little white truths

I received this product in a Priceline goodies bag last year, and I was pleased to do so because Andalou is so far a brand that works well for me.

What I found with this product, though, is that it doesn't suit my skin. It's a little astringent for me personally and it leaves my skin feeling sensitised after use - perhaps in part because it contains peppermint oil, an ingredient that I can't tolerate too well. More on that below.

Andalou claims/product details:

• For oily and overactive skin
• Fruit stem cell complex with argan stem cells, kombucha probiotics and aloe vera polysaccharides instantly hydrates 
• With skin calming nutrients to soothe and gently balance pH
• Willow bark purifies pores for a clear, refreshed complexion
• To use: AM and PM, after cleansing, saturate cotton pad and gently sweep over face and neck
• RRP $19.99 AUD for 178ml, but do shop around (it's currently retailing for half-price at Priceline)

Do note that I've seen mixed reviews of this product: some people love it while others like me find it to be too harsh.

I think that whether you like it or not will very much depend on your skin-type: if you're oily, it will likely work for you; if you're not, it will probably be too much.

Verdict

While I don't hate this product, I don't like it either and it irritates my skin so I would avoid this if you have sensitive skin.

It's a standard toner that comes in a blue bottle and it smells like peppermint. From the moment I first used it, I knew that it wasn't for me because it felt irritating straight away and also left my skin with that cool, slightly sensitised feeling that I've come to associate with peppermint oil.

While my skin is dry and sometimes sensitive, it's not too bad at the moment because it's summer - so this product isn't causing huge problems, but I can imagine that it might if it were winter and my skin was in worse condition. It also has a tightening effect (not in a good way) and it feels like it strips my skin.

Yes it's definitely good at removing dirt and makeup from my face, but I feel like it's removing necessary oil from my face too and also upsetting my skin's natural protective barrier. For this reason I'm only using it once a day (rather than twice) and I'm alternating it with another, more gentle toner because I feel like my skin can't handle more frequent use.

On the claims: no it doesn't hydrate (quite the opposite: it's drying on me); no it doesn't soothe (again, quite the opposite: it leaves my skin feeling sensitised); no I don't think it balances my skin; and while I agree that it purifies pores, it does so too much and I feel like it's removing things from my face (like oil) that I actually need.

Overall I don't like this product and I don't recommend it for dry or sensitive skin. If you have super oily skin then this product may work wonders for you, but if you don't, then I would avoid this because it may be too much for you too.

Not for me.