MyChelle’s products are organised into five steps which, when combined, create the perfect skin care routine – you just have to pick the right products for your skin type!  Step 1 is cleansers, Step 2 masks, peels and scrubs, Step 3 serums, Step 4 mists, and finally, Step 5 creams.  The three products I received, and have now been using for a while, are their Fruit Enzyme Cleanser* from Step 1, Pumpkin Renew Cream* from Step 5, and Fabulous Eye Cream*, also from Step 5.  I haven’t tried any products from Step 2, 3 or 4 so cannot comment on how well the routine works as a whole, so I will share my experience of each product individually.

Fruit Enzyme Cleanser – 61ml – £8.50

MyChelle say: Gentle deep cleanser uncovers remarkably fresh, smooth skin. A special blend of natural multi-fruit Alpha-Hydroxy Acids unclog and purify pores, and increase cellular turnover for a more youthfully refined look. Strengthening and antioxidant Turmeric keeps skin calm and eases signs of irritation, while Fructooligosaccharides from sugar promote and protect skin’s health.

I say: The Fruit Enzyme Cleanser comes in a squeezy bottle with a mess-free click lid, which makes it really easy to control how much of the cleanser you use, meaning there’s no waste.  MyChelle recommend using a dime-size amount to cover the whole face, which in English money is about the same size as a five pence coin.  In my experience that is enough for a good cleanse, so even this 61ml bottle will last a good while.

The cleanser contains a mixture of natural oils and plant extracts, but the one that dominates is orange, so it has a gorgeous sweet orange scent, which happens to be one of my favourite toiletry scents.  It also has a light gel consistency which massages in like a dream, and doesn’t feel greasy at all.  The gel washes off easily with warm water and leaves the skin feeling soft, fresh and incredibly clean, without that tightness you sometimes get from facial cleansers.  I’ve noticed my face has looked a lot clearer since I started using this cleanser and I’ve had far fewer breakouts which is brilliant.

Pumpkin Renew Cream – 35ml – £21.00

MyChelle say: A lightweight, hydrating formula blends antioxidant-rich Pumpkin Seed Oil with reparative Peptides to protect cellular health and maintain hydration. Astaxanthin, from Micro-Algae, neutralizes free radicals while reducing moisture loss. EGF Peptides promote cellular renewal and collagen production. Shea Butter and Vitamin E replenish skin’s lipid barrier to prevent dehydration.

I say: MyChelle’s Pumpkin Renew Cream is not orange in colour as you’d expect, but a pale minty green.  It smells absolutely beautiful – fresh, but with a sweet and spicy note of nutmeg which really stands out.  The formula is light, and in the pot looks a little bit oily which, I’ll admit, worried me slightly at first, but I was relieved to find that it doesn’t leave behind any greasiness on the skin.  Rather, it is absorbed nicely and is incredibly moisturising and softening, and also has a calming, soothing effect on tired or angry skin.

MyChelle’s Pumpkin Renew Cream is suitable for all skin types, including combination skin like mine, and can be used as a day or night cream, so it’s a great little all-rounder.  I’ve been using my pot in the morning as a base for my make up, and it hydrates dry patches and evens out oily patches for a perfect finish.

Fabulous Eye Cream – 15ml – £19.00

MyChelle say: Advanced formula nourishes the delicate eye area while minimizing the look of fine lines. Revolutionary Edelweiss Plant Stem Cells inhibit collagen breakdown and are clinically proven to reduce wrinkle depth by 15% after only twenty days of use. Hyaluronic acid binds moisture within the skin, smoothing and firming the eye area.

I say: Once again, MyChelle’s packaging prevails with this cream and the easy squeeze tube and narrow nozzle make it really easy to control how much cream you use, and you really only need a little bit of this to cover the whole eye area.  The cream itself, like the Pumpkin Renew Cream, is non-greasy and easily absorbed, and gentle enough for the eye area, causing no irritation.  The Fabulous Eye Cream smells different to the other two products (I love how they all have a different scent!), with a delicately sweet, almost floral aroma with hints of coconut, lavender and orange.

Being only 23, I don’t yet have many wrinkles around my eyes, but I’ve been using this almost as a preventative, and it’s doing a great job so far.  After application my eye area feels smooth and firm, without being uncomfortable, and it’s definitely been helping to reduce my morning eye puffiness!

