Dr Sebagh Deep Exfoliating Face Mask Review

For results driven skincare products Dr Sebagh is your man. Whether you suffer with acne-prone skin or want to prevent ageing, his products deliver on the promises written on the packaging. Lacking the surgical scent that you might associate with more prescriptive brands, the Deep Exfoliating Face Mask is full of surprises. 

With a smooth gel-like texture, the formula is easy to apply across your face and neck - avoid your eye area though. Keep the face mask on for ten minutes, you will feel a slight tingly in some areas as the lactic acid gets to work. Then simply wash off and you'll be left with a fresh glowing complexion for days.

The smooth formula means you don't have to worry about over-scrubbing your skin, however, while the instructions say to use once to twice a week, make sure you don't over use this product, especially if you have sensitive skin.

Dr Sebagh Deep Exfoliating Face Mask is £59 and available from Drsebagh.com. 

Rating: 10/10 - the results make this product a no-brainer.

Louise Gray Nail Polish Review

With a reputation for bright colours and bold designs, Louise Gray's make-up range for Topshop was never going to be an array of traditional autumnal shades in traditional powdery formulations. In keeping with Gray's trademark style the collection is a mix of eclectic pinks, oranges, greens and a rather impressive blue eyeliner.

Despite the bold shades, all the products are wearable with the most accessible being the nail polish. With chunky pieces of glitter, the polishes tap nicely into the glitter beauty trend for AW12, while the range of colours brighten the tone.

The pink shade needs at least two layers if you're wearing it on its own, but it also doubles up as a sparkly top coat. Watch out for the painting the glitter pieces too close to your tips though as they chip much easier.

Louise Gray's Nail Polishes are available now from Topshop.com for £6.50.

Rating: 9/10 - Perfect for adding a touch of sparkle to your Autumn wardrobe.

Aerin Rose Lip Conditioner Review

There has been a lot of speculation as to what to expect from Aerin's, heiress to the giant Estee Lauder company, brand new collection which takes her name. Having revealed that the beauty line would be a collection of essentials from a foundation and lip conditioner with lipstick to a hand and body cream and a selection of brushes.

Drawing inspiration from her favourite things, Aerin's aim was to create a range of essential products that offer women effortless beauty. The Rose Lip Conditioner comes in a clean and chic tube, familiar but not too similar to the traditional Estee Lauder packaging, and has a strong rose scent. 

The consistency is quite thick, but doesn't leave a sticky finish - it's more balm-like, which makes it feel instantly moisturising. Coming in 'nude', the lip conditioner gives lips a slight shimmer, but nothing too obvious. 

As far the Rose Lip Conditioner goes, Aerin has succeeded in her aim to make effortless, but still luxurious essential beauty buys. However, the apple does fall too far from the tree and this collection will be an instant hit with loyal Estee Lauder fans, but most people might struggle to define the difference between Aerin and Estee Lauder.

Aerin's Rose Lip Conditioner launches in September from Esteelauder.co.uk.

Rating: 8.5/10 - It does everything required, but hopefully when they add to the range in seasons to come they will add a few tinted conditioners too. 

Ilia Lipstick Review

Using a combination of waxes, Ilia lipsticks are as natural as lipsticks get and have a super soft, balmy texture. Admittedly you do have to reapply the colour throughout the day, but the hint of a tint shades make it possible to slap on your stick without the help of a mirror.

The nourishing formula is focused more on conditioning rather than colouring lips and is packed full of natural moisturisers including jojoba oil, cocoa butter and vitamin E. The actual name for these lip products is actually 'lip conditioners' for this reason, but they look and give the finish of a very slightly glossy lipstick. With a bold vs soft colour range, there is definitely a shade and finish for everyone in the six-shade collection .

While the lip balm texture and natural credentials are impressive, it is the chic packaging that steals the show. Made in the place as Tom Ford, the recycled aluminum gives the collection a luxury finish.

Ilia lipsticks are £20 each and available online from Beingcontent.com.

Rating: 7/10 - it's really rare that you find a natural beauty brand that offers such a luxurious product. Plus the limited edition lipsticks come in amazing pops of colour!  

Hydraluron Moisture Booster Review

While dry skin lacks oil, dehydrated skin lacks water. Often the two very different skin problems can cause confusion. Fine lines under your cheekbones as well as a lack of spring-back suppleness when you pinch your cheeks are telltale signs that skin is dehydrated. Luckily, Indeed Lab’s Hydraluron Moisture Booster can help resuscitate lacklustre skin within hours, quite literally.

