Monday, September 28, 2009

Jurlique Herbal Recovery Gel


Review of Jurlique Herbal Recovery Gel
By Antonietta L.

Packaging
This Jurlique Herbal Recovery Gel comes in a white glass bottle with a pump dispenser inside a simple yet beautifully designed carton box. The carton box is made in part of recycled fibre and the rest from FSC certified fibre.

Application
This Jurlique Recovery gel has a very light gel-type texture and one or two pumps are enough for the whole face and neck, so a little does go a long way. I have been using the serum for a month now. It absorbs quickly, however at first I always experience a slightly tingling sensation which disappears after a minute or two. I also experience a tightening or firming effect on my skin which I assume are the active ingredients doing its work. During the day I use it under Jurlique balancing day care cream which is an absorbing moisturizer ideal for the summer months. Both work very well in combination. During the night I have been using the serum on its own as its light texture feels nourishing enough.

I have normal to combination skin, but I’m prone to allergic reactions to some cosmetics or moisturizers. This serum has left my skin feeling silky and smooth and I haven’t experienced any adverse reactions. On the packaging the Jurlique Herbal Gel claims to restore, firm, hydrate and revitalize the skin. It doesn’t promise magic or wonder results, so I think it fulfills its claims.

Something I am not particularly fond of is its smell, probably as it comes from one of its herbal ingredients, I couldn’t really say which. But it doesn’t stay long once applied and it’s not like you have to cover your nose avoiding the smell (other people may find it rather pleasant…).

Ingredients
Jurlique products are made with herbs and flowers harvested by hand on organic and biodynamic farms. The ingredients list on the Jurlique gel includes evening primrose, licorice, chamomile, calendula and rose hip oil. All of which are known for their nourishing and anti-oxidant effect. There is no parabens so I’m quite happy that the product comes with an expiry date, which is what you expect from a product made mainly of natural ingredients without artificial preservatives.

Results
After using Jurlique Herbal Recovery gel, I haven’t experienced any adverse reactions and my skin feels quite smooth. However, I can’t say that my skin has been transformed or left looking ten years younger. I think this serum works really well as a maintenance product.

Pros:
It feels soothing on my skin and I have not had any allergic reactions.
It had a firming effect on my skin.
It works well under a richer moisturizer and under make-up.

Cons:
The smell is not very pleasant.

Jurlique Herbal Recovery Gel (£44.05) and other Jurlique products are available at naturisimo.com

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Lavera Basis Sensitiv Hand Cream


Review of Lavera Basis Sensitiv Hand Cream
By Tracey H

I have used handcream since my early teens. Frequent handwashing, dish-washing & general cleaning leaves my skin dry, and I hate that feeling.

Over the years I have tried just about every brand there is – paying £16 for Estee Lauder Mani Pedi or pennies for the cheapest budget brands – slapping it on at every opportunity when required.

When I began my ‘green and natural’ life, I did stop using chemical-laden products throughout the house and in my personal care regime. This has helped in that my skin no longer suffers the effects of exposure to these ‘nasties’. But sometimes just prolonged immersion in water can have a drying effect and I need a replenishing cream.

I had looked at hand creams made from only natural ingredients but never tried one. Most recently, I had resorted to using almond oil instead which, whilst effective and great for my nails and cuticles, isn’t easy to use without a mess!

This Lavera Basis sensitive hand cream is great - ticks all the boxes: a slight squeeze and the cream comes out, but no so fast you end up with half the tube at once, this Lavera hand cream absorbs quickly, does not leave a sticky residue and smells lovely!

The Lavera packaging is simple but I think promotes the product well. It does not make huge claims, instead leaving the consumer to make up her own mind.

The 30ml tube is perfect for keeping in your handbag – I took it everywhere & had lots of compliments on the delicious smell and how quickly it worked. I would not hesitate to recommend this Lavera Basis hand cream to anyone.

Lavera Basis Sensitiv Hand Cream (£5.63) and other Lavera products are available at naturisimo.com

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Essential Care Creamy Coconut Cleanser


Review of Essential Care Creamy Coconut Cleanser
By Hayley M.


Packaging: The Essential Care creamy coconut cleanser arrived in a white tube, inside a white box. The box is printed on 50% recycled, 50 % FSC controlled card.


Application: I applied the Essential Care coconut cleanser directly from the tube to the palm of the hand, then applied with fingertips to a moist face. It is a pale colour, and initially the clary sage fragrance was noted, with olive oil undertones. The cleanser can be removed with damp cotton pads or simply rinsed away, leaving you and your skin feeling refreshed and clear. This Essential Care cleanser does not lather, and I did not find it overly creamy. It melted into my skin easily and was removed to reveal a gentle coconut aroma.


Ingredients: This Essential Care product contains Soil Association Certified organic ingredients and is suitable for vegans.

Results:
Pros:
Smells gorgeous- reminds me of a tropical holiday
Suitable for Vegans
Not greasy- washes off easily
Effective cleanser to remove make up and suitable to use around the eyes
Its really nice, I would buy again
Cons:
I used a ½ teaspoon amount each time I applied the cleanser, so a tube would probably not last me a week (twice per day)

Essential Care Creamy Coconut Cleanser (£14.00) and other Essential Care products are available at naturisimo.com

Monday, September 21, 2009

Weleda Wild Rose Day Cream


Review of Weleda Wild Rose Day Cream
By Kathryn H.

Packaging.
The Weleda Wild Rose day cream came in an appropriately pink coloured tube. However, the tube is made from metal which can split causing the contents leak out and like wise the contents could become contaminated with bacteria via this route. When the tub does split it can be quite sharp.

