Wednesday 28 April 2010

Superdrug Shine Control Papers


I am a HUGE fan of shine/oil control/absorbing papers. I've been through lots of different brands in my time. I have no real preference over those with added powder and those without. The only thing that I find better about the non powdered ones are the fact they are easier to keep my fingers clean with! I have combination skin and an oily t-zone which I can definitely see/feel after a couple of hours, especially if I'm warm so find these little things great in general.

Lately I've found it pretty hard to find paper. I used to use "Boots Skin Clear Oil Absorbing Sheets" but struggled to find them in my local shops in the last few months. I have just discovered Superdrug's "New Shine Control Papers" which claim to give an "instant matt finish". Well I should hope so!!

According to the packaging:

These Shine Control Papers work to absorb excess oil from the skin's surface, leaving a trace of translucent mattifiying powder for an instantly fresh, shine-free finish.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE
Remove a single leaf of paper, pressing the powdered surface gently over the skin. Re-apply any time of day, as often as needed. Avoid contact with eyes. For best results also apply Deep Action Shine Control Moisturiser daily.

Ingredients: Talc, Kaolin, Magnesium Silicate, Magnesium Carbonate, CI 77891, C! 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499.

Contents: 65 sheets


The sheets are held in a small sort of book which is fairly compact so should be easy to carry around which really is the idea for such a product in my opinion - it is something I want to be able to carry with me everywhere so I can have a quick pat of my face as and when I need it. The packaging however poses two problems for me.

1. The pack is small but therefore so are the sheets. One sheet may not be enough so it might not take long going through a pack of 65. However in the name of compactness I understand this and forgive it this sin!

2. Unlike a lot of similar products there is no little catch or mechanism for closing the pack. Given there is powder on the sheets, this really doesn't bode well for a clean handbag. After taking one sheet the book is already sitting open.

A small elastic band or something should solve the problem but it is still a little bit annoying given the look and colours of the packaging is nice in itself.

The papers themselves absorb well and the powder is light. They don't seem to rip out of the book too cleany but that isn't the end of the world. The papers show the oil absorbed which I find very satisfying in a sort of gross way - almost like I've achieved something rather great!

Sorry a bit gross really...


They are currently priced at £2.49 or 2 for £3.50 which isn't bad, especially if you can pick them up on offer. They aren't earth shatteringly innovative though so don't expect much. they are fairly functional though which is what I need from them. They might not be for everyone but oil control papers are a welcome addition to my handbag - especially for a long night out!

Are oil control sheets something you bother with? Are there better ones out there?

LoubouLush x

Barry M lipgloss - tasty?

I know, I know, the taste of lip things normally makes me queasy. BUT, but, but I fell for the brightly coloured Barry M lipglosses and bought a few to try out and I didn't realise they were flavoured.


I got "Strawberries and Cream", "Bubblegum Pink" and "Tropical Tango". I have tried them all but the bright orangeness of Tropical Tango is going to take a bit longer for me to reach a verdict on so watch this space...



Strawberries and Cream (lgw3) is a pale pink gloss with quite fine glitter throughout. It goes on almost like a clear gloss - the pinkness is very light. The silvery glitter is cute on and I really like it. It has the subtlety of a pale gloss with a bit of fun in the glitter. It would look fab with a tan and I will definitely wear it day or night. The flavour is nice and from someone who generally doesn't like flavoured lipanything this is quite a compliment! It reminds me a bit of pink marshmallow/flumps. Not too overpowering at all. Very good for a budget gloss!

Bubblegum Pink (lgw5) is a much more vibrant pink. The colour is pretty good for a gloss and I am sure it would great great over pink lipstick (maybe the Sleek one from a few posts back?) but so far I've just worn it on my bare lips. I think I'd save this one for more a night out look to be honest as my day make up tends to be more subtle than this (especially on the lips). The flavour of this one also gets a thumbs up. It reminds me of that pink bubblegum you used to get years ago - individually wrapped in blue and yellow paper I think. I think I saw them not long ago but can't remember their name!

These lipglosses are priced at £4.25 each. Have you tried any of them?

LoubouLush x