Recent Empties

This post was originally scheduled for March this year. I didn't think I really had enough items for a full post, so I held off until I had a few more empties. I think the fact that it is now mid June speaks volumes about how long it takes for me to use things up!

The first three items pictured here are REN's Frankincense Revitalising Night Cream, John Frieda Root Awakening Shampoo and Caudalie Vinoperfect Day Cream. I received the Frankincense Night Cream* in an event bag a long time ago. I liked the texture of the cream but wasn't keen on the scent. I managed to tolerate the smell in order to use it as I found the cream suited my skin (it's quite light for a night cream) but this isn't something I would repurchase simply because I'm not a fan of frankincense.

The John Frieda Root Awakening Shampoo* was almost the reverse of the REN situation. I loved the smell but didn't get on with the formula. It is quite a thick cream shampoo and I found it difficult to rinse the product away thoroughly. My scalp would often feel 'heavy' with the residue and I noticed I would get spots around the hairline and back of my neck when I used this every wash. I got on better with it when used it in rotation with other shampoos. 

When I reviewed the Caudalie Vinoperfect Day Cream back in January, I had a little gripe about the price for a 30ml tube. I still stand by this, however I suspect I will re-purchase this in the future as I really liked the cream and found it suited my skin.

I bought this bottle of Mavala Mild nail polish remover in Sephora last year. Although it does contain acetone, I find this remover is less drying and better suited to my fragile nails than other acetone-free formulas that I have tried. I suspect you can buy this in chemists that have a Mavala stand but I haven't managed to find it anywhere other than online. A 250ml bottle costs £7.10 from Feel Unique.

These are some of my more recent empties. I'm cheating a bit by including the Emma Hardie Amazing Face Cleansing Wash* as there is enough left for a couple more washes. I know that foaming face washes aren't everyone's cup of tea but they're a staple in my routine and I particularly like how gentle this one is.

I wrote about the Kneipp Pure Bliss range* quite recently and mentioned how much I liked the body wash. I love the smell and will definitely be buying this again. Like the Mavala remover, I think it's easier to find Kneipp online. The Body Wash costs £4.95 from Victoria Health.

Trying the I Love My Muff range seems to have changed my washing habits permanently. Having previously used shower gel all over, I'm now quite used to using a separate product for my...erm, delicate area. The Apivita Intimate Wash* with tea tree & propolis has quite a strong herbal fragrance but is low foaming and gentle on the skin. I was really pleased to see that Apivita is now available from Marks & Spencers. They don't stock the Intimate Wash (too much shock potential maybe?) but they do have the lovely Body Nourish shower gel that I reviewed previously.

Are you good at finishing products or do you have a bathroom full of half empty bottles like me? What have you used up recently?


Disclosure: Items marked with an asterisk were received without cost either for review or as part of an event bag.

REN ClearCalm 3

I had the pleasure of attending a REN event last week. I knew of the brand but admit I've never tried any of their products. After the really interesting talk given by Robert Calcraft, one of the founders of the brand, that will all change. He's a really savvy, fun guy and I was very taken by the concept behind the brand. More about that in another post I'm sure.

Today, I want to talk about their new anti-blemish range: ClearCalm 3. This range is designed to combat the causes of acne, blemishes and breakouts without harshness. Now, if you don't already know,  I used to work as a skin microbiologist and a lot of my work involved investigating the efficacy of acne treatments. I worked with patients that had acne, some cases were extremely severe and I know how upsetting and debilitating it can be. I'm also well aware that there is a pay off with most acne treatments: you treat the acne but the products are very harsh and desiccate the skin. You get rid of one discomfort but end up with another.

Basically, combating acne whilst being gentle on the skin is the holy grail for acne and blemish treatments. I think REN have done a pretty good job at it! You don't have to take my word for it either. Take a look at the product reviews on the Sephora website where the the ClearCalm 3 range apparently accounts for a large proportion of REN's current sales.

I have been using a sample of the Anti-Blemish Clay Cleanser for the past week (I've actually had a bit of a nasty breakout myself) and I can vouch for the fact that this is clearing up my spots without making my skin feel dry. My skin feels slightly tighter than it would with my normal cleanser. I'd describe it as similar to how it feels after using a clay mask.

The range aims to tackle the 3 key causes of blemishes and breakouts (hence the name):

1. Excess Sebum
2. Build of dead skin cells
3. Blemish-causing bacteria (Propionibacterium)

*Dons Lab coat* It's important to note that Propionibacterium are a natural part of our skin flora. They are always there and don't specifically cause acne but they are involved in breakouts when excess sebum and the build up of dead skin cells lead to an environment lacking in oxygen.

The range includes four products: A cleanser, a day cream, a night serum and a treatment mask. Used together, they promise to leave you with clearer, matte skin, that looks radiant and healthy. All this with no nasties, no stripping and natural active ingredients. REN I take my hat off to you. Jobs a good 'un!


You can uby REN products in Selfridges, Liberty, SpaceNK and John Lewis stores, as well as various online retailers including www.renskincare.com.