Application
The Weleda rose day cream was cream coloured and had a beautiful aroma of rose musk. The consistency was quite light for a cream, however, it moisturised like a cream without leaving a greasy feel, thus providing a perfect base layer for make up.

Ingredients
The ingredients are good enough to eat! They are 100% natural grown from either from Biodynamic or organic methods. Weleda provide a good range of ethically sourced products at very reasonable prices. This moisturiser in particular contains clinically proven ant aging ingredients such as Rosa Moscheta seed oil without the expensive price tag. It also contains other skin friendly oils rich in fatty acids which are perfect for stressed skin. The Weleda rose cream contains a small amount of essential oils which some people may find irritating. However, they are bergaptene free and not considered phototoxic. The Weleda range holds both the Demeter Certification and BDIH ‘Certified Natural Cosmetics’ kite mark which I found quite reassuring.

Results
I feel that this Weleda product is a great maintenance and prevention product as I did not notice any significant changes to my skin. This is a dream to use and left my skin feeling moisturized, fresh and less crepe like. I do get dermatitis and found that this moisturiser was both none irritating and soothing, and did not provoke any flair ups.

Pros
-Good value
-Smells beautiful
-Feels great on the skin and good as a make up base.
-Good maintenance cream for normal combination skin from 30 years+ and dry summer skin.

Cons
-Fiddly tube
-May not provide enough moisture for dry skin in the winter months; however this could also depend on what sought of cleanser and toner one might use in conjunction.


Weleda Wild Rose Day Cream (£9.95) and other Weleda products are available at naturisimo.com

Green People Shower Bath Organic Aloe Vera


Review of Green People Shower Bath Organic Aloe Vera
By Gillian L.

PACKAGING
This Green People aloe vera shower and bath gel comes in trial (30ml) and standard (200ml) sized plastic tubes with dispenser tops. They are light and easy to slip into a toilet bag.

APPLICATION
The clear, soothing gel can be used in the shower, bath or as a gentle facial wash and is best applied with a natural sponge or muslin cloth. A little goes a very long way and I was amazed that the 30ml tube lasted 14 uses! Its subtle, slightly citrus scent makes it suitable for all the family and it forms a lovely gentle lather on the skin. This Green People Shower Bath Organic Aloe Vera is free from synthetic preservatives and fragrances, colours and harsh chemicals like laurel sulphate it does not irritate sensitive skins and would be very suitable for those prone to eczema and psoriasis.

INGREDIENTS
The gel is 100% natural, certified organic and suitable for vegans. The active ingredients in this Green People aloe shower bath are organic aloe vera, lavender and olive oil, to soothe and heal, along with vegetable based foaming and cleansing agents.

RESULTS
My skin felt beautifully soft and clean. After a week of daily use, my chemically sensitive skin which is prone to rashes, itching and breakouts was noticeably clearer. I would definitely buy this Green People product again.

PROS
1) Excellent value for money
2) Soothing, gentle and healing for sensitive skins and suitable for all the family.
3) Organic and ethically sound product

CONS
1) The scent, though very subtle, is slightly unusual and not to my personal taste.

Green People Shower Bath Organic Aloe Vera (£8.80) and other Green People products are available at naturisimo.com

Jurlique Moisture Replenishing Day Cream


Review of Jurlique Moisture Replenishing Day Cream
By Deana D

The Jurlique Moisture Replenishing Day Cream was presented in lovely packaging. The card box with flowers on was very feminine and attractive. It had a really nice ‘feel good’ fragrance which was uplifting upon first smelling it.

At first the texture of the Jurlique moisture cream seemed rather rich for a day cream but it blended into my face and neck beautifully leaving it feeling moist. I applied my regular make up on top and it seemed to glide on easily. I found that my skin felt moisturised for the most part of the day, when usually it becomes dry quicker with my regular moisturiser.

I noticed a difference in my skin within five days. My skin felt smoother and less dry.
My family noticed a difference in my skin after using the Jurlique Replenishing cream for about one week. They commented on my skin looking smoother with an improved texture.

Each day I looked forward to using the Jurlique cream because of the results I was getting and also the ‘feel good’ fragrance had a positive affect on me. I would definitely buy this product and recommend it. One draw back it may have is that there is no SFP in it and it is a day cream.

Green People Fruitful Nights


Review of Green People Fruitful Nights
By Gill M.

Unfortunately I’m starting with a negative: I didn’t think the packaging of Green People Fruitful Nights was particularly noticeable – It’s the sort of box that wouldn’t catch my eye on a shelf. I was using the trial size and I didn’t really think it was necessary to put the tube in a cardboard box – especially as the ingredients etc were all printed on the tube inside, as well as the box. I also found the fact their packaging is blue and white a little incongruous – surely considering their brand name is Green People, it should be green?!

After the disappointing packaging, I wasn’t expecting anything special from this Green People night cream, but to be honest, this cream could give any mainstream premium beauty brand a run for their money! It smells absolutely divine – I could almost eat it! It is non-greasy and absorbed very quickly.

Within a week to ten days of using Green People Fruitful Nights cream, my skin felt noticeably softer, pores had been minimised and my skin tone was more even. As I have combination skin, usually creams either don’t moisturise my cheeks enough, or if they do, my t-zone usually breaks out. This cream managed to provide enough moisture to the dry parts of my face without causing problems elsewhere.

All in all I can forgive the packaging – Fruitful Nights is a fabulous night cream that I highly recommend trying.

Monday, September 14, 2009

Lavera Basis Organic Jojoba & Shea Butter Lip Balm


Review of Lavera Basis Organic Jojoba & Shea Butter Lip Balm
By Ruth H.