Overall, I’d definitely recommend MyChelle’s products and I’d love to fill the gaps in my routine with more of their offerings.  My skin is really quite sensitive and I often have allergic to reactions to facial cleansers and moisturisers, but I haven’t had any such reaction to MyChelle.  Definitely something to remember if you too suffer from sensitive skin!

You can view MyChelle’s full range here.

My parcel from MyChelle also contained two packets of Pur chewing gum, and since I am a gum addict it was a nice little surprise to receive these.  The gum comes in two flavours – Peppermint and Wintergreen, and is aspartame and sugar-free, so it contains no nasties.  It’s also suitable for vegans, diabetics and those who are gluten and lactose intolerant, so it’s a really inclusive product.  The gum itself has a nice, powerful flavour and tastes and chews just like any other gum, so it doesn’t suffer in that respect, but the flavour doesn’t last as long as I’d like.  Still, for a natural product that pretty much anyone can have, it’s impressive.

Naomi x

*These products were sent to me by MyChelle Dermaceuticals for review purposes.  All opinions expressed are honest and my own.*

The instructions on the bottle are simple – Use your normal shower product and rinse off, apply the In-Shower Body Moisturiser while still in the shower, rinse off, dry yourself, get dressed and go.  What could possibly go wrong?  As it happens, quite a lot.

NIVEA’s In-Shower Body Moisturiser has a creamy, smooth consistency, massages in nicely and has that typical, fresh NIVEA scent, but that’s where the positives end.  After applying the skin conditioner I rinsed and rinsed, but the moisturiser left a thick, greasy coating on my skin that just wouldn’t budge.  Even after drying myself the residue remained and it felt sticky.  I even tried scraping it with my finger nail and a gloopy, white mess gathered behind it, eurgh!  After leaving such a thick layer on my skin I at least expected the In-Shower Moisturiser to make my dry skin feel softer…  Nope!  I could still feel the dry patches through the grease, which is not a nice feeling.

Overall, I’m disappointed with NIVEA’s In-Shower Body Moisturiser.  I bought my bottle half-price from Superdrug a couple of months ago, but full-price this 400ml bottle costs £5.09, which would be better spent on a good quality, normal moisturiser.  I still use it every now and then if I’m in a real hurry, but I’ve learnt my lesson and I’d much rather take those extra few minutes to moisturise properly, even if it nearly makes me late for the bus!

Have you tried this product?  What do you think of it?

Naomi x

When I first received the cleansing balm, I was immediately impressed by the generous size of the product.  The pot is very large, and contains 105g of balm, and comes with a delicately soft cleansing cloth.  I can’t say the packaging is anything special, but its simplicity is bang on trend.

According to the Lookfantastic website, Elemis’ Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is meant to ‘dissolve make up, dirt and oil from your skin’, as well as ‘deeply cleanse, smooth and hydrate your skin, leaving you with a glowing complexion’.  The balm has a brilliant yellow colour to it, and is made up of a mixture of active natural oils, including starflower, elderberry and optimega, as well as rose and mimosa waxes.  On top of this, the balm is scented with calming lavender and chamomile, and it really does smell absolutely beautiful.

The key ingredients work as follows…

• Padina Pavonica: A powerful anti-ageing active.
• Elderberry Oil: Firms and plumps your skin.
• Starflower Oil: Maintains the skin’s moisture levels.
• Optimega Oil: Improves skin hydration.
• Mimosa and Rose Flower Waxes: Softens and comforts your skin.

The balm also has an incredible texture which is soft and waxy, and is an absolute pleasure to use as it feels so luxurious.  It glides onto the skin effortlessly and massages in well, and as you rub the wax warms gently for an intense cleansing experience.  It’s easy to use too – all you do is massage a generous amount of balm into your face, neck and chest, with moist fingertips.  You can then leave it on for a few minutes for deeper relaxation (this would be lovely during a pamper session in the bath), or wash it straight off using the cloth provided.  I find it’s best to use the cloth when warm and damp, not soaking wet, as it makes it easier to remove the balm without making a drippy mess.

