Name of product: The Body Shop – Born Lippy™ Satsuma Shimmer, Passion berry and Pomegranate Lip Balm

Price: £2 each

The blurb: Let your lips ‘pop’ with colour! The Born Lippy™ range bursts back onto the scene this year to moisturize lips and give a splash of colour and flavor. Flaunting six new balm sticks and a playful redesign of the popular Born Lippy™ products are cheeky, daring, and bold. Stick or pot, the choice is yours. Make a statement with your selection and let your personality shine through

First impressions: These lip balms are so pretty and colourful, clearly aimed at younger customers. The products I received came in a little purple pouch, which helps to keep the pots and stick together in my bag. The stick is very creamy and soft and the two pots are slightly thicker. These balms make lips very glossy and really soft. The Satsuma Shimmer additionally provides a shimmery finish

Ease of Use: Using the stick is as simple as any lipstick but the pots require practice. As the balms are also colours, it is best to apply with a lip brush for accuracy, but there is none included with the pots

Pros: They smell yummy – like fruit or bubble gum. The balms protect lips from the harsh winter weather and they help keep lips looking glossy and healthy

Cons: The stick is great but it can get a little bit lumpy after a while. With regard to the pots – if like me, you don’t like to apply products with your fingers, they might not be for you. That said, these smell fantastic and make lips glossy and super soft

Value for money: Cheap as chips. Good quality product, effective and pleasant to use

Stockists: At branches of the body shop and online

Name of product: Philips ReAura

Price: £799.00

The blurb: “Philips ReAura laser skin rejuvination is a breakthrough antiageing programme giving you radian skin in 8 weeks. Based on Fraxel laser technology, it stimulates your skin’s natural skin cell renewal process , targeting several signs of ageing

Reduces fine lines — 81%
Philips RéAura stimulates the production of collagen to reduce fine lines, for example around the eyes and mouth, and on the cheeks. Observed by dermatologists in 81% of users, after 12 weeks of home-use by 64 users. Results are based on analysis of before and after pictures by independent dermatologists

Evens skin tone — 83%
Philips RéAura achieves a more even skin tone and visibly diminishes age spots and sun spots. Observed by dermatologists in 83% of users, after 12 weeks of home-use by 64 users. Results are based on analysis of before and after pictures by independent dermatologists

Smoothes skin texture — 86%
Philips RéAura encourages cell renewal in the deeper layers of the skin for smoother skin texture. Observed by dermatologists in 86% of users, after 12 weeks of home-use by 64 users. Results are based on analysis of before and after pictures by independent dermatologists

Personalise your treatment plan
MyRéAura allows you to define your unique treatment goals via a skin assessment. You can do this on www.philips.co.uk/reaura, or have this done in the shop where you can buy RéAura. Our Philips skincare expert team is happy to help with your skin assessment. Just give them a call”

First impressions: I have been reading all about the claims made for this appliance online, and to say that I am delighted to be carrying out a review is an understatement! I am impressed by the fact that this device has been developed by Philips (I can’t say enough in favour of my Sonicare Toothbrush or the amazing Philips customer aftercare), but in association with Fraxel – I spent a lot of time investigating Fraxel and Thermage a few years ago, even going to chat to an industry expert and dermatologist, but I decided at the time that I was not quite ready for something so radical… I am fascinated by the idea of it though and I am keen to put this device through its paces

I am genuinely impressed by the presentation of this device, it is contained in a super compact, top quality, faux leather zip up case. The appliance itself is weighty in my hand and the instruction manual (I hate instruction manuals) is, for once concise (phew)! Everything I need to know is on the explanatory CD and online on the ReAura site. What a relief

There is a charger, the special gel and the aftercare product, all well made and perfectly presented. I cant wait to get going so I am pleased that the unit is already charged when it arrives!

Ease of Use: I found a lot written online about how uncomfortable this process can be, several people described painful pricking feelings during the process resulting flaky, red, hot skin – similar to sun burn. I must admit that the first time I used the unit on the lower setting, I hardly experienced any more than very mild discomfort and my third session (I am prescribed two sessions per week) I was already on the top power setting. I have carried out this treatment in the morning, and by midday, any discomfort or stinging has subsided and I am ready to apply my high SPF Clinique BB cream and pop to the shops!

