skin, which I have to admit, surprised me given that its consistency. This Pai cream feels thick but is not greasy in the least. It does not sit on the skin and it does not clog. In fact, I actually found that it absorbed so quickly that I was using more of it than I had expected to, in order to adequately cover my whole face. Once the cream has sunk into the skin, it leaves a very matte finish and "dry" surface, so it is perfect for applying underneath make up. It is also great for people who don't like the feel of a "heavy" cream - as it certainly does feel as though you are bare-faced, it is so light. The smell of this Pai face cream is rather strong upon application and it lasts for a considerable amount of time. If you like the smell of chamomile then you will like this - but if strong herbal smells are not your cup of tea then you might find this a little difficult to adjust to.
I could definitely also smell the rose geranium oil in the cream, however the lavender and neroli oils were overpowered by the chamomile, which was a shame as neroil is probably my favourite essential oil and helps to lift your mood.

Ingredients Certified organic, cruelty free and suitable for vegans.Chamomile, vitamin e and manuka oil are known for their soothing and calming properties. Rosehip, vitamin e and manuka oil are renowned for their ability to heal the skin. Neroli, rosemary and lavender are used to balance the skin and prevent outbreaks of spots/rashes and help to prevent blockages in the pores.

Results For the past few weeks I have been using medicated eye drops, which have caused me to have raised sore, red areas on the skin around the outer corners of my eyes. I tried the Pai organic cream morning and night and was surprised to find that there WAS a noticeable difference after only a couple of days. There was a significant reduction in redness and also skin sensitivity. My skin overall is slightly sensitive but this organic cream was soothing and moisturising and didn't irritate in the least. After using it twice a day for two weeks, I can honestly say that it does moisturise and soften the skin with obvious results. I found it easy to apply and it left me with soft, smooth skin. It wasn't too heavy to use sparingly around the eye area either - which is a brilliant way to save money if you don't want to spend on a separate eye cream. I am impressed with the price of the Pai Chamomile and Rosehip cream as, even though I feel like I am using a large amount per application, I don't actually appear to have used as much as I thought and there is still plenty of product left. This compares very favourably to more high-priced moisturisers I have used and I am definitely going to explore the rest of the Pai skincare range. I am prone to very dry areas around the chin and cheeks (especially in Winter), so I am going to try the Pai Macadamia and Rose cream specifically for dry skin. I feel that the Chamomile and Rose might not quite meet the needs of skin that is especially dry - although it definitely WILL soothe and help to heal dry areas that are also sore. I will certainly continue to use the Pai Chamomile & Rosehip cream for the foreseeable future and mix it with others from the range as the needs of my skin alter.

Pros Fantastic texture, rich and creamy but light
Absorbs quickly with no need for rubbing
Brilliant for wearing under make up
Very soothing on delicate/sore areas
Helps to reduce visible redness of sore areas
Great price for a really high quality product
Cons Strong herbal smell which doesn't wear off quickly - may not appeal to everyone
May not be moisturising enough for very dry skin types

Friday, 6 November 2009

Weleda Almond Cleansing Lotion Reviews

Review for Weleda Almond Cleansing Lotion
by Elisabeth B.

Packaging:
The Weleda Almond Cleansing Lotion is contained within a metal tube. I particularly like this form of packaging - it is easy to see how much product you have left and it is also possible to squeeze every last drop from the tube. Many of the Weleda products come in glass bottles and are therefore not ideal for travel, but the Weleda Almond cleanser would be perfect as it is lightweight with no extra bulky or unnecessary packaging. It is simple and wholly recyclable in line with the company’s ethos.

Application: The Weleda Almond Cleansing Lotion is light, creamy and cooling on application. I have sensitive skin but did not experience any adverse reactions whatsoever. I used this product to cleanse in the morning and did not have to wait any amount of time for my skin to completely settle before applying moisturiser - something I often have to do when using other cleansing products. The Weleda Almond cleanser is unperfumed but has a light almond fragrance, which is very pleasant. I only wear a light amount of makeup but as this product is so gentle I did not expect it to be able to adequately remove it. However, on testing it did so perfectly. The cleansing lotion is easily removed with warm water, but adding a muslin cloth to the routine adds a little exfoliation to an otherwise extremely gentle product

Comments:
I particularly like to apply the Weleda Almond Cleansing Lotion before my morning shower and to leave on for a couple of minutes whilst in the shower before washing off. Normally my skin feels dry, taught and slightly irritated after a hot shower, but when using this product my skin is calm, comfortable and hydrated.

