Dermalogica is one of the leading skincare brands worldwide among both consumers and professionals and I can understand why. A couple of months ago I ran out of everything all at once; cleanser, toner, moisturizer and eye cream. My plan was to go to Boots and pick up something new in Clinique or Elizabeth Arden as I was willing to invest a little more into my products. I was at the Brow Boutique getting my HD Brows done when I spotted these Dermalogica skin kits. I noticed this small box which included everything I needed and MORE! I asked the beautician, out of curiosity, about the Dermalogica brand and the products and she replied 'You will never use anything else again'. The great thing about the skin kits is that they're available for every skin type. It isn't a one size fits all. Everyone's skin is different and the same ingredients and form (cream, gel, milk, etc.) don't suit everyone.
My skin can be quite dehydrated on my forehead and around my eyes but is normal elsewhere with a bit of oiliness on my chin. The beautician recommended the Normal/Dry skin kit for me as I'm not dry all over. With use of the cleanser, toner, moisturiser, cream exfoliant and eye cream, Dermalogica claim to hydrate, balance and restore the skin. The kit also came with two sachets; one of the Dermalogica PreCleanse and Skin Hydrating Masque. The bottles are travel size and are supposed to last for 30 days but I was told I could make them last a lot longer using small quantities of each. I could not wait to get home and give them a try.
PreCleanse
This stuff is LETHAL (in a good way)! It literally melts any make-up, sunscreen, dirt or oil based debris off your face. I have never ever removed my make-up (including eye make-up) with such ease. Instantly, my make-up started to slide everywhere then once mixed with water it turned into a dirty, milky mixture. One rinse and nearly everything is gone. I have never experienced anything like it. I definitely plan on purchasing the full sized product because this makes the first part of your double cleanse a hell of a lot easier. I am yet to try this with waterproof mascara .. That could be the true test.
Special Cleansing Gel
I haven't used a gel cleanser in years so I didn't know what to expect. It lathers into a foam when mixed with water (like shampoo) and feels really nice and gentle. Sometimes with gel cleansers you'll find yourself being left with sticky residue on your skin but this isn't the case with Special Cleansing Gel. When rinsed off my skin is left feeling squeeky clean and looking fresh. My complexion instantly looks evened out and redness is reduced. Usually, my skin is crying out for some moisturiser but for once it is not left feeling tight or dry.
Multi-Active Toner
Firstly, I love how it comes as a spray. After you dry your face following your cleanse, spritz this on your face. It feels so lovely! It takes a few seconds to dry in but it's so refreshing and hydrating. Pores look smaller and skin tone is evened out. It also claims to prep the skin for moisture absorption which means the moisturiser applied after will penetrate better into the skin giving you the full benefits. The one bad thing about the Multi-Active Toner is the chemical-like smell, which doesn't bother me one bit but I know it may affect some people.
Gentle Cream Exfoliant
This is such a great product for dehydrated skin like mine and I can imagine it also being suited to sensitive skin. I tried a cream exfoliant for the first time during my year at college. I had a facial module every Friday and we were trained up on Matis products. I used the Matis Peeling Cream which is a non-abrasive exfoliant and works enzymatically. The Dermalogica Cream Exfoliant is very similar but not quite as drying. For those of you that don't understand, there are no exfoliating beads. You put this cream on a freshly cleansed face and leave it to work for 10-15 mins. The skin is left feeling smoother with skin texture being improved. Cell renewal is increased and dead skin cells start to shed. I have only used this product a couple of times since I bought the kits as I only exfoliate 1-2 times a week but I really like it and will continue to use it as part of my skincare routine.
Skin Hydrating Masque
I looove hydrating masks so I was looking forward to trying this. If, like myself, you suffer from dehydrated skin then this is what you need. Certain face masks can suck all the moisture and oil from your skin but this does the complete opposite and hydrates the skin. It contains 'calming botanicals and antioxidant vitamins' which restore moisture to dehydrated, dry or stressed skin. I use this or my Matis Hydrating mask 1-2 times a week and and dehydration lines or tightness is gone. This one in particular is so refreshing, like many of the Dermalogica products, and just adds to the amazing results their products give.
Intensive Eye Repair
An eye cream is a MUST ! I always use an eye cream as the skin around my eyes is very dehydrated (from wearing make-up and rubbing). An eye cream can also help with fine lines and wrinkles. I like intense eye creams and this does have 'intensive' in the name but unfortunately I didn't find it intensive enough. To be honest, it was just average and the only thing from the whole kit that I will replace with something else. I'll admit it does its job and relieves the tight dry feeling but I like something a little more intense and soothing. For now, I'm using my Ogra Avacado Eye Cream which I love!
Skin Smoothing Cream
The final step of my skin routine; MOISTURISE! We have come to the end where we lock in all that moisture and soothe and hydrate the skin. That is exactly what this moisturiser does as well as smoothing out the texture. It feels so light on my face and doesn't leave a greasy residue. It dries nearly instantly and leaves a matte finish.
Overall, I am over the moon with the results from the Dermalogica products. I feel they suit my skin perfectly. I was going through a bad phase with my skin as I was stressed out and tired. With the lack of sleep and bad diet, it was showing on my face. I was being left with marks from spots and they were not going away but now I'm using the Dermalogica Skin Kit I have everything I need. I love wearing no make-up when my skin is looking so good. I have been talking non-stop about the Dermalogica brand and it, as well as Ogra Skincare, is one of my new favourites. I would highly recommend the Skin Kits to anyone. It is even said to be great for acne. Even though the bottles are quite small, I've got a good 2 months out of them with some cleanser and exfoliant still left. A little really goes a long way with these products.
I bought the Normal/Dry Skin Kit from the Brow Boutique in Swords Pavillions for €33.50. Dermalogica is sold nationwide in numerous salons as well as online. I will be holding a GIVEAWAY on my Facebook page soon so keep an eye out for a chance to win a Dermalogica Skin Kit. Mwah!
Holly X
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