Simon & Tom (2)
Oxygen Foam Cleanser
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I love the fresh cleansing action but, even more, I love the texture of this face cleanser. It's like a very lightweight foam that turns into a gentle but thorough lotion. Surprisingly effective to remove the last traces of makeup.
Normally I use an oil cleanser first to melt eye makeup and mascara. Then I like to apply this foam on damp skin and massage it well with a konjac sponge, before rinsing my face with warm water. It leaves my mature skin incredibly clean, soft and hydrated. It does sting a little if it gets in the eyes, but I have yet to find a face cleanser that doesn't. This product is not tested on animals and does not contain any noxious chemicals like parabens or phthalates. It does contain Vitamin B5 and Tea Tree Oil to clear up excessive sebum deposits and heal breakouts. Only a small amount is needed and, so far, it's lasting really well. The fresh scent is also lovely. |
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Premium Lift Eye Corrector
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An interesting and unusual product which is proving addictive. When it was first proposed to me for evaluation, I wasn't sure what it was. The sticky, whitish gel smells just like Simon & Tom's Soft Peeling Gel but has a very different application. It is an instant pick-me-up, lifting type of product aimed at reducing the visible effects of too little sleep, ongoing stress and, sadly, inevitable ageing. You massage a small amount around and below your eyes (not on the eyelids), where crows' feet and laugh lines congregate, and leave it to dry for 10-15 minutes. You can then do one of two things: either wash your whole face with cool water, or use a soaked cotton pad to remove the excess. I prefer the second option, wiping off what's left with rose water or a moisturizing toner, both of which enhance the tightening action of the gel. I then apply my eye gel, day moisturizer and make-up.
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My sensitive skin seems to really like it and it has not caused any allergic reaction. As far as I'm concerned, it does exactly what they say: it improves the dark circles and minimizes the bags under my eyes, so that my face looks a bit fresher and more rested even when I'm nothing of the kind.
I find the writing on the box challenging to read, but I would disagree with the directions to use “a generous layer”. On Amazon they advise to “apply a small amount” which seems to work well for me. The container is very elegant and looks good on display in my bathroom. It contains 15 ml of product, which isn't a lot, but this is a very specialized product and so little is required per application that it lasts well enough. The best way to describe it is a specific and localized eye mask. It is suitable for daily use but I particularly love to use it before an occasion when I want to look my best, which often happens to be in the evening. Because it contains Argan Oil, Retinol and Collagen derived from algae, the beneficial effects are cumulative, so with regular use you should see a subtle and gradual improvement over time.
I find the writing on the box challenging to read, but I would disagree with the directions to use “a generous layer”. On Amazon they advise to “apply a small amount” which seems to work well for me. The container is very elegant and looks good on display in my bathroom. It contains 15 ml of product, which isn't a lot, but this is a very specialized product and so little is required per application that it lasts well enough. The best way to describe it is a specific and localized eye mask. It is suitable for daily use but I particularly love to use it before an occasion when I want to look my best, which often happens to be in the evening. Because it contains Argan Oil, Retinol and Collagen derived from algae, the beneficial effects are cumulative, so with regular use you should see a subtle and gradual improvement over time.
Pure Swiss Hyaluronic Anti-ageing SerumHyaluronic Acid has become the obligatory active ingredient in any anti-ageing formulation deserving of its name, however, the variations are limitless. In this version, sent to me for evaluation and review, the pure ingredient comes in the form of an almost odourless, fairly liquid, clear gel that is easily absorbed by my skin. But, more importantly, this serum instantly and visibly tightens my skin (you could call it a face lift effect) and causes the cream or lotion that I apply on top to be swallowed up in a way I have seldom seen.
