A few weeks ago, I received a bottle of Marie Louise Restoration Clear Gel so I could try it and share my thoughts with my readers.
From the company's website:
Marie Louise Cosmetics debuted in 2004 following founder Marie Louise Aberdein's (1875-1956) will of "fulfilling every woman's desire to be beautiful and using the main principles of Trust, Quest, and Innovation. As of today, these products are distributed in high-end spas, retail stores, both of the Marie Louise beauty academies, as well as government-sponsored beauty programs and academies all over Japan, Russia and Korea."
In all honesty, I'd never heard of this company until a marketing rep. contacted me. I'm very careful when trying new skincare products because anything can make me breakout horribly. After reading some information about the Restoration Clear Gel ($51 USD for 100ml/3.38 fl oz), which is an exfoliating scrub, I decided to try it. I LOVE scrubs and I was curious to see how a gel could work as such.
The first thing I noticed about the product was, of course, that it comes with a pump. That's a plus for me. I was not too crazy about the packaging because it looks cheap for a product that retails for $51 and is sold at high-end spas.
Before using it, I read the instructions carefully because I wanted to get most of the product. These are the steps I follow: I pour some gel on my fingers (about 4-5 pushes) and apply it on my clean face. After rubbing it gently against my skin for a few seconds, the gel begins to dry and becomes "grainy". The soft grains take with them dead skin cells, thus exfoliating the skin. When I see no more new "dry grains", I rinse my face with warm water. Mmmm...my skin is so soft. Not only soft, but my skin texture feels "even". I have huge pores and acne and my skin always feel so rough but after using the gel it felt amazing.
Left--the gel soon after applying it on the skin; Right--"dry grains" begin
to appear as the gels dries (I know it looks a bit gross but it's nothing terrible)
to appear as the gels dries (I know it looks a bit gross but it's nothing terrible)
I have to admit I get similar results with other much less expensive grain scrubs but what makes this one different is that my skin doesn't feel as dry or tight as with my other products. This gel gets rid of all the flakiness in the sides of my nose (funny, I have an oily T-zone but the sides of my nose can get very dry) and the areas of my face that I have acne (I treat my acne with medication that leave my skin very, very dry). The gel is described as hydrating: Glycerin is listed as the second ingredient. I have to say that statement is true. That was what I liked the most.
I tried this product for more than 4 weeks and while I can say it "improved the appearance of dullness" as it says in the packaging, I don't feel it did anything for dark spots in my face. I do suffer from Melasma, so I didn't have high hopes.
Price is a little steep for just a 100ml bottle but honestly it is a bit difficult to go back to regular grain scrubs after trying this gel.
RATING: 4/5 (Excellent formula; packaging should be changed for something more modern; also, price is too high for just 100ml).
Hope this review is helpful in any way to you my beauties.
¡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.