The gel formula is packed full of hydrating goodness including marine red algae and the star ingredient, hyaluronic acid which promises to retain water and increase skins elasticity by up to 27%. While the super absorbent gel might leave the skin almost matte-like, once you’ve applied your day cream over the top you will feel the benefits of this product. Make sure you apply to your neck too to avoid the crepe look, especially if you are concerned with ageing.

Within a few hours skin does feel smoother, softer and more moisturised. However this is the kind of product that you might only use when you need that added burst of moisture rather than everyday as it can be too much.   

Hydraluron Moisture Booster is £24.99 and available from Boots.com.

Rating: 6/10 – for those in need of an extra boost you’ll be thankful for this product, but it’s not a skincare essential.

Ojon Dry Recovery Revitalising Moisture Mist Review

Someone said that Ojon's Dry Recovery Revitalising Moisture Mist is to your hair what water is to your skin in hot climates, and they weren’t wrong. Using an abundance of natural moisturising ingredients including lemongrass and ginseng, the spray seriously hydrates thirsty tresses. So, with summer officially upon us it seems only right to spritz away

 

The light consistency doesn't leave hair feeling lank or weighed down at all, instead it simply tames frizz and flyaways while giving hair a boost of moisture. For this reason, Ojon's Moisture Mist is an ideal hair product to use before styling as well as on the beach or in hot weather.

 

Ojon's Dry Recovery Revitalising Moisture Mist is £20 and available from Ojon.co.uk.

 

Rating: 10/10 - Doubling up as a styling prep product and an instant hydrator makes this spray more than worthwhile buying for summer.

Clarins 3 Dot Liner Review

Moving away from the standard felt tip or pencil liners, Clarins is transforming the way we use our eyeliner this season with its new and innovative design. Make way for the 3-Dot Liner. With three ink dispensers, the idea behind this new beauty product is that by pressing along the base of the your lashes you can achieve a straight and even line by simply joining up the dots.

The actual pads are soft on your eyelids and the formula dries quickly, so you don't need to worry about smudging. For those wanting to give lashes a thicker more volumised finish, this liner is the perfect companion for any mascara.

While it does take two applications to build up a rich jet black shade and strong line, once the formula has dried it doesn't budge or fade. So much so, you will need a very good eye make-up remover to take it off at night.

Clarins 3-Dot Liner, £20 and is available from Clarins.co.uk from September.

Rating: 10/10 - For those wanting a define their eyes with a classic liner look, this beauty product will put an end to your daily struggle of making both eyes look the same. Put simply, this eyeliner makes eye make-up hassle-free.  

Garnier BB Miracle Skin Perfector Oil Free Review

With last summer's success with that BB cream it will come as no surprise that Garnier have launched a new, improved formula this year to steal the 2012 prize for the best BB cream. Enter, Garnier BB Miracle Skin Perfector Oil Free. Using super absorbing ingredients, the formula literally soaks up excess oil, with special attention directed to the forehead and T-zone areas, to leave skin with an almost matte finish.

The texture is soft and light making it easy to apply and blend. With the added benefit of SPF20 protection it is genuinely quite difficult to find fault with this product, especially as a summer beauty buy. It is ideal for anyone looking for a lighter form of coverage or to cover up blemishes. 

Garnier's BB Miracle Skin Perfector Oil Free is £9.99 and available from Boots.com.

Rating: 9/10 - As with all of the BB creams, you will still need to wear moisturiser underneath as it doesn't quite do everything.

Omorovicza Glam Glow Self Tanner Review

With its rich, creamy gel-like consistency and off-white colour, Omorovicza’s Glam Glow Self Tanner looks more like a heavy night cream than a self tan, but looks are deceiving. Smother your skin in this fake tan before bed and you wake up with gorgeous sun kissed skin, especially on your face and neck area. Like most sunless tans, the more you apply the darker you go, but luckily the formula doesn’t rub off onto your sheets.

Be warned though, exfoliating is absolutely essential before applying this self-tan as otherwise it can go patchy and give you an uneven finish.

Like all of Omorovicza’s other products, Glam Glow does include the brands famous patented mineral delivery system, Mineral Cosmetology, to help firm and de-age skin. It is also fragranced with citrusy lemon and tangerine to disguise the telltale fake tan smell, although this does make an appearance as the tan develops unfortunately.  

Omorovicza’s Glam Glow Self Tanner is £46 and available from Omorovicza.com.

