Sensitive Skin Product Reviews
Reviews by Thom Watson, qualified beauty therapist, testing men’s grooming since 2011. About Thom
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Acne, spots & blemishesEnlarged & Blocked PoresNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinRedness & RosaceaSensitive SkinSerumsSVRSVR Sebiaclear Ampoule [AZ] Flash Review
I have bought this four times since February. That is the review, and everything below is really just me explaining why. SVR’s Sebiaclear Ampoule [AZ] Flash is a £37 serum built around 15% azelaic acid, it smells faintly of something covering something else, and the dropper is the worst part of it. But it has…
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Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume Review: Balm for Very Dry, Itchy Skin
Bioderma Atoderm Intensive Baume review: does this ultra-soothing balm actually calm very dry, itchy, eczema-prone skin? Ingredients, how to use and my honest 5/5 take.
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The Ordinary Soothing & Barrier Support Serum: Calpol Pink Skincare
Embarking on a skincare journey after a year of medication that left my skin on the brink of constant irritation and sensitivity, I’ve become particularly discerning about the products I introduce to my routine. Enter The Ordinary’s Soothing & Barrier Support Serum, a concoction that caught my eye not just for its astonishingly vibrant pink…
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Dark Spots & PigmentationDry / Dehydrated SkinEnlarged & Blocked PoresNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinPhotoageing & FirmnessRedness & RosaceaSensitive SkinSerumsSVRSVR Ampoule Hydra B3 Serum Review
In the vast world of skincare, stumbling upon a product that genuinely works is always a win. That’s exactly what happened with the SVR Ampoule Hydra B3 Serum for me. I found it through Renude.co and have been using it for over two years now. It’s turned out to be a solid, reliable part of…
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Acne, spots & blemishesDry / Dehydrated SkinFace ScrubsFace WashesNormal-Combination SkinSensitive SkinZO Skin HealthZO Skin Health Hydrating Cleanser Review
Last year marked a significant shift in my skincare needs due to eczema medication for my hands, which unexpectedly made my facial skin drier and more sensitive. My regular cleansing products, used for their powerful cleansing, exfoliating and resurfacing capabilities, became immediately too harsh for my skin’s new-normal. This led me on a quest for…
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Review: SkinMed Tebiskin IDRA Hydrating Emollient Cream
You’re probably reading this because your aesthetician has recommended it and you’re wanting to see if it’s worth the price tag. The answer is yes, but keep reading to find out why this is better than your pharmacy emollient. First Impressions I was struck by its rich texture that surprisingly absorbed well into the skin.…
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Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus Review: Is It Worth It?
Is the Perricone MD Cold Plasma Plus+ Intensive Hydrating Complex worth it? As a rich, calming moisturiser for dry or sensitised skin, yes. At its full £156 RRP for 59ml, no, and that is the honest catch. The comfort and the way it melts into skin are the best things about it, the anti-ageing actives…
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Acne, spots & blemishesCliniqueEnlarged & Blocked PoresNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinSensitive SkinClinique Pep-Start Skincare Review
Earlier this week I was in Manchester visiting the Clinique Pep Start #PepStream tour, which you can read about here. As mentioned, Pep-Start consists of 5 products including the Pep-Start eye cream launched at the beginning of this year. The collection is targeting younger, on-the-go skin that could just do with a bit of a wake-up –…
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Avène Tolérance EXTRÊME #KeepItSimple Challenge
You might have seen in the not-so-distant past my review of the blemish-clearing Avène Cleanance range and still I’m using Cleanance Expert when breakouts rear their ugly head. Is sensitive skincare really that sensitive? Now Avène have come with something new, the Tolérance EXTRÊME collection that has been created for those of us with sensitive…
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Acne, spots & blemishesDark Spots & PigmentationEnlarged & Blocked PoresEye Bags & Dark CirclesMoisturisersPhotoageing & FirmnessRedness & RosaceaSensitive SkinSerumsSun ProtectionGet Smart. Clinique Smart Anti-Everything Skincare
Sometimes it’s impossible to know where to start with your skincare. Black heads, blocked pores, blemishes, fine lines, dullness, oiliness? It can often feel line a total minefield out there with every blog, beauty counter and magazine proposing some miracle to cure this and that. I was a little sceptical of Clinique Smart when it…
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The all NEW Wilkinson Sword Hydro 5 & Hydro 5 Sensitive: 125 Years of Innovation
