Beauty Product Reviews

Removes make up easily, cleans skin, doesn't leave skin dry

Nip+Fab Clean fix is one of my favourite products in their range. Not only is the oil a great cleanser but it is one fantastic make up remover. It's available from the Nip+Fab website, Boots, ASOS and Harvey Nichols for just over £10 and definitely worth it.

The packaging is a 120ml pump bottle which doesn't have any extra outer packaging. I'm guessing mine got damaged in the post as the oil tends to run down the bottle through the threads on the screw top and gathers around the base of the pump. Not a big problem but has wasted a few ml. The pump is easy to press. I tend not to push it right down and I've found it's better to let it squirt into the palm of my hand rather than fingers so it doesn't run everywhere. All it takes is 1 pump to cover all of my face.

To use, just massage the oil onto a dry face (so also make sure your hands are dry). I love this process finding it definitely worth spending time just massaging it in to stimulate blood flow and it's relaxing. Massaging the face helps relax the muscles which in turn help prevent wrinkles but it's also important to work upwards rather than pulling the skin down.

After it's massaged in, just wet your fingers and massage again and the oil will emulsify. There isn't a huge difference in the oil, it does turn milky white but isn't thick or bubbly and it's easy to just rinse off. If I've had a lot of foundation on I find it removes it so easily without having to keep scrubbing my face. With mascara the best way I've found is to just apply a bit of oil to my fingers and cover the lashes, applying a little water to let it emulsify then rinse. I have tried putting it on a cotton wool pad but there was just too much oil which ended up in my eye.

Nip+Fab claims this product has: Gentle oils to cleanse + remove make up Neroli to soften + rejuvenate Mandarin to purify + decongest

After rinsing the great thing about this cleanser is my skin doesn't feel tight or dry. Not only that, but there is no trace of any make up. After using it with numerous mascaras from Rimmel to Clinique, they all came off so easily. It also came off far quicker than the cream remover I used to use saving a lot over-rubbing my eye area. My skin is left shiny but from it being clean rather than greasy or oily and it's lovely and soft especially if using this after the Scrub Fix which I'll then follow up with Moisture Fix.

If using this with the Scrub Fix or other exfoliator, I would say to make sure you rinse that off fully so there are no particles to rub over dry skin.

With hypoallergenic and non comedogenic oil (oil which doesn't block pores), this cleanser is very gentle on my skin. Where it was rather oily on my T-Zone, it seems far more controlled but hasn't dried it out and I've not had any breakouts. As it can be used on both eyes and face it is quick and easy to use without the need for a separate eye make up remover although I do like spending time massaging it onto my skin. There is a light fragrance to this which I think is mainly the mandarins but as an orange hater, it's definitely not off putting and the fragrance isn't obvious once rinsed off.

I use Clean Fix daily whether I've had make up on or not. Although the PAO is 6 months going by my usage, I don't think it will last that long. The pump goes right to the bottom of the bottle though and it's easy enough to unscrew the lid to get most of the oil out of it. I'd definitely say it was worth the £10 considering it's a cleanser and make up remover suitable for both face and eyes. It really works so well while being gentle on skin and not leaving it greasy or oily - just clean and smooth.

Absorbs well, plumps skin, got rid of a few fine lines

Throughout my teens, my skin was rather oily especially on my T-Zone so the last thing I wanted to do was use a moisturiser. If I did try one my skin would break out and feel even oilier so it was something I avoided for quite a few years not realising how important it is. I did start including a moisturiser as part of my skincare routine a few years ago but I didn't use it regularly and it was only recently I was given the opportunity to overhaul my skincare routine with Nip+Fab products, one of which included Moisture Fix, and really find out the benefits.

The first I'd heard of Nip+Fab was many celebs raving about their Tummy Fix. More may have heard of their sister company Rodial who provide premium products which are out of my price range. Nip+Fab products however are far more affordable. I hadn't tried any of their products previously but with the harsh winter weather, I dived straight into using the Scrub Fix, Clean Fix and Moisture Fix with an open mind.

Moisture Fix is a daily facial moisturiser that 'plumps, adds radiance + improves elasticity. This miracle moisture fix leaves skin hydrated + protected'.

Nip+Fab's packaging is quite plain but don't let that put you off. From the box you've got the description, claims and directions and inside the sturdy pump bottle with 50ml for use day and/or night.