After use, I found that my skin felt slightly tight which worried me a little, but after a few minutes the tightness faded and my skin felt gorgeously soft, clean and refreshed, and looked far less dull.  I have sensitive combination skin on my face (oily T-zone and dry cheeks), and the balm seemed to balance my skin, hydrating the dry areas whilst lessening the oil, and it didn’t cause any irritation at all, so it’s ideal for all skin types.

Overall, Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm gives a wonderful cleansing experience and feels like a real treat every time.  The huge pot means it will last for ages too, so the £39.50 pricetag is worth every penny.  If you’d like to try it yourself, it is available here from Lookfantastic, and postage is FREE on all orders, worldwide.

Naomi x

*This Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm was sent to me by The Hut Group/Lookfantastic for review purposes.  All opinions expressed are honest and my own.*

The clay comes packaged in an uncomplicated brown paper bag which suits the natural simplicity of the clay itself, and can also be recycled, so it’s ethical too.  Rhassoul Clay is a light reddish-brown, and comes in a fine powder form so it can be easily mixed with water.  It is sourced in Morocco, and contains a combination of minerals, such as silicon and magnesium, which makes it perfect for making skin healthier.

Rhassoul Clay can be used as a cleanser or face mask when mixed with water, or rosewater.  I initially found it really difficult to get the clay to the right consistency, but I’ve found that a little goes a long way and, as a rule, a quarter of a teaspoon mixed with a couple of teaspoons of water is ideal as a cleanser.  Or, for a mask, use a full teaspoon of powder with a similar quantity of water.  Once mixed, leave the paste to hydrate for a few minutes before using.

My favourite way to use sienna wood’s Rhassoul Clay is as a cleanser, as it’s fuss free but gives amazing results.  All you need to do is massage the cleanser in to damp skin before rinsing off with warm water.  The clay has a silky smooth texture that is a pleasure to use as it feels luxuriously lovely on the skin, and it does its job incredibly well.  After use, my skin always feels really refreshed and clean, and very soft, but without the tightness I usually experience with unnatural cleansers.  Furthermore, the clay has no scent and contains no nasty chemicals, so it is really gentle on my sensitive skin.

Sienna Wood Rhassoul Clay is available online and costs £3.49 for a 50g bag.  Considering the small amount you need for one use, a bag will last a fairly long time (at least a few months), so it is excellent value for money.  Sienna Wood also sel Argan Oil Hair Treatment and Face Treatment, both of which cost just over £5.00 each, so they’re definitely worth checking out too.

Have you ever used Rhassoul Clay?  What did you think?

Naomi x

*I was sent this sienna wood Rhassoul Clay by sienna wood beauty for review purposes.  All opinions expressed are honest and my own.*

Purity Organic Skincare are a British brand who focus on using hard-working and sustainably grown ingredients to create gentle but effective skincare products, which are also affordable, using the tagline ‘Less is more in beauty’.  Most of their ingredients are organic, and the brand is officially EcoCert certified, vegetarian and does not support animal testing, so they are all round skin, animal, environment and purse friendly – what more could you ask for?

The two products that I was sent to review are Purity’s Facial Wash and Conditioning Cleansing Lotion, which both come in Purity’s characteristically simple packaging.  Here are my experiences of both so far…

Facial Wash – 150ml – RRP £4.99

I use Purity’s Facial Wash every morning whilst in the shower, and it adds a lovely bit of luxury to my morning routine.  The wash contains a mixture of natural ingredients, including sweet almond oil for moisturisation and aloe vera to soothe the skin, and is fragrance free so is suitable for sensitive skin, which is excellent news for me!  I find that the wash has quite an oily consistency, but if you rub a coin sized amount between your hands before use it warms up and develops into a light foam which is enough to cover your whole face, and feels gorgeously silky when massaged into the skin.  Despite the oil, the wash washes off with no trouble and leaves no greasy residue on the skin, and doesn’t go the other way and dry the skin out either.  Rather, it leaves the skin feeling refreshed, clean and incredibly soft.