You know how much I love the Wilkinson Hydro series with reviews here, here, here and here. I find it really hard to wet shave as the follicles on my face and neck are the same as on my hair, like a gunniea pig’s with hairs growing in every direction. Wilkinson Sword Hydro’s continue to be…
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Dry / Dehydrated SkinEye CreamsMoisturisersNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinPhotoageing & FirmnessSensitive SkinSerumsTwelve BeautyReparative Skin Care by Twelve Beauty
When I first tried Twelve Beauty (2 years ago now) I wasn’t blown away by how it made my skin feel. Although the formulations are exquisite, at the time it was far too rich and more than my skin needed. Two birthdays and a boat-load of stress later, my skin needs more these days! I’m…
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CliniqueDry / Dehydrated SkinMoisturisersNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinPhotoageing & FirmnessSensitive SkinClinique Superdefense Night vs Super Rescue Antioxidant Night
So, a new launch from Clinique coming next week (1st January 2016 but already available here online) in the form of the 20’s/30’s targeting Superdefense Night Recovery Moisturiser. Also apologies for the americanisms, but for the purposes of this article and to use the proper product name, I’ll be using ‘defense’. The Clinique Superdefense range…
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Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Serum: The Best Serum for Men or Just a Load of Boswellox?
The Clinique Smart Serum (Clinique Smart Custom-Repair Serum) has interesting origins. Estée Lauder Companies has been sat on this for around 5 years. Why? Because it was created by accident whilst researching and developing Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector; but at the time Lauder was only looking for a pigmentation serum – the skin…
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Clinique Superdefense SPF 20 Daily Defense Moisturizer
I can best describe the new Clinique Superdefense SPF 20 Daily Defense Moisturizer as a meal for the skin. Entirely reformulated with new ingredients and a gorgeous new melting, cream texture for all skin types concerned with the first signs of ageing. It comes in Very Dry to Dry Combination (Skin Type 1 & 2) and…
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La Roche-Posay Rosaliac CC Cream Review
OK, so I know how much of a fad the CC thing comes across. I was the world’s biggest BB cream fan and I’m not afraid to come across as a total a-hole by saying that I was talking about them before they’d barely even hit our shores (here lies the proof); but, when BBs…
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Weleda Men’s Intensive Cream
For normal to dry skin, Weleda Men’s Intensive Cream is a powerful, hydrating and natural moisturiser designed to soothe normal/dry, irritated and rash prone skin, all without leaving a greasy film on the skin’s surface. With a base of Jojoba, an oil that is chemically similar to our own natural skin oils; hydrating glycerin and…
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REN Vita Mineral Emollient Rescue Cream
I seem to be reviewing a few emollient creams lately such as La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Soothing Repairing Balm and La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra. REN Vita Mineral Emollient Rescue Cream is certainly something a bit different and stands out for a good few reasons. Renowned for using weird and wonderful Bio Extracts, REN Vita Mineral Emollient Rescue…
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La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra
If you have a tendency to react to products or have very sensitive skin, as I do, then La Roche-Posay Toleriane Ultra is something that might just be the ticket for you, carrying The British Allergy Foundation Seal of Approval. 100%-free from lanolin, colorants, alcohol, artificial fragrance, parabens and preservatives with space-age anti-contamination and ultra-hermetic packaging,…
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Dry / Dehydrated SkinKiehl'sMoisturisersNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinRedness & RosaceaSensitive SkinKiehl’s Skin Rescuer Stress-Minimizing Daily Hydrator
Kiehl’s have odd ranges; I’ll say it here and now. Instead of having ranges that are exactly the same as every other brand out there, they create products that fill an unexploited gap in the market and they do it really well. Kiehl’s Skin Rescuer Stress-Minimizing Daily Hydrator is one of those products that breaks…
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Acne, spots & blemishesDry / Dehydrated SkinLa Roche-PosayMoisturisersPhotoageing & FirmnessRazor Burn & Shave RashSensitive SkinSpecial CareLa Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Review
If I read one more tweet about how marvellous Sudocrem is for spots and soothing the face, I’m going to rip my own arm off and use it to beat every single person responsible for spreading that absolute farcical garbage. La Roche Posay Cicaplast Baume B5 Soothing Repairing Balm actually is the product that works and treats…
