Review of A'kin Unscented Pure Emergency Gel
By Andrea L. Packaging The A'kin Unscented Pure Emergency Gel comes in a recyclable plastic tube which, for a 75ml tube, displays plenty of information about the product, including:
· Unscented pure emergency gel;
· With chamomile, aloe & D panthenol;
· Calms & soothes fragile skin;
· For all skin types;
· Great as a light, everyday moisturiser on sensitive, fragile or oily skin;
· For use as an after shave or waxing balm;
· A full list of ingredients which are free from sulphates, ethoxylates, parabens, propylene glycol, petrochemical cleansers, silicones, phthalates, DEA & artificial colours;
· Vegan, 100 natural botanical aromatherapy & formulated without animal ingredients or animal testing.
Appearance A'kin Unscented Pure Emergency Gel is a transparent, unscented gel.
Performance When applied to the skin, the A'kin Unscented Pure Emergency Gel gives a cooling sensation and the skin feels wet – rather like applying thickened water. It takes a while for the product to dry (through rubbing into the skin) but once dry, no trace of the product remains – again, similar to wetting the skin with water and allowing it to dry. I have used the word ‘dry’ because it is not apparent that the product is absorbed; it seems to evaporate. Indeed the instructions read: ‘Apply generously to the skin and allow to dry’. As the product evaporates, it is difficult to assess its effects, other than the initial cooling sensation. There is no obvious moisturising effect, despite the product claiming to be ‘great as a light, everyday moisturiser on sensitive, fragile or oily skins’.
General Comments I have found this A'kin Unscented Pure Emergency Gel quite difficult to review as I am unsure about the circumstances in which it would be used or quite what it achieves. It is described as a ‘Pure Emergency Gel,’ but I certainly wouldn’t reach for it in an emergency, as it is like rubbing thickened water into your skin, with no obvious results, other than the initial cooling from the coolness of the gel. The product claims to calm and sooth fragile skin, whatever ‘fragile’ skin may be. It may be useful for minor burns, but fortunately, I didn’t have a minor burn on which to test it. I did apply it to a patch of itchy eczema which it did momentarily cool, but the cooling effect was very short-lived. A'kin Unscented Pure Emergency Gel (£13.27) and other A’kin products are available at Naturisimo.com
Review of Green People Fruitful Nights
By Linda B.
Packaging: The 10ml Green People Fruitful Nights comes in a white plastic tube inside a recyclable box. They both have a pale blue stripe and the name is printed in black and blue. It is a neat and simple design.
Application: The texture of the Green People Fruitful Nights is a gel like cream. It glides easily onto my face and is absorbed more quickly than anything else I have used. It does not leave a greasy residue and leaves the skin feeling silky and smooth. It does state that it is only to be used at night and even though it can be used on dry, combination or oily skins it is not suitable for the most sensitive of skins. I have combination and sensitive skin but I had no adverse reaction. The fruity scent is wonderful and I could not wait to use it for this reason as well as helping my skin.
Ingredients: Green People products are made in the UK and only use 100% natural, certified organic ingredients which are vegan and vegetarian friendly. Fruitful Nights contains Jojoba, Hibiscus, Rosehip and Apricot. The list of ingredients is printed plainly on the box, tube and enclosed leaflet. It does not contain Parabens, Lanolin, Ethyl Alcohol; artificial perfumes, Petrochemicals, Phthalates and colourants so you know it will not harm the skin.
Results: Since using Green People Fruitful Nights my skin is more evenly toned. I have no dry patches, no oily patches and it is very soft and smooth. Fruitful Nights is ‘magic’. It lifts dead skin cells, minimises fine lines and blemishes and imperfections are less apparent. As you only have to use a very small amount it means it is excellent value for money and I would highly recommend it to anyone.
Pros: 1. My skin is soft and silky with no dry or oily patches.
2. Blemishes and imperfections are less obvious.
3. It removes dead skin cells gently.
4. The scent is wonderful.
5. It absorbs very quickly into the skin and does not leave a greasy residue.
Cons: 1. It cannot be used on very sensitive skin.
