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Balaton Spa
The mineral-rich ingredients in Balaton Spa products are from moorland areas by the tranquil shores of Lake Balaton in Hungary. The therapeutic properties of peat and moor water have been celebrated for centuries, and the Hungarian State Hospital has been using Balaton peat to treat people suffering from rheumatism and arthritis for over 200 years.
They say: "Probably the most natural and effective spa products you will ever use. Celebrities throughout the world have discovered this European secret for themselves, and the results have been a firm favourite with them now, too."
We say: "The plain, no-frills packaging does well to mask what's hidden inside. A classic case of don't judge a book by its cover, as we were all surprised by the earthy concoctions within."
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Balaton Spa 110g, RRP: £9.95 |
Reviewed by: Salubrious Spy Age: 40s Skin type: combination |
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Application: Use this fresh cleansing bar on your face or body for an instant sense of relaxation. What's in it? Nutrient-rich moorland peat and moor water, lavender essential oil. Effect: The soap was suitably soapy and not overly drying -- perfect for a long bath. The only thing I wasn't so keen on was the grungy mushy residue the bar left behind on the sink when wet, but that's a price you expect to pay for the peat factor. Verdict: Perfect hand-made cleansing, especially for problem skins. |
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Balaton Spa 20ml, RRP £24.95 |
Reviewed by: Shy Spy Age: 30s Skin type: normal/combination |
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Application: My first thought on seeing this bright pink, gloopy gel, packaged in a rather uninspiring white plastic pot, was "teenage hair gel", and not "luxury spa product" (which it should be at a price of £24.95). However, the advice to "apply sparingly" was spot on. You need a tiny, tiny amount of this moor water and rose oil gel as a little goes a very long way. |
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Balaton Spa 5l (30 Baths), RRP £65 |
Reviewed by: Sustainable Spy Age: 40s Skin type: Dry/sensitive |
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Application: I poured four capfuls of gloopy brown muddy-looking liquid to my pre-bed bath. I'd enthusiastically swirled the water before hopping in and ended up with brown splashes on the shower curtains, along the bath tiles, and up the wall! I closed my eyes and tried to focus on the "essence of herbs, plants, grasses and flowers", but found myself surreptitiously scrubbing with my flannel at the tiles. The Bath Liquid doesn't stain, but take care! What's in it? Listed ingredients include the slightly dubious sounding "marine springwater" with its "proven action on skin firmness and hydration". The serum also contains red micro-algae and evening primrose oil. Plus a selection of five parabens. Effect: My skin felt silky soft and even a little firmer than usual and it still felt like that in the morning. Verdict: Gives gorgeous skin, but perhaps best saved for when it's not your turn to scrub the tub... |
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Balaton Spa 100ml (16 Full Face Masks), RRP £19.99 |
Reviewed by: Sedate Spy Age: 40s Skin type: Dry |
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Application: The mask was easy to apply. I only had to leave it on for three minutes, and it was easy to remove. Effect: Whilst washing the mask off, I noticed that my skin felt soft and there was none of the usual dry tightness. The immediate effects were quite unexpected: quite simply, my skin felt fabulous: soft, smooth and completely hydrated. The long-term effects were pretty surprising, too, because I normally suffer from dry skin and need to apply moisturiser throughout the day. Not after using this mask, though. Verdict: Adorably hydrating and effective. |
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