We all have a skin care routine right? We are all set in our own way and know what we like to put on our skin, but have we ever thought to stop for just a second and look at lotions that have been on the shelves for many years before all these new fancy smancy brands? Don't worry I'm guilty of it too. I'm talking about E45, this brand has been around since 1952, and available to us the public since the 1980's. Now that's my whole life and I have only just discovered it properly all thanks to the wonders of BzzAgent.
I once again have been chosen to trial a product for them and this time it's the E45 Nourish and Restore Lotion. I was actually glad to have a chance to sample this, I have seen the original on the shelves but I've always been swayed by the oooh's and ahhh's of the fancy branded products that, lets be honest, half the time they do nothing for your skin. The only time I've ever heard of E45 being used was when my Grandad had a little sore face and he had a tube of this E-something or other cream, see that just shows how much I paid attention way back when I was a teenager.
The E45 Daily Moisturisers have 4 varieties to choose from, 2 that have fragrance, Touchably Smooth and Nourish & Restore, and 2 that are fragrance free, the Moisturising Lotion and Intense Recovery. A good idea to be honest, as it tailors for everyones different body issues, such as dry skin, even eczema. I was lucky to receive one from each group, the Moisturising Lotion and Nourish & Restore.
I was pleasantly surprised when I received my parcel and it had 2 full sized bottles of the original E45 and this fancy and very feminine and attractive Nourish and Restore Body Lotion. OK I'm going to be really lame here I fell for the bottle of Nourish and Restore straight away. The pearlescent bottle caught my eye with its lovely shiny red text and it's red cap. This lotion looked expensive, and if I was in the supermarket it is definitely a bottle that I WOULD buy for myself. So I thought I would read the back you know just to get the jist of what's going on with the product, and I discovered that the lotion has natural oils and Vitamin B3. It claims that it will help to replenish hydration lost and restore suppleness to your skin (it does state that it's for mature skin but that doesn't bother me at all), which will be noticeably glowing and healthier in just 3 weeks. OK, I thought that was a little far fetched, but I was willing to give it a go, and I'll tell you why. Not only does it say it is hypoallergenic and used for sensitive skin, it's the fact my skin is dry, cracked and very very sore. I have such a problem with the skin on my face it's dry, tight and burns. The skin is broken and no matter what lotions and potions I use nothing soothes it or even helps the anger that is trying to escape, so yes I really was willing to give anything a shot. I was getting fed up with all those horrible and stinky creams that the doc provides, not that i'm ungrateful as I know they are trying to help but I just wanted to feel normal, and feminine again. Not like a gremlin or guinea pig, and to be honest to get a little confidence back in myself, I hated the way my face looked and was very self conscious, so if this little lotion from E45 could do it then I was about to find out.
I know I know you think I'm nuts, someone with sensitive skin using a fragranced lotion, but please just take time to listen to what I have to say about my first application, and then you can make your own minds up.
I squirted the cream onto my hands, the bottle was easy to use and the cream was white and the consistency was just right. I could smell the fragrance instantly and I have to say I really approved, it is mild and floral, sort of like your soap and this instantly made me feel girly. The first place I wanted to try it was my face, but I relented I tried it on my poor hands first. Instantly I could feel the difference, the skin on my hands felt smoother and less rough. The cream absorbed quickly and left no sticky or greasy residue behind which is an added bonus especially for body lotion as this means you can apply and quickly dress, bonus if you are in a hurry. So I then thought I'd try it on my elbows and knees, which have patches of Psoriasis, and the heels of my feet, and once again what a difference just after the one application, my skin was smooth, and I just couldn't stop rubbing my hands together, I loved the feel of them, I loved the feel of the lotion. The patches of Psoriasis responded well to the lotion also and this is when I decided to give it a try on my face, I thought if it hurt I'd instantly wash it off. So I took the plunge and all I can say is that I felt like the skin on my face gave out an audible sigh of relief. I applied in small circular motions and each time it felt like my skin was being lovingly kissed and caressed better. The tightness relaxed slightly, and the burning sensation which I thought would increase actually subsided a little bit too. I will tell you something I have never felt so much relief in my life.
So that was my first application and I have been using it everyday since as part of my skin care routine. I've found the best time to use the E45 lotion is right after you have showered or bathed, it helps lock the moisture in. The bottle states that it lasts 24 hours and I can't honestly vouch for this because I shower twice a day so it's not on long enough, but I can tell you that one application in the morning lasts me all day and the fragrance also lasts throughout the day on my skin personally, which I am thrilled with as I feel more womanly with a scent on my body. I have decanted some into a smaller bottle so I can take it with me and top up if I feel I need to and this is just habit because my skin has always been so dry, but the past week or so I've just applied once in the morning and it has lasted all day. I would definitely recommend just before bed putting the lotion on your hands and feet and popping on your gloves and socks, I'm not joking your hands and feet will thank you in the morning.