2. Some people might not like the scent.
Green People Fruitful Nights ( £13.99) and other Green People products are available at Naturisimo.com
Review of Barefoot Botanicals Anti – Ageing Day Cream
By Catherine J.
Packaging The Barefoot Botanicals Anti – Ageing Day Cream comes in a glass jar with a plastic lid that has the Barefoot Botanicals logo on it. As the jar is glass it can be easily recycled.
Application The Barefoot Botanicals Anti – Ageing Day Cream was an attractive yellow colour which is unusual for a face cream, they all tend to be white in colour. The fragrance was pleasant, not too heavy but noticeable as soon as I removed the lid from the jar. The Barefoot Botanicals Rosa Fina Radiance Anti – Ageing Day Cream absorbed easily and had a rich silky feel, it left a velvety finish on my skin which was the perfect base for make-up. After applying my skin felt nourished and despite the temperature rarely rising above freezing my face hasn't had the normal dryness and redness that I usually suffer from in the winter months.
Ingredients The packaging states “Rosa mosqueta and argan oils combine with collagen boosting coltsfoot, horsetail and lady's mantle to smooth wrinkles away.” After looking up Rosa mosqueta I was pleased to learn that it is a rosehip seed oil that has been a beauty secret of Chilean women for centuries with regeneration of skin cells and reducing wrinkles being a couple of the many benefits of this ingredient.
Results The packaging suggests using this product to smooth wrinkles away and although I don't have many wrinkles, after using for 3 weeks, I can definitely see an improvement in the fine lines around my eyes.
Whilst the weather has been so cold recently I haven't suffered from the normal red face that I get being outside for long periods of time in cold weather and I can only assume it is down to this cream.
My husband also commented on how well I was looking which must be the best compliment of all
Pros: Smooths wrinkles
· Provides a perfect base for make up
· I100% natural
Cons: None
Barefoot Botanicals Anti- Ageing Day Cream (£22.94) and other Barefoot Botanicals products are available at Naturisimo.com
Review of Essential Care Creamy Coconut Cleanser
By Beverley S.
Packaging Soft white recyclable plastic tube. Clear branding with the reassuring soil association logo.
Ingredients to reassure anyone with sensitive skin.
Application Initially I expected a thick creamy cleanser Essential Care has a more whipping cream consistency. I used too much as the product seemed to disappear on application but the palms of my hands showed the rich oils which melted into my skin which removed light mineral makeup & any grime without effort.
I was able to use Essential Care Creamy Coconut Cleanser over the eye area without any stinging, it was gentle but very effective.
Essential Care cleanser can be removed with damp cotton pads. I preferred to use my muslin cloth for gentle exfoliation.
Comments I particularly loved to use this Essential Care Creamy Coconut Cleanser at night time with the delicate smell & texture making an evening cleansing routine a luxurious experience. I spent time massaging my face with the blend for therapeutic benefits. I really enjoyed using Essential Care after my initial doubts about the coconut & texture. The scents are subtle, not overpowering.
Results Very soft smooth skin from using Essential Care Creamy Coconut Cleanser which appeared toned and radiant before I use my moisturiser!
It felt conditioning and although the name 'Essential' is appropriate I feel it added extra care to my cleansing routine.
Pros No animal testing, suitable for vegans
• Family run company supporting fair trade
• Relaxing facial massage with the beautiful essential oils
• Perfect for dry sensitive skin
• 150 ml full size tube good value as a little goes a long way
Cons None for my skin type although oily skins may find this too rich & would be best to try the Lemon & Tea Tree facial wash from Essential Care.
The range doesn't offer a skin tonic, although it's not necessary I like to give my skin the extra boost after rinsing with water.
Essential Care Creamy Coconut Cleanser (£14.30) and Essential Care products are available at Naturisimo.com
Review of A’kin Cellular Brightening Facial Mist
By Irene M
Packaging A’kin Cellular Brightening Facial Mist is dispensed from a plastic bottle, which is topped with a fine spray nozzle. It is most attractively presented in a colour scheme of cream, lilac, silver and white.
