Review/Rant: Boots Botanics Eye Makeup Remover

When it comes to this product, never has the saying 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' been more apt.

You might remember the review I did of the original Boots Botanics eye makeup remover, which I loved, therefore I can't tell you how disappointed I was when Boots - for some unknown reason - decided to revamp/reformulate their entire Botanics range.

Now, from what I've heard on the grapevine, some of the changes have been for the good - such as the microdermabrasion scrub - but the change in the eye makeup remover has been a big, fat fail!





The original formulation of the Botanics eyemakeup remover contained iceland moss, which has been completely removed and replaced (along with several other ingredients) with 'brightening' hibiscus to mildly exfoliate - who wants to exfoliate their eyes?!

The 'idea' behind this is the same - an oil based makeup remover that is made up of two parts, which need to be shaken up to activate - as is the general 'feel' (i.e. it can leave a bit of an oily residue, but it doesn't irritate at all and has no smell) and application, but in terms of effectiveness IT SUCKS.

I have to douse my cotton wool pad in this to feel like I am getting anywhere with it, and even then (after scrubbing at my eyes) I can still find mascara on my lashes.

It currently sells for £2.66 for £1.50 on the Boots website (and in store), but suffice to say I won't be repurchasing!

I am actually genuinely disappointed in Boots and this product - it's going to be back to the drawing board to find me a eye makeup remover!

Can you recommend any?

Review: Boots BotanicsEye Makeup Remover

I feel like all i've done recently is talk about eye make-up removers (looking at my previous posts this isn't necessarily true!), but as i've mentioned before, i'm always on a quest to find my 'holy grail' products in each category (preferably from the highstreet and therefore inexpensive/affordable!), and eye make-up removers are no different.

If you remember, i've 'recently' tried one from Asda Skin System (liked at the time, but now a bit so-so!), one from Superdrug's own range (not dissimilar to the famous Bioderma Crealine H20, and gets extra plus points for being vegan) and most recently this little number, the Boots BotanicsSoothing Eye Makeup Remover.



I had heard various things about this makeup remover (on blogs etc of course), but as I am trying my best to source/use products that have not been tested on animals, I had opted for products which I knew hadn't been tested on animals - the Superdrug makeup remover being a prime example.

The verdict is still out on the Botanics range and all Boots own-brand products as a whole in terms of animal testing - Boots state in their FAQ section that they do not test on animals, but, as shown on nottested.co.uk, their policies are somewhat ambiguous (don't state that both their ingredients and finished products are not tested on animals).

Botanics have two eye make-up removers in their range: a 'nourishing' organic cream and this 'soothing' liquid.

The Botanics range combines active plant extracts in carefully balanced formulations to give you the right product for your skin type. Botanics Soothing Eye Make Up Remover effortlessly removes eye make up even waterproof mascara while also comforting and soothing the eye area, containing soothing Iceland Moss with high sugar content which helps to hydrate and calm skin as well as cleanse . Plant extracts at levels that really work, combined and formulated for unbeatable product performance. Naturally. Authenticated by Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

After becoming accustomed to the Superdrug Simply Pure eye make-up remover which was essentially just like water in consistency, this is an oil-based remover which is made up of two parts (shake before use).

You don't need to soak or even dampen a cotton wool pad - it doesn't seem to permeate the cotton wool (and therefore confusingly the pad still feels dry) but rather sits on top, ready to go - just simply tip out your required amount (I find a little goes a surprisingly long way) place the pad over your eyes, leave for a second or two (literally - I have no patience for any longer than this!) and voila!

I tend to rub my eyes (bad I know) with a cotton wool pad anyway out of habit, but with this I genuinely don't think i'd need to - it literally makes your eye make-up slide off. I have used it with a variety of eye make-up products (including waterproof mascara and Duo eyelash glue) and have yet to find a product that it doesn't power through. No more panda eyes in the morning hurrah!

