Sensai Make Up Review Total Finish Compact / Lasting Plump Lipstick

 

It’s not often that I get sent such luxury make up as the Japanese brand Sensai however, having reviewed their self-tan recently, I have been kindly sent some of the make up products to review. 

Now before I start, I know that we are in a cost-of-living crisis and, I also know that many of my readers will say the cost is out of their price range. However, we all have choice and there are many people who choose luxury makeup as their ‘treat’. Every year, as a single mother I treat myself on my birthday to a luxury branded product, and having used the likes of Charlotte Tilbury, Victoria Beckham etc, this brand goes above and beyond those brands. It cannot even be classed in the same category, as quite simply it’s because the products are a hybrid of anti-aging ingredients and colour.

Compact Case for Total Finish £22

The Sensai Compact Case for the Total Finish Foundation, is five star quality. It has that wonderful snap shut click, that is sturdy and yet incredibly sleek in design. Inside the compact you will find it’s been split into 3 components. Firstly, a mirror that has been cleverly designed so that it magnifies and gives a very clear reflection. Secondly the foundation refill (see below) and lastly, a dense sponge that gives excellent application. 

It is ideal to take with you travelling whether for work or holiday. It’s also ideal to apply your makeup at home given the excellent quality of the mirror. Since testing this, I’ve used it to apply my makeup rather than my magnifying mirror. 

Total Finish Refill SPF10 11g £42

The Compact Case houses a Total Finish Foundation Refill, available in 9 different shades. On the actual website you have a ‘try it on’ camera feature so you can choose your perfect match. The foundation comes in a powder formula that is designed to feel like a ‘second skin’. It also contains ingredients that help protect your skin including:-

• Zinc Oxide - protects the skin from UV rays, 
• Magnesium Myristate - a natural fatty acid found in coconut oil that helps moisturise the skin.
• Serica Powder - finely pulverised silk that is skin conditioning. 
• Dioscorea Panthaica Root Extract - otherwise known as Yam Extract that helps act as an emollient and keeps skin feeling supple. 

The ultra fine formula glides onto the skin with just one sweep, giving a light coverage and leaves skin looking radiant. It is not a full coverage, but almost a light blurring filter so your skin just looks better naturally. It contains no fragrance and is suitable for all skin types including sensitive. 

Lasting Plump Lipstick Holder £12

This innovative idea, means you can swap and change your lipsticks into a lipstick holder that again, is sleek in design and gives that wonderful ‘click’ snap shut. It comes with a velvet pouch, making sure that your lipstick is protected. The black lacquered design matches the rest of the brand’s compacts and gives a timeless, elegant addition to your make-up collection.

Lasting Plump Lipstick Refill 3.8g £32

This lip conditioning colour marriages beautiful colour with a host of moisturising and nourishing properties. Such ingredients include:-

• Sodium Hyaluronate - a humectant that draws moisture to the lips, preventing chapping and dry, flaky lips.
• Hydrolyzed Silk - anti-bacterial so helps prevent lip conditions such as cold sores, also helps smooth lips and keep them looking plumper and firmer. 
• Hydrogenated Polyisobutene - an emollient that makes lips feel softer and more nourished. 
• Squalane - gives a barrier on the lips to prevent moisture loss and dehydration. 

Here I have tested the Shimmer Nude, a suit all shade for every skin tone. I have taken a picture in the shade and the sunlight and whilst I don’t have ‘model’ lips (I am 52…), you can see it gives a beautiful, shimmer that plumps up the lips.

This suit all shade is ideal for events such as weddings (especially if you are the bride), as it’s incredibly long-lasting. Even after the lipstick had come off, I was left with a satin finish stain that lasted throughout eating and drinking for the afternoon. 

So whilst the brand is expensive, it is not without its reasons. The ingredients that are used to formulate the products are anti-aging and protective. The brand is a huge advocate for sustainability, and as such, use chemically recycled PET, recycled glass and bio-based plastic in much of their packaging. 

The Japanese also commit to

‘To consider a product’s life cycle from creation to dissolution, is a proactive deeply embedded in the tradition of Japanese craftsmanship. This encompasses a deep appreciation of resources and their values, while also reducing waste by repurposing and reimagining their vocation.  From selecting more responsibly sourced materials to innovating thoughtful design, this considerate approach is the silver lining in our efforts to continue being more respectful to the environment. 