Unlike some other ‘sensitive’ lip balms, this Lavera product really does work. Packaged in a pretty shade of green, its simple straightforward design matches the product it contains. I was pleased to see the ‘lipstick style’ packaging rather than a pot, as it makes the product more practical and hygienic to use.

The Lavera Basis Organic Jojoba & Shea Butter Lip balm itself is slightly difficult to apply as it’s so thick, but does last quite well. It only needs to be re-applied after eating or drinking, and as it has no taste it doesn’t taint food. Being so thick, it is probably too heavy to wear in warmer weather as it feels sticky once applied, but would be brilliant at protecting lips in cold weather. That said, I wore the Lavera balm on a relatively warm day when I went running and it lasted well throughout the run, preventing my lips drying out. My skin can be sensitive and react badly to new products, but I had no problems with this balm at all.

If you don’t like using balms you can feel on your lips then this Lavera basis lip balm probably isn’t for you, but otherwise it would be a worthwhile investment. Overall, I would probably be tempted to buy this balm and look forward to using it in the colder months when I feel it will perform at its best.

Lavera Basis Organic Jojoba & Shea Butter Lip Balm (£2.20) and other Lavera products are available at naturisimo.com

Friday, September 11, 2009

John Masters Organics Lavender & Rosemary Shampoo


Review of John Masters Organics Lavender & Rosemary Shampoo
By Beverley S.

My first reaction upon receiving the John Masters shampoo was the fact the bottle appeared to be glass but it wasn’t. It is plastic but looked like a quality glass bottle which I would happily display in my bathroom. I loved the fact it was opaque brown as I felt this preserved the ingredients from the direct light. Directions were clear to read in white text. The complete list of ingredients isn’t on the bottle but I presume these are on the box of the full size bottle. Although there was no dispenser top I liked the fact the screw top sealed well when using it in the shower.

I use John Masters products but was doubtful that one which was labelled for Normal Hair would have given results on my very fine, dry hair as I tend to buy a richer formula. The John Masters Organics Lavender & Rosemary shampoo has a beautiful dark golden colour gel texture which I really loved, plus the smell was definitely as stated on the bottle; Rosemary & Lavender. I loved the fact there was no artificial ‘perfume’ smell, in fact I enjoyed the natural aroma before I even started to wash my hair.

The fact it wasn’t a runny shampoo meant all of it was used on my scalp and hair- I didn’t loose half the product before my hands reached my head. I thought I had used quite a lot, but when I looked at the amount used I was pleasantly surprised as my hair felt clean and the shampoo rinsed out easily.

The directions on the back suggested using John Masters Organics Citrus & Neroli Detangler for light conditioning. I had this conditioner and was able to complete my hair treatment.

I have the type of hair which will definitely show when a shampoo isn’t suitable, even before I dry and style it. I was very pleased to feel my hair still felt like ‘hair’ and it still felt lovely the next day. I didn’t need to add any more products the following day or even think my hair needed washing again.

My hair wasn’t weighed down with the John Masters Lavender Rosemary shampoo and the colour was revived. It felt conditioned with minimal additional products needed to keep it smooth. I really feel this is helping to balance my hair and the condition of my scalp, I would be happy to continue to use the shampoo keeping the more Intensive one as an occasional treatment.

John Masters Organics Lavender & Rosemary Shampoo (£15.61) and other John Masters products are available at naturisimo.com

Luzern Serum Wrinkle Erase Absolut


Review of Luzern Serum Wrinkle Erase Absolut

By Catherine G.

Having heard the use of the word “Peptides” in several anti-aging product advertisements recently I was both intrigued and excited to try the Luzern Serum Wrinkle Erase Absolut. The difference with this product of course is that it’s all natural and only contains plant derived peptides and is crammed with organic ingredients.

I found it very easy to use as the small glass bottle with pipette allows you just to put three or four drops on your hand and then apply it to your face. As a little goes a long way this is certainly all you need to use each time.

Initially it has a cooling, tightening effect and after a couple of minutes you can actually feel it working! It is delicately scented and has a very light, silky texture which doesn’t feel greasy at all and was easily absorbed into my skin. I guess you could even blend this Luzern serum with some of your moisturiser in your hand and use it this way.

I used this Luzern product twice a day after cleansing and before moisturising and have noticed a definite improvement in skin tone and my expression lines have also softened.

I would recommend the Luzern Serum Wrinkle Erase Absolut to anyone searching for a good anti-aging serum. I am looking forward to trying some of the other luxurious organic products in the Luzern Labs skincare range!

The Luzern Serum Wrinkle Erase Absolut (£76.35 2x12ml) and other Luzern products are available from Naturisimo.com

Green People Gentle Toner


Review of Green People Gentle Toner
By Helen K.

Packaging:
The Green People Gentle Toner comes in a plastic tube and is packaged within a cardboard box. All packaging is recyclable.

Application:
It has a cool gel texture is lightly fragranced with Rose Geranium essential oil. It is very simple and easy to use and a little goes a long way. Squeeze a small amount, approx a 10 pence amount, onto a cotton wool pad and gently wipe over the face and neck.

Ingredients:
At a glance, the list of ingredients seems extensive. However, this is due to legislation and common names are labelled along side the Latin. The Green People Gentle Toner contains mostly Organic ingredients and these are highlighted amongst the list. This Green People product is free of parabens, synthetic perfumes, petrochemicals, DEA TEA, PEGs, Lanolin, PABA, Alcohol, sodium lauryl sulphate and harsh additives. It also has no sunscreen protection in it.

Results:
With the first application my skin felt clean and moisturised. There was no stinging either and the tone of my skin was even not the sensitive, red blotchy mess that often other toners leave.