Don't press too hard on the pump as you get used to how much it dispenses. With the slightest push you get a small blob which I usually find is a bit too much for my forehead so tend to dot it around my face with a further one to two pumps for cheeks and nose. The white cream isn't too thick or too thin but rubs easily into the skin absorbing very well so although you're left with a lovely shine it's not from being oily or greasy.

With "hyaluronic acid filling spheres to plump + fill, grapeseed oil to moisturise + elasticise, and meadowfoam seed oil to combat skin ageing + reduce blemishes", I have to admit, I wasn't really expecting to see much of a difference other than maybe a bit plumper from extra the moisturising but I was surprised that, especially in the mornings my skin was feeling far smoother and plump. My cheeks had been particularly dry this winter but within a few days the condition had visible improved and where there had been a few fine lines by my mouth from smiling, they actually disappeared.

I only started using this once a day as I wasn't sure if it was likely to make me break out or make my skin oily but it wasn't long before I started using day and night. With some creams that just dried on the surface I could rub my face and it would come off in bits but that doesn't happen with this cream at all nor does it make my skin feel sticky - it doesn't feel like there's anything there. After a week my complexion looked healthier, even, younger and fresher. I still wouldn't leave the house without make up but I'm far happier with the condition of my skin and it has made applying make up far easier.

One of things I have found with the Nip+Fab products I've tried is how lightly scented they are so this skincare range is idea for both men and women. Usually when I use products there are negative points to them but I really can't find anything with this. The one thing I would say it is missing though is an SPF so make sure you apply one in winter as well as in summer.

So has it lived up to the things it promises on the box? Plumps + filling : Yes Improves elasticity : Yes Leaves skin hydrated : Yes Protected : Yes but I'd still like to see an SPF in there Combats aging : Yes Reduces blemishes : Well I've not had any Use daily for a radiant + youthful glow : Yes

Available from Boots and the Nip+Fab website for just over £17 it does sound a bit expensive but comparing it to more premium products like Clinique or even Rodial it's still far cheaper. I'm usually the first to look for cheaper products if they give the same benefits but I've never been happy with the likes of Olay or Dove so the next time I need to replace my moisturiser it will be with Moisture Fix. PAO is 6 months. I think 50ml will last that long even with using twice a day as you really don't need much.

Replenishes lips, leaves them smooth, protects dry skin

Nip+Fab is the sister company of Rodial, a premium skincare range used by many well known celebs but the Nip+Fab range comes in at a fraction of the cost so I jumped at the chance to try them.

Lip+Nip Fix is a thick balm which is described as a 'Soothing + healing multi-purpose balm for lips, nipples + dry skin'. With the winter weather mixed with constant central heating my lips were left feeling very dry so it was one of the first products I wanted to give a go.

I love the Nip+Fab packaging. Within the box, the tube is a little larger than similar products I've used but it's still very portable and with 15ml will last a good few months with daily use. The packaging is simple but informative with the Lip+Nip Fix promising to protect lips and nipples as well as replenishing dry and damaged skin.

First thing I noticed is how thick the balm is. I was quite hesitant to squeeze the tube hard for fear it would squirt out but it does take a bit of pressure to get it out. Although it is thick as soon as it comes into contact with the heat of your lips or skin it melts a little to provide great coverage so only a small amount is needed.

There was a noticeable difference in the condition of my lips within seconds of using it. Where my lips felt rough and dry, they quickly became smooth and I have to agree with the packaging that they felt replenished. I have a habit of licking my lips often so within a day I reapply the balm regularly. The time I notice the difference the most though is in the morning. My lips always feel so smooth and haven't gone back to being rough or dry.

One of the things I like with Nip+Fab is the products I've tried are not scented or only have a very faint smell so even this balm is ideal for both men and women.

I'm not a lipstick fan so generally used to wear gloss or balm anyway and this one leaves my lips with a lovely sheen. It is a bit sticky on application but loses that feeling as it melts. On dry skin, the balm leaves a protective covering helping to protect it. I've used it a few times on my knuckles which were quite dry and just like my lips, it quickly made a difference. Where I'd lick my lips often needing to reapply the balm, it lasts far longer on my skin helping to protect it especially when out in the cold weather which would leave it feeling irritated. It can feel a little stickier than it does on my lips though so I prefer to apply it when it's not likely I'll be touching it.