Application Suitable for all skin types, and intended as a calming, brightening and hydrating mist for the face and décolletage, the spray nozzle on A’kin Cellular Brightening Facial Mist performs the task perfectly. A liberal spray of mist, followed by your chosen serum and moisturizer is recommended to soften, smooth and brighten skin tone, whilst simultaneously soothing your senses with the calming scent of lavender.
Ingredients The ingredient list for A’kin Cellular Brightening Facial Mist is both impressive and informative. Most ingredients are certified organic, the source of each is identified, grain extracts are GMO free and the product is suitable for vegans. Vitamin C extract (to brighten skin tone), Vitamin B5 (to hydrate and soothe) and aloe and hyaluronic acid (to protect the skin’s natural moisture barrier) are included in the formulation.
Results As a first time user of both A’kin and any facial brightening product I was unsure what to expect from A’kin Cellular Brightening Facial Mist, but after only short term use, I am delighted with results. My very dry skin is benefitting from an extra layer of moisture and skin tone is lifted. I will definitely be purchasing more products from the A’kin range.
Pros: The delicate scent of lavender provides a delightful start to the day.
A gorgeous product of exceptional quality.
The alcohol free formula provides additional aid to the skins natural moisture barrier.
Cons: The extra layer of moisture it provides means allowing a few extra minutes (for absorption) to the morning beauty routine (but it’s well worth it)!
The lavender scent may not suit someone exceptionally sensitive to perfume.
A person with exceptionally sensitive skin may find the toning properties a little drying.
A’kin Cellular Brightening Facial Mist (£12.24) and other A’kin products are available at Naturisimo.com
Review of Burt’s Bees Deep Pore Scrub
By Ellie A
Burt’s Bees Deep Pore Scrub is a really nice product, with finely ground peach stone acting as the exfoliater (and perfume) and willow bark and golden seal extracts acting as astringents (but not too harshly). If you like the smell of peach, it is really nice – however, if peach isn’t your thing, the fragrance might be a bit strong for you.
The best part is that Burt’s Bees Deep Pore Scrub is quite moisturising as well as being astringent, so you don’t need to pile on the moisturising after use, and the peach stone is ground very finely, so it is very gentle on your skin – you don’t end up all red and blotchy after using it! Because it’s so gentle, you can use it every morning, or every other day, and it’s fine. You also only need a very small amount of it (a little goes a long way), so it lasts a long time, even with regular use.
The packaging of Burt’s Bees Deep Pore Scrub is also really nice, and easy to use – a little squeezy tube with a flip top. Unlike some products I’ve had, it doesn’t get slippery when it gets wet, so you can use it fine in the shower or the bath.
Overall, I would highly recommend this Burt’s Bees product – it is probably the best exfoliater I’ve ever used!
Burt’s Bees Deep Pore Scrub (£9.99) and other Burt’s Bees products are available at naturisimo.com
Review of A’kin Unscented Hand Cream
By Zainab C
Packaging The A’kin Unscented Intensive Hand, Nail and Cuticle Treatment comes in a handy plastic tube which is practical to carry in a handbag and is also recyclable. However, the packaging of A’kin Unscented Hand Cream does not state if it is recycled or not. The design on the packaging of this A’kin product is not particularly appealing as it looks quite traditional and dated.
Application The A’kin Unscented Hand cream was absorbed quickly, with no sticky after feel which was excellent. I also used it as a foot cream to lock in moisture. The cream left my hands feeling moisturised and nourished but I had to use quite a bit for a good result. A’kin Unscented Hand Cream also made my hands look more youthful and plumped up. When applying the cream there was an unpleasant smell that is sometimes associated with ‘unscented’ products. However, this can be rectified by adding several drops of an essential oil of your choice, if you wanted to. Some hand creams continue to moisturise and protect even after washing your hands, but unfortunately, this A’kin Hand and Nail cream did not as I could feel the cream washing off.
Ingredients Some of the ingredients of A’kin Unscented Hand Cream have some extra information about where an ingredient is from in brackets which is helpful. Most of the ingredients are not organic which may concern some people; however, the ingredients are from natural sources.