Pros:
It has a light floral smell
It has a mild moisturising action
It doesn’t sting, dry or leave my skin feeling sensitive
Organic and completely recyclable
Is not tested on animals and Vegan society approved

Cons:
The Green People product leaves a slightly clammy feel for a few moments until any excess is absorbed by the skin (this is only a fleeting texture).

The Green People Gentle Toner (£7.82 50ml) and other Green People products are available at Naturisimo.com

Logona Wrinkle Therapy Fluid


Review of Logona Wrinkle Therapy Fluid

By Susan P.

I received a small tube of the Logona Wrinkle Therapy Fluid as a sample, and after studying the ingredients list, I could see that it is a very natural cream with hardly any artificial substances at all. It contains natural oils such as grapeseed, soybean, jojoba and seabuckthorn, as well as shea butter, beeswax and jasmine.

It was very easy to apply from the tube and has a very rich, creamy texture which was effortless to smooth onto the face and felt luxurious. Only a little is needed to moisturise the whole face, the 7.5ml tube contained around 4 applications. The scent reminded me of freshly cut flowers, which made it even more pleasant to use.

After use, it did leave a slight residue on the skin which I am not accustomed to, as my usual moisturiser sinks in without leaving any trace. However, I used this Logona cream at night and by the morning my skin was baby-soft and still moisturised, which is rare with the other facial moisturisers I have tried. Overall, I enjoyed using the Logona Wrinkle Therapy Fluid and would recommend to anyone with dry, sensitive, or ageing skin and for me it was especially effective for night-time use.

The Logona Wrinkle Therapy Fluid (£36.00 30ml) and other Logona products are available at Naturisimo.com

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Weleda Wild Rose Facial Toner


Review of Weleda Wild Rose Facial Toner
By Yvette D.
The Weleda Wild Rose Facial Toner helped to soften and brighten my skin tone, and remove any residue after cleansing. Over the week that I have used this product, my skin has shown signs of improved texture. As part of a skin care regime, this toner definitely made my skin feel well prepared for other products to work their best.
The Weleda toner has a delicate rose fragrance that enhanced my feelings of wellbeing and relaxation, especially as part of my nightly facial cleansing ritual.
For anyone who is keen to have the benefits of aromatherapy included in their skin care range, this Weleda product is an obvious choice. The packaging is pleasing in colour...rose pink, and in an easy to dispense from glass bottle.
The Weleda Wild Rose Facial Toner (£7.95 100ml) and other Weleda products are available at Naturisimo.com

Weleda Wild Rose Cleansing Lotion


Review of Weleda Wild Rose Cleansing Lotion

By Elle A.

This Weleda cleanser is a beautiful, light, creamy cleanser. The smell of roses hits you as soon as you open the bottle – a sweet, heady scent with a “fizzy” tinge (the scent is quite strong, so don’t buy this if you don’t like the smell of roses) saying that the smell doesn’t linger heavily on you once you’ve applied the product. The Weleda Wild Rose Cleansing Lotion itself is quite a runny liquid, and cotton wool balls absorb it quickly, so using the flat cotton wool pads are a lot easier. It is very soothing and a little goes a long way – you don’t need a lot to be able to see from the colour of the cotton wool how much dirt and oil it has cleaned off. The lotion is so moisturising that there is no need for moisturising cream to be used afterwards – although using moisturiser afterwards is very effective for dry skin. As said, the Weleda cleanser is good at cleaning away oil and dirt, without leaving the skin feeling tight afterwards (don’t expect any of the astringent properties of some cleansers). It is also very good at cleaning away smudgy eyeliner if you’re out of make-up remover.
To add to the overall feminine charm of this Weleda Wild Rose Cleansing Lotion, the pretty deep pink packaging looks nice, and all packaging (box and bottle) are recyclable. The instructions are clear, as are the ingredients (not hidden away in tiny print so you can’t read them).
To sum up; a moisturising and effective cleanser, with a beautiful smell.

The Wild Rose Cleansing Lotion (£7.95 100ml) and other Weleda products are available at Naturisimo.com

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Inika Vegan Lip Gloss


Review of Inika Vegan Lip Gloss
By Danny S.
I don't have much experience with lip gloss as I have only tried a few, but I have to say, this is a fantastic Inika product. The colour is a very sutble gorgeous warm colour with a hint of sparkle in it with its light reflecting particles that give my lips a sexy pout. It really suits my skin tone and looks quite glamorous. The consistency is superb since it goes on so smoothly, as it doesn't slide off my lips, and it stays on for a long time. The lip gloss does not have a scent to speak of. The packageing is nice and easy to use. I would never have imagined that an all natural, vegan lip gloss could be so great. The Inika lip gloss feels like it provides excellent hydration, shine and definitely makes my lips appear fuller. The best thing about this Inika lip gloss is it is very easy to apply and the product does not leave my lips feeling sticky as with other lip glosses I have used in the past. It is perfect for everyday use and can be put on top of a lipstick for that extra shine and shimmer.
The Inika Vegan Lip Gloss (£19.99 set) and Inika products are available at Naturisimo.com

Trevarno Organic Day Cream


Review of Trevarno Organic Day Cream

By Sally S.

What a gorgeous little pot! Bright pink glass with an aluminium lid, it looked like a little gem even before I got to the Trevarno day cream inside. It is a 30ml jar which may seem a little on the small side but then I noticed the product only has a 4 month life once opened and a best before date too. Rather than this putting me off, it filled me with glee to think that these creams are handmade in small batches in Cornwall with no artificial preservatives or nasties. In fact the ingredients list is beautifully simple. The fresh slightly floral fragrance came from the Geranium, Lavender and Palma Rosa oils. I noticed the smell when I first applied the Trevarno cream but it did not linger during the day.