I knew that my new E45 lotion was doing a good job, but it was when I went to visit my family and the ladies that my gran meets with couldn't stop complimenting me on my healthy and glowing skin. In fact they were convinced I was pregnant because I honestly couldn't have that glow without being pregnant. It took me a while to convince them that I was without child, and that it was in fact good ol' E45. They all took a little squirt in their hands and I was ashamed to admit they made me really jealous because they were reminiscing about the times they had used it. I wish that I had discovered this little wonder years ago too, my skin would have loved me and E45 a whole lot.
Now I don't know about you but there is nothing better than someone else noticing something different on you and positively complimenting you, I have to admit my confidence has been boosted and I'm not trying to hid my face or avoid people as much as I have in the past. I feel like a weight has been taken off my shoulders, like I have been given another chance, and I can be feminine now and not feel like a complete and utter gremlin, and I'm not ashamed to have this lotion displayed on my bathroom shelf either it takes pride of place there! Since that first application my facial skin is less angry, my skin is healthy and glowing, and I feel such a difference overall. My body feels smooth to the touch and I just cannot thank E45 enough for such a fantastic product.
Want to try it yourself? Of course you do... well it's available in all major supermarkets, Boots and other major retailers. There are different sizes and variants and the price is down to the retailers discretion but usually it's between £3.84 and £7.20, but as we all know there is always deals and offers to be had and the best place I've found to look is the mysupermarket website which compares the price in 7 different shops so you can get the best deal. I know most people think that is a lot of money but in all honesty you don't need loads for an application, I take a small amount and it goes a long way. Plus it works, and I'm happy to pay for something as long as it works, I mean there are these wonder creams out there that are a few hundred pounds and don't make the blind bit of difference, so I'm quite happy to pay the price for this bottle of cream. I've been using it everyday for the past few weeks and I've still got a lot left in my bottle.
So how about trying it before you buy it? Yes I know we all love a free sample, so why not skip on over to the E45 page and request your own free sample (I'm not sure if this is while stocks last or not) .
Thank you Bzzagent for allowing me to trial this product for you :)
I am a BzzAgent and I have been asked to test the new Dove Compressed Deodorant that hit the shelves on the 4th of Feb 2013.
We all know we have access to any deodorant we desire but most of the bigger deodorant cans have a lot of gas in them that, let's face it, is not needed. Over the past 10 years Dove have been looking for new ways to have less packaging with less gas but with the same amount of protecting deodorant inside, and they have finally cracked it. How you ask? Well the new Dove Compressed can has a unique nozzle which helps to spray out less gas but still delivers the same amount of deliciously moisturising deodorant.
Sceptical are you not? Well there is absolutely no need to be. I've tested this item and I'm quite happy to provide you my findings. These of course are my own personal opinions and everyone is always best to try things themselves, but if you would rather an honest review first then you've come to the right place.
1 - Packaging - It's cute, come on it's super cute. I love it. it's sleek and has the shape that fits right into your hand, when you grip it the tin goes right in the grove between your thumb and your index finger for comfort. The nozzle has a little rubber tip which makes sure your fingers fit comfortably and don't slip. The size of the tin is the most obvious it's definitely the biggest change, and is half the size (75ml) of it's big sister tin (150ml), and I guess this is what makes it so cute, it's really small and dinky and I love it. Before big sister
tin had a lot more vacant space that was being used up by gas to help
deliver the deodorant, but with the invention of the new nozzle on the
can this has now allowed for the smaller tin with the same amount of
deodorant as before. This is definitely a bonus for all ladies, it fits snugly in your handbag so you can carry it around for those dreaded moments when you know you need a quick freshen up, but it can also be transported for those weekends away and you can put it in your hand luggage. The tin is about the same size as your average smart phone these days and if they can fit in your handbag snugly then so can your deodorant.
I also like how each tin is personalised I have, for instance, the invisible dry that I was testing and it has a sleek silver cap and a violet and white feel about the design however if you chose some of the other fragrances like for example the Pomegranate and Lemon Verbena Scent the lid is a cute and very girly pink colour and is clearly pink and white in the design, where as the Cucumber and Green Tea scent is very much a green and white colour pallet.
Now don't tell me you are not swayed by the fancy packaging because I know 9 times out of 10 we all are. No matter how much you deny it you want that cupcake with the pink frosting and sprinkles on top instead of that plain old fairy cake with nothing. I know because I too prefer that cupcake sprinkles and all. That is why I feel the packaging is such an important aspect of a product because it pulls people in, and Dove has acknowledged this and taken it on board. Ladies we love things to be attractive and we most certainly like to be seen with things that are attractive and pleasing to the eye.
I guess the major bonus of all this less packaging is the effect it has on our environment. The cans are aluminium and can be recycled, and with less gas being produced and a smaller package it is most definitely a bonus and much needed change for our environment and even if you don't recycle or don't do anything else economically, if you make one small change it makes all the difference so why not do it with your deodorant. You won't be losing anything as there is the same amount of stuff, it's just more compressed to make life more a lot easier.