Results Overall, A’kin Unscented Hand & Nail treatment is a great multi-tasking product which nourishes and moisturises hands, nails, cuticles and even feet!
Pros: Multi - tasking product
Non sticky or greasy
A’kin Hand & Nail cream moisturises and nourishes well
Cons: The ‘unscented’ smell
All ingredients of A’kin Unscented Hand Cream are not organic
A lot of product needed moisturise hands properly
A’kin Unscented Intensive Hand, Nail and Cuticle Treatment (£7.65) and other A’kin products are available at naturisimo.com
Review of Barefoot Botanicals Lip Balm
By Shona B
Packaging Although this Barefoot Botanicals Lip Balm is a lip salve it comes in a squeezy lip-gloss like tube. It has a screw on lid, which is great because it means it won’t come off in your bag. It’s a nice big 15ml size, which will last a looking with a lot of writing but actually I quite like that and it makes it look expensive. The packaging of this Barefoot Botanicals product is simple but effective. I’d be quite happy to use this in public. The actual lip salve is a very pretty pale pink colour in the tube, although it isn’t pink on your lips.
Application The Barefoot Botanicals Rosa Fina Lip salve comes out of a small hole in the top of the tube. This is great if you don’t like having to stick your fingers in a tub of lip balm. The tube is easy to squeeze and the product comes out smoothly and evenly. Although the Barefoot Botanicals Lip Balm is reasonably thin it isn’t runny and once you stop squeezing the tube the product stops coming out. You can use the flat bit of the applicator to spread the product over your lips or you can just rub your lips together, however if you try to squeeze the product over your lips you end up with far too much and it goes a bit gloopy. Once on the lips it doesn’t move about and lasts a surprisingly long time. The Barefoot Lip Balm feels nice on the lips and is thick but as long as you don’t apply too much isn’t sticky and doesn’t get stuck in the corners of your mouth. This product feels and looks a lot like a clear lip-gloss, particularly when first applied. The pale pink colour in the tube of this Barefoot Lip Salve doesn’t translate to your lips but they are left looking very slightly sparkly and very glossy. The Barefoot Botanicals Lip Balm product information states that it’s suitable as a base for lipstick but I found that it was too thick and that lipstick just slides around when I tried to apply it over the top. The Barefoot Rosa Fina Lip salve seemed to increase circulation to my lips and after application they were tingling, which was very pleasant, and the salve seemed to make them redder and plumper. Unfortunately the Barefoot Botanicals Lip Balm did start to irritate the skin around my lips after a short period however I find that all lip-plumping products do that. The product tasted unpleasant if I used too much. The smell was strangely minty which was unexpected given the ingredients. Given that this Barefoot Botanicals Salve is essentially a lip balm, I guess the question should be did it moisturize and soften my lips? The answer is yes it did. Despite the irritation of the skin around my lips, my lips were left smooth and soft. It also protected them in icy winds.
Ingredients This Barefoot Botanicals Lip Balm is suitable for vegans and is GM and petroleum free. It contains lots of lip softening and moisturising goodies such as caster oil, vegetable wax, olive emollient and Jojoba balm. It also contains cardamom, which leaves your lips pleasantly tingling and glowing after use.
Results More like a lip-gloss than a lip balm this product leaves lips tingly, kissably soft but it did irritate my skin.
Pros: Great if you don’t like using your fingers to apply lip balm.
Very pleasant lip tingling effect when using the Barefoot Botanicals Balm which seems to plump your lips up slightly.
Lasted a long time for a lip gloss type product.
Leaves lips soft and kissable.
Cons: Not suitable for putting lipstick over.
· Unpleasant taste and smell
· Irritated the skin around my lips but all lip-plumping products do that so it’s probably me!
Best For: Girls who love their lip-glosses but need a lip balm.
Barefoot Botanicals Rosa Fina Lip Salve (£12.20) and other Barefoot Botanicals products are available at naturisimo.com
Review of A'kin Unscented Pure Emergency Gel