Ingredients: Weleda skincare is a range that believes in the consistent use of biodynamically grown, fresh ingredients. Reassuringly there isn’t a long list of ingredients for the Weleda cleansing lotion - good news for sensitive skin. Although very gentle this product still provides an effective cleanse, lactic acid is one ingredient that gently loosens dirt from the pores without irritating skin.

Results: This is one of the first cleansers I am able to use without experiencing even the slightest irritation at all. I would highly recommend it to those with sensitive skin or to anyone looking for a gentle cleansing product. As I have already mentioned, the fact that the Weleda Almond Cleansing Lotion does not cause any reaction at all, leaving my skin so calm that I can immediately follow with moisturiser and makeup is the reason I will almost certainly purchase this product in the future.

Pros: Extremely gentle and perfect for sensitive skin
Leaves skin feeling soft, calm and clean
Packaging is minimal and ideal for travel
Inexpensive but very good quality

Cons: Perhaps won’t give a deep enough cleanse for some skin types
May struggle to remove heavy, waterproof makeup

Weleda Almond Cleansing Lotion (£6.95)and the full range of Weleda skincare products are available from Naturisimo.com

Tuesday, 3 November 2009

Balance Me Super Moisturising Wash Reviews

Review of Balance Me Super Moisturising Wash
by Shona B.
Packaging
The transparent flip top plastic bottle of the Balance Me Body Wash is quite squeezy so you can get the last drops out. The packaging is practical but a bit boring and not that stylish on your bathroom shelf. The white writing on a yellow background is very hard to read and it is not clear weather it’s a body wash or face wash. On further investigation I found that it was a body wash.
Application
This Balance Me product claims to nourish, cleanse and clear impurities whilst calming dry or irritated areas. I found it cleaned my skin well but left it a little dry and itchy and I had to use body oil after using the wash. The gel like texture of this wash is smooth and pleasant. It feels quite light but thick. You only need a little as it spreads well but it doesn’t foam very much. If you want foam I would suggest using a body puff. I also tried it as a hand wash but it didn’t foam enough to make me feel like my hands were clean after using it.
The smell was pleasant enough, mainly a sort of musky patchouli smell with a slight sweetness. It didn’t linger on my skin, which is probably a good thing because I think it would probably clash with a lot of fragrances. It was quite a relaxing smell so better for an evening bath rather than a morning shower. I found I liked it best after the gym to soothe and relax my muscles. The bath was easy to clean after use, which is always a bonus!
Ingredients
Almost 99% natural the Balance Me moisturising body wash is free from parabens, sulphates, DEA, PEGS, petroleum, mineral oil, artificial fragrances and colours, silicones and propylene glycol. It does contain shea butter, lavender, patchouli, geranium, bergamot and yarrow. The product carries the EcoCert stamp but the 5% organic ingredients do not carry the Soil Association mark.
Results
Although I’ll happily finish the bottle I have I don’t think I’ll buy it again. Personally I prefer zestier fragrances and I like lots of foam! I will however be trying other Balance Me products in the range as I was impressed with the ingredients and the quality of the wash (even if it doesn’t quite suit my dry skin).
Pros:
Easy to use and wash off
Fragrance doesn’t linger on the skin so won’t clash with any fragrances
Relaxing smell
Good ingredients
Cons:

Left my dry skin a little drier and itchy so that I had to use body oil afterwards
It wasn’t clear what the product was actually for
Doesn’t foam very much
Best For: A relaxing evening bath for people who have “normal” skin and like musky fragrances.


Balance Me Super Moisturising Wash (£12.00) and Balance Me Skin Care are available from Naturisimo.com