Although the price of this balm is over £8 (available at Boots or the Nip+Fab website), comparing it to Vaseline at 99p or Molton Brown's Protecting Vitamin Lipsaver at £10 which has been my favourite for the last few years, I have to say Lip+Nip Fix is topping my list.

Soft focus effect for the face

Elf High Definition Powder is a talc-like translucent powder which helps provide a flawless finish to your make up leaving skin matte, smooth and ever so soft. If you're unfamiliar with the brand, e.l.f (Eyes Lips Face) provide great value make up with HD Powder under their Studio line costing £6. I'd bought it after hearing so many great things about it and after considering the different brands of finishing powder on offer which were around £20, decided this was definitely worth a go.

While the HD powder is designed for use when filming in high definition it's certainly not restricted to it. I did have filming in mind when I bought it looking for that 'soft focus' effect but have found myself using it over my everyday make up for a more flawless overall look and as a primer or finishing powder to help set my make up helping it last longer.

When it first arrived I was surprised by the quality of the packaging. The outer cardboard box gives it a high value image with the powder itself in a very sturdy screw lid tub with a lovely little powder puff applicator provided. To save wastage during travel there is a sticker over the sifter which isn't too difficult to remove. The sifter can also be removed so the tub can be reused. While it doesn't look as though there is much powder, it's surprising how little you need to use and with regular use over the last few months, I still have plenty left.

My worry when I first saw the powder was it was awfully white so I had visions of walking around looking like a mime but in fact, I needn't have worried. After applying my make up and giving it a few minutes to let it settle, I found the best way to apply it was to tip the tub to let some of the powder onto the puff then rub the puff over the sifter rather than the edge of the tub to ensure the excess went back into the tub. This is my main reason for opting for the puff over a brush. With a brush I find the powder tends to fly off with the brushing action whereas the puff provides good coverage without losing any of the fine dust as it's dabbed on. The results are instant. With Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer and silica it leaves my skin smooth, soft and matte without a noticeable colour difference.

Even though I'd have foundation, blush and bronzer on, applying this powder on top doesn't make my makeup feel heavy. The powder makes my skin very soft to the touch and although my skin can get oily on my T-Zone, this helps to control it. My cheeks on the other hand can be dry but the powder doesn't leave it feeling tight although I will always apply a moisturiser before my foundation. You can apply the powder without make up underneath but I don't tend to do this as it won't cover blemishes or give me an even complexion - I just don't have flawless skin to be able to get away with it. The other way I tend to use it is as a primer applying the powder first before powder foundation and powder blush/bronzer as this method won't work well with cream/liquids.

The powder is incredibly fine getting into all the pores and fine lines reducing their size for a more flawless finish. There is definitely a 'soft focus' effect and it does 'mask fine lines'. I wouldn't quite say it goes as far as a 'radiant complexion' though. While it works extremely well for HD filming, I've had to be careful with flash photography. With some liquid foundations (mainly my MAC Pro Longwear) I found it can build up too much of the powder so it can make me look extremely pale with the flash of the camera. This problem is limited though as I use a range of liquid foundations and found the results do differ depending on how wet they are after application. It's not been a problem in photographs using natural light.

Although I have been dabbing the puff rather than wiping it across my face, there has been some make up transfer so I will clean this every few weeks. I always make sure I remove my make up as early as I can although I did ask if it is non-comedogenic. Elf replied saying it's not a pore blocker or absorbed by the skin and I haven't had any adverse reactions - no breakouts etc. I have carried this around in my bag when travelling and there hasn't been a problem with powder flying about as the puff acts as a good barrier to prevent this but I would always try keeping it upright.

I do love this powder and think it's a fantastic price. I'm not a film star but with the increasing popularity of video cameras now producing HD content I do like to aim for that flawless finish to my make up which I can now afford to do day-to-day. It's available to buy on the e.l.f website but means paying a little extra for postage. It's worth keeping an eye on their Facebook/Twitter pages though as they do have regular promo codes offering discounts and free postage.

The High Definition powder regularly sells out and was sold out when I wanted to buy it. I added my email address so I'd receive an email when it was back in stock which only took a few days. It then took 4 working days to be delivered from the website.

e.l.f. don't test their products on animals. PAO 6 months