Conditioning Cleansing Lotion Make-Up Remover – 150ml – RRP £4.99

Every evening, before I go to bed, I remove my make-up using Purity’s Conditioning Cleansing Lotion.  The cleanser has a creamy texture which acts as a moisturiser and, like the facial wash, has no fragrance.  The main ingredients derive from coconut and avocado oil which cool the skin, and were specifically chosen for their abilities to break down make-up and dirt.  To use, you just need to massage a small amount of the cleanser onto the face and neck before removing it with a clean cotton pad, and believe me when I say it does its job very well!  The cleanser I used to use never fully removed everything from my face, so when applying toner there would still be make-up coming off on the cotton pad, but this gets rid of everything in one go.  The only downside is that it can’t be used to remove eye make-up, so I’ve had to continue using my usual one, but I would switch to Purity straight away if they did launch an eye make-up remover!

Combined, these two products have worked miracles on my problem skin.  I put the breakouts down to the overuse of scented products packed full of harsh chemicals which irritated my skin, and the gentle but effective ingredients in the facial wash and cleansing lotion have sorted that right out.  Though my skin still isn’t perfect, it looks a LOT clearer and feels a lot smoother, which has seriously boosted my confidence.

Purity Organic Skincare’s products are available online and in Superdrug stores across the UK, and are extremely affordable, ranging from £4.99 to £8.99 each.  I really can’t recommend the brand highly enough as their products actually work and have sorted my skin out in no time at all – thank you, Purity!  I am definitely going to be repurchasing both the facial wash and cleanser, and will be investing in the moisturiser too.

Naomi x

*The Purity Organic Skincare Facial Wash and Conditioning Cleansing Lotion were sent to me by Purity Organic Skincare for review purposes.  All opinions expressed are honest and my own.*

Bionsen’s deodorants contain a blend of skin nourishing Japanese Spa Minerals which are found in the volcanic spas of Japan (known as ‘Onsen’), and the deodorant’s hypoallergenic formula helps to neutralise the body’s bacteria which is responsible for bad odour.  They are also aluminium and paraben free, so are gentle on sensitive skin and, if the claims about cancer causing chemicals are correct, they reduce these risks too.

The deodorants I received from Bionsen are the 50ml Roll-On and the 100ml Pump Spray.  Over the last few days I have given both deodorants a go, and I have been suitably impressed.  Here is what I think of each…

Bionsen Roll-On Deodorant

Bionsen’s roll-on deodorant has a light, fresh scent which isn’t overwhelmingly strong like some deodorants.  The roll-on applies quite wet and feels instantly cooling on the skin, which is lovely after a shaving or a hot shower, but it does take a while to dry.  I admit I got a little impatient the first time I used the deodorant and got dressed before it was completely dry, but it didn’t leave any white marks on my clothes at all.  Overall, the deodorant lasts an incredibly long time.  The fresh scent lingers all day (and I’m talking ALL day, from before work until bedtime), and most importantly, the roll-on causes me no irritation whatsoever.  It’s a winner in my book!

Bionsen Pump Spray Deodorant

As I mentioned earlier, I can’t use aerosol sprays due to my asthma, so when I first saw Bionsen’s pump spray I was incredibly pleased to have an alternative to my usual roll-on!  And indeed, it doesn’t trigger my asthma at all.  Like the roll-on, the pump spray is extremely cooling, and has a light, fresh scent which lasts all day.  The spray cap is moveable, so it’s easy to angle the bottle in the right direction, and I find that two sprays of deodorant on each armpit is plenty enough for long-lasting protection.  The spray dries a lot quicker than the roll-on too, so if you’re looking for a deodorant that’s suited to a busy lifestyle then this one’s for you.

Bionsen’s Japanese Spa Minerals roll-on and pump spray give everything I could want from a deodorant.  They smell nice, they’re free from nasty chemicals, they last a long time and they don’t irritate my sensitive skin.  They’re really affordable too!  The roll-on retails for £2.35, and the pump spray is £2.75, which is the same (if not cheaper) than most high street deodorants.  If roll-ons and sprays aren’t your thing though, Bionsen also do a deodorant stick, aerosol spray and Deo Total Body crystals, so there’s something for everybody.  The range was launched last month in Morrisons supermarkets, so if you want to try them for yourself they’re very easy to get hold of, and I highly recommend you do!

Naomi x

The sponge I received is a 5.5″ Honeycomb Sea Sponge, which is said to be the ‘most luxurious and longest lasting sponge of all the sea sponge family’.

