CLAY+essence
  • Trilogy Make-Up Be Gone Cleansing Balm
    first cleanse,  Trilogy

    Trilogy Make-Up Be Gone Cleansing Balm

    the claim The Trilogy Make-Up Be Gone Cleansing Balm claims to remove foundation, mascara and lipstick (long-wear and waterproof) like nothing else. It melts on contact with warm skin, dissolving impurities and leaving your face perfectly cleansed, supple and silky-smooth.   the science The star ingredients in the formula are highlighted on the jar label, namely, Coconut Oil, Mango Butter and Rose Hip Seed Oil.     Coconut Oil has widely documented hydration and nourishing properties resulting from a high content of essential fatty acids. It coats the skin’s natural barrier to prevent moisture loss and in doing so, together with anti-bacterial properties, helps to heal and repair skin.  …

  • Sunscreen
    routine,  sunscreen

    Sunscreens

    the theory Something as seemingly simple as sunscreen has become rather complicated. Firstly, let’s examine what it is that we need to be protected from. We’re all aware that the sun emits radiation throughout the year that can cause skin damage. We need to protect our skin from both forms, UVA (long-wave ultraviolet A) and UVB (short-wave ultraviolet B) rays, responsible for tanning, sunburn and aging of the skin as well as wrinkles and skin cancers. Nowadays, sunscreens will protect against both. In combination and at an SPF of over 15, this is referred to as “broad spectrum” cover.   the SPF The SPF or Sun Protection Factor of a…

  • Swisse CosQ10 Anti-ageing Facial Moisturiser
    moisturize,  Swisse

    Swisse CoQ10 Anti-ageing Facial Moisturiser

    the claim The Swisse CoQ10 Anti-ageing Facial Moisturiser helps to nourish, hydrate, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and even skin tone, providing a radiant, healthy appearance.   the science Co-Enzyme, CoQ10 (also known as Ubiquinone) is a powerful antioxidant that is naturally found in our bodies, but like Squalane (also in the formula), levels decrease with age. Stress can also affect the amount of CoQ10 naturally produced. CoQ10 boosts skin repair and regeneration, plumps skin and reduces free radical damage. This results in an improvement in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and a healthy glow. It is therefore a super force against ageing. Squalane oil…

  • Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator Borabit Ampoule
    ampoule,  Missha

    Missha Time Revolution Night Repair Ampoule

    the claim The Time Revolution Night Repair Science Activator Borabit Ampoule by Missha claims to help create flawless skin by promoting skin’s natural powers of improvement whilst also brightening and incorporating anti-ageing benefits of wrinkle repair and increased elasticity.     the science The key to this serum is the presence of its powerful fermented ingredients. At a basic level, fermentation is the process of biologically enhancing ingredients to improve their nutritional value. This is done by breaking down the molecular structure of the active ingredients into smaller particles for better reception and deeper absorption into the skin. The process also creates antioxidants (anti-ageing), peptides and amino acids (cell renewal).…

  • Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair PM Moisturiser
    moisturize,  Neutrogena

    Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair

    the claim The Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair anti-ageing night time moisturiser claims to help reduce the visible signs of ageing. Improves the look of fine lines and wrinkles, including crow’s feet and cheek wrinkles Brightens and evens skin’s tone Smooths fine lines and texture Rejuvenates and nourishes skin for a more radiant look     the science Retinol is a Vitamin A derivative which is considered a superstar anti-ageing ingredient, supported by over 40 years of scientific research. It works to increase cell turnover plus stimulate collagen and elastin production. Results include a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improvement in uneven skin tone and resurfacing for…

  • double cleansers
    cleanse,  routine

    Double Cleansing

    the theory As the name suggests, double cleansing is the Korean process of cleaning your face twice before layering the remainder of your evening skincare. The first cleanse flushes away the majority of oil based impurities including pollutants, makeup, sebum, bacteria and layers of sunscreen. The second picks up what the first misses and also effectively removes perspiration, cell debris and dirt.   According to Dr Susan Mayou, consultant dermatologist at London’s Cadogan Cosmetics clinic: Make-up is now formulated for its staying power, so it often needs a double cleanse to remove it thoroughly. Research shows that when skin isn’t properly cleaned, the surface layer can prevent active ingredients from…

  • The Ordinary Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil
    oil,  The Ordinary

    The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil

    the claim The Ordinary’s 100% Organic Cold-Pressed Rose Hip Seed Oil claims to be a daily support formula for all skin types that moisturizes the skin and reduces the signs of sun damage to promote an even radiant tone.     the science   The Ordinary Rose Hip Seed Oil is 100% pure, cold-pressed and organic. Rose hip seed oil has traditionally been used in skincare due to its proven healing and protective properties. It is rich in linoleic and linolenic fatty acids and pro-vitamin A, often considered nature’s retin A. Components retain their effectiveness because they undergo cold-pressed extraction.   Together they help to reduce scars, fine lines, sun…

  • Banila Co,  first cleanse

    Banila Co. Clean It Zero

    the claim The Banila Co. Clean It Zero balm is said to have a lightweight, soft, sorbet-like formula to provide quick and easy one-step cleansing, whisking away pore-clogging impurities without irritating skin. Suitable for all skin types and able to perfectly remove even heavy, tenacious makeup with the mild cleansing power of papaya extract. Please note that since publishing this review, Banila Co has released a new version of this balm that is free of mineral oil.   the science The Banila Co. cleansing balm uses Papaya Extract to naturally and gently exfoliate and remove skin impurities. Papaya has many documented benefits for the skin. It is high in antioxidant…

  • Su:m37 Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick
    second cleanse,  Su:m37°

    Su:m37° Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick

    the claim The Miracle Rose Cleansing Stick by Su:m37° claims to generate plenty of foam and remove waste without skin irritation, leaving the skin soft.   the science Su:m37° is a premium skincare brand in Korea whose products incorporate a high content of natural ingredients. They specialize in fermented skincare, hence the 37 in their name, representative of the ideal fermentation temperature. Fermentation is said to increase the potency of the ingredients and in doing so deliver a more effective product.   The formula is rich in natural oils which include orange, lime and lemon peel oils, green tea and apricot seed oils plus coconut, basil, ylang ylang flower, marjoram,…

  • Skincare products
    routine

    Introducing a Skincare Routine

    the start So, you’ve made a conscious decision to start looking after your skin… properly. This may happen in your teens or in your fifties. Rule number 1 is that it’s never to late or too early to start. Rule number 2 is start slowly. Less is definitely more!   the confusion Skincare products continue to increase in number, range and claim, so it can be very daunting knowing where to start. There are lotions and potions for just about everything and manufacturers target consumers’ vulnerability with promises of irresistible appeal, trying to convince us that we need everything! Cost is not always a reflection of quality either. The internet…