I have come to associate strong, synthetic/perfumed smells with a certain 'sting'/irritability factor, but this has no smell and does not/has not (as yet) irritated my eyes in any way. Some people may find it leaves a little bit of an oily residue (being oil based) but I usually find this disappears of its own accord.

Packaging

The liquid comes in a 150ml (recyclable) clear plastic bottle with an aluminium screw-top lid. This may not necessarily be the most practical means of dispensing the product (a slip of the hand can mean spillage if you're not careful!), but it's simple and one which I prefer to a pump, for example.

The clear plastic also allows you to see when the two seperate liquids have been suitably shaken up.

Price

This retails for £3.05 and is frequently on special offer along with the other Botanics products - a bargain!

Where can I buy?

As the name suggests, Boots Botanics products are only available in Boots - both instore and online.

The good news however is that you can usually find a Boots almost anywhere - including at airports - and for all you international beauty lovers (in America anyway) Boots products are available in Target and CVS stores as well as over 600 shoppers drug mart locations.

Have you tried this? Or do you have any other eye makeup removers you'd recommend?

(More) product use-ups - would I buy again?

Another week, another load of products that i've finally finished!

Britney Spears Midnight Fantasy

£10 for 30ml EDP (special offer at Boots)

Despite this being the "Midnight" variety of Fantasy and thus meant to be more musky, etc, I find this is still a really fruity sweet smell, and whilst I do like it, I think I prefer the original Fantasy. However I can't tell you how many compliments i've had when i've worn it, so I guess it must smell pretty nice on my skin!

I think since it is such a bargainous price I will repurchase.

Boots Botanics Skin Brightening Toner

£4.07 for 350ml

Before this particular tone I was using one by Guerlain, and I have to say out the two this one wins hands down. It gives practically the same effect at a third of the price without drying my skin. I'll definitely be repurchasing either this toner or the Botanics Organic Rosewater toner (along with the eye makeup remover which i'm desperate to try!)

Garnier Simply Essentials 2 in 1 Makeup remover

£2.99 for 200ml

In my search for a highstreet dupe/alternative to the Bioderma Crealine H2O solution, I decided to try this.

You can read my detailed review here, but as the question is would I buy again, the answer would be YES. I think it's a really cheap yet effective product, and is currently on offer in Morrisons for £1.49!

Dove Supreme Body Silk Cream

Approx £4.00 for 300ml.

I have always been a big fan of Dove products - they're a classic that i've grown up with, and I love the signature clean, fresh scent that comes with them. This particular cream is really thick and luxurious, yet sinks into my skin really quickly. Would I buy again? Yes - once I get through all the other bottles in my cupboard!

L'Oreal Elnett Satin Hairspray

Approx £5.00 for 300ml

This particular brand of hairspray is a bit of a cult classic, but if i'm being honest i'm not a big hairspray user, and i've literally had this can for about 2 years!  I'm not particularly interested in repurchasing this again, particularly at the same price, although in terms of hairspray i'm quite keen to try the Glam Hair Rock 'n' Roll Hairspray by Umberto Giannini.

Will you be making any repurchases of your favourite products?

Melanie x

Product Use-Ups - would I buy again?

It's me again,

I've noticed i've developed a large collection of products i've recently used up, and before I throw them out (or rather recycle - our area is being used as a guinea pig for a year for a new recycling scheme the council is trying out!), I thought I would go through each one quickly and decide whether I would consider purchasing the same item again.

1. Bourjois Biodetox Foundation, RRP £10.99 (for 30ml) from most highstreet/drugstore cosmetic stockists

I have had a bit of a love/hate relationship with this foundation (mostly hate). I purchased this back in December and initially reviewed it here. I felt rather let down by this as I know Bourjois (being manufactured by Chanel) have a really good reputation for their foundations, but I just wasn't impressed. It was powdery, easily transferable, and although I could eventually get it to work a bit better by buffing in with a stipple brush (and applying a lot of moisturiser beforehand), I was desperate to use it up! I do like the idea of it being organic though, and think other companies should follow this idea, but suffice to say I shall not be repurchasing!