The 5.5″ Honeycomb Sea Sponge is the ideal size for every day use in the bath or shower.  When wet, it has a silky soft texture, but it remains firm so is perfect for all over cleansing.  It feels so gentle on the skin and far more luxurious than a synthetic sponge.  I like to use my sponge before I go to bed to wash off my make up, and it makes my skin feel so soft and refreshed.

The sponge also makes a small amount of shower gel go a very long way.  I usually end up using an overly generous amount of gel in the shower as it never foams up enough, but the first time I tested the honeycomb sponge I used a marble sized amount of gel and it foamed up immensely.  In fact, even after use when I was rinsing the sponge the foam kept coming.  Impressive, and I’m definitely happy to be saving money by not wasting shower gel any more!

After use, the sponge dries quickly so it doesn’t sit there getting soggy and smelly.  It keeps its shape as well and doesn’t fall to bits in a few days like synthetic sponges tend to do, which is a definite plus point.

Overall, I am pleased that I made the decision to switch to a natural sponge.  Its incredibly soft texture is one that cannot be replicated, and the difference it has made to the way my skin feels is amazing.  I won’t be going back to the synthetic variety, that’s for sure.

This particular sea sponge retails for £16.50, but they come in a variety of sizes (which you can view here), and start at just £10.50.  The Sponge Market also stock two other types of sponge for other skin needs – Natural Grass Sponges which are ideal for exfoliation, and Natural Silk Sponges which are perfect for babies and delicate skin. If you’d like to try a sea sponge for yourself, The Sponge Market have kindly given me a special discount code so you can get 20% off everything on their website, which is a massive saving on already low prices. Just enter ‘TWEET20′ at the checkout.

Have you ever tried a natural sea sponge?  What are your thoughts?

Naomi x

*This Honeycomb Natural Sea Sponge was sent to me by The Sponge Market for review purposes.  All opinions expressed are honest and my own.*

This might sound strange, but my GP told me to stop using soap (both bar and liquid) when I wash my hands, and to use Emulsifying Ointment instead.  Both water and soap can dry skin out, but Emulsifying Ointment is a mixture of paraffin oils, which form a protective layer over the skin when used, helping to keep moisture in.

I have been using Emulsifying Ointment at home, instead of soap, for a couple of weeks now, and I am really noticing a difference.  Before, I had really painful, cracked skin between my fingers, so I have been concentrating on massaging the ointment in to these areas, and they are almost completely better now.  I haven’t been using this every time I wash my hands, as at other people’s houses and in public toilets it isn’t always possible, so they probably haven’t healed as quick as they could have, but I plan on buying another tub to carry with me at all times which should help!  The 100g tub above cost me a couple of pounds from my local pharmacy, but I’ve since seen a 500g tub for around the same price, so it really isn’t that expensive.

Throughout the day I continue to use unscented, dry skin hand creams as usual, and wear gloves when I’m outside to avoid damage from the cold wind, but the next major stage in my skin care routine for dry hands comes at night, before I go to bed.  My GP advised me to use Vaseline to help soften my skin, but I have found something else which works a treat – Olive Oil!

The little bottle of Olive Oil pictured above came from the pharmacy department in Boots, and cost me £1.99.  I’ve tried to find out whether it’s the same as Olive Oil used for cooking, but there are no clear answers online, so I thought I’d play it safe and buy one which said it was good for softening skin.  I’m pretty sure you can’t use Extra Virgin though!  Every night before I go to bed, I rub a small amount of this into my hands (about a 5p coin sized amount per hand), focusing on the backs and in between my fingers which are the worst affected areas.  Then, I get my MJ groove on and don a pair of cotton moisturising gloves, which help with the absorption of the oil, and prevent messy bed linen! I got mine from the pound shop, two pairs for £1.

Admittedly, I usually wake up in the morning sans gloves, but by that point the oil has done its job.  Though the oil is far too greasy to use throughout the day as a moisturiser, it is working well as a nightly intense treatment and, along with the Emulsifying Ointment, it has made a clear difference to my skin.  I am now (almost) dry skin-free, my hands no longer crack and bleed, and I just have a few rough patches on my knuckles to shift.  An incredible result from a simple routine!

In sum, all you need to do is…

1. Use Emulsifying Ointment instead of soap when you wash your hands.
2. Moisturise with an unscented dry skin hand cream throughout the day.
3. Wear gloves when out and about to avoid damage from the cold wind.
4. Use olive oil and moisturising gloves at night.

