King of moisturisers?

King of moisturisers?

I have literally just tried this moisturiser, so apologies for the lack of picture...but the moisturiser my Mum has been raving about is a high street favourite...Jergens Ultra Hydrating body moisturiser.

This brand has taken the moisturiser industry by storm in the last few years. This product claims to 'Immediately relieve dryness' and boasts 96% natural ingredients, including jojoba oil, avocado and olive oil. With an RRP of £4.99 for 200ml or £6.49 for 350ml this is incredibly good value, and in some shops I have seen it on offer for half price or buy one get one free promotions, knocking the socks off of my high end moisturisers.

So, now we know the claims, how do these stack up in reality?

This is a pretty good moisturiser. It absorbs quickly, smells clean and fresh, but not overpowering. I slathered one arm with Jergens and one without, and this morning, the one with Jergens felt and was visibly smoother, including a nice smooth elbow, compared to the other arm which now really needs attention - especially around the elbow area! The moisturiser reacted well with my sensitive skin. My Mum has been on the quest for a decent moisturiser for years' and is over the moon she has found this affordable, high performing moisturiser.

This product can be bought in all the usual high street suspects, Boots, Superdrug, and the big supermarkets as well, Tesco Sainsbury etc.

Jergens also have a brilliant website with more information about all of their products, many of which I hope to review in later blogs: www.jergens.co.uk

Right, I'm off to stock up on what is sure to be a bathroom staple of mine!

Stay beautiful, and look out soon for some product reviews coming from Mags!

Stace x

5th September 2011

The perfect body moisturiser...is there one???

The perfect body moisturiser...is there one???

At the weekend my Mum told me she had found the perfect body moisturiser...and this got me excited. While I will reveal this once I have had a chance to review it...it got me thinking, what makes the perfect body moisturiser? And subsequently I found I had several different brands of moisturisers lurking in my bedroom. Time to put the body moisturisers to the test!! In order of my least favourite to my most favourite:

6. Brand name moisturisers - FCUK, Jojoba, coconut and vitamin e

Every brand these days thinks they can bring out a beauty range, and often packs of these appear in Boots at Christmas. The FCUK moisturiser I have is one from such a pack. I have very sensitive and dry skin, and while the small of this is lovely it really didn't react well to my skin, and no noticeable smoothness of skin.

5. Perfume brand moisturisers - Vera Wang, Look

Vera Wang Look is a moisturiser created from a perfume smell. It smells amazing, and definitely wins in the scent stakes, but is not easily absorbed, and no noticeable smoother skin.

4. Nutremetics body lotion - Apricot body dew

An Australian company who sell mainly through parties, the smell is very overpowering, but does make the skin appear slightly smoother. The smell really was to overpowering for me to continue using.

3. Elemis exotic lime and ginger

This absorbs super quick, and really smooths the skin, and a little really goes along way. But the smell...it reminds me of something a man would put on. Not a feminine smell, and you can still smell it the next day. Reacts well with my skin though.

2. Liz Earle energising body lotion

I like the smell, not to over-powering, and it really does moisturise, with effects being felt the next day and super smooth skin. The lotion takes a little longer than some others to absorb, but it is a pretty good all rounder.

1. Norwegian formula everyday repair

A surprise for me, as no high end brand, but this company really do put skin first. The smell is subtle, it absorbs quickly, no bad reaction with my skin, and smooth and all dryness eliminated the next day.

I will review my Mum's recommendation at the weekend, but for now, what makes your perfect body moisturiser? Let us know on Twitter @beautyu or by email - info@beautyu.co.uk.

Stay beautiful!

Stace x

31st August 2011

The wait is nearly over for Liz Earle colour!

The wait is nearly over for Liz Earle colour!

It was only a matter of time before skincare genius Liz Earle launched a make- up range, and from the 15th September, her first make up product 'Sheer skin tint' will be launched.

So, is this new product any good?
Well, firstly I am so happy they decided to launch this product with a box. Many of their products don't come boxed, and I know it is more environmentally friendly, but when competing in the make-up market, all high end brands are boxed, and the point of make-up is to make a lady feel extra special - right! And I was very excited when I first opened up the little black box. Doing their bit for the environment, Liz Earle have said that when the product is ordered by mail they will provide samples of all three shades for the customer to try before opening their order to ensure the right shade has been selected and cut down on wastage. This is a nice touch, well done Liz!

The tint comes in a black squeezy bottle. It is a handy size for travelling and similar to brands like Laura Geller. I like the tube, and it is easy to squeeze the product out. It also means you can cut the top of when you get down to the dregs, not like those glass foundation bottles where you always waste at least a months worth of product! The product itself is very lightweight, and feels quite silky on the skin, the application is easy, and only a little is needed, I think I put a bit too much on! It does not feel like there is a lot of product on the skin, or cloggy in the way some foundations do. I love that this product has SPF 15, and it is a mineral sunscreen, much more natural and kind to the skin.

The actual product looks really natural on my skin, it is definitely a no make-up look make-up. I would probably want more coverage for a going out look, but for an everyday to the office look this product is perfect. Ladies who are afraid of heavy foundations will love this product. The dewy look is very fresh and radiant, although I would often go for something more matte looking, I like this look, it feels very effortless, where as with matte it is very clear make up has been applied. I like this product, quick and easy to use, and I love the effect.

My one complaint would be there are only a choice of 3 colours - Bare, beige and beach. I have tried the bare, which for my fair skin is probably fine in the depths of the winter, but I would need a tiny hint of colour in the Summer. Having said that, I am happy with the finished result, as you can see in the picture below.

The product which will be available from Liz Earle from the 15th September 2011, and will be £21.00 for 40ml, a good price when you consider similar product retailing for nearly £30.

And what's really exciting about this is there will hopefully be more make-up to come from Liz Earle! Finally a make up brand that is made to look after our skin, and looks great!

This is guaranteed to be a big seller, so get in the queue!


Stay beautiful!

Stace x


24th August 2011


PS - Mags is on holiday this week, and I can't wait to hear what she thinks of this product!