Tried and tested: Body Polish
This is a lightly fragranced scrub that exfoliates with fine polyethylene beads. There are decent amounts of skin soothers in the formula but the fragrance and preservatives make this a less than ideal choice for sensitive types. It also lacks emollients so is best suited normal to oily skin.
This product is more fragrance than scrub. Scent is not skincare and can irritate and sensitise skin over time, promoting collagen breakdown. Beyond the extracts in the title, the formula contains patchouli, cedarwood and “herbaceous fruits”. There are no skin soothers, antioxidants or emollients.
This is a strongly-fragranced, sea salt-based scrub. Salt is an effective topical scrub but granules can damage skin’s hydro-lypidic barrier, making it harder for skin to retain moisture and increasing its vulnerability to environmental damage. The added citrus oils are certainly invigorating but also pose a risk of irritation.
This is an excellent scrub for normal to dry skin. The polyethylene beads exfoliate without harming skin’s natural moisture barrier. The formula contains luxurious quantities of argan oil, shea butter and sweet almond extract. The very tiny amount of fragrance should not trouble sensitive skin, especially as the product is wash-off.
This is a great option for dry and sensitive skin. The unfragranced powder provides light to medium coverage and broad-spectrum sun protection (though I recommend combining any makeup without SPF25 or higher with an SPF primer or moisturiser). The 17-shade range is very natural and does not get chalky with liberal application.
This is the best looking foundation of the four, composed of granules that go on sheer but can be built for enough coverage to even out blemish-prone skin. Confusingly, the brand says the powder provides “108% increase in hydration” but there are far more oil-controlling ingredients in the formula than moisturisers. It best suits normal-to-oily skin types. bareMinerals offers a broad, natural shade range.
This foundation’s finish is similar to that of a medium-coverage, matte powder. The granules are prone to caking so be prepared to buff periodically. The pink-based shades (Fair and Golden Rose) look quite unnatural and there really is no good colour option for the fair-skinned.
Pürminerals was one of the first brands to specialise in mineral makeup and their silky foundation is a great first product for anyone interested in the trend. It is called 4-in-1 because the makeup aims as foundation, powder, sunscreen and concealer. It makes good on the first three promises but the sunscreen is too weak to be your sole protection.
This is an exemplary waterproof mascara. The formula never flakes or smears and is truly waterproof. It also lengthens and thickens in a single application and without clumps. The only potential con is the price.
Good quality, budget mascara has been Maybelline’s speciality since 90’s hit Great Lash and most releases since can be relied upon to do a decent approximation of what it says on the tube. The Falsies gives great lift and separation and will only budge for a silicone or oil-based remover.
Clarins do great natural-look mascaras. This one is smudge and smear-proof and will separate nicely. The long, fine brush captures every lash. The formula adds a length but not quite the “double volume” the brand promises.
This mascara has extreme powers of adhesion, setting like rigor mortis and requiring lashings of makeup remover to cleanse. That said, there was some flaking and the short-bristled brush created clumps but not much volume. I did not like how dry and stiff the formula made my lashes feel.
CONNECT WITH US TODAY
Be the first to know the latest news and updates