Will you be trying this routine for yourself?

Naomi x

The Jurlique Rose Essentials set contains three luxe rose scented products, and they come packaged in a beautiful gift box, which definitely makes this set a pleasure to receive!  Once you remove the red and gold cardboard wrap, the box you are met with looks like a gorgeous gold treasure chest, patterned with delicate roses and leaves, which fits the Jurlique tagline perfectly – ‘Your gift of beauty to treasure’.  It is even sealed with a sticker that looks like a lock, which makes the set feel that little bit more special, and builds the anticipation as to what you will find inside.

The three products inside the box are wrapped with red tissue paper, and the gold ribbon and embossed brand logo all add an extra touch of luxury.  The products are a 100ml bottle of Rosewater Balancing Mist, a 300ml bottle of Rose Shower Gel, and a 150ml tube of Rose Body Cream.

Here is a brief review of each product to give you an idea of what they are like…

Rosewater Balancing Mist

Jurlique’s Rosewater Balancing Mist contains Rose Essential Oil, Marshmallow and Aloe, which combine to form a hydrating mist which improves and balances skin tone.  I like to spray this on to my face after a long day, as it refreshes tired skin and, unlike some mists, is delicately moisturising so it doesn’t dry your skin out or leave it feeling greasy.  The packaging the mist comes in is very plain in contrast to the gift box, which is slightly disappointing as I like a bit of colour, but the glass bottle makes it look and feel a bit more impressive than if it were plastic.

Rose Shower Gel

This pinky orange coloured shower gel contains a mix of natural essential oils, and like the mist leaves your skin feeling fresh, and extremely clean.  I usually use shower creams as normal gels sometimes dehydrate my skin, but Jurlique’s Rose Shower Gel is actually quite moisturising, which is lovely, and can be used all over the body.  The lather that one pump of this gel gives is impressive, and a little goes a long way.

Rose Body Cream

The Rose Body Cream is my favourite product in the set.  It is enriched with Jojoba Oil, Shea and Cocoa Butter, so as you can imagine it is intensely moisturising, but it is also a lot lighter than some body butters.  The cream doesn’t sit on the skin making a greasy mess either, rather, it is easily and quickly absorbed and is very kind to the skin.  I suffer from dry hands so have been using this as a hand cream, and so far the results are good, and my hands feel a lot softer!

All three products have a very sweet but authentic scent of roses, which is reminiscent of an English garden on a summer’s day (how corny and romantic!)  It’s a very feminine scent, and isn’t at all overpowering, so the products can be layered for a long-lasting, gentle aroma.

This whole set just oozes quality.  The products are all generously sized and feel amazing on the skin, and the packaging is incredible.  The Jurlique range is a bit of a splurge (products start at £10 each, ranging up to around £30), but sometimes these things are worth it, right?  You can view Jurlique’s range of skin care products here, at LookFantastic.com.  Or, if Jurlique isn’t for you or your loved one, LookFantastic also stock a wide selection of other Valentine’s Gifts, including Nails Inc Bling It On Leather & Skulls, which I reviewed here.

Naomi x

*This Jurlique Rose Essentials set was sent to me by LookFantastic.com/The Hut Group for review purposes.  All opinions expressed are honest and my own.*

How to Enter

To be in with a chance of winning one of THREE TanOrganic TryMe Sets, you must be following this blog via WordPress or email (I will check) and you must leave a comment below!  This will earn you one entry.  You can also earn an extra entry for each of the following…

• Follow Bewitchery on Twitter.
• Follow TanOrganic on Twitter.
• Like Bewitchery on Facebook.
• Like TanOrganic on Facebook.
• Tweet about the giveaway saying ‘For a chance to win a @TanOrganic TryMe set, enter @Bewitchery_’s giveaway’, with a link to this post.

And you can earn four extra entries if you reblog this post!  That’s a possible ten entries in total

The giveaway is open internationally, to anyone aged 18 or over, and will run for three weeks, ending at midnight (GMT) on the 8th of February.  Winners will be chosen at random and notified via email on the 9th of February, and will be expected to provide their postal address within 24 hours.  If no contact is received within this time, I reserve the right to choose another winner.

Good Luck!

Naomi x