The products themselves are far superior to most deluxe brands, and so as you would expect are stocked in high end stores such as Harrods. You can also buy and try (with the interactive camera) by clicking the link to their website HERE

The Organic Pharmacy Carrot Butter Cleanser 50ml £35

 

I am a huge sucker for butter cleansers purely as I love the ritual of spending a few moments on my skin every morning. It sets me up for the day when I warm a buttery balm into my hands, and massage into my face giving it a lymphatic drainage. It helps clear my sinuses and once removed with a warm cloth it makes me feel ready for the day.

The Organic Pharmacy Carrot Butter Cleanser may be expensive but it’s utterly divine. Not only in texture but the aromatherapy scent of rosemary and lavender is incredibly relaxing. 

The ingredients are skin healing, skin conditioning and help with all types of skin conditions such as eczema, acne and problematic skin. Ingredients are natural and organic and include:-

• Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil - acts as a ceramide that helps lock in moisture to the skin, is hydrating and skin nourishing. 
• Cera Alba (Beeswax) - again helps keep water locked into the skin, increasing skin hydration. It also protects by leaving a film on the skin, preventing harmful bacteria from entering the skin. 
• Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil - anti-inflammatory, contains fatty acids that also help keep the skin clear from bacteria. 
• Theobroma Cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter - helps improve skin elasticity, as contains a high level of essential fatty acids. It also contains vitamin C and magnesium that brightens dull skin and gives radiance. 
• Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil - ideal for treating inflammatory and hormonal skin conditions such as acne.
• Caucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract - protects the skin from environmental elements and gives radiance to dull skin types. 
• Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract - wound healing, also strengthens the skins barrier to help protect against harsh elements. 
• Hypericum Perforatum Flower/Twig Extract - otherwise known as St John’s Wort, is often used in skincare to aid healing of wounds and burns. It contains antibacterial and antimicrobial properties that help keep the skin clear from bacteria. 
• Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil - an anti-inflammatory that helps soothe red, inflamed skin. 
• Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil - helps stimulate and tone the skin, giving a tightening to the skin, making it feel more refined.
• Anthemis Nobilis Flower Oil - otherwise known as Chamomile, this plant is often used in skincare to help soothe dry, irritated skin types. 

The ingredients above are all non-pore clogging, so whilst a buttery texture the oils do not clog up pores. As well as being non-pore clogging they’re also 99.8% organic and 99.9% natural. The balm has been clinically proven to show anti-oxidant activity and is safe to use around the eye area. 

The solid butter texture, simply melts upon application. You only need at tiny amount (pea sized) to cover the entire face and neck.

As you can imagine it smells utterly divine and is such a pleasure to use. Most importantly it gives a really good cleanse and simply melts away dirt, grime and stubborn waterproof makeup. Like I mentioned before, often cleansing with a butter balm is a ritual, it promotes well-being and this product certainly gives that element of shoulder tension drop.

You can purchase in stores at Sephora or Fenwick, or find out more by visiting their website and clicking the link HERE

The Organic Pharmacy Rose Facial Spritz 150ml £25

 

I was recently sent some Organic Pharmacy products to test, and you will see from previous press features and my blog, that I do love this brand. It’s a brand that has pioneered the way in using certified organic ingredients. Its success owes itself to the ‘triple expertise’ of a pharmacist, dermatologist and beauty therapists, whom are behind the science and formulation of the products. Founded in 2002 by Margo Marrone, today it is stocked in several department stores nationwide. 

Today I’ve been testing the Rose Facial Spritz, a hydrating spritz that does so much more than act as a toner. 

This delicately scented Rose Water spray contains as its highest quantity Organic Rosa Damascena Flower Water. Not only does this hydrate the skin but it contains several anti-inflammatory properties that can help soothe skin conditions such as eczema and rosacea. It also has antibacterial and antimicrobial properties so aids in protecting the skin from harmful bacterias. Ideal if you suffer from acne prone skin types, this will help soothe any redness or inflammation.