Pros: After the third session, my skin has the most amazing youthful aura – I am very impressed already! It is hard to describe what I mean by a youthful aura, but you know that glow that a child’s skin has? I am not entirely convinced yet, but by session 6, the sun spots on my cheak appear to be fading, the texture of my skin appears smoother and the pores on each side of my nose appear smaller.

They genuinely do. Am I going mad?

This treatment is so easy and I am now just 3 weeks into an 8 week course. I cant begin to describe how excited I am about this. However, I am acutely conscious of the price and I am accustomed to spending money on facials and my dermatologist, so I will tell you the truth about the results of this device as they happen for me, I just will, harsh but fair!

Cons: From the second session, my skin felt slightly gritty and I wondered if it looked flaky (apparently it didn’t), so within 24 hours of my treatment, I washed my face with Shiseido Cream Wash Cleanser and my Clarisonic facial brush and the gritty feeling subsided. Since, I have used Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant and my skin looks as bright as ever. I wouldn’t exactly see this as a con though, it just feels to me as though the appliance is genuinely making a difference to my skin

This photo is of my cheak, and the only make-up I am wearing is my lipstick. I plan to see if these two sun spots reduce and post the photographs to enable you to judge for yourself

Value for money: I will hold fire on this aspect of the review until I have completed the 8 week course. This appliance costs £800, so I want to be sure that I am seeing worthwhile results before I comment further, but so far, so good!

Stockists: SpaceNK

Name of product: Boo Boo bosom buddy

Price: £18.99 for 125ml

The blurb: “No wonder this is described as good as a bra in a bottle (well, tube!) Here’s our tips on how to feel more pleased with your pair!

If possible, gently exfoliate with a puff when showering then apply Bosom Buddy on slightly damp skin when it’s warm and more absorbent. Apply in upward strokes from below your boobs up to your neck every day.
Don’t neglect your neck! Bosom Buddy acts as a fantastic, firming neck treatment as well as looking after your boobs. For an extra-pampering, neck treatment, rub generously into the neck area before bedtime and let the centella and ginkgo biloba work their anti-ageing miracles over night!

Bosom Buddy’s 100% natural scent of lemon, ginger, mandarin and peppermint acts as a natural pick me up – breathe in deeply when applying, for an instant mood-lifter!

P.S Bosom Buddy actually inspired us to launch Velvet Hands with the same natural lemon scent as lots of fans used it as hand cream they loved it so much!

We source ingredients used in tried and tested remedies and traditions such as Ginkgo Biloba from the oldest species of tree and Argan Oil, one of the rarest oils in the world and combine them with botanical extracts to create UK-made products with modern benefits. Boo Boo treats, nurtures, soothes and makes even the most stressed-out skin feel soft, smooth, moisturised and special

We make sure we use the highest quality ingredients possible. We refuse to include any harsh ingredients in our products so when we say Hooray, we’ve banned the baddies we mean:

No Parabens
No Petrochemicals
No Sulphates
No Synthetic colours
No Triethanolamine (TEA)
No Diethanolamine (DEA)
No PEGs

Even though our products are packed with kind ingredients, as with all baby toiletries we recommend you do a small patch test first. Ooh, and it goes without saying we don’t believe in testing on our furry friends”

I asked my lovely friend Shannon to review this product for me
****************

First impressions: Fantastic packaging (but I freely admit as a not-so-secret girly girl I love anything pink). Looks slightly vintage – I could imagine them in a 1950s bathroom. Will they live up to their promises? Well, it does on fragrance – gorgeous, fresh but gentle citrus fragrance, which for some reason reminds me of childhood holidays in the South of France. I’m loving them even before I’ve used them!

Ease of Use: This product is a delight to apply -, a light cream, sinks in very easily, leaving a soft feeling

Pros: The tube fits in with my vintage style bathroom beautifully. It is easy to apply, smells wonderful, feel even better, and above all, it appears to be living up to its promises (despite my skepticism that any lotions can really lift boobs or banish marks!). I was convinced that there was no way a cream could help my poor clevage, but I tell you what – although it doesn’t give you the appearance of a boob job (thank God!), I would compare the effect with that of a decent bra. Good enough for me!

Cons: None at all

Value for money: I think this range is well worth the money – they are achieving effects that more expensive creams and spa treatments haven’t!

