31 August 2014

Sisley Energising Foaming Exfoliant

I'm pretty picky about body scrubs, having tried a multitude over the years and having settled on a top two that I return to time and again (Ren Guerande Salt Exfoliating Body Balm and Clarins Smoothing Body Scrub). But during a recent Sisley GWP promotion I wanted to try something different by the brand, and the sales assistant cited this as one of her favourite Sisley products. The exfoliant costs £74.50 for a 200ml tube, but as I've come to expect from Sisley, it doesn't disappoint.

Upon first using the exfoliator I was a bit concerned that it wouldn't provide enough friction to effectively exfoliate -not that I'm a fan of harsh scrubs but I was surprised at how liquid it was in consistency (though it's not marketed as a scrub but as an exfoliant). My concerns dissipated though once it had had a chance to work its magic. The exfoliant is a pleasure to apply, feeling gentle on the skin, and with a soothing scent of lavender and rosemary. Massaging it in, you really feel as if you're doing something good for your skin. Crucially, my skin feels very soft afterwards, but also more toned and just somehow healthier.

I prefer to use this on skin that is just very slightly damp as I feel less is wasted and it works better. I'm not sure I'd buy it again unless it was on offer; personally I'd rather invest this sort of money in an anti-aging or other skincare product. I don't think the results are much more spectacular than the scrubs I mention above, which are around a third of the price. But I'm glad I tried it, and if I feel the need for a luxurious treat again in the future, I may well repurchase.

I purchased my scrub from Fenwicks of Bond Street, but it's widely available online. I've recently purchased Sisley's Botanical d-tox, so a review to follow once I've trialled it for a few weeks.

29 August 2014

Chanel Hydra Beauty Essence Mist

This facial mist was a bit of an impulse purchase for me last summer, during a Boots points event. At £44 for 50ml, it's by no means cheap, but it more than proved it's worth.


The mist contains hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E, and a moisturising compound called Camellia Alba, which according to the product info offers antioxidant protection as well as hydration. In the few months I've been using it its become invaluable. When I first purchased it I was in the first trimester of pregnancy and suffering more or less constant morning sickness. I had neither the energy nor the inclination to spend any time on my skin, hair or make up, but this spray was a saviour. Simply misting it over my face after cleansing gave 'post facial' skin, even without the addition of toner or moisturiser. The same in the early months of motherhood when I found I simply didn't have time for the skincare regimens of old. A spray of this on cleansed skin meant I could get out of the house without feeling I had to go through my usual routine of toning and moisturising, and made going without make up much more bearable. It feels comfortable and moisturising on the skin, smells heavenly (I wish they'd make a perfume with a similar scent!) and gives the skin a dewy, rested finish - it really is like a mini facial in a can!

The mist can also be used to set make up, and according to various online beauty mags it works well over serum / moisturiser to prep skin before applying make up, though I haven't yet used it in this way. I have however used it with my Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Enhancer (which I love - separate post to follow!) to sheer it out a bit - it then applies beautifully.

It is expensive for a tiny amount of product, but with careful use it will last a good few months. It's just one of those products that delivers. Having just finished my can, I'm planning to repurchase asap.