It also contains Dehydroacetic Acid, an organic compound that acts as a preservative in products stopping the growth of bacteria and fungi, this helps keep the water fresher for longer. Again with Benzyl Alcohol (an organic compound) this too, helps protect bacteria growth in products and also has antiseptic properties. Often preservatives are over-looked in skin care which is why it’s necessary to break down ingredients so that you can be assured there are no harsh ingredients. 

Another ingredient is Eugenol, often used in skincare to help inflammatory skin infections. The common name for this is Clove Oil, known for its antioxidant and antiseptic properties. Ideal if you suffer with acne, pimples and hormonal breakouts.

So aside from being skin healing and conditioning what else can this spritz be used for?

• It’s ideal to use for setting your makeup in place, acting as a binder so that it gives your makeup more staying power, especially with events such as weddings.
• For refreshing and hydrating the skin throughout the day. If you’ve had a long day at work, one spritz gives radiance and gives skin dewiness. 
• If you’ve been on an aeroplane and your skin feels dehydrated, this instantly hydrates the skin.
• A day after the beach or in the sun, when you want to feel fresh and need a quick pick me up.
• After illness or if you are in hospital, kept at your bedside this helps perk the skin up.
• Of course the sensory, delicate smell of Rose is uplifting and mood enhancing, giving instant shoulder drop and tension relief.
• Used after exams or before an exam to help you feel more wide awake.
• Given as a present to a teacher, nurse, new mum, as this is suitable for all skin types including very sensitive it makes a wonderful gift.

This photo was just one spritz and you can see the micro fine spray easily covered my face. It’s a beautiful spray and is vegan, 99.4% organic and 99.4% natural. You can purchase it in stores at Fenwick or Sephora, or by visiting their website by clicking on the link HERE 

Sensai Silky Bronze Self Tanning for Body 150ml £74

 

I was sent this a few weeks ago and my aim was to test it out as we entered into Summer (June), except it feels like June hasn’t happened yet! Reluctantly I pulled it out of my ‘sample box’ to slather myself with a glow in order to feel a little like Summer had arrived. Now before I begin, I didn’t have a press release sent to me so I had no idea of the cost. This is when I found out it was a staggering £74! I looked at the back of the bottle to find out what super ingredients were included but was met with a blank.

Now I know as having tested fake tans for near enough 30 odd years (well back then it was just the basic fake tan), that for £74 there should be some amazing ingredients, as lets face it why spend that much when you can purchase a bottle for under £10.

Firstly a little background, Sensai is a Japanese company. Their ethos is combining The Sense and The Science, celebrating a unique spiritual awakening of Japanese beauty. This is all sounds like good marketing however, it doesn’t explain the expense of their products. Well a little more digging has revealed they use Koishimaru Silk in their products. Once used only for the Imperial (royalty) family, it is the most precious of all silks. Remarkably used in skincare, this silk promotes the production of Hyaluronic acid, a natural substance that is contained in our skin. 

The ingredients of the product can be found on their website, so I did my research to see why you should spend so much on this high end prestigious brand, and I am pleased I did. It’s here I discovered that this product is not only a self tanner, but is actually an anti-aging skincare product that gives so much more than colour. Ingredients include:-

• Glycerin - a humectant that draws water to your skin, keeping it supple and moisturised. 
• Benzyl Salicylate - is skin healing, soothing and also anti-inflammatory making it ideal for sensitive skin types. 
• Pyracantha Fortuneana Fruit Extract - otherwise known are firethorn, this anti-aging ingredient is often used in Chinese skincare 
• Hydrolyzed Silk - skin repairing, skin conditioning this wonderful ingredient actually helps repair the skin and hydrate dehydrated skin. It contains two proteins Sericin and Fibroin that work well together for optimum skin health, giving it a radiant glow.
• Zanthoxylum Piperitum Peel Extract - a great ingredient if you suffer from any kind of breakouts. It’s antibacterial, anti-fungal and antimicrobial so prevents bacteria from growing on the skin. 
• Zoestera Marina Extract - otherwise known as sea grass, that is full of antioxidants and is antibacterial. It’s topically used to help heal wounds however, in more recent years it’s also been studied for its anti-phototoxicity properties, as an ingredient to help anti-aging and pigmentation. 
• Dioscorrea Panthaica Root Extract - an emollient that helps keep skin moisturised.