Stockists: Available online from the Boobooshop.com

Name of product: Fairy Princess Play Tent

Price: £74.99 for this item and delivery is free on orders over £150

The blurb: “Trampolines, Above Ground Pools and Outdoor Toy Specialists – Big Game Hunters the Outdoor Toy Specialists. If it’s outdoor and it’s fun, we have the product for you. We are passionate about outdoor family fun and are the market leaders in giant outdoor garden games. We began producing and selling outdoor garden games over 11 years ago with an aim of bringing families and friends together by having fun outside. Our unique and innovative products are a culmination of many years of research and development and market intelligence

Big Game Hunters offer a wide range of products tailored to the individual needs and requirements of our customers. Our ability to anticipate the needs of our customers has been key in the development of Big Game Hunters and by working tirelessly to develop our product ranges, enhance our customer service skills and add new brands to our catalogue we remain a leading supplier of outdoor games and equipment

The Fairy Princess Play Tent is the newest playhouse on the market. Easy to set up, easy to move and great to play in. That’s what makes these play tents so popular, convenience and fun is the key. The tent is a hexagonal turret shaped tent with a flat on the top. The tent slots together and is joined with connectors for easy installation

First impressions: This site is amazing; it has everything from super wooden play houses and trampolines to garden Jenga. It is cold at the moment, so we opted for the Fairy Princess Tent and my lovely friend Susanna agreed to review this for me

****************************

Ordering from the site was easy and delivery was prompt. The item was well packaged. The tent itself is actually quite big in size once up and nice calm pastel colours too, it looked amazing in my 4 year old daughter’s bedroom. She was shocked and amazed that she finally had a play house! Her face was a picture, but I played it down and looked surprised in response to ‘Whose is that Mummy?’

Ease of Use: Very easy to assemble and very sturdy once up. This tent is lovely quality and is very well made. It will last forever

Pros: Once in, she loved in, immediately coming back out to ‘get her things!’ Once back in she played with her big sister for hours, opening and closing the door and windows. This playhouse kept her well entertained and she liked being in her own space but she could also invite her sister in too. I can use it to hide toys away for a quick tidy up!

Cons: None, although it could have done with an iron! The creases fell out in a few days. It’s a very nice play tent, a pretty addition to her room, and the children loved it. Getting her to come out to go to bed is the one big difficulty this toy has caused!

Value for money: Yes, definitely very good value for money. I can find no fault with it. Clear instructions, easy to install, nice calm colours and the children love it

This website is super and the item I received is excellent quality, I can thoroughly recommend it

Stockists: Available online at Gardengames.co.uk

Name of product: Body Shop Natrulift Refreshing Eye roll-On

Price: £ 12.00 for 10mls

The blurb: Welcome to Body shop’s new Natrulift Refreshing eye roll on product aimed at women over 40! I myself am the right side of 40, clearly, a woman never admits her age…

“A refreshing roll-on to firm skin around the eyes, softening the appearance of wrinkles. Apply to the delicate eye area and enjoy the refreshing sensation as your skin feels perked-up with its instantly cooling and hydrating benefits

Contains organic pomegranate seed oil, pomegranate peel and pomegranate pulp, plus skin-caring Community Fair Trade organic aloe vera from Guatemala. Best if you want to: Refresh and hydrate delicate skin under the eyes with a convenient roll-on gel

Targeted care for the under eye area, cooling, hydrating, brightening, contains pomegranate extract
The pomegranate is categorized as a ‘super fruit’ because of its nutritional properties. The whole of the fruit is harnessed in Natrulift skincare products, so you can apply its goodness to your skin. Pomegranate peel provides an ingredient similar to retinol, diminishing the appearance of lines and wrinkles

Pomegranate pulp has an active ingredient, aquaporins, helping improve skin’s suppleness and boost the retention of water. Organically-certified pomegranate seed oil is used across the Natrulift range, the oil is rich in antioxidants to help protect skin from free radicals. The seeds are cold-pressed to extract the oil, and no chemicals are used at any stage in the production process. The Result: firmer-feeling skin with softer-looking fine lines and wrinkles

The pomegranate seed oil we use in our firming skin care range comes from pomegranates that are grown and hand-harvested by farmers in south-east Turkey”

First impressions: I do like retinol – very much indeed! But I like the sound of a natural alternative to retinol too! Pomegranates look amazing on my poured concrete kitchen surfaces, but they are virtually impossible to eat – thank the Lord someone has finally found something constructive to do with them! The product itself resembles a fat pen, unscrew the top and you find a cooling looking metal roll-on tip. All the products in the Natrulift range have fusia coloured packaging – obviously the colour of pomegranates!