The Trevarno Organic Day Cream is described as suitable for all skin types and great as a make up base. I have to admit to being a little nervous at this point as my experience of all ‘skin type creams’ has not been a positive. My skin is slightly combination and can get over loaded and congested, with many products leading to it shining by mid-day.

Applying a small amount of the thick, fragrant cream to my neck first I found it absorbed in a few strokes, I was happily encouraged by this and ventured some on my face. Within a few seconds it had absorbed in leaving my skin hydrated and dewy.

I knew the real test would be its performance once I had applied my foundation. My make up glided on effortlessly, blending in far better than without a base. By the end of the day my skin still had a soft sheen.

I already use the Trevarno Lavender and Geranium Soap in the morning and know of the great quality of their products and now I am a convert to ‘all skin type’ creams, well this one at least.

The Trevarno Organic Day Cream (10.13 30ml) and other Trevarno products are available from Naturisimo.com

Organic Apoteke Rasayana Rejuvenating Serum


Review of Organic Apoteke Rasayana Rejuvenating Serum

By Dorothy R.

The Organic Apoteke Rasayana Rejuvenating Serum is in a neat glass bottle with a dropper, to dispense one or two drops at a time. It is supposed to be added to moisture cream and massaged onto the face in the morning, after cleansing and toning, and can be applied directly to lines and problem areas in the evening. The dropper did not always work very well, and the Organic Rejuvenating Serum had rather a strange scent, although not an overpowering one. However, the Organic Apoteke serum spread smoothly over the skin and was economical in use, as a few drops went a long way. It was light in texture and was absorbed easily, with no lingering greasy feel. The effect on my skin was soothing and smoothing rather than firming or tautening. I did not experience any tightening or tingling sensation and found it suitable for use even round the delicate eye area. After using it for a week, I did not see any noticeable difference in terms of overall skin tone or reduction of blemishes, but it did leave my face feeling very soft and smooth. I thought it was a very good moisture boost for dry mature skin, especially when used in addition to moisture cream.

The Organic Apoteke Rasayana Rejuvenating Serum (£48.89 30ml) and other Organic Apoteke products are available at Naturisimo.com


Friday, September 4, 2009

Burt’s Bees Cleansing Cream

Review of Burt’s Bees Soap Bark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream
By Helen B.
Application: Slightly fragranced with an indescribable minty/lemon type aroma, which is quite pleasant. The Burt’s Bees Deep Cleansing Cream comes in a squeezy tube, useful for travel and which made for very easy dispensing of the cream. The cream is so thick it would be practically impossible to over dispense and nor do you get any “running through fingers” disasters either!
The Burt’s Bees Soap Bark & Chamomile Cleansing Cream is a white cream, non greasy and has a gorgeous, creamy luxurious feel to it. It massages in effortlessly and easily onto wet skin, and appears to sit on the skin rather than sink in. It is non foaming and so stays put once on the skin, no running into the eyes or down the neck! Particularly useful as it cannot be used around the eyes probably due to the tingle!
Packaging: Talking of which… the absolute joy of using this product is the exhilarating minty tingle and coolness sensation you get and which lasts a good couple of minutes. I’ve never experienced this before with any skin product and really is quite something! This is a great refresher after a long hot summer’s day.
The product was easily removed, I used a wet muslin cloth but fingertips can also be used. Afterwards my sensitive skin felt very comfortable with no dryness or tightness, just a fresh, clean, velvety smooth and plumped up feel. It had removed all make up and grime efficiently.
I would definitely use the Burt’s Bees Cleansing Cream again but the one slight downside is that a separate eye make up remover would need to be used.

The Burt’s Bees Soap Bark & Chamomile Deep Cleansing Cream (£9.78) and Burt’s Bees products are available from Naturisimo.com.

Weleda Almond Moisture Cream


Review of Weleda Almond Moisture Cream

By Irene M.

I love absolutely everything about Weleda Almond Moisture Cream apart from one thing, it’s smell!

The ultra light texture of this Weleda cream combined with rapid absorption make it a joy to use and I was both surprised and impressed to find that such a light textured cream could be so hydrating, especially on my exceptionally dry skin.

My usual early morning routine is to wash my face with a gentle soap and then apply a light moisturising /hydrating gel underneath my regular moisturiser. However, such was the excellent performance of this cream that even when I omitted the gel, my face still felt hydrated, and not taut. It also provided an excellent, non-greasy, base for my tinted moisture foundation cream.

Used as a night cream after applying my usual cleansing cream, this product again performed well.

The presentation and packaging of the Weleda Almond Moisture Cream I found excellent. The hygienically sealed tube is ideal for dispensing exactly the desired amount of cream whilst simultaneously avoiding contamination. It’s compact size also makes it convenient to pop in a handbag if a ‘top up’ might be desired.

The pastel pink Weleda packaging theme I find pretty and feminine and I like the combination of clearly presented product information on the box, with further details on the in-pack leaflet.

The performance of this product on my skin I could not fault - the one, big negative, was the smell of this cream. Unfortunately for me, the smells of certain beauty and household products will trigger an instant headache and sadly, this otherwise excellent product falls into such a category. However, even ignoring my sensitivity, I have to admit that I found that the scent of this product most unattractive. Although I appreciate this product is formulated only from pure and natural ingredients, the only word I can find to describe this smell is ‘chemical’ (nonsense, I know)! (My husband, incidentally, described the smell as ‘yeast’)!

In every area other than scent, I would rate the Weleda Almond Moisture Cream product 10/10.