I know from experience how much moisturizer my face can drink up with, or without, a serum. This product makes my skin twice as thirsty! I could not believe it the first time, I thought my face must be particularly dry. But now I see that it is a feature of this product, as I regularly need to follow up with twice as much as normal of my chosen skin care. The result is a visibly more nourished face and neck and a noticeable smoothing of the lines and wrinkles around eyes and mouth. |
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The bottle is dark and stylish, elongated to accommodate a sizeable glass dropper. While this allows precise dispensing, it is difficult to get the last of the gel out of the bottle. Also the dark, opaque finish makes it impossible to see how much product is left, so I have no idea when I need to buy the next bottle. Anyway, that is my only minor criticism of an otherwise excellent product. The bottle contains 30 ml (or a little over 1 ounce) of serum, which is pretty standard for this class of skin care. At the current price of less than £15 or €15, this is great value for money.
With age, my skin has become fragile and ultra sensitive to harsh ingredients. This serum has not caused any irritation, redness or other adverse reaction, even applied to the tender skin around the eyes. In fact, my face feels refreshed and toned after I apply it, and more than ready to absorb the product that follows. I think it bears repeating that a serum is a carrier, it facilitates absorption of whatever you choose to put on your skin afterwards. A seriously proactive serum like this one should not be applied by itself. Depending on your age and the state of your skin, you can choose the potency of the moisturizer that follows. In my case, I often layer two products and I find that this serum easily allows both to sink in where they have a chance to do some good. Top quality serum which gives immediately visible results and more durable ones over time.
With age, my skin has become fragile and ultra sensitive to harsh ingredients. This serum has not caused any irritation, redness or other adverse reaction, even applied to the tender skin around the eyes. In fact, my face feels refreshed and toned after I apply it, and more than ready to absorb the product that follows. I think it bears repeating that a serum is a carrier, it facilitates absorption of whatever you choose to put on your skin afterwards. A seriously proactive serum like this one should not be applied by itself. Depending on your age and the state of your skin, you can choose the potency of the moisturizer that follows. In my case, I often layer two products and I find that this serum easily allows both to sink in where they have a chance to do some good. Top quality serum which gives immediately visible results and more durable ones over time.
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Soft Peeling Gel
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I was sent a sample of this gel with a request to fully test it and evaluate it, and I am happy to report that it is, simply put, the best skin exfoliator I have tried so far. I am a big believer in freshening up my skin with peeling products, both of the physical and chemical variety. Over the years I have tried many different types and they all contain some sort of rough, gritty substance to mechanically rub off the top layer of the skin. One of my peeling products has sharp fragments of pulverized apricot shells, another crushed salt, and my latest relies on sugar particles.
I have never seen anything like this gel. It is completely smooth and yet, after a few minutes of massage, chunks of dead skin ball up and come away. I find that rinsing with water is not enough to remove all the residual cell debris, so I use a facecloth or a sponge. My face emerges refreshed and smoother than I thought possible with pores visibly tightened. My sensitive skin loves this product and I have never had any undesirable side effects. It's the sort of thing I can use before a night out, followed by makeup, or simply to prepare my skin for serum and moisturizer at night. |
The modern, sleek container is really high-end and beautiful to have sitting on my bathroom shelf and, at the rate it's going, the 50 ml (1.69 oz) contents should last at least a month with regular twice-weekly use.
I always look at the ingredients before putting anything on my skin, and the list here is full of most reassuringly natural extracts: camellia leaves, sea salt, aloe vera, argan oil, orange peel, papaya, pomegranate, cucumber and Dunaliella (a micro-algae found in sea fields). As with other Simon & Tom formulations, there is an equally long list of artificial and toxic ingredients that are NOT included. It only took me a couple of uses to recognize this gel as the best peeling product I have used to date. The fresh aroma and smooth texture make this a joy to use and, after rinsing, I don't feel as though I have rubbed away my fingerprints.
I always look at the ingredients before putting anything on my skin, and the list here is full of most reassuringly natural extracts: camellia leaves, sea salt, aloe vera, argan oil, orange peel, papaya, pomegranate, cucumber and Dunaliella (a micro-algae found in sea fields). As with other Simon & Tom formulations, there is an equally long list of artificial and toxic ingredients that are NOT included. It only took me a couple of uses to recognize this gel as the best peeling product I have used to date. The fresh aroma and smooth texture make this a joy to use and, after rinsing, I don't feel as though I have rubbed away my fingerprints.
