I'm a massive fan of the brand Soap & Glory. Started in 2006 with the aim of helping women pamper themselves without 'spending an arm and a leg just to moisturise one', the retro pink and black & white bottles and packages are a familiar fixture on the shelves of Boots and Harvey Nichols. They're also available online from retailers like ASOS. The stated aim may not be completely accurate, as the products are often more expensive than brands like Dove or Radox, but most of them are high quality. This particular product, Scrub Your Nose In It, was something I got in the tote bag that was on offer in Boots around Christmas time, though it is available separately priced at £7.40 for a 125ml tube. This might not sound much, but the tube is surprisingly large and a little goes a long way!


***What is it?***

Scrub Your Nose In It is "a multi-tasking scrub and mask marvel" which is designed as "a simple solution for large pores and clogging". It is meant to help refine large pores and prevent blemishes, and is made with a special fruit acid formula to leave skin looking brighter and more radiant.

There are two ways to use the product. One is as a scrub, as the name suggests. To use the mask this way, apply a pea-sized amount to a damp T-zone, massage gently in circular motions then spread out to the less oily areas of your face. Then, rinse well and follow with moisturiser.

Another way is to use the product as a "pore-purifying clay mask". Just apply a thin layer to the skin and leave for three minutes. As a mask, the product is designed to absorb oils, brighten and clean pores.


***Packaging***

Scrub Your Nose In It comes in a bright pink tube which is typical Soap and Glory and very eye catching. It opens with a flip-top base which is handy for getting the product out. The front has the name of the product and the band while the back contains information about how to use the product and a list of ingredients.


***Use***

The product is light blue in colour, thick but easy to squeeze out of the tube, and grainy in texture. It has a fresh minty scent. I've tried to get into the habit of using it twice a week, though I sometimes forget! I've used it both ways - as a scrub and as a mask.

To use the product as a scrub, I squeeze a pea-sized amount onto my fingers while I'm in the shower. I dab it on my T-zone - my forehead, nose and chin - and gently scrub in using my fingers. The scrub produces a fresh tingling sensation which is actually quite pleasant and helps me to wake up in the morning. I can feel that I am scrubbing my face, but it isn't too rough. I find that most of the scrub washes off easily, but sometimes I do find that I need to wipe over my face with a cotton wool pad soaked in toner after I get out of the shower, especially around my eyes.

To use it as a mask, I do pretty much the same thing except that I apply the product before I get in the shower and wait a couple of minutes before I get in and rinse it off. It comes in very handy if I don't have another face mask available.

Immediately after use I find that my skin feels smoother and looks brighter. My skin does feel a little dry, however this feeling goes away once I apply my moisturiser. Over time, using it twice a week I find that my complexion is more even with fewer blemishes and my skin maintains its smoothness and radiance. I wouldn't say this scrub is a miracle and has transformed my face, but it does a very good job and has made a visible difference. I have sensitive skin but this scrub hasn't irritated it in any way.

As far as my pores are concerned, I do have large pores on my nose and, occasionally, chin and forehead. I find that when regularly using this scrub my pores do seem less noticeable, though on my nose they don't disappear completely. I've also noticed that I have fewer blackheads than before. I've also found that as I only use a small amount each time I still have loads of the scrub left! At this rate it's going to last me until next Christmas!

So do I recommend this scrub? Yes, it helps keep my skin clear and radiant, my pores under control and my face mostly blackhead-free. It is refreshing and a pleasure to use with its stimulating minty scent. Though it's expensive, it lasts for absolutely ages so it's great value for money. Anyway, Soap & Glory products are always on special offer anyway so there's no real need to pay full price unless you want something in a hurry!

Personally, I have to give this product five stars as I can't find anything to complain about. I would like to try some other products in the range, but I'd happily buy this again.