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Aesop Parsley Seed Anti-Oxidant Eye Cream Review
Teeny bit of a confession to make here, this is shockingly the first Aēsop you’ll have ever seen on Manface and it’s been been a long time coming. Worry not however, over the next few weeks there’ll be quite a few of my new fabulous favourites rearing their little heads as I tell you what you…
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Acne, spots & blemishesDry / Dehydrated SkinEnlarged & Blocked PoresFace WashesNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinRedness & RosaceaREN SkincareSensitive SkinToners & EssencesREN Rosa Centifolia Micellar Cleansing Water
Right, let me just get this out the way as I find it so pointlessly misleading and confusing; Rosa Centifolia is not a range designed to specifically target Rosacea, redness and other high-colour concerns. It’s a range designed to calm, soften and hydrate all skin types. Rosa Centifolia is actually the name of a Dutch…
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Acne, spots & blemishesDark Spots & PigmentationDry / Dehydrated SkinEnlarged & Blocked PoresLa Roche-PosayMakeup & TanningMoisturisersNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinPhotoageing & FirmnessRedness & RosaceaSensitive SkinSun ProtectionLa Roche-Posay Hydreane BB Creme SPF 20
In the year of the CC Cream, I believe the BB Cream is still king. BB creams are a guys best friend as they balance the skin-tone, brighten the complexion, hydrate and often treat the skin whilst giving us a daily dose of sun-protection (Hydreane BB Creme has a fab SPF 20). Hydreane is the…
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Urbane Male Shave Cream
Over the last few years there’s been a huge influx of niche, upstart, male-grooming brands with the likes of Men-Ü, E-Shave, Bluebeard’s Revenge and Hairbond to name a few. Granted these brands are hit and miss (some more miss than hit) but it’s always interesting to see what happens. Urbane Male is another one of…
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Acne, spots & blemishesEnlarged & Blocked PoresLa Roche-PosayMoisturisersNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinSensitive SkinLa Roche-Posay Hydreane Light Cream for Sensitive Skin
Finding a good moisturiser that’s suitable for both oily and sensitive skin is a nightmare. Now I’ve various debates in the past but I stick to my guns when I say that sensitivity is a skin concern and not a skin type. The rationale for this being that you can have oily, dry, normal or…
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Acne, spots & blemishesDry / Dehydrated SkinFace WashesMakeup & TanningNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinPhotoageing & FirmnessSensitive SkinAnthony Logistics Glycolic Facial Cleanser
This is actually Anthony Logistics’ top seller at Sephora for ten years running. It’s deliciously creamy, non-greasy, soothing, and very cleansing. Most readers and many followers on Twitter will know that I’m very pro-foaming face washe and very anti-cleansing oil/balm etc. I like the feeling of being clean, so I was naturally a little sceptical…
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CliniqueDry / Dehydrated SkinMoisturisersNormal-Combination SkinPhotoageing & FirmnessSensitive SkinDramatically Different Moisturising Lotion+
Most of you will know by now that I used to be an accredited consultant for Clinique a little while ago. Oh yes, I once donned the crystal white lab-coat and trademark Clinique-C badge. You might think I’m a little biased, then, when it comes to ranting and raving about Clinique products. Since the age…
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Acne, spots & blemishesDry / Dehydrated SkinMoisturisersNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinPhotoageing & FirmnessRazor Burn & Shave RashSensitive SkinSerumsShavingSpecial CareDr. Jackson’s Natural Products
I’m in love. You all know by now that I’m not Mr. Natural, but you know something, I’ve been brought around by Dr. Jackson’s Natural Products, a fabulous new range being stocked over at Mankind, launching today with an armoury of great grooming goodies, all with potent, natural formulations. There’s no nasties, plenty of ethics,…
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Acne, spots & blemishesDry / Dehydrated SkinEnlarged & Blocked PoresFace ScrubsNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinRazor Burn & Shave RashSensitive SkinNeal’s Yard Remedies Men Revitalising Face Scrub
By now I’m sure you know what a fan I am of good, gentle, chemical exfoliation, but sometimes, you just can’t beat a good scrub. Neal’s Yard Remedies Men Revitalising Face Scrub is one of the best I’ve come across good few months; it’s pretty powerful. Now, you may also know that I’m very ‘anti’…
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Ren Multi Tasking Aftershave Balm
With hundreds of aftershave balms out there, what is the point of reviewing another one? Ren Multi Tasking Aftershave Balm is something a little different and not your average bathroom cabinet resident. This is not an aftershave balm for those with oily or combination skin as it has a fairly rich, cream texture rather than…
