little white truths

Dermalogica Intensive Moisture Balance

This is described as an ultra-rich hydrating moisturiser for dry skin that should help maintain a healthy and youthful appearance. It claims to be an intensely nourishing moisturiser that's full of powerful anti-ageing antioxidants and hydrators, to smooth skin and protect it from environmental aggressors.

This was one of those products that I barely remember because it was neither very good nor very bad, although I do recall that it wasn't very hydrating and I expected it to be, given the title. I also find that most Dermalogica samples are too small to give me a good idea of what the products are like, and that was certainly the case with this one. In any event, I wouldn't recommend this because the full size costs $98 AUD: you don't need to spend that much to get a decent moisturiser!

Aesop Camellia Nut Facial Hydrating Cream

This is described as a daily moisturising cream for sensitive or very dry skin-types. Apparently this extensively researched formulation omits many known aggravators of sensitive skin, including conventional artificial preservatives. The complex blend of nut and plant extracts is instantly absorbed, providing maximum hydration where it's most needed.

I quite liked this and it was certainly a lot more hydrating than the Dermalogica product. It has a nice nutty scent and it spread and absorbed well, although some of it still sat on top of the skin and left a tacky finish so it won't be for everyone. It was also rather heavy so I would avoid this if you don't like heavy creams, but if you have dry skin then it might be worth testing.

Kate Somerville Wrinkle Warrier 2-in-1 Plumping Moisturiser & Serum

This is a moisturiser and serum rolled into one, and it was apparently developed to effectively target dehydration, loss of firmness and elasticity, fine lines and wrinkles while prepping skin for makeup.

I really didn't like this product and I've seen from the reviews that I'm not the only one. You would think that it'd be super hydrating but in fact it left my skin feeling rather parched - and while the silicone it contains had a smoothing effect, I don't want that in my skincare. I want something that brightens, plumps and hydrates. This doesn't.

Goldfaden MD Needle-less

This is described as a line-smoothing concentrate to reduce the appearance of fine lines and deep creases. It claims to be an effective alternative to botox and other surgical procedures.

This wasn't unlike the Kate Somerville product in that I expected it to be hydrating and it wasn't, plus it wasn't plumping or smoothing either. It's had some polarising reviews on Mecca's website (and on other sites), and I honestly felt that it did nothing for me except leave my skin feeling rather parched. Plus it costs a whopping $168 AUD. Blurgh.

Stila Colour Balm Lipstick in Aubrey, Jessie & Elyssa

I did a swatches/first impressions post on this sample card this morning (see here). Overall I didn't hate the formula but it contains too much peppermint oil so it's irritating for my lips because I'm intolerant to that ingredient, and I didn't like it anyway because although it didn't emphasise lip texture, it didn't minimise my lip lines either.

Otherwise the formula was fine and it should suit those who prefer a less opaque lip, but I don't think you need to spend this much ($31 AUD each) to get something like this - you're just as likely to find something even better in the pharmacy/drugstore.

In sum

I can't tell you how pleased I am to finally get this sachet city post done: I've honestly been sitting on it for over a month now and I didn't want things to go any longer - otherwise I would have forgotten what the products were like.

While I've previously found some good products via my sachet posts, this time around the only ones I would consider buying are those from Synergie Skin, and I need to find the prices of those before I put them on the list of potentials.

Hope all's well with you, and speak soon x