The Weleda Almond Moisture Cream (£8.95 30ml) and other Weleda products are available at Naturisimo.com

Green People Organic Babies Mum and Baby Lavender Moisturiser


Review of Green People Organic Babies Mum and Baby Lavender Moisturiser
By Kate A.
Green People Organic Babies Mum and Baby Lavender Moisturiser is a wonderful product! I suffer from very dry, chapped hands and it made them feel soft and supple immediately after the first application, before I applied it to chubby legs and arms...the kids', not mine!
I think it's a great idea to have products for both mum and baby as surely the mother's skin should be treated just as sensitively as the baby's?
The consistency is also light and easily absorbed, not too heavy or greasy as some moisturisers can be. The lavender scent is lovely and relaxing for an after bath massage to send the little one off to sleep. Again, the light consistency allows easy massage but is not too cloying or heavy. It could also be used on stretch marks and other mum related skin conditions!
The Mum and Baby Lavender Moisturiser packaging is attractive and colourful with a squeezable tube for easy application, allowing you to get the very last drop out!
It's extremely reassuring to know that the moisturiser is free from 'unnecessary synthetic additives' when you're looking for products for your baby's sensitive skin, especially with so many recent stories of the harmfulness of chemicals and additives in everyday products we have all been unthinkingly using. This has made me determined only to use organic skincare products in future for the whole family!
I am really impressed with this product and will be tempted to use it lots myself, never mind the baby! I have always found it difficult to find the right moisturiser for me and the children as heavy ones just make skin look greasy and clogged up while light serums and lotions are absorbed immediately and leave no trace! This one tick’s all the right boxes. My only gripe is that the lavender scent wore off quite quickly as I would have liked to sniff it a bit longer!
I will definitely be looking at the other products in the Green People Organic Babies range in the future.
The Green People Organic Babies Mum and Baby Lavender Moisturiser (£8.95 150ml) and other Green People products are available from Naturisimo.com

Burt’s Bees Radiance Night Cream


Review of Burt’s Bees Radiance Night Cream

By Nicky B.


I love the pearly silky texture of the Burt’s Bees Radiance Night Cream and there’s a gorgeous sensation when you put it on your skin - a cool fresh feeling which lasts about 30 seconds. It has a kind of luminescent quality which I think must have been the reason my face really did look more radiant! It absorbs really quickly so no greasy face on your pillow at night which is certainly a bonus!

I’ve always been intrigued by Royal Jelly and have read that it ‘turns the queen bee into a long living fertile super animal’ (www.royalbeejelly.net). Sounds like a good reason for using this product to me!! I’ve got very sensitive skin and many creams can really irritate my eyes (even though I don’t put them anywhere near them) - this cream gave me no problems at all. I’ve used plenty of Burt’s Bees products before so assumed this would be the case.

It smells fresh and natural and the Burt’s Bees packaging (cute little pot) as always is attractive and distinctive. My skin is quite dry, so although I didn’t feel it gave me quite enough ‘gloop’ for a night cream I am certainly very interested in trying out the day version. I think it would be great for normal or even greasy skins.


The Burt’s Bees Radiance Night Cream (£19.56 55gr.) and other Burt’s Bees products are available at Naturisimo.com

Logona Age Protection Moisture Treatment Mask


Review of Logona Age Protection Moisture Treatment Mask

By Laura L.


I have been disappointed with face masks in the past, therefore I was slightly pessimistic before trying the Logona Age Protection Moisture Treatment Mask.

The Logona face masks arrived in nice packaging with 2 perfectly sized sachets, with adequate amounts in each (7.5ml). The instructions are printed in numerous different languages so was a little daunted at first. Once I found the language I understand the instructions were simple and straight forward. Packaging recommends you apply the face mask 1-2 times per week for 20 minutes.

The Logona mask is a moisture treatment to hydrate dry and maturing skin deeply with a very rich formulation. The mask contains organically grown ingredients which I love. This product is really reasonably priced given the ingredients it contains.

The mask itself is off-white in colour and has a thick consistency. It isn't as thick as a clay mask. The texture is smooth and creamy and is easily applied to the skin. I really liked the fact that the face mask came in a sachet as it meant I applied the correct amount. After applying the face mask I felt it tighten ever so slightly. The Logona treatment never became uncomfortable like some of the face masks I have used. The mask did feel quite soothing and luxurious on my skin.

The Logona mask has a really pleasant smell but isn't too strong and fades soon after you take it off. This face mask was the easiest to take off and there was no evidence on my face afterwards. My skin did feel moisturised afterwards but I didn't see the real effects until the morning. My skin looked more toned and less tired. I usually struggle to keep face masks on for five minutes not twenty but this was a real pleasure. I would recommend this product to anyone as it worked for me.

The Logona Age Protection Moisture Treatment Mask (£3.45 2x7.5ml) and other Logona products are available from Naturisimo.com

Green people Fruitful Nights


Review of Green people Fruitful Nights

By Ruksana H.

Packaging: The Green People Fruitful Nights had an easy to squeeze tube.

Application: Loved applying this product, had a velvety texture that glided on smoothly and disappeared quickly when applied on the skin.

Ingredients: I believe anything with rosehip oil is truly amazing for the skin, which has regenerating properties, a wonderful product with a cocktail of ingredients that remind of you of a fruit trifle.

Result: I was quite dubious of using night creams as they can be quite rich, but this cream is more like a balm and what impressed me even more was that it was matt, so instead of going to bed with a shiny face and smearing cream all over your pillow, this sinks in beautifully. This Green People cream produces a stimulating effect on the skin and I would say it is more like a workout for the skin. Over all I would say it made my skin super hydrated and made applying it each ay a joy as the natural fragrance of this product was intoxicating.

Pros: Great for skins that need something extra for night time, this would be great for dry complexions or skins that crave moisture but do not want the shine overkill. 10% net profit goes to charity and not tested on animals, great reasons to purchase this cream.