Ease of Use: “Simply apply this morning and night before moisturising. Roll Gel under the eye. Avoid direct contact with eyes”. The gel absorbs well and doesn’t hinder my usual application of eye make-up

Pros: This eye roll on is very refreshing and so icy cold that it immediately feels as if it must be doing something constructive to your under eye area! I can remember when I was younger (obviously with far too much time on my hands) when I used to lay around with cucumbers on my eyes in the hope that they would look refreshed. Well, here it is in an easy to apply roll-on! I found myself keeping it next to my computer and applying once or so during the day when my eyes required refreshing from too much computer work. This is a refreshing product that provides my eyes with an immediate pick-me-up! Yes it’s addictive! Also it’s great to carry around in your bag and apply as required. Also another point is that it’s not just a female product, yes ladies watch out; your man may steal it from you! Not my man clearly, we are totally well off and he can purchase his own!

So let’s see – yes to refreshing, yes to softening the skin around the eyes therefore improving crow’s feet, yes it hydrates. I don’t tend to suffer from puffiness under the eye so I’m afraid I can’t comment on that aspect. I even think it helped a little with the dark circles under eyes – but really I must get more sleep

Cons: None for me, I love it, and the best thing is it instantly feels good when you apply it! Super product Body Shop!

Value for money: Great value for money, a super pick me up product

Stockists: www.bodyshop.co.uk

Name of product: Origins High Potency Night-A-Mins. A Mineral-enriched renewal cream

Price: £32.00 for 50 mls

The blurb: “Our mission at Origins is to create high-performance natural skincare that is powered by nature and proven by science. We use potent plants, organic ingredients and 1005 natural essential oils. And our long standing commitment to protect the planet, its resources and all those who populate it is reaffirmed by our earth and animal friendly practices, packaging and policies”

Put dullness to rest. Wake up radiant & refreshed. Now nature’s famed night cream is newly fortified with a system of time-released resurfacers plus Vitamins C, E & H, minerals & moisture-rich replenishers. While relaxing aromas lull you to sleep, skin sloughs away dry, dead layers. Helps the appearance of dullness. 98% of those who tested it agreed – used regularly, skin was renewed and refreshed in the AM. Helps the slumber deprived wake up on the bright side of the bed. So why face dull skin. Sleep it off tonight. This mega moisture cream fortifies skin’s own nocturnal nature to help it repair damage done by day and rebuild itself to face tomorrow

Best for combination/dry skin”

I must admit that I LOVE Origins! But, that aside (I like to think of myself as harsh but fair) I am cynical with regard to the claims that the aromas can lull me to sleep (not if you sleep with my snoring husband)! Is it really possible to expect so much from a jar of cream?

First impressions: It’s a sexy looking little clear brown pot, well designed and looks expensive (prrr)! A nice addition to my bathroom cabinet. Firstly let me say that the moment you unscrew the lid and smell this product you’ll be won over immediately. It smells divine, in fact sooo good you could eat it. It has an orangey/citrus scent which of course it should since it does consists of many natural oils including the wonderfully fragrant orange peel oil/orange flower oil (essential oil)

Ease of Use: Very simple – just apply nightly to the face and neck. Let it soak in for a few minutes, then bedtime!

Pros: I just LOVE this amazing product. The texture is rich (but not too rich) and creamy and simply glides on to your skin. Even though it is slightly thick it does not leave your skin feeling greasy at all. It does take a little time to absorb but that’s great, since it is, after all, a night cream. Whilst it’s busy doing its job you can relax and breathe in all those lovely orangey aromas/essential oils then drift off into a wonderful sleep. This for me really is a great bedtime treat and in the morning my skin feels soft, brighter, smoother and much more radiant. I’ve been using this cream for a few weeks now and I really have notice a difference. I’ve had no breakouts and I also think my face looks firmer. Yes I’m officially addicted!

A little does go a long way. You should use it sparingly and not lather it on

A brilliant and truly amazing night cream. One that really does work on your skin whilst you sleep! Can’t live without it!

