Better Than Caudalie For Only £2.50?

Since Victoria Beckham heralded it as her secret to achieving a "glowing complexion" Caudalie has sent the blogging world into a frenzy. It's bounced in and out of stock on feelunique.com and appeared in almost every monthly favourites video I watched last month. With this in mind I've been looking for a more cost effective alternative. I stumbled upon this Revitalising Vitamin Toning Mist from nspa at the weekend while shopping in Asda and couldn't wait to compare the two.

Caudalie is a whopping £9.95 for just 30ml (here) which trust me doesn't last long. It's a facial toner so can be used as part of your skincare regime but I, along with most it would seem use it to refresh my makeup and cool off throughout the day. It's perfect for carrying in your bag in these warmer months to revitalise and perk up your skin but I've seen no real skincare benefits. Some bloggers claim it's some miracle spray but past the calming herbal/peppermint scent and refreshing mist I can't see anything so essential I'd want to repurchase for the price it is.

The nspa mist on the other hand is just £2.50 for 150ml (here) so already it's winning on value for money. There are a few differences, mainly this mist leaves a slight residue on my skin which some may dislike but it doesn't bother me. The scent is much lighter so for those that found the Caudalie a little overpowering this may be a nice alternative. The mist itself isn't quite as 'misty' on this one either.. it's a little more of a spray but just as refreshing and again it can be used as a regular toner or throughout the day over your makeup.

Overall the Caudalie looks and feels like a luxury product and if you're in to that kind of thing you'll probably love it but I think if all you're going to use it for is to freshen up it's a huge waste of money. It probably has some fabulous skincare benefits when used as a regular toner but I'm happy with my routine right now and that's not why I bought it. It is smaller and so better for travel but the nspa bottle isn't so huge and you could always decant it if you wanted. 

The main plus for the nspa for me, other than price of course, is the finish. Just as VB professed it does indeed leave you 'glowy' but it's a touch too dewy for my tastes. The nspa is more of a semi-matte/satin and actual fixes my makeup without drying out my skin whereas the Caudalie freshened but didn't help anything stay put.

Have you tried anything from the nspa range?

Miss BB

Battle of the Body Butters

Pitted against each other today are two of my favourite body products. The Body Shops Shea Body Butter (SB) and Soap & Glorys The Righteous Butter (RB). Let's start with the facts..

Shea Body Butter

£12.50

200ml

Righteous Butter

£10.50

300ml

Ok, so you might think right out of the gate that RB would be the winner on value right? Especially given the constant 3 for 2 offer in Boots on S&G products.. not necessarily! I was among the group that believed the Body Shop was expensive and overpriced until last Christmas when I discovered you can't pay full RRP online if you try!! There's always some deal code to be had and it's often emblazoned across their homepage. Twice in as many months they had £25 off when you spend £50 which is a damn good deal. You get offers when you join you get offers off your next order... when you buy online The Body Shop transforms in to some kind of bargainous clearance bin of lotions and potions. I was converted! I took these photos intending to compare last month but never got around to it. Having just run out of these two butters and repurchased only one I thought now would be a good time.

Let's talk about texture. The RB is a typical Body Butter, thick and luxurious, all you would expect. It spreads nicely and soaks in well. The SB is a completely different animal. It is some kind of hybrid between what I consider to be a body butter and the original cocoa butter formula from Palmers. It' waxier, thicker and it's almost like as it warms on your skin it melts. Because of this a little goes a really long way. It's not like applying a regular lotion its more like massaging actual butter in to your skin. It's not unpleasant in any way just.. very different. The downside to this formula is it does take a long time to soak in and if you rub it too long you get those wretched 'rolly' bits and I end up having to wipe it all off which is a total waste of time! 

The smell. It's so tough to compare the two as they are two totally different scents yet I love them both. (side bar, got a little excited Vegas chill there, totally unrelated but 12 days to go!!!) The RB smells like everything from the Original Pink range from S&G which is generally beloved in the blogging community and proved so popular they even launched a fragrance baring the signature scent. I love that after using this I wake up the next morning and my room smells like Original Pink and I go to bed the following night and my bed smells like Original Pink. Bliss! The SB smells .. well like She Butter. If you know the smell and love it you'll love this, simple as! It's quite relaxing and a nice fragrance to have around you at night and as you go to sleep so that's a plus.

I would say these last around the same amount of time. I dont use them every day but if I did I might just get a month out of them. Although the SB contains less product it goes further so they're even on value for money where that's concerned. I would reach for the SB if I was super dry or to put on my feet before bed (ideal) but I would reach for the RB everyday for everywhere. It's hydrating but it does eventually sink in where the SB doesn't for me unless I'm very dry. I love both of these butters but I repurchased the S&G Righteous Butter for 2 reasons.