2. Veet in-shower hair removal cream for sensitive skin, RRP £6.10 (for 150ml) from most highstreet/drugstore chemists, supermarkets etc

Now, not to put you off or anything, but I am a (unfortunate) girl of the pale-skinned-dark-haired variety, and hair removal is an ongoing battle for me (I will rejoice the day they make permant hair removal which is not only painless but not pricey!). I used to get my legs and bikini line waxed on a regular basis, but (in an effort to save money, as you may have noticed!) I bought an epilator for my legs, and have switched to hair removal creams for my bikini line. I actually prefer the cream to waxing on my bikini line: yes you have to do it on a weekly basis, but the regrowth is fine AND there's no pesky ingrown hairs. I am definitely going to repurchase this (look out for it in supermakets on special offer - Tesco currently have this half price), but if you are going to try it, please make sure and do a patch test - Sarah at SWalker Make-up unfortunately had a bad experience after Veet changed their formula (read here).

3. L'Oreal Voluminous Mascara, RRP £8.19 from most highstreet/drugstore cosmetic stockists

As you can see this mascara was a well used one! I remember reading that this was Lollipop26's favourite mascara at one point, so of course (being the sheep I am!) I ran out to get it, and I have to say it is a really good, reliable, does-what-it-says-on-the-tin product for quite a reasonable price. I love the fact it has a good old proper bristle brush (I don't make much of the plastic "wands"!), and it has a really buildable formula. I would definitely go back to this, had I not wanted to test out a few others first!

4. Johnsons 3 in 1 make-up removing lotion _**Discontinued??** RRP £2.99 for 200ml

I've had a search about for this online, and I can't find it on the likes of the Boots or Superdrug website, only on places like Amazon, which makes me think this particular product might have either been renamed/repackaged  as something else, or replaced by other similar Johnson's products. It is a very simple effective formula, suitable for both on face and eyes, and for sensitive skin, and I probably would think about buying it again (if I see it instore) as it is ideal for those times when you just want a quick basic cleanse (i.e. in from a night out!)

5. Nivea Radiently Smooth Body Scrub, RRP £6.25 (for 150ml), available at most highstreet/drugstore chemists/supermarkets etc (although mine was received as part of a giftset at Christmas)

The usage directions for this scrub advise you to use it only twice a week, which made me think it must be really "hardcore" and grainy, but it's quite the opposite. Just like the illustation on the package, its more of a gel with little bubbles inside, and whilst it does leave skin quite smooth after, I could easily use this every day, and had to use so much product to get any exfoliating effect whatsoever that I literally used all 150mls in a week! Had this not been part of a giftset I would never have purchased it, and probably won't again as there are other exfoliators out there which do a far better job of actually exfoliating!

6. Boots Cocoa Butter & Mallow lotion, RRP £2.99 (for 300ml), available at Boots Chemists

I bought this some time ago in replacement of my beloved Palmer's Cocoa Butter lotion, and I actually purchased it thinking it would smell like cocoa butter. It doesn't. This doesn't mean I don't like it however - the smell is actually quite sweet and summary, and very subtle. The product itself is very lightweight and sinks in really easily and does leave skin quite soft. I probably will repurchase this at some point, although I have a ton of other moisturisers to work through first!

7. Lancome Juicy Tubes Lipgloss, RRP £14.50 (for 15ml), available online and in most department stores

I actually got this as part of a limited edition set of three from TkMaxx for £16 ( I would NEVER pay £14.50 for a lipgloss on its own, unless it not only looked amazing but made the tea too or something...) and ened up selling the other two on Ebay. It's lasted me quite a while, and does give quite a nice subtle peachy shimmer, but my ELF conditioning gloss gives just as good an effect, and only for £3.50, therefore unless I find another giftset bargain, I won't repurchase!