Cons: Was not keen on the plastic packaging

The Green people Fruitful Nights (£12.71 50ml) and other Green People products are available from Naturisimo.com

Lavera Calendula Balancing Cream


Review of Lavera Calendula Balancing Cream

By Kelly B.

Packaging
The packaging of the Lavera Balancing Cream is very simple being a white plastic tube. The simplicity of design is given an up-market feel with the silver shiny lettering. The orange stripe across the front with the marigold flower makes it easily identifiable if you want to find it fast in your make up bag.

I love the fact that it is a tube rather than a jar for hygiene reasons.

Ergonomics
The tube is very ergonomic and easy to hold. The plastic is a matt finish which means that it is easy to grip and open even with wet or slippery hands.

Paraben free
It is excellent that the cream is chemical and paraben free. Skin that needs balancing in particular does not want to be coping with extra toxins and potential irritants from cream. It is a real plus that it is organic too so no toxic pesticides to be absorbed into your skin!

Scent
The scent of this Lavera face cream is quite strong resembling tropical fruit such as mango with a citrus zing to it. However my boyfriend said it made me smell like bubble gum! I liked the smell for the first few days but soon after I began to find it too sickly and overpowering. I felt it overshadowed my perfume which I didn't want. But if you love the smell this could be a good thing.

Texture
The texture of Lavera Balancing Cream is quite greasy although it does absorb quickly into the skin. However I found that it did tend to leave a bit of a greasy film. The skin is left with a satin look rather than greasy (despite the film) and it does feel nice and supple.

Colour
The cream is white in colour which is a huge advantage as it will be unlikely to stain the neckline of any clothing.

Performance under makeup
I felt this cream made me feel clean and fresh and I had high hopes its use as a makeup base. However as I attempted to blend my foundation the Balancing Cream began to peel off in small pieces. It made a real mess of my foundation so I had to take it off and start again with a different cream. I do not feel it is at all suitable for use under make up.

Performance
I feel that the Balancing cream absorbs well and does leave the skin feeling fresh. I love that it contains calendula which is an anti-inflammatory as it did seem to take the redness out of a small rash on the side of my face. However since it leaves a greasy film and it peels off if you rub it more than a few times I feel there are better paraben free creams available for combination skin (such as Logona Combination face cream which is a wonderful texture no matter how many times it is rubbed.)

In my opinion Lavera Balancing Cream is most suitable for Teenagers who don't wear make up. If you were to rub the cream very gently in your palms and pat it onto your face I feel you could avoid the peeling problem.

Advantages:
Fast absorbency
Anti-inflammatory action
Organic
Paraben free

Disadvantages:
Peeling off when rubbed
Overpowering sweet smell

Most suitable for: Teenage skin

Marks out of 10: 5

Would I use it again?: No

Would I recommend it?: No


The Lavera Calendula Balancing Cream (£8.71 30ml) and other Lavera products are available from Naturisimo.com


Logona Age Protection Day Cream


Review of Logona Age Protection Day Cream
By Joanna E.

I have been using the Logona Age Protection Day Cream for just over a week now and am really quite impressed with this product. The skin on my face is a mixture of dry and oily with a few fine lines around my eyes. I used the Logona cream around my eyes as well as on my face and neck, which is how I would use my normal cream and after only a couple of days it seemed as though the fine lines had improved. As the cream has a very light, smooth texture, it is smooth enough to be used on the more delicate skin around the eyes, unlike some heavier, thicker creams on the market. It has a delicate aroma, which is very pleasant and in no way overpowering, or indeed irritating to my eyes, which has happened in the past with other day creams. Very light to use, it quickly absorbed into my skin, leaving it very soft and moisturised all day. The cream has a slight hint of a tint to it, making it easier to blend into the skin, unlike some bright white creams. As I only needed to use a very small amount of cream each day, the product will last for ages, making it very good value for money. The small 7.5 ml tube would last for several weeks, making it ideal for travelling. Having a ‘best if used before’ date on the packaging is an excellent idea, as that makes it so easy to keep track of how long you have had a product. I am very happy with the Logona Age Protection Day Cream and look forward to getting rid of even more fine lines!

The Logona Age Protection Day Cream (£24.00 30ml) Logona products are available from Naturisimo.com

Thursday, September 3, 2009

Trevarno Organic Almond & Cocoa Butter Body Lotion


Review of Trevarno Organic Body Lotion
By Christine C.

Packaging: N/A Plastic trial size – not as sold.
Application: This Trevarno Organic Body Lotion is light but creamy and which I find is easily absorbed. My skin is not left either sticky or greasy. It is easy to quickly apply it after showering but at other times it goes on more evenly if you work with a little at a time and put on a couple of layers.
Ingredients: I wasn’t sure about using a cocoa butter product as I haven’t liked the smell of them in the past but this lotion smells fresh and clean from the vanilla and grapefruit seed extract. The scent is quite subtle and lingers on the skin.
Result: After using the Trevarno Organic Body Lotion my skin feels soft and silky all day long, and dry patches on my arms have become less obvious. You can even feel its effects on your skin the next day, even the scent!
Pros: As it has such a delicate fresh fragrance, it is easy to wear every day and can be used as a rich hand cream as well, especially because it is absorbed so quickly. My husband has very dry hands and he’s always stealing my creams and lotions. He found this Trevarno product made his hands much softer and suppler and I must admit I’ve tried it on my hands and liked it.
Cons: None.

