NAME: Marie Louise Cleansing Clear Gel
DESCRIPTION: "Leaves no dirt or impurities behind, even around the eyes and mouth area; Capable of removing even the most stubborn makeup while taking care of your skin with its special hydrating formula. This softly textured gel easily removes grime as it gently glides over pores to lift away makeup and oxidized oils. Rinse thoroughly with water or wipe off after use for a fresher, cleaner feel.
PRICE & VOLUME: USD $57.00 for 3.53 oz (100 g)
AVAILABLE AT: Marie Louise Cosmetics Website
I received this cleanser from a Marie Louise rep about 1 1/2 months ago. I like to try products for a few weeks (at least more than one week of continuous use) before reviewing them. I'm very careful with skincare products because I don't know how my sensitive skin will react. It's not that I have super sensitive skin but many things can cause redness or pimples. But I decided to try it after I checked the ingredients (no sulfates!) and also because I really like their Restoration Clear Gel .
One word: WOW. I never thought my face could feel hydrated after using a cleansing gel. Ever. To me that shows how good this gel is.
My actual cleansing routine includes a cleansing oil (MAC--my love!), an eye makeup remover if I have super heavy water proof makeup (Neutrogena -- excellent product) and a gentle cleanser (Neutrogena Extra Gentle Cleanser -- also a very good one) then I follow up with toner and moisturizer.
I remember I first used this gel to remove my makeup one night. I was wearing powder foundation and waterproof mascara. Not so heavy eye makeup. I like to follow the instructions to a tee so I just used a small amount (see picture), rubbed it between my fingers and then I apply it on my face. It felt great, as it does when I use my MAC cleanser but less messy since this is a gel. I noticed the big difference after I washed it off. My skin felt SO soft and hydrated. Please note that I didn't write moisturized but hydrated. The cleanser didn't left my skin feeling greasy or oily like some "moisturizing" cleansers do. It removed my waterproof mascara completely and left no residue. I went directly to use my toner: no makeup residue. =D
Then I used it for many consecutive days to see if the gel could irritate or dry my skin and it did not.
But the big test was removing a full face of makeup. Estee Lauder DW Makeup with a smokey eyes look. I just used a bit more amount of product, but not much. It was amazing. My toner did catch a very small amount of makeup residue, but considering I didn't use my other cleanser or eye makeup remover, it was a victory. I find my skin is always left feeling so supple and soft, ready for my creams. Mmm--mm--mmmm.
I feel very confident just using this makeup-remover-and-cleanser-in-one (to me at least) and then my toner without adding any other products in-between because this simple routine have not caused any breakouts due to clogged pores neither my skin is more oily or dry. All of us who have used Double Wear or Revlon ColorStay Makeup know that if you don't remove them completely you will have issues with your skin like zits, pimples, all the works.
The only CON I find is that this cleanser is very expensive indeed. $57 for less than 4 oz is really high. In today's economy, many of us may refrain from trying/buying it for that reason. Then again, I don't need to buy a separate cleanser and eye makeup remover. Maybe if Marie Louise increase the amount of product per bottle... =D. I do have to say, with this product you get what you pay for. I've used other HE cleansers (oils or creams) but none of them compare to this gel. Right now I use this about 2-3 times a week --I want to make it last!-- when I want to remove heavy makeup or just want to feel like I have great skin, hehe.
In my opinion the packaging is great, I prefer this type of dispenser for a cleanser (vs. a pump). I would love for it to look more chic though, lol. That's just me.
RATING: 4.5/5 (The product delivers what it promises; price per ounce is very high though)
If you are tired of feeling your face super dry after cleansing consider to give this a try: I understand Marie Louise Cosmetics has a travel size kit for USD $28. Also, you can check if your local Spa sells this line. It doesn't hurt to ask for a sample. ;)
ETA: Forgot to mention that the featured ingredient in this gel is deep sea water. Marie Louise Cosmetics indicates it "contains excellent balance of minerals to gently moisturize, tone and restore suppleness to the skin."
***I hope you find this review helpful. I really tried not too sound like an uber excited teenager. Not too many skin care products impress me to be honest.
¡Vivan, amen y rían!
IMPORTANT NOTICE! This review was possible thanks to a sample product sent for my consideration by a PR Agency/Marketing Firm/Brand Representative. My reviews are based on my personal experience with each product. I don't get paid to do my reviews, I do get to keep the samples the companies send me. Also, any link provided in the review is for your convenience only, I don't get paid if you click on it... I will tell you the day I do.