8. Pond's Cold Cream Cleanser, RRP £3.99 (for 50ml), available at most highstreet/drugstore chemists and supermarkets

I used to use this a couple of years ago, and recently when I heard it was Kylie Minogue's cleanser of choice, I thought "oo I must try that again", and picked a jar up from Superdrug. However, I am quite aghast at the amount of product you get for your money. The jar is TINY. And fair enough £3.99 in the grand scheme of things is not that much, but when you think about how much product you use at a time (i'm always very generous with my cleansers), I got through this 50ml jar in no time. The lid is bigger than the jar! The product itself gives a lovely cooling effect on the skin, and it is excellent for a deep-down clean, especially if used with a muslin/face cloth for an exfoliating effect. However for younger skins it might be a bit too thick/greasy, and for this reason I probably won't use it again for a while. However if I do go for a cold-cream type cleanser i'll be buying the Boots version instead where you get more for your money!

I've also got a couple of other products waiting in the wings that are on their last legs, so i'll probably get another use-up post done in a couple of weeks.

Hope you found it helpful and speak soon!

Melanie x



My Night-time Cleansing Routine - step by step!

Hello lovelies,

I don't know what's possessed me, but i've decided to make a blog post AND video of my night-time cleansing route, AS I DO IT, so you can see me in all my no-makeup glory (turn away if you're of a weak disposition har har).

This is me before make-up removal....

First things first, the vital tools...

• Cotton wool (preferably pads, mine are of the sealed-edge variety from Poundland!)
• Muslin cloths or face cloth
• Eye make-up remover - in my case i'm using olive oil from the supermarket!
• Cleanser - i'm using No7 Age Defense Cleansing Balm - review to come!
• Toner - Mine is Boots Botanics toner
• Eye moisturiser - i'm using Boots Vitamin E
• Facial moisturiser - i've got some Ponds moisturiser (nothing special!)
• And a hair bobble and hair band if you've got long hair like me

So, Step one - I usually take my eye make up off first to save smearing it all over my face later. I've started using a method picked up from Lisa Eldridge whereby you take a cotton pad, cut/tear it into 2 halves, soak in your make-up remover, then place under your eye area...!

This helps protect your delicate eye area, where i've started noticing fine lines (I think harsh scrubbing with wipes are to blame).

Step Two - Soak two more cotton pads in your make-up remover, then place over each eye, preferably for 10-20 seconds. This helps effectively loosen up your mascara, eyeliner, even falsh-eyelash glue, and allows you to simply "slide" it off rather than scrubbing at your eyes.  

("Aye aye captain!")

After the 10-20 seconds start gently patting your eye under the pad, then slide the pads off. You should now have a lovely clean eye area, like so ("naked" eye on right, made-up eye on left):

If you have any make-up residue left over, simply dab/pat at the area with your pad and remover, and very gently wipe round and this should sort the problem!

Step three - Cleanser. I do the "double cleanse", whereby the first one is simply to remove make-up, and the second is a proper deep cleanse of your skin.

Now,  for my first cleanse I massage it in, then soak a muslin/face cloth in hand-hot water, place it over my face (and let the steam get to work in my pores) then gently work round my face, which not only helps remove make-up but acts as a gentle exfoliant. Of course you could always just wipe the cleanser off with cotton wool, its your choice (and depends on the cleanser).

For the second cleanse I apply more cleanser and spend a bit more time working it into my face and neck. Then I simply wipe off with cotton pads.

Step Four - I use a toner to ensure I have removed all traces of cleanser and to tighten up my pores after being opened from the hot water (insert very cheesy pic here!).

Step five - apply eye and facial moisturiser.

And...voila! Lovely clean skin ready for bed!

It looks like a lot of steps, but it takes about 5 minutes, and I like knowing my face is squeaky clean!

Obviously my morning routine is far less extensive. I wash my face with water, use some Nivea daily facial scrub, sometimes tone, then apply my daily moisturiser (followed by Clinique City Defense).

Care to share your cleansing routine?

Melanie x

P.S. Here's the video I made, which is basically the exact same thing but you can see it in action!!