The Trevarno Organic Body Lotion (£17.50 150ml) Trevarno products are available from Naturisimo.com

Primavera Life Body Scrub


Review of Primavera Life Body Scrub
By Shona B.
The Primavera Life Body Scrub is like a body wash than a body scrub this product was very runny and lightly foamed on contact with water. I really liked the distinctive but subtle (apricot?) fragrance but unfortunately it didn’t linger on my skin. The pale gold / brown colour is a bit off putting and although not exactly glamorous on the bathroom shelf the squeezy tube was easy to use in the shower without getting water in the product and surprisingly didn’t release too much of the product. The tiny bead like exfoliating particles are abundant in the product and didn’t scratch or irritate my skin but didn’t feel like they were exfoliating it either. My skin afterwards felt clean and was a little smoother but a rough patch on my elbow was still rough and dry. Reassuringly the particles are jojoba wax rather than plastic like so many similar products. Unlike a lot of the more natural body scrubs the Primavera Life Body Scrub isn’t oil based so you don’t end up with oil all over your skin or having to scrub the tub after use. Despite foaming and not being oil based I didn’t need to use a moisturiser afterwards as it left my skin feeling soft and not at all dry.

Positives:
No need for a separate body wash.
Easy to clean the bath afterwards.
Left my skin moisturised.
Pleasant smell.
Didn’t scratch or irritate my skin despite my legs being covered in cuts and bruises.

Negatives:
Didn’t exfoliate or smooth my rough patches.
A bit runny. I like chunky body scrubs I have to take handfuls of.

Best For:
A gentle daily body polish for people with sensitive skin.

The Primavera Life Body Scrub (150ml £15.95) and Primavera products are available from Naturisimo.com

Logona Age Protection Night Cream


Review of Logona Age Protection Night Cream
By Hayley Mc.

Packaging: The Logona Age Protection Night Cream comes in a simple brown cardboard box with multi-language instructions. The product was presented in a small beige tube with screw top. Simple design but you cannot see how much is inside the tube so you would not know when you were near to running out.
Application: I used the
Logona Age Protection Night Cream at night after cleansing. The pale coloured cream squeezed easily from the tube. It spread well using the fingertips and was applied evenly to the skin. Initially my face felt slightly greasy, however within ten minutes, the cream had absorbed well into the skin. There was a smell of alcohol as it was applied, which created a cool sensation, however irritated my eyes a little- although I did NOT apply around the eye area. As this is a night cream, I did not apply any other products over it. Overnight the product continued to moisturise and I awoke with no residue and washed the cream away easily.
Ingredients: Does contain alcohol (second ingredient) which disappointed me as I find it drying on my skin. Moisturisers include shea butter, and organically grown soy bean oil, Spinosa kernel oil, Jojoba, olive fruit oil and aloe Vera. Also contains caffeine to perk up the skin- boosting cell metabolism. Rich in Bio-active ingredients.
Logona Age Protection Night Cream is certified by the BDIH as a Natural Cosmetic and does not contain any nano refined ingredients, Sodium Laureth Sulphate, Synthetic Preservatives, fragrances or colours, Petroleum based oils or GM and Irritating ingredients.
Results: This
Logona product is designed to be used for regeneration therapy for mature skin, so at 28 years old, I did feel too young to be using this type of product?? I do not have many fine lines so I cannot really comment on its regeneration effects. I did not find the product overly rich. Prices online vary from £14.58 to £26 for 30ml. I do not think that I would buy this product.
Pros:
· Absorbed well within 10 minutes
· Easily washes off with no residue
· Certified Organically Grown Ingredients
Cons:
· Initial greasy sensation
· Unable to tell when it is running out
· Alcohol content was irritating to my skin- ?sensitive
· I feel this product is expensive
The
Logona Age Protection Night Cream (30ml £26.00) and Logona products are available from Naturisimo.com

Green People Gentle Organic Cleanser


Review of Green People Gentle Cleanse 2 in 1 organic cleanser: Make Up Remover and Face Wash. (For all skin types)

By Anisa B.

Packaging: The Green People Gentle Cleanse 2 in 1 organic cleanser comes in a pump top bottle for the 200ml and 50ml sizes and for the trial size 10ml, it comes in a small tube. I find the packaging allows the product to be dispensed easily without a mess. The packaging is also recyclable and non air-freighted.

Application: The texture of the Green People Gentle organic cleanser is a cream-like texture; it feels like you’re putting on a moisturiser except it does not get absorbed into your skin. Because of this texture, it is easily blend able and can be applied very quickly. It can be applied with the fingers and then washed off or taken off with a cloth. I found either method worked well but with the cloth, you can get stubborn residue off more easily.

Ingredients: Green People says that ‘This natural skin care product is made without Parabens, Lanolin, ethyl alcohol, artificial perfumes, petrochemicals, phthalates and colourants to bring you the purest cleanser that nature can offer.’

The highlighted ingredients on the packaging are Chamomile, Aloe Vera and Marshmallow. All of these ingredients are soothing and calming and are suitable for sensitive skin.

Results: I found this cleanser to be worth buying as it removes make-up and grime from the skin effectively, it does not have an irritating fragrance to it. I also liked that it did not dry my skin out like some cleansers do; it just left the skin feeling hydrated and clean. My only gripe was that it did not take off all of my eye make-up as well as I would have liked, I needed to use more of the product for my eye area in order to take it all off and in turn, I would go through the product quite quickly which is a downside as it may not be economical.

The pros of Green People Gentle organic cleanser are:


It’s suitable for sensitive & dry skin
It contains soothing ingredients to calm irritated, angry skin
It removes the majority of face and eye make-up
Does not make the eyes tear up
Does not have strong fragrance
Does not leave skin feeling dry or tight

The cons are:
Oily skins may find it a bit greasy
You need to keep using more for stubborn eye-make up

The Green People Gentle Cleanse 2 in 1 organic cleanser (200ml £14.50, 50ml £8.50) and Green People products are available at Naturisimo.com.