1. It's more suited to my skin and 2. I buy it in the 3 for 2 and there's just more from Soap & Glory that I use than there is from the Body Shop! 

Everytime I near the end of a tub I tell myself I'm not spending £10 on another and I always do. In the last 3 for two I bought the butter obviously along with a replacement Wish Upon a Jar (needs it's own review - ah-mazing!) and I'm trying the lotion version of the RB. It's 50p cheaper and 200ml larger so look out for my comparison of the two coming very soon. 

Have any of you tried these two? Which would you have chosen?

Miss BB

Sigma vs Clarisonic

When I saw that Sigma had brought our their own facial brush I was pretty excited and once I had my Clarisonic I knew it was only a matter of time before I would pit them against each other.

It's almost impossible to truly compare these two products like for like because well.. they're not the same thing, however I can give you an overview of each so that when (if) the time comes for you to make a purchase you can make a more informed decision.

First of all lets compare the two on a basic "what does it do?" level before getting in to results etc.

The Sigma Cleansing & Polishing Tool

It retails for $39 (£25) here

It require 2xAA batteries (I'd suggest rechargeable)

It has no timer

It is supplied with 3 heads

Replacement brush heads can be purchased for $9 (£6) here

It can be used on face & body

It's water resistant

It has 2 speeds

The brush head spins in use

There is no colour choice available

The Clarisonic Mia
It retails for £120 here

It is rechargeable (UK charger supplied)

It must be charges for 24hrs for every 20mins use

It has a 1 minute timer

It is supplied with one (sensitive) brush head

Replacement brush heads can be purchased for £21 here

This model is designed only for use on the face

It's waterproof

This model has only 1 speed

The brush head vibrates in use

There's a wide variety of colour options

Now I've been using the Clarisonic for 2 months and so it's difficult for me to say 100% that the Sigma brush has done something special that the Clarisonic hadn't already begun but I believe that the brush you choose is very much dependent on what you require it to do.

When I first used my Clarisonic I was pretty disappointed not to feel any smoother than when using my Liz Earle hot cloth cleanser. I've never felt that it made my skin any softer than regular exfoliation but there are other benefits to it's daily use. It claims to 'prepare your skin for increased absorption' which allows your skincare to penetrate more deeply and I do believe the products I've been using have been more effective since I began facial brushing. It also claims to even out skintone as well as reduce pores, fine lines and wrinkles. I think it did do something to my pores early on but I haven't seen much improvement since a week or two in. My skin tone has improved but is that the brush or is it the daily gentle exfoliation? Where wrinkles are concerned I'm not quite there yet but it's definitely something I buy into as I get closer to 30.

The Sigma brush is very different. It spins against my skin rather than vibrating and after the first time I used it my skin was remarkably smooth. I should mention I used the firm brush head which I wouldn't recommend doing more than once or twice a week (not at all if you have sensitive skin) but I'm an impatient kinda gal and I loved the instant results. I used it on my chest, arms and back and felt the same immediate smoothing effect. This would be a great tool for all you fake tan addicts out there or those like me who are just suffering from rough, dry winter skin.

Since then I've been using the soft brush head every day and I am really impressed. I am someone who can't exfoliate enough and never feels clean without a good scrub so this is definitely more what I was looking for when I got my Clarisonic. The Sigma unit does feel cheaper and I am concerned about what happens if I drop it in the bath but at almost £100 less I can live with it!

As I mentioned at the start of this post you cannot truly compare these two brushes like for like. The Clarisonic I'm sure is doing something special deep down in my skin but for those of you that were expecting serious exfoliation.. it might not be for you. I will continue to use it because I have it and who knows.. maybe this time next year my pores will be invisible but if I lost my Mia tomorrow I doubt I would repurchase it. I will definitely be adding in my Sigma a couple of times a week for a good scrub and I will use it as my regular body polisher for sure.

In summary if you want gentle exfoliation I would recommend a muslin cloth, these are inexpensive and don't necessarily need to be Liz Earle. I'm currently trialling Superdrugs own hot cloth cleanser (£5.99 here) and it seems to do the trick. If you want super duper smooth skin I can't recommend the Sigma brush highly enough for the price! It does come from the US so postage is around £11 but it still only works out at £36 all in which is really not bad (and still cheaper than UK sellers). Lastly if you're looking for something a little swankier and willing to invest in your skin then I'm quite sure the Clarisonic will work some magic in the long run.

Each of these methods leave my skin clean and makeup free so it really is just down to your skin and what you think it will respond best to.

I'm very interested to hear your own experience with facial exfoliation whether they be from a scrub or one of these hi-tech gizmos. If you've used any of the products mentioned please let me know! What works for me won't work for everyone so more reviews are always helpful for readers!