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Bioderma Sebium Pore Refiner
Like many in the UK, I’m fairly new to Bioderma products and also like many, the Bioderma Micelle Solution Micellar Water was the first product I tried and fell in love with. The Bioderma Sebium Pore Refiner is a lightweight serum designed to shrink pores and reduce excess surface oil and shine. With lashings of…
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Bioderma Micelle Solution Micellar Water
I’m rarely one for a beauty trends, although BB Creams are amazing, specifically the Korean Blemish Balms but Micellar Waters are all the rage and I have to admit, I’m on board. The biggest micellar water offering seems to be revolving around Bioderma, a French brand launching here in the UK this April. From my…
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First Impressions: Clarins Double Serum
Unless you’ve been living in a box over the last few months, you will have undoubtedly seen posters and signage for the new Clarins Double Serum. But is it really worth it? There’s been a lot of hype surrounding this launch with an inordinate amount of PR, and I want to know if it makes…
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Acne, spots & blemishesDark Spots & PigmentationEditorialsEnlarged & Blocked PoresNormal-Combination SkinSensitive SkinSun ProtectionAn Exclusive Interview with Doctor Piasecki: Sun, Cancer and Successx
I was delighted to be offered the chance to interview Dr. Justin Piasecki, founder of the world renowned Skin Cancer Center in the US. Dr. Piasecki is the only surgeon in the world certified to offer this combined treatment. With his one-of-a-kind training, Dr. Piasecki pioneered plastic micrographic surgery, the unique skin cancer treatment that…
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Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask
Like many, I’ve long since been a fan of the original Clinique Moisture Surge gel. I tend to have dehydrated cheeks and an oilier t-zone, which although needs very little oil boosting, is often massively dehydrated. It’s often very difficult to deliver an enormous amount of deep, multi-level hydration whilst simultaneously keeping skin matte and…
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Strivectin-SD Instant Retexturizing Scrub
Inside the large box, ladened with scientific jargon, you’ll discover an incredible exfoliator, a truly fabulous product. I can’t start this review without mentioning the box, I do find it a bit silly, but I can’t stress enough how much of a wonderful product it is. On the back, it talks about engineering the formula…
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Wilkinson Sword Hydro 5 Power Select
What’s your favourite razor? It may be a little premature, but this is already my grooming tool of 2013. Now I’m fairly new to the world of the battery powered, wet-shave razors, mainly because I honestly thought it was a load of all rubbish, a fad designed to sell the same old garbage to men…
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Crème de la Mer: The Facial
Yesterday I was kindly invited to experience the luxury and wonder of a facial by Crème de la Mer. I’ve sporadically used Crème de la Mer products and never ceased to be amazed by their power and performance. It’s easy to accuse a brand such as Crème for resting on the laurels but their products…
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Acne, spots & blemishesEnlarged & Blocked PoresFace ScrubsLa Roche-PosayMoisturisersNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinSensitive SkinSpecial CareLa Roche-Posay Effaclar Foaming Gel / Astringent Lotion / Mat
Recently in Spain, through visiting one of the billion or so pharmacies that are placed around the city at every turning point (still haven’t gotten to the rout of why there’s so many) I ended up trying Toleriane Soothing Protective Skin Care as I’ve been using Tretinoin and needed something to calm my skin down.…
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Clinique Even Better Eyes Dark Circle Corrector
As men don’t really wear makeup, or much else, dark circles are something women apparently notice more and is an age giveaway as well as something that can massively increase or de-crease how healthy you look – so if you fancy improving your chances, read on. I’m a pre-existing fan of the Even Better range…
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Nuxe Men Multi-Purpose Eye Cream
This is another one of my Pharmacy pick ups, after I spotted the Nuxe sign in the window and was tempted inside for a look. I didn’t actually realise the Nuxe had a dedicated Men’s line, and other than trying their dry oil, had never really explored the brand much further than that. I was…
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Razwar Shaving
Me and shaving are rarely good friends, and even though over the years I’ve been taught every trick in the book, it still becomes an unpleasant experience at times. I’ve explained many times that I have the most feeble of facial hair on top of very delicate and sensitive skin, which means shaving often results…