Upon application the product glides on with a silky, milk texture. It covers the skin with ease (no need to continuously massage in), and you only need a small amount to spread evenly over the skin. 

I do have olive skin tones and so it’s hard for me to give a before and after. However, what I will say is that my skin was left with a beautiful glow and it smelt amazing. There was no streaking or patchiness however, I would say this is more suited to lighter skin tones as it’s very natural. I would also recommend it for brides as it doesn’t give that ‘fake tan’ look. 

The brand itself have amazing reviews and so if you like you high end skin care I would urge you to check out their website and 5 star customer reviews by clicking the link HERE

L’Occitane En Provence Almond Delicious Paste 200ml £39 / Almond Supple Skin Oil 100ml £40

 

L’Occitane never fail to delight me with their skin products, not just with how they treat the skin but how absolutely divine they’re to use. The Almond Delicious Paste is a sensory treat that’s like stepping into a French pâtisserie. Not only does it evidently have a whiff of marzipan but this creamy, sweet smelling paste really does make your skin smell utterly divine. 

The thick, buttery formula contains micro fine crushed almonds, that when massaged into dry skin gently exfoliate the roughest of skin. It’s ideal to use before holidays, during holiday and after to prolong that summer colour. If, like me, you haven’t bared your legs yet, then just a small amount massaged into the legs will banish all signs of crocodile skin. 

As you can see from the photo, the texture really is ‘paste-like’ but it smoothes and spreads lightly onto the skin, and once rinsed off leaves skin feeling ultra soft.

So what is in this magic formula that stops it from becoming an average ‘body exfoliator’ and more of a body treatment.

• Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower Seed) Oil - contains linoleic acid that protects the skin from environmental aggressors and bacteria. It also does not clog pores. 
• Tapioca Starch - helps hydrate the skin and leaves it feel soft and smooth. 
• Sucrose - has humectant properties to help draw moisture to the skin.
• Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter - anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, helps heal the skin and protects the skin from bacteria, preventing breakouts. 
• Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil - anti-inflammatory, acts as an emollient and contains lots of fatty acids and vitamins, treating skin that is dry, dehydrated and also sensitive (so ideal for acne prone skin too).
• Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Shell Powder - gently exfoliates the skin removing dead skin cells. Skin looks more radiant and is better prepped to absorb topical moisturisers. 

Whilst the Almond Delicious Paste leaves your skin feeling soft and smooth, for extra hydration layer it with the Supple Skin Oil. Not only does this oil nourish dry skin but it also aids in rough cuticles and I used it to massage my scalp to encourage my hair growth (menopause). Whilst not advertised as a multi-use product, the ingredients certainly make it one!

It has Sweet Almond Oil as the highest ingredient and similar ingredients to the Almond Delicious Paste however, for extra moisture and skin benefits it also includes:-

• Camelina Sativa Seed Oil - has a combination of vitamin E and essential fatty acids that protect and heal the skin. Ideal for flaky skin and skin that has seen too much sun. 
• Rosa Canina Fruit Oil - helps strengthen the skins barrier with its antioxidant properties. Is hydrating and nourishing and ideal for thirsty, parched skin. 
• Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (Bergamot) Fruit Oil - helps heal scarring and is antimicrobial, so good at keeping bacteria at bay. Ideal for acne prone skin and blemished skin.
• Caucus Carota Sativa (Carrot) Root Extract - packed full of vitamins and beta carotene, Carrot Root Extract is often used in sun protector products as it gives skin radiance and a natural glow. It’s also anti-fungal and anti-bacterial so helps protect the skin from infections. 
• Hippophae Rhamnoides Fruit Oil - aka Sea Buckthorn, often used in skin care as helps calm inflammation from conditions such as eczema and psoriasis. It also helps skin regeneration and encourages healthy cell growth. 

Aside from smelling utterly delicious of sweet almonds, it leaves skin looking and feeling silky soft for up to 48 hours. Apply in the shower when your skin is damp to really lock in the moisture. The spray formula makes application easy and travel friendly! As mentioned above I also used it on my dry, ragged cuticles for a nourishing nail treatment and I also applied it to the ends of my hair to give an injection of moisture!

You can purchase and read all the five star reviews from satisfied customers by clicking the link HERE or for stockist info.