2 - Fragrance - Like I mentioned before I am testing the Invisible dry anti-perspirant but I can tell you that I have never had so many comments about the fresh and springtime fragrance that lingers around me. I love to get comments on my scent, what person doesn't? Well as long as it's good I guess lol. The fragrance of Invisible dry is delicate and subtle but definitive. It's feminine but chic at the same time and not over powering at all. It's just right. Who wants to smell like they have been bathed in a bath of scent? No one, you just want it to be subtle and this deodorant definitely allows for that.
3 - The Feel and Effect and Lasting Properties - I was sceptical myself, I really was, when they say that your underarms will feel smooth and moisturised, but after using it everyday for the past month and a half I can honestly say with my hand on my heart that my skin under my arms feels much smoother to the touch. Before they would be rather rough, and could be really sore, but now they feel really nourished and dare I say it "protected". So when I was reading the tin just before doing this review I happened to come across the statement that says they use 1/4 moisturising cream and vitamin E in their product, which I think is a fantastic idea. We are moisturising our faces and our hands etc etc, so it makes sense to actually have something that will assist in moisturising our underarms. When I spray the deodorant it feels like a lovely warm cuddly blankie, it does it feels soft against my skin like it's lovingly caressing it.
Dove have indicated that their fragrance lasts up to 48 hrs, now I don't know about anyone else but I don't go 48 hrs without bathing/showering so I honestly couldn't tell you regarding this statement, but, after I shower in the morning I apply the deodorant and go to work and go about my daily routine and by night time when I come home and I'm winding down I still smell a waft of freshness and it makes me smile, and I feel confident knowing that no matter what I do and no matter how busy I am I still smell as fresh as a daisy, and I won't repel anyone that is standing within a 5 mile radius of me.
4 - Anti-White Marks - Yes, oh yes yes yes! Who out there has put on their favourite LBD or their favourite top for that special occasion, you get their and you lift your arm for some reason or another and EEK, there it is, the dreaded white marks. I don't need to worry about that now, I am quite happily sitting here with my black t-shirt on and spraying the dove over it again and again just to make sure, and I can convincingly tell you that there is no white marks on my top. So I can happily lift my arms show of the moisturised skin instead of the horrible white marks. BONUS! I guess it's all down to their micro fine anti-perspirant formulation, but in all honesty whatever it is, it's my best friend :)
5 - Price And Where To Buy It - The price is recommended at £2.49 but that is subject to discretion from retailers. For me this maybe a downfall because you can get deodrants a lot cheaper than this, I'm not sure if I could afford to pay for this if I was having to buy it every week, but knowing how long it does last i'm confident that I could actually afford to buy this when needed. The upside is as you know many major retailers have introductory and special offers on all the time, so there is plenty opportunity to get this little beauty for a really good deal, check out MySupermarket for some good deals. I have to say the price fits in line with many other major brands that are around this price and for what it does I think it's worth every penny. Who wants to pay £2.49 for a huge tin of deodorant that is full of gas, has way too much packaging and you can't carry around with you, you can't even fit it in the bathroom cabinet at home, where as the compressed tin you can! My bets are on the compressed tin, it's popular, it's a well known brand and you'll love using it so you'll want to buy it and know you are doing your bit for the environment.
You can purchase Dove compressed deodorant from local supermarkets and online retailers like for example, Tesco, Sainsbury, Asda, Boots and so forth.
6 - How Long Did It Last? - My deodrant is still going strong. I've used it everyday for the past month and a bit and plenty of others have used it to have a quick spray and it's still going strong. My last deodrant which was a bigger size I felt I wasn't really getting much out of it so I was having to reapply throughout the day, but with the new compressed version which means I am getting more anti- perspirant than I am gas I am actually using the deodorant much less. I feel I don't even need to reapply throughout the day as the fragrance and feel lasts much longer than I need it to, therefore I am using less of the product therefore making it last longer. It definately pips it's big sister tin to the post as it's not only better for the environment but it's better on me also financially as I don't need to buy deodrant so often and I can use my money to either save or buy other little luxuries. I know the length of time the deodorant lasts is dependent on individual use and how many times you use it, but for me this works.
6 - My Personal Overall Opinion - I love it. It's something that I will definately be buying in the future, knowing how long it last it does work out more economical for me than any other deodrant i've used. Of course with the price it is at I would still look around for a good deal so that I could stock up. The fragrance is feminine and attractive to me as is the overall size. It's easy just to throw in my handbag and off I go. I love, also, how I am doing my bit for the environment no matter how small I am helping to reduce co2 by swapping from my usual 150ml tin to the compressed 75ml tin with less gas inside.
I would definately recommend this product overall, the only downside I can see is the price, but that is dependent, as I mentioned, on personal use of the product. For me it works because I use it just once a day with no need to reapply but others may feel they need to use it more, so may work out a lot more expensive in the long run, but that is the beauty of retailer offers. The main upside for me is that it does exactly what it says on the tin, it's long lasting and protecting. I feel confident and feminine wearing Dove and will be maintaining use of this wee beauty from now on.
For more information go to the Dove website or Dove on Facebook for all the latest news.
