On first glance the new Botanics range doesn't look like anything to shout about. The packaging is pretty average (although it is sustainably produced) however the products inside have definite appeal...at least for me! Botanics ethos is to "combine natural ingredients with scientific formulations to create effective skin care products" - many of the products in the new range are 100% Organic and all formulations are now SLS, SLES and paraben-free! And after all, who wants to put nasty chemicals on their skin! Not only that, those clever scientists at The Royal Botanic Gardens make sure that each formulation contains enough of each active plant extract to actually work!!
I bought two products from the range to trial, the All Bright Refreshing Eye Roll-On with Hibiscus and the Shine Away Ionic Clay Mask with Willowbark.
Like lots of people I have dark, shadowy under-eye pigmentation and while I love my Liz Earle Daily Eye Repair, at £14.25 for a 10ml tube, it is a little on the pricey side. So I've been on the hunt for a new eye product for a while now! After the ladies at Pixiwoo.com recommended Clinque's latest eye roll-on I must admit I was tempted but again, its not cheap. So when I spotted this product from the Botanics range I thought it was worth a try. Like lots of eye products on the market, including Clinque's latest innovation, this little baby has a cooling roller-ball which massages the refreshing gel into the delicate under-eye area (that's the theory anyway) however I must admit to some gentle patting to help things along! The gel formulation is definitely cooling and refreshing and, importantly (for me at least) doesn't impact on the application of make up! However, I'm sad to say I didn't see a noticeable reduction in my dark circles, despite using the product in the morning and before bed! If you're after something light and refreshing this could be for you but if you need a little more help in the under-eye department then look elsewhere! For me, its back to the Liz Earle!
I'm glad to say that my second purchase, the Shine Away Ionic Clay Mask was far more successful! There are hundreds of clay-based masks on the market, ranging from the super-cheap to the insanely expensive and pretty much all of them promise to rid us of those pesky blocked pores and blackheads. I've been suffering from blackheads since I was in my teens, so I've tried and tested lots of masks and only one has ever come close to actually working - Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask! Unfortunately at £20 for 100ml, its a bit on the pricey side! Thankfully, this Botanics mask shares a lot of the qualities I loved in the Orgins product - to start with, it works! Like most clay masks, this product is a pretty unattractive grey sludge, its very liquid and needs a good shake before use. Despite being very runny, the mask is super easy to apply, is fragrance free and even a thick layer dries in about ten minutes. Its equally easy to wash off and doesn't leave my skin feeling tight or dry, just clean, fresh and de-congested! At only £4.99 for 100ml this is a bargain product but it still manages to feel pampering and luxurious! Definitely one to re-purchase!
Overall I'm pretty impressed with the re-vamped Botanics range! I love their ethos, the use of organic ingredients and the price tag! Admittedly the All Bright Eye Roll-On was a little disappointing but the Shine Away Ionic Clay Mask more than made up for it! Next on my list to try, this 100% Organic Facial Oil with Rosehip! Watch this space!
Boots Botanics range is available in all Boots stores and online at http://www.boots.com/en/Botanics/
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