Products the bd team tested (and loved) this week.
As a result of practising ballet for many years during my youth, my feet are my least favourite part of me. However, my recent brush with an ingenious device from Emjoi has changed my loathing to love. Pedismooth is an easy to use, battery-operated tool that looks a bit like a shaver but produces a salon-worthy, buffed pedicure in a matter of minutes. The work is done by a natural, micro-mineral stoneroller that spins 30 times per second – there is a choice of coarse or very coarse finishes depending on how much your feet need the attention! I played safe with the coarse version and after rolling it over my feet gently I was left with baby-smooth skin. Quick and painless, the results were so impressive that I actually painted my toe nails (even in winter!) and even felt quite proud of the finished pedicure result. The rest of the team were so envious they have taken turns to borrow” the PediSmooth to try out for themselves (it comes with spare rollers). Something tells me it will be a long time before my turn comes around again. – Janet
I’d heard a lot about the Toothy Tabs during an interview with Lush founder Rowena Bird, but I’d never actually tried out the product for myself. When a few boxes of the Tabs arrived at the office last week, I was interested to see how they worked. The Toothy Tabs are small tablets that you grind between your teeth and then brush as per normal with a wet toothbrush. The tablet then foams up and works similarly to normal toothpaste. The benefit of the tabs over a traditional toothpaste is that they’re far more environmentally friendly – but also great for travelling as they’re like a matchbox and there’s no risk of having paste squeezed through your bag. – Yelena
Be In AWE Renewal System, Codayati – The essence of acceleration
Be In AWE skincare is based on the ancient principles of Ayurveda, which aims to rejuvenate the body and mind. By combining modern science with the ancient holistic philosophy, Be In AWE has created a skincare range that's ethically produced and free from chemicals including parabens, formaldehyde releasing agents, propylene glycol and SLSs. The Ayurvedic element ensures natural ingredients are used to promote healthy skin and protect it from the signs of ageing. I trialled the Renewal System lotion which is designed to replenish cells and improve fine lines while increasing collagen production and helping skin retain water. The Renewal System is a night-time vitamin-A based pure retinol formula that also include a bunch of goodies like rosehip, avocado, evening primrose and ginger root oils. Be In AWE say results will be seen after 28 days, but after the first use I woke up with skin that was softer and much more hydrated than normal – win! I'm looking forward to seeing how the Renewal System improves my skin over the next few weeks. - Michelle
I love... Limited Edition Best of British Strawberries & Milkshake Bubble Bath & Shower Crème
I love... Limited Edition Best of British Strawberries & Milkshake Bubble Bath & Shower Crème has a sweet smelling fragrance reminiscent of strawberries and cream lollies. The wash lathers into a rich foam that is thick and creamy and the 500mL bottle is large enough to last a couple of months. The I love... Bath & Shower Crème features a union jack on its front in spirit of the upcoming London 2012 Olympic games. My skin was left fragrant and smooth. – Liz
The best thing about the new Bourjois 10 Days Nail Enamel is not only the bright shades it’s available in, but the wide brush that practically fits to the nail shape and deposits just the right amount of enamel. The colour goes on thick and smooth and almost looks like gel nail polish with its thick and even coverage. I noticed the colour lasted at least five days without chipping, while the polish continued to look shiny and fresh for up to eight to 10 days. - Liz
I was blown away by this product from the moment I laid eyes on it. The luxurious packaging is the first thing that caught my attention. The lipstick comes packaged in a magnetic black box that holds inside a solid silver casing that just screams sophistication. The actual lipstick is nourishing, long lasting and smells of sweet vanilla. The colour is the perfect Hollywood Glamour red – a hue that I’m currently wearing for every special occasion. - Bree
After one of my friends was raving about the John Plunkett anti-ageing products, I decided to try out their Refirming Eye Cream to see if I was similarly impressed. The eye cream is said to relax the tissue beneath the skin, tighten the skin surface and stimulate collagen to help hydrate, smooth wrinkles and reduce puffiness. This product feels super soft and luxurious on my skin and offered immediate hydration. While it would take a time machine to get rid of the big bags and heavy wrinkles popping up around my eyes – it’s definitely helping diminish both! – Yelena