Rating: 8/10 – The perfect fake tan for your face, but it does have the traditional fake tan smell as it develops.

This Works Perfect Legs Gradual Tan Review

Easy, instant and most importantly even, This Works Perfect Legs Gradual Tan is one stop shop for natural-looking tanned legs in a matter of days. With a loose, tinted lotion you can use the self-tan like you would a body moisturiser and the colour is instant making it simple to spot where you need to apply more.

While the instructions suggest using the self-tan three days in a row this will make it much harder to remove eventually, so try just twice a week. The colour is strong enough to give you a gorgeous golden glow without needing to apply it too often.

Despite the name you can use this product on the rest of your body too!

This Works Perfect Legs Gradual Tan is £38 and is available from Thisworks.com.

Rating: 9/10 – Easy to use and results driven, this is the perfect self-tan for even the most clueless sunless tanners.

Benefit Ultra Plush Lip Gloss Review

The name ‘lip gloss’ is almost deceiving as Benefit’s new lip product has a sticky-free formula that feels more like a balm. Gone are the days of a mouthful of hair on a windy day, instead Benefit has created a truly intriguing lip product with the soft texture and shimmery finish.

With nourishing ingredients such as shea butter, the Ultra Plush Lip Gloss’ won’t leave your lips feeling dry either.

There’s more to the lip gloss than just a good formula though. Each gloss is paired with one of Benefit’s best selling powders including bronzed Hoola and pretty Dandelion. For a pop of colour to compliment your summer tan opt for Coralista!

Benefit Ultra Plush Lip Gloss is £14.50 and will be available from Benefitcosmetics.co.uk from July.

Rating: 10/10 – Teaming a balm with a gloss is genius and there’s a shade to suit everyone.

Liz Earle Healthy Glow Cream Blush Review

Following on from the successful launch of the tinted moisturiser last year, Liz Earle has created a whole make-up range. In keeping with the brand's style, the collection is straight-forward, easy to use and most products are multi-taskers. 

The Healthy Glow Cream Blush does exactly what it says on the box. With a soft texture you can apply with your fingers or a brush directly onto the apples of your cheeks and then blend down your cheekbones for a more defined finish.

For a fresh country-walk glow opt for the ‘Peony’ shade. While it might look bright in the compact, it is easy to blend and will give your cheeks a gorgeous rosy touch. The Cream Blush can also be used on lips too to complete your look.

Liz Earle’s Healthy Glow Blush is £16.50 and available from Lizearle.com.

Rating: 9/10 – Quick and easy to use – a great handbag beauty buy.

Tom Ford Cream Color For Eyes Review

Mr Ford has done it again and blown the beauty industry away with his latest make-up offerings. Soft to touch and simple to use, the velvety cream color for eyes eyeshadows are easily this summer’s must-have make-up buy.

Whether you apply with your finger or with a brush, the cream glides onto your lids with no need to blend or layer up the colour. The finish is a gorgeous, sexy shimmer without a hint of glitter, making it the perfect eye make-up to compliment your summer glow.  Long-lasting with no need to keep reapplying or fear of the colour fading, makes this beauty buy the perfect investment.

Tom Ford’s Cream Color For Eyes is £28 and available from Selfridges.com.

Rating: 10/10 – it is worth every penny and a little goes a long way, so the pot will last beyond the summer.

Sarah Chapman Instant Miracle Mask Review

When it comes to skincare, Sarah Chapman knows her stuff, but even so nothing will prepare you for her Instant Miracle Mask. With brown sea algae, vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, the rubbery face mask literally feeds your skin with all of the essential goodness it needs.

Admittedly it can be messy to mix the powder and you need to be quick on your feet with applying as the face mask sets within minutes. Try to get an even coverage all over your face and neck as much as possible, which will make it easier to peel off.

Skin underneath feels smooth and soft with a radiant, healthy glow, and pores are much smaller and less visible.

Sarah Chapman’s Instant Miracle Mask is £38 for 4 sachets from Sarahchapman.net.

Rating: 9/10 – it can be messy, but your skin will look and feel amazing for days after. In essence this is real skin food.

Bobbi Brown Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening Mascara Review

It's one of the best selling beauty brands - if not the top performer for John Lewis judging by the size of the new counter in the Oxford Street flagship store - and Bobbi Brown has countless award-winning products including the beauty editors favourite, the long wear gel liner and gorgeous the shimmer bricks. Surprisingly though none of Bobbi Brown's mascaras have taken home any prizes.

The Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening Mascara launched last year and does exactly what it promises: longer, glamorous lashes in seconds. With widely spaced bristles, the wand combs through lashes, separating and coating each lash without even a hint of clumping. The deep black colour rules out the need for a second coat and the formula stays put all day, so much so you will need a good eye make-up remover to take it off.

Creating a mascara that creates impressively long lashes with no clumps for less than £20 is no mean feat - Bobbi Brown we salute you. 

Bobbi Brown's Lash Glamour Extreme Lengthening Mascara is £18,  available from Bobbibrown.co.uk.

Rating: 8/10 - Great mascara for adding definition and length, but those who prefer volume might not be 100% content.

Bourjois Liner Feutre Review

With a felt tip end, Bourjois’ Liner Feutre offers optimum precision for those who like a flicked corner.

The black colour does need layering to achieve a jet black finish, but the formula dries within seconds so it is quick and easy to apply. The winning feature of this eyeliner though is its staying power. If you’re someone who likes a bold block of eyeliner on your top lid, but are fed up with the smudging and printing onto your browline, then this is a liquid liner for you. Come rain or shine this eyeliner stays in place all day long.

Bourjois Liner Feutre is £6.99 and is available from Boots.com.

Rating: 8/10 – While it takes a couple of attempts to achieve a rich black shade, the longevity makes this liquid eyeliner one of the best available. Plus you get change from a tenner!

Nude Cleansing Facial Oil Review

With a nourishing formula, Nude’s Cleansing Facial Oil is perfect for dry to combination skin. Together omega 3, which gives skin a moisture boost and improves texture, and vitamin E condition and protect skin.

Warm the oil up in your hands and then massage it into dry skin, including around your eyes, then add some warm water but continue to massage the cleanser into your skin. The formula should foam ever so slightly and change to more of an off-white colour.

The key part of this beauty product is that it encourages you to really massage the oil into your skin giving you a much deeper cleanse. Once you’ve rinsed your face and towel dried it, you’ll notice instantly that while it feels fresh and lean, it also feels soft and smooth. Plus you’re make-up has been removed too.

Jasmine and gardenia extracts give the cleanser a soothing fragrance making it a great pre-bedtime beauty ritual.

While the price does feel expensive for an everyday skincare product, you’ll be surprised at how little you actually need to use for your face and neck.

Nude Cleansing Facial Oil is £24 and available from Nudeskincare.com.

Rating: 8/10 – This is a great cleanser, especially if your skin is really dry and sore. Although I’m not sure it’s the perfect cleanser for all skin types as they suggest.

Topshop Sisters Of The New Moon Crystal Lipstick Review

Topshop has definitely put the fun back into make-up with the SS12 Sisters of the New Moon collection, most namely the lipstick in Crystal shade. To look at, the lipstick looks like it might belong to Barbie with the bubblegum pink flecked with glitter. However once it’s on lips the finish is wearable with a gorgeous shimmer and hint of pink.

As ever with lipsticks you will need to reapply this one throughout the day and evening, but it’s a fun colour with quirky packaging, making Topshop’s lipstick perfect for the summer and setting off your sun kissed glow. It’s selling out, so you’ll need to be fast though!

Topshop’s Sisters of the New Moon Lipstick in Crystal is £9 and available from Topshop.com.

Rating: 8/10 – Yes you’ll need to give lips a swipe of lip balms after wearing this lipstick and it doesn’t last all day, but it’s a fun lipstick in a shimmery shade! If you can get your hands on it’s definitely worth buying!

Olay Essentials Complete Care Day Lotion Review

Its light, moisturising and subtly scented, Olay’s new Essentials Complete Care Day Lotion is a great budget moisturiser. With an SPF30 it also offers higher sun protection than most of the premium beauty brands too.

The lotion soaks in quickly without leaving a sticky or greasy feeling behind and skin feels soft and moisturised throughout the day. Vitamin B3, B5 and E make sure skin gets the necessary nutrients and protection.

While you will need to use at least two pumps to cover your face and neck area fully, the lower price and overall quality make this a good value for money moisturiser.

Olay’s Essentials Complete Care Day Lotion is £10.29 available from Boots.com.

Rating: 10/10 – The perfect day cream for summer with the protection and price tag to keep your skin and purse happy.

Dolce and Gabbana Perfect Finish Concealer Pen Review

Dolce & Gabbana’s Perfect Finish Concealer Pen is as luxurious as a concealer can get packaging wise and the formula isn’t far off.