Miss BB

PS

Don't forget that Sigma currently have 10% off purchases until 28/02 using code LOVE2012 here

They also just launched 3 new brush heads called 'spa solutions' which is definitely next of my Sigma wish list!

Liquid Liner Lowdown

I filmed a blog review and comparison of these liquid liners and wanted to do something for my blog as well but really didn't know how to review each product without repeating myself constantly. They are all very similar but some are better than others so I've got a kind of score chart and I will give you a run down at the end. I realise the one thing missing from this post is swatches (doh!) but I forgot to take that picture so you'll have to use your imagination!

With Pigmentation I am looking for a super black in most cases (blue in one), Formula is how liquid the product is and how easy it is to apply.. of course that doe have a lot to do with the Applicator, I prefer a flexible nib or brush so if it's too firm it's going to be a thumbs down from me! Longwearing I think is self explanatory, some liquid liners crumble or wear away.. my favourites do not and finally.. Good Value, A product is good value for me if I would repurchase, it doesn't have to be super cheap it just has to do it's job for a reasonable price. 

Revlon Colorstay £6.39

Pigmentation:X

Formula:√

Applicator:√

Longwearing:OK

Good Value:NO

Rimmel Exhaggerate £5.29

Pigmentation:√

Formula:√

Applicator:√

Longwearing:√

Good Value:√

MUA £1

Pigmentation:√

Formula:√

Applicator:OK

Longwearing:X

Good Value:√

2True £1.99

Pigmentation:X

Formula:OK

Applicator:X

Longwearing:X

Good Value:X

Miners Define & Line £2.99

Pigmentation:X

Formula:X

Applicator:X

Longwearing:OK

Good Value:X

LA Splash Cosmetics Lid Splash $6.99

Pigmentation:√

Formula:√

Applicator:OK

Longwearing:OK

Good Value:√

Rimmel Glam Eyes £5.29

Pigmentation:√

Formula:√

Applicator:√

Longwearing:√

Good Value: √

Elf Cream Eyeliner £3.50

Pigmentation:√

Formula: √

Applicator:√

Longwearing:√

Good Value: √

And The Winners Are..

Rimmel Exhaggerate & Rimmel Glam Eyes

They are nearly identical in formula.. I would say the Exhaggerate is every so slightly more fluid so you do find as you come to the end of the product it's a little watery but the applicator is super easy for beginners. The Glam Eyes is a more recent discovery for me and although the applicator is totally different to the Exhaggerate (my all time favourite btw) it's easier to get a finer, more defined look with the uber thin brush if you have a steady hand. I also think this one would be better choice for lets say.. older eyes. The brush doesn't drag or create a jagged line like the exaggerate can on less than perfectly tight lids (I sometimes struggle and I'm 25!) Overall these are my favourites for sure!

I wanted to give honourable mention to the ELF Cream Liner. As you will have seen it ticked all the boxes too but the reason it didn't win is it's not technically a liquid liner. I only discovered it when filming a tutorial yesterday and had to put it in as I am totally in love. I've used it only once before with an angled brush but now I have a liner brush (Sigma E05) it works like a dream. I'm a convert and will definitely be trying more cream/gel formula's soon! I would say that cream eyeliner is the best option for someone that struggles with liquid as it's easier to control but you get the same effect. It's more like a kohl pencil on a brush.. fantastic.. can't believe I haven't been using this. 

I do give a little rambly run down of each liners pro's and cons in my video review so check that out if you want a more in depth review of one of the losing products.

 

Miss BB

Hair Oils : Macadamia vs Moroccan

Prior to the "big hair oil boom of 2011" the only mainstream hair oils I'd heard of were the old classics from VO5. Before Moroccan oil started popping up all over the blogosphere I did try 100% Argan oil having seen various reviews online but it did very little to improve the appearance of my hair and absolutely nothing to improve it's condition in the long run. I was disappointed. I went on to sleep in various natural oils over the course of the year, none of which seemed to have any impact whatsoever. So when the new designer brands burst on to the scene you can see why I didn't jump for joy at the prospect of hair restored to it's former glory as everyone else seemed to. It took me until last month to try the raved about "Moroccan Oil" and after just one use I was sold. I put off purchasing for months because it was so expensive. I knew what I was buying when I placed my order but I had no idea how tiny 25ml really was until it arrived in it's TINY box. That said you do only need the smallest amount. For my shoulder length hair I used a dollop about the size of a pound coin and that may have been too much. It made my hair sleek and smooth, I used the residue from around the bottle neck to tame any flyaways after styling and it might just have been the best my hair had ever looked. I couldn't stop staring at my shiny, swishy hair. I was at the mirror every chance I got. It really did do what everyone said it would.... HOWEVER. After about a week of using it I could feel the residue in my hair. The product builds up and the shine is lost. A good clarifying shampoo would no doubt rectify this but if your hair is dry the last thing you want is to be adding a good cleanse to your regular routine and losing any precious moisture you've managed to retain.