Cons: For me, none. Worth every penny! (Pease note that I have read that the ingredient Valeriana Officinalis (Valerian) Root Oil can cause hives/reaction on some people, so if in doubt do a patch test on your arm first. Valerian is a powerful natural sedative…maybe that’s maybe while I slept so well after using my miracle pot of night cream!)

Value for money: This is excellent value for money; a little goes a long way.

Stockists: online at www.origins.co.uk and at branches of Boots, John Lewis, Selfridges, Peter Jones, House of Fraser and Harrods

Name of product: Origins – Make A Difference Skin rejuvenating treatment

Price: £32.00 1.7 for 50 mls

The blurb: “Our mission at Origins is to create high-performance natural skincare that is powered by nature and proven by science. We use potent plants, organic ingredients and 1005 natural essential oils. And our long standing commitment to protect the planet, its resources and all those who populate it is reaffirmed by our earth and animal friendly practices, packaging and policies

Intense hydration. Many of us experience it daily. Very few of us go through life without being dehydrated at some time or another. Dehydration can be defined as loss of water content & essential body nutrients necessary for optimal functioning. Chronic dehydration can damage skin & set the stage for the appearance of signs of premature aging. The Rose of Jericho, a “resurrection” plant that can survive and thrive after decades of drought, cell-reviving Trehalose from corn sugar and Sea Haricots help skin rebound from dramatic dehydration. Sage wisely rebuilds skin’s barrier to avert future damage. Best for dehydration, Best for combination oily skin

Used twice daily, wrinkled, weathered, potentially leathered skin resumes a youthfully-smooth look and feel. YIKES! Well not sure I’ve reached this stage yet, but I’d better be prepared and start buttering myself in the “make a difference”! Let’s see how it performs!

First impressions: It looks expensive and it smells divine. Origin’s has come up with another wonderfully aromatic product. It has a citric scent due to the citrus oils used (bitter orange flower water, lemon peel oil, sweet orange oil, and of course the Rose of Jericho extract known as the resurrection plant that can survive and thrive after decades of drought!) The product itself is in a lovely pale green jar, classy chic! The texture itself is a little strange; it appears to be neither a cream nor a gel, which surprised me a little since I thought this was a moisturiser. I’ve now learnt that it is more of a serum/treatment and that one may still need to apply a moisturizer if you feel the need to do so

Ease of Use: Apply A.M. and P.M. after A Perfect World White Tea Skin Guardian. Follow with moisturizer if desired (I couldn’t this on the product itself mind you)

Pros: Firstly let me say that it smells divine. Oh how I love the aroma of Origins products! On application I noticed that this cream/gel creates more of a film over the surface my face but it does glide effortlessly over the skin. Yes, it does sink in but not immediately. First it feels a bit tacky to the touch, then it appears to dry leaving my skin feeling incredibly soft and very smooth. I’ve had no breakouts at all, only plump ‘hydrated’ healthy looking skin! My crow’s feet even appear to be less defined and yes it has made a difference!

One great plus is that you don not need to use a lot of this product. Yes a little really does go a long way!

Cons: I have to say that I did think this was a moisturizer and as a result I found that I also needed to use both a day moisturizer and a night cream as well as this product. My face felt too dry if I used this as a stand-alone product (maybe the problem is that I have normal skin and this one is best for combination/oily skin). This is a great treatment that does leave your skin looking and feeling fab. However it may add another step to your daily routine, which is fine just so long as you realise this when buying. It is a treatment, a beautiful one, but it did not moisturise my skin enough without the use of another product, hence not full marks

Value for money: I think that this product represents good value for money for an effective treatment

Stockists: online at Origins.co.uk
Boots, John Lewis, Selfridges, Peter Jones, House of Fraser and Harrods

Name of product: Ojon “The People of Beautiful Hair”™ – Instant Restorative Hair Serum

Price: £22.00 for 50mls

The blurb: For those of you that have not yet come across Ojon – darlings! Where have you been?