The soft brush tip makes it easy to apply and the consistency is silky allowing you to use your finger to blend. The formula dries within seconds and has a discreet, matte finish to disguise dark circles.

Concentrate on the area below the inner corner of your eye and try adding a touch of concealer to the sides of your nose where it meets your eye socket at the narrowest part – you’ll be surprised at how much brighter and wider your eyes look!

Make sure you use your eye cream before the Dolce & Gabbana concealer though otherwise the finish can look a little chalky. 

Dolce and Gabbana’s Perfect Finish Concealer Pen is £24 and available exclusively from Harrods.com.

Rating: 5/10 – It’s tough to give this beauty product too high a rating as it is competing with the original, YSL’s Touche Eclat, which is only £2 more and comes in seven more shades. 

Pixi Endless Silky Eye Pen Review

Soft gel liners are rarely smudge-proof and Pixi’s Endless Silky Eye Pen is no exception. While the smudging is disappointing, the softness of the eyeliner does come in handy and makes it easy to apply – it literally glides on to your eyelids.

If you’re a smoky eye fan the softer texture is without a doubt a bonus as you can use your finger or a brush to blend, however the eyeliner doesn’t smudge too much, so you can still frame and define your eyes.

While it might smudge, the formula is relatively waterproof and will make your eye make-up remover prove its worth.

For less than a tenner, Pixi’s Endless Silky Eye Pens are definitely worth trying out as they have impressively intense shades. In fact, they’re definitely one of the better gel eyeliners in this price bracket, especially if you enjoy experimenting with different shades.

Pixi’s Endless Silky Eye Pens are £9.50 each and available from Boots.com.

Rating: 5/10 – Good value for money considering the rich colours, but not necessarily a must-have eyeliner for all ages.

Sanctuary Skin Perfecting BB Cream Review

Yet another BB cream to hit the beauty shelves, but is it as good as the popular Garnier BB cream? The Sanctuary’s Skin Perfecting BB Cream is slightly more expensive and promises to hydrate, illuminate and protect skin.

The ingredients list looks promising with hydrating hyaluronic acid and nourishing grape seed oil on top of several silcas to soak up excess oil and disguise fine lines.

When put to the test, the Sanctuary's BB cream isn’t bad. Although the shade comes out scarily dark, the tone lightens as you apply and does even out skin tone well. The lotion is light and soaks in quickly, and it does contain SPF 15 protection so it's ideal for everyday use.

While it doesn’t provide the same amount of coverage as your foundation and concealer might, the Sanctuary’s BB cream certainly gives your complexion a boost and makes your skin look brighter and healthier.

As with all BB creams though it won’t do the job of your moisturiser, so apply your day cream underneath.

Sanctuary’s Skin Perfecting BB Cream is £14.99 and available from Thesanctuary.co.uk.

Rating: 6.5/10 – There’s definitely enough to like about this beauty product, especially as it’s so light in texture, but it is not revolutionary in its results.

Gazelli Triple Youth Skin Balancing Cleanser Review

Mixing anti-ageing ingredients with a cleanser is a tricky business, but Gazelli, a father and daughter skincare brand from Azerbaijan, has nailed it with their Triple Youth Skin Balancing Cleanser. The secret to their success is the White Healing Oil, which is found in the Naftalan region in Azerbaijan. The oil helps to boost skin cell renewal and nourish skin with its abundance of vitamins and nutrients.

With a creamy, loose consistency, this cleanser is easy to massage into your skin and does lather up slightly once mixed with water. The scent is similar to that of ginger, but is soft enough to make the cleanser smell and feel refreshing.

While your skin doesn’t feel tight after using Gazelli’s cleanser like it might with other anti-ageing products, it does feel as revitalised and most importantly, clean. It is worth noting that lack of tightness after cleansing is a good thing as if your skin does feel tight it can mean that too much natural oil and moisture has been stripped away.

The formula is packed full of essential oils, but it is still safe to use around your eyes without leaving them feeling sore and stinging, and it can be used on any skin type. After rinsing, your face and neck feels fresh, fully cleansed and soft courtesy of the vitamin B and C, which hydrates and nourishes.

Look out for the thoughtful poetry and sayings in scripted on the packaging too.

Gazelli’s Triple Youth Skin Balancing Cleanser is £18 and available exclusively from Urbanretreat.co.uk.

Rating: 10/10 – Perfect for adding a touch of luxury to what can be a very mundane part of your skincare regime!