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Bath & BodyDry / Dehydrated SkinLiz EarleMoisturisersNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinSensitive SkinShavingLiz Earle For Men Try-Me Kit Review
I probably should have done this as my first post on Liz Earle, but better late than never. I’d heard so many things about this company from friends and bloggers alike that I knew it was time to investigate. The funny thing was is that 2 years ago, I spent about 4 months working in…
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Acne, spots & blemishesCliniqueEnlarged & Blocked PoresKIKO CosmeticsMakeup & TanningMoisturisersNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinSensitive SkinSpecial CareSun ProtectionThe Body Shop
The Manface Definitive BB Cream Review
I know you’re thinking you’ve possibly read this article before, but it’s become so obscenely popular that I just wanted to pop it at the top of the blogroll again: This is it; this is my definitive review of BB creams. Back in September of last year, I started to hear the rumblings of the…
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Clarisonic Mia Sonic Skin Cleansing System
So it’s time to review this. I’ve had it for a month and wanted to really test it out before I gave my verdict. Since using this I have had maybe 4 spots, that’s it, and this is from someone who might have one come up every day. It’s a level of physical exfoliation that…
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Wilkinson Sword Hydro Skincare
Now, you may or may not have read my glittering review of the Wilkinson Sword Hydro 5 Razor. I’d picked one up at a student fair a couple of years back and have thoroughly enjoyed it every since. I used to be a biiiig Gillette fan, swearing by the Fusion, until I got hold of…
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Philips Diamond Clean Electric Toothbrush HX9332
Looking after your teeth is just as important as exercising and eating well and should be taken as seriously and electrical dental care has been something pretty massive especially over the last 10 years. First there were the mechanical versions with the rotating brush head, to then the world of Sonicare®, technology acquired by Philips…
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Acne, spots & blemishesEnlarged & Blocked PoresFace MasksFace ScrubsMoisturisersNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinREN SkincareSensitive SkinSpecial CareREN ClearCalm3 Range
It’s been a while since I’ve been this genuinely excited and actually quite giddy to use a new product range. The range consists of 4 products, a clay facial wash, clay mask, day moisturiser and night moisturiser. Unlike many so called ‘acne-care’ series, this range has no beaded exfoliating scrub of any kind which made…
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CliniqueMoisturisersNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinPhotoageing & FirmnessSensitive SkinSun ProtectionClinique Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion Review
Ok, I know I’m about 40 years too late for this to be a ground-breaking review but this is a product that I believe to be one of the most effective on the market. Created by the skin care company that inspired them all, Clinique’s Dramatically Different Moisturising Lotion is something pretty unique indeed. Firstly,…
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Kiehls Facial Fuel Transformer
The Kiehl’s Facial Fuel Transformer is one of Kiehls’ biggest sellers from their men’s range of products and I can understand why. Labelled as a lightweight moisture gel that instantly transforms the appearance of skin on application. It contains an optical diffuser that immediately conceals fine lines and wrinkles on the skin. It also visibly reduces pore…
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Biotherm Aqua Power D Sensitive
Advertised as Biotherm’s first moisturiser for sensitive skin, I think they may have struck gold with Biotherm Aqua Power D Sensitive. Commonly when attempting to provide for sensitive skin, many companies tend to think that goes hand in hand with dryness as well, and have a habit of producing overly rich, oil-based creams and balms.…
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ClarinsDry / Dehydrated SkinMoisturisersNormal-Combination SkinOily SkinSensitive SkinSkincareSun ProtectionToners & Essences
Clarins Skincare
Clinique and Clarins are two of the UK’s biggest skincare companies in the UK. As you all know, I’m a Clinique accredited consultant, and through my work and this site, continue to be a patron for the company as the products are ridiculously amazing. However, how can I pretend to be any sort of expert…
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Clinique Anti-Fatigue Cooling Eye Gel
Well when I found out about this originally, I thought finally! A new addition to the Skin Supplies for Men range. I’ve been a massive user of the All About Eyes Serum De-Puffing Eye Massage since it’s original launch some years back. Now as a massive computer nerd and student, I stay up rather late,…