According to the web site; “Every day sun, pollution, coloring, harsh chemicals, heat styling, friction from combing, diet, stress and the natural aging process cause serious damage to your hair making it limp and lackluster, coarse, tangled, dull, difficult to style and manage

Now whatever the damage, you can help transform your hair to perfect health with Ojon™ hair treatments formulated with nature’s golden elixir. This 500-year-old beauty secret was discovered by Ojon™ founder Denis Simioni in the remote regions of the tropical rainforest in Central America. (Here he can across the Tawira tribe known as “the people of beautiful hair”™ and their secret ingredient, Ojon® oil). The velvety-smooth, golden elixir is obtained from the nut of the native Ojon tree and is hand-extracted according to ancient, eco-friendly traditions. In one year, a single Ojon tree yields less than 8000 nuts, just enough to produce 3 cups of this precious natural ingredient. The purity of this precious oil is what creates its natural affinity for hair

Whenever pure Ojon™ Oil comes into contact with hair, it helps restore radiance, suppleness, bounce, body, volume and vibrancy to help repair even the most damaged hair”

According to the press release concerning the instant restorative hair serum; “instant restorative hair serum is a light weight serum designed for everyday use that instantly tames fizz and flyaway hair while helping to repair and protect hair against damage from environmental, heat and chemical exposure.” (I like it already)!

The unique characteristics of this serum are;
. It features ojons exclusive rouge Oleifera
. It provides incredible softness, shine and manageability without weighing hair down
. It’s a lightweight, convenient way to get the benefits of ojon oil every day. It can be used as a finishing product on dry hair or as a protective treatment on damp hair”

So what actually is Rouge Oleifera I hear you ask? Rouge Oleifera is extracted from the fruit that surrounds each ojon nut. This rich red looking pulp has a high concentration of antioxidants such as beta-carotene, which is said to be seven times stronger than that in carrots (Bugs Bunny eat your heart out!) It is the ideal ingredient for a daily serum to help protect and repair damage whilst reducing flyways and adding shine and manageability

Perhaps it will even help me see in the dark?

About the ojon oil
. Rich in essential lipids, ojon oil has been clinically proven to penetrate deep within the hair shaft to help repair and seal the cuticle to restore even the most damaged hair
. Helps to build up hairs natural resistance to future damage- restoring the look and feel of virgin hair
. Proven to help reverse even the most severe damage

Ojon have carried out consumer studies and can report back that after only one application
92% of women felt their hair was conditioned
96% of them said their hair was soft and smooth
92% said their hair looked shiny

Can a little bottle of orange looking oil be sooo good? Read and get your credit card ready!

I asked my super chum Helena to review this product for me, I was love Ojon and was keen to have her opinion

*****

First impressions: Like the other Ojon hair products, the designers have worked hard to try and portray and earthy, organic and expensive looking product. It looks like it will do the job, it actually looks potent! The bottle has a scientific looking dropper dispenser so that you can easily control the amount of oil used. Only a couple of drops are required since it is highly concentrated. It’s a golden orangey coloured oil that smells lovely (sweet almond oil)

Ease of Use: “Warm 1 to 2 drops in the palm of your hands and apply to damp or dry hair concentrating on the ends. Use before heat styling to protect hair or use as a finishing product for a brilliant shine, softness and to help with frizz control. Absorbs instantly”

Pros: Omg, omg, omg little bottle of wonder, where have you been all my life? I worship you! Since a child, unlike the fabulous Dulwichmum, I’ve been plagued by dry damaged flyaway frizzy long uncontrollable hair and now I’m a total goddess with flowing shiny smooth glossy locks cascading gently down my back! So this is her secret! Yes really!

After just one little application my hair transformed itself into a controllable glossy, shining, glistening mane! Yes I couldn’t believe that my thick hair could be altered by only two little drops of this fantastic oil! Over the years I’ve tried many a product but this is THE BEST EVER. And what’s more is the fact that you are using something so natural. Yes my locks have bounce, body and what’s wonderful is the colour vibrancy! I was a little worried at first that it might leave my hair greasy/oily but it didn’t, instead my hair just looks hydrated and wonderfully smooth. I’ve used it both on damp and dry hair scrunching it into the ends of my hair and I’ve had amazing results

What’s also brilliant about this product is that it is formulated WITHOUT:
- Parabens
- Synthetic Fragrances
- Synthetic Dyes
- Phthalates
- Triclosan

Cons: A BIG FAT ZERO! Ok you may think it’s a trifle expensive but just think where it came from, how it was produced, yes by hand and believe me it works miracles on your hair. Buy it! Don’t let this one get away it really is a miracle in a bottle!