I do like Moroccan Oil and I wont be throwing away my teeny tiny bottle of it just yet but if I was to recommend to you a hair oil that would be it. 

Macadamia Natural Oil. Now that's something special! Both of these products are less oil in texture and consistency than they are serum. The difference between the two for me is how easily they build up. So far the Macadamia hasn't come anywhere near to heavy on my hair, I can't feel it at all whether I use it mixed in with my conditioner, on damp hair or as a finishing product.. My hair gleams and feels like silk just as it did with the Moroccan but I can't accidentally put too much in.. trust me I've tried! I need a similar amount of product to get the same result but it's lighter.. oh and it smells gorgeous! Both oils smell nice, I would describe the Moroccan as a kind of sweet mint scent, The Macadamia smells really similar to Lee Staffords products which if you're familiar you'll know smell great (he even launched a perfume it was so popular). 

Now on to the price comparison. We all know it's cheaper to buy in bulk but when it comes to these two products you really have no choice, 

The Macadamia Natural Healing Oil Treatment 30ml £10.75 here 125ml £23.95 here

Moroccan Oil Treatment 25ml £12.85 here 100ml £30.45 here

Since I got the Macadamia Oil I haven't used the Moroccan equivalent and I will say I'm as surprised as anyone with that turn of events. When I loved the Moroccan Oil as much as I did and saw the other online I thought it looked like a rip off of my new hair love.. little did I know it was the oil for me. 

It won't be the case for everybody of course. Remember everyone's hair is different, just as skin care is not universal hair care is often specifically targeted to certain hair types. Mine is thick, dry and damaged from heat styling and over use of bleach and home hair colours. If you have fine, fly away hair this might be the last thing you'd want. Fair enough.. this is just what works for me.

I know that neither of these products are pure oil and both contain nasty silicone's which are oh so dreadful for your hair but if it can make my hair look and feel as fantastic as it does I really don't care! I'm sure lots of people will read this and have their conflicting, no doubt superior opinions to mine but this post is me sharing with you my experience of these two oils.

Have you tried either of these yet?

Leave me a comment with your thoughts, it's always good to share.. your experience may be very different from my own.. that doesn't make either one of us wrong. It just makes us different!

Miss BB

Soap & Glory - The Righteous Butter

This stuff truly is Righteous! It was the gateway Soap & Glory product for me. I was sent it by their PR, I'd never tried anything from S&G before and since then I've spent a FORTUNE chasing that divine scent  up and down the aisles of Boots. It's just this week run out and it's top on my weekend shopping list to be replaced. I received this at the time I was considering purchasing Mama Mio's tummy rub and I'm so glad I didn't waste my money now. I did a post about it on my baby blog you can see here. 

It's a luxurious, thick formula that you can rub for long enough to get a bit of massage action in before it absorbs. The true test for me is always how moisturised I feel the following day and this is great, not only does this leave you feeling totally hydrated but the S&G signature scent lingers on you (and your bedding) all day. I love waking up to that smell... anyone else? This is also available in a pump action bottle as a lotion which does tempt me but I don't know how it could be better than this version. The only thing that appeals is it could be a lot quicker and easier to use which will be valuable once bubba does arrive and I have less time to treat my tired skin. Perhaps I'll try that out next.

Have you tried the butter or the lotion? 

Turns out you get 500ml of the lotion for £10 and just 300ml of the butter for £10.21 

I don't know if the thickness makes a difference to how well they last but i think I'm going to have to try the lotion now I've seen the difference in volume.

Barry M Silver VS Barry M Foil

When I first saw Barry M's Foil polish launch I immediately thought of the old "Silver"

I always thought the silver came off as a "foil" or "minx" like finish so I was dubious as to whether they were just rebranding the old formula at a higher price. Being the curious blogger I am I had to test it out...here's what I found...

Surprisingly they are totally different! I thought I'd hate the foil and begrudge paying a pound more for something I effectively already have covered from Barry M but far from it. I must stress that the pictures below show my nails after ONE COAT of the foil effects polish... that puts it way up in my estimations already but also.. it's a totally new addition to my collection. As you can see from the below pictures the silver (on my thumb and forefinger) is very much a sparkly finish. It's made up of lots of fine glitter and took three coats to achieve a full coverage. It's still a lovely polish but I have to admit if you're looking for foil... it doesn't compare. I may even go out and buy the gold one now.

Man I hate to be wrong!

Have you tried this yet?