Random Round-Up No.2

Hi All!

Another week - some Instagram newness for you below amongst other updates..

Kate Somerville Official Goat Milk Statement (file under - 'things you never thought you would type'):
"We added Natural Milk Proteins to provide enhanced skin barrier function to better address the needs of those with sensitive skin.  This new formula is also clinically tested safe for sensitive skin."

A lot of you have asked if the new formula would still be in the Hall of Fame - I don't know yet is the answer (but I really hope so). I'm just working my way through the older formula and will keep you posted.

This is a brilliant super affordable body moisturiser if you're dry. Dive in. Although it has nothing to do with Norway. Odd.

Do not buy this. That is all. Forms into a rock hard square shape and pees out a little water when you try and squeeze it out. I would bin it, but it's so bad that I'm saving it for a video so you can see what I mean.

Bobbi Brown's Bali Brown Illuminating Bronzer and Charlotte Tilbury's Bronzer brush are my new addictions.

This poor love took a right bashing on Instagram for it's packaging. The upshot is that I absolutely LOVE the formula and get compliments on my skin whenever I wear it. The downside is that a great many of us find it impossible to get enough out of the dropper. Although a few readers gave us tips that had been passed on from the BB teams across counters, honestly - if you have to explain how to use a foundation bottle it may be time to rethink it no? However, formula is ace.

Chanel newness is LUSH. Very much-needed and wanted extensions to the Hydra Beauty range including the eye cream (not pictured), a lotion/essence and the Flash which is gorgeous. REALLY gorgeous.

MAC Vibe Tribe is out Mid-May and is perfect for summer skins. Well, unless it's still SNOWING in summer. Yes. It snowed today in London. 29th April. WTH?

Bobbi Brown Beach Glow Sun Kissed Pink Eye Palette was one of my most-liked pictures - you ladies do like your eyeshadows :) and these are perfectly pigmented.

Votary released a beautiful luxury gift box of flannels (face cloths) and I have more gorgeous newness to show you from Votary next week. LUSHNESS incoming.

My most-used brow pencil from Studio 10 now serves as a fundraiser for Look Good Feel Better - great news, great product. More info here: http://bit.ly/1neJlZL 

Viktor & Rolf have released BonBon in a Hair Mist. Yes it smells as good as you expect it to. 

I finally got around to really road testing the Drunk Elephant Serum that so many of you are obsessed with. Review to follow.

That Laura Mericer Body Cleanse in Tea Menthe Citron is THE perfect morning WAKEUP call.

No vlog this week - too busy with loads of work that is mostly for clients and thus confidential - will keep you posted - more blog posts coming though so YAY!

Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturizing Cleanser

What is it?
'An innovative creamy, moisturizing cleanser that gently removes impurities and makeup without stripping skin of essential moisture.'

A hybrid between a cream/oil cleanser.

Who is it for?
All skins, especially sensitive and/or dry/dehydrated.

What’s in it?
Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glycerin, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Lauryl Glucoside, Polyglyceryl-2 Dipolyhydroxystearate, Water, Moringa Oil/Hydrogenated Moringa Oil Esters, Manuka (Leptospermum) Honey Extract, Goat Milk Powder, Lactose, Milk Protein, Cocos Nucifera (Coconut) Oil, Persea Gratissima (Avocado) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Bisabolol, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice Powder, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran Extract, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Tocopherol, Fragrance, Lactic Acid, Citric Acid

What's not in it?
parabens, sulfates, phthalates, mineral oil, shea butter

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?
fragrance

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?
natural/man made

Tested on animals/sold in territories that advocate testing?
No/No

How does it smell?
Unlike the original Goat Milk products, this smells lightly of vanilla. It's very pleasant and not overpowering.

How does it feel on the skin?
At first contact this seems to be a runny cream, almost congealed gel. Upon application and massage however, it immediately turns into a cream/oil consistency.

How do you use it?/Where to use in your routine?/1st or 2nd cleanse?
'Apply a small amount to dry face and neck and massage gently for 30 seconds.'

I would only add 'remove with warm facecloth' - although it does emulsify upon contact with water, so you can splash off if you prefer.

I would use this for mornings or second cleanse in the evenings.

How long before you should see results?
If you're sensitive and have been using the incorrect cleanser, your skin should feel softer after the fist application and should present with less redness post-cleanse.

How long did I test it for?
Two months.

How much is it? /Size/Approximate cost per usage?
$34.00 for 120ml. Used once a day this should last about 8 weeks, used twice a day it should last around a month, depending how heavy-handed you are, so either way around .53/54 cents a go. (please bear in mind these are very rough estimates!)

What’s good about it?
Praise the MAKER finally a cleanser from Kate Somerville that I can get on board with.
Prior to this, the brand only really offered foaming washes - very USA, and in fact, very 'L.A.'. Whilst it's understandable that most US brands have foaming cleansers due to the warmer weather, Californian brands in particular are fond of anything that can be applied and removed in showers, such is the long term and ongoing water shortage. Sounds nonsense, but 'tis true.
I did buy the Moisture Milk Cleanser when I was in LA in January, and I have high hopes, but trialled this one first.
This is a lovely cleanser, that does not in any way leave the skin tight or dry. It's gentle, oily yet not greasy, and leaves the skin clean, fresh and comfortable. It's pleasurable to use.

What’s not so good about it?
It still contains fragrance so if you have really sensitive skin, or any problem with fragrance, even though it states 'clinically tested for sensitive skin' you'd obviously have to take that into consideration.
At $34.00, and probably around £30.00 when KS does eventually come back to the UK (2017), it's definitely in the more expensive category of cleansers. Bear in mind though, that the best-selling high end cleanser in the UK is still more than double the price of this in the US for a similar amount.

Works well with?
Any acids for toning would be fine, and any pre-cleanse eye makeup remover would be fine.

Would I purchase/repurchase?
Yes

What’s the website like?
Brilliant. All information including ingredients are listed and you can shop by category/concern or collection. One of my favourites. www.katesomerville.com

Similar products?
REN Rosa Centifolia Cleansing Gel
Indie Lee Rosehip Cleanser
OSKIA Renaissance Cleansing gel
NUDE Perfect Cleanse Omega Cleansing Jelly


Kate Somerville Goat Milk Moisturizing Cleanser is $34.00 for 120ml and exclusive to Sephora.com and Sephora stores.

*At the time of publishing I am unsure how long the exclusivity lasts for.


*I did find out that Kate Somerville are discontinuing my favourite CC Cream at some point this year - I stocked up in LA - just a head's up. I use 04 Medium for reference. sephora.com/katesomerville
(How rude.)

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