Skinfood - A naturally-inspired unisex range from New Zealand

by Jess

They say you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, and the same goes for beauty products. Despite its unusually simple, plain packaging, Skinfood, a New Zealand beauty brand which is making its way over to the UK, is unique for all the right reasons. Though women may initially be put off by the unisex branding of the range, the quality of the actual products is really impressive. Taking a truly simple but effective route to good quality, consistent skincare, you'll see the same reassuring ingredients printed over again throughout the range - spring water, manuka honey, aloe vera gel, orange oil, lavender oil - , with a notable absense of any parabens and the usual chemical-sounding nasties prevalent in so many skincare products.

The Cleans All cleanser is a fantastic all-round product for all skin types and leaves the skin soft and velvety without any tightness, even removing heavy mascara, while the SPF 15 moisturiser is light enough to sink in quickly for morning makeup application, but creamy enough to really get rid of flaky, dry winter skin. The exfoliator isn't abrasive but leaves skin smooth and glowing, while the mud masque is great for a weekly deep cleanse and leaves your face feeling truly clean and revitalised. There are a few different moisturisers to choose from, as well as a foaming shaving gel for men. Each product also has a handy sign to tell you whether it's best used in the morning or in the evening.

A truly unique approach to skincare inspired by nature and designed to protect skin from the elements, Skinfood offers great value, is an excellent choice for those looking to use more natural, environmentally-friendly products and, with its unisex approach, even offers the potential for more cupboard space. A definite winner.

Budget Beauty buys

by Sarah-Jane

We're all counting the pennies at the moment, but at the same time us girls need a nice little beauty treat to help make these credit crunch days pass a little quicker. So I have scoured high and low for the best new budget beauty buys that are hitting the shops in the next few weeks, so keep your eyes peeled.


Lets start with No7's petal lip tint in coral, £8.50 (available from 28th January). Not only is it inexpensive but it looks gorgeous in your handbag too. It's a gorgeous colour and it's packed with moisturisers which will keep your lips soft all day and night.

Make your showers a little more fruity with Dove's latest offering to its already extensive body wash range, nectarine and white ginger (launching this month). At £2.99 it's a bargain but it will soon become a beauty must-have.


Finally head to your nearest Asda store where they have just launched a new range called Weather Protect, it's perfect for hair that gets frizzy and out of control in the rain or cold weather. I particularly like the flexible hold hairspray which is a credit-crunching price of £1 until 13th February.

Credit Crunch Pampering

by Jess

With the sub-zero temperatures of recent weeks and the recession biting harder than ever, it's tempting to let your beauty regime go. However, it's important to keep yourself looking and feeling your cheerful best, and how better to do that than pamper yourself - and at supermarket prices!

Tesco have three new exclusive ranges, including Skin Boost, Sugar Me and Normandie, which are not only cheap and cheerful, but luxurious-feeling and effective too. Frost-bitten, dry winter hands can be salvaged by Normandie Hold My Hand handcream, which smells as good as it feels, while those with a sweet tooth can buff up dry winter bods with the Sugar Me Coconut Cake body scrub, a sweet-smelling treatment which will satisfy all your cravings.

Also tempting are Skin Boost's fruity concoctions, including the creamy Acai and Pomegranate Body Lotion, will give your skin and senses a much-needed vitamin boost.

With most of the products in the extensive ranges retailing at under five pounds, why not pop a few treats into your basket next time you hit Tesco?