Value for money: www.ojon.co.uk, Harrods, John Lewis Partnership, Fenwick, QVC

Stockists: Online at Ojon.co.uk and QVC, and at great department stores including, Harrods, John Lewis Partnership, Fenwick, QVC

Name of product: Aromatherapy Associates Fine Line Face Oil

Price: 41.50 for 15mls

The blurb: For the uninitiated, Aromatherapy Associates have created a fabulous range of products for the skin, bath and body care that transforms a daily routine into something luxurious and deeply beneficial. It makes your home smell like a luxury spa, and provides an authentic sense of a genuine spa treatment but at home! Simply wonderful!

“THE POWER OF AROMATHERAPY

Essential oils have been used for thousands of years for their exquisite aromas and natural healing powers. Rich in botanical activity and antioxidants, plant oils encourage radiant, healthy skin, working at a cellular level to keep the complexion soft and looking youthful. By harnessing their therapeutic properties, aromatherapy works to improve our physical, mental and emotional wellbeing

THE PHYSICAL BENEFITS
Essential oils are made up of very small molecules, which mean they can easily bring their unique healing properties to every cell of the body. They are traditionally used to help ease muscular aches and pains, improve circulation and ease sinus congestion. They also have a positive effect on the skin, penetrating into the deeper layers to encourage the process of cellular renewal, enhance blood circulation and help problems such as acne, eczema and ageing skin

THE EMOTIONAL BENEFITS
Linked to the areas of the brain governing instinct, memory and emotion, our sense of smell is the most primitive of our senses. Through the pathways between smell and the deep centers of the brain, essential oils can have a dynamic effect on our emotional state. They can help transform our moods and move us from one state of mind to another”

Aromatherapy Associates have recently launched a new dedicated anti-aging skincare collection consisting of six new retail products plus an introductory set: Anti-age Anti-Age Skincare Introductory Set, Anti-age Instant, Skin Firming Serum, Anti-age Fine Line Face Oil, Anti-age Intensive Skin Treatment Oil, Anti-age Rich Repair, Nourishing Cream, Anti-age Overnight Repair Mask, Anti-age Rich Repair Eye Cream”

The product I have been testing out for the last few weeks has been the Anti-age Fine Line Face Oil. According to the Aromatherapy Associates this oil is; “A super-rich treatment to diminish the appearance of fine lines.
Contains anti-ageing extracts of evening primrose and ximenia, a wild African plum, both high in essential fatty acids. Full of essential oils of rose, patchouli and ylang-ylang, which encourage healthy, glowing skin. Apple seed and raspberry seed oils help natural collagen, softening the look of fine lines

Our powerful and effective anti-age skincare uses innovative natural ingredients for maximum results”

First impressions: This product looks wonderfully opulent and shouts out “I may be small but I’m special – pamper yourself!” What more can I say? Actually I can say a lot more; I love the clean, crisp, fresh, simple glass bottle design. The top is a screw top and it has its own applicator so you can easily control the amount of oil dispensed. The fragrance is to die for, all those yummy essential oils all ready and waiting to transform me into a Goddess! Can’t wait to use it!

Ease of Use: “Use morning and night after cleansing and toning. Massage one to two pumps over face and neck with the fingertips, concentrating on lined areas. Apply after serum and before moisturizer. Sensible cautions: Skin patch test 24 hours before use. Natural sedimentation may occur. Avoid direct contact with eyes. Keep out of reach of children. Store away from heat and light. Once opened, best used within 6 months”

This routine is easy to integrate into my routine. It is relaxing and very pleasant. The product glides over my skin and smells simply divine

Pros: This is another fantastic product from Aromatherapy Associates. They never fail to provide wonderful products that for me really do work. It’s lightweight oil that’s not at all greasy. It sinks wonderfully into the skin, not immediately mind you, but in the morning I tend to put it on first thing before breakfast, then go back and apply moisturiser, then make-up. In the evenings I tend to put it on as I’m getting into bed since the fragrance is divine and I love massaging it into my face for a few minutes before sleep time. The results so far have been amazing. My skin is super soft, looks plumper and far more radiant than before. The fine lines around my eyes look less prominent and I feel like my skin is glowing!

Furthermore I love the fact that I’m using so many wonderful natural ingredients such as the African plum, evening primrose, and apple seed, rose and raspberry seed oil extract. (No you won’t smell like a fruit salad I promise!) Another winner!

Cons: It may be small and expensive, but it’s well worth it! Luxury in a bottle

Value for money:

Stockists: Online at Aromatherapyassociates.com and from Liberty, Fortnum and Mason, The refinery