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Let me say this about this cleanser. It comes with a flannel. Yes. A flannel (washcloth for my confused US readers). Amen, praise the maker – praise whomever you choose – I cannot deal with anymore muslin cloths. One brand says muslin cloths are better at cleaning the skin and everyoneelseinthehistoryoftheworld follows. I’m looking at you Eve Lom. And don’t come at me with Cleanse & Polish. Eve Lom did it first. (Not that it’s her fault that everyone and their brother copied her – that’s a compliment – of sorts.)
I digress.
Here’s the other thing about this cleanser. I can’t decide. If I like or hate the smell, like or hate the texture – like or hate the results. I’ve had this for a while – before it launched – I haven’t blogged it because I just can’t decide – so I’m sticking with facts and a round-up at the end. I hope you don’t end up as confused as me.
16.07.13 – Two months on and I like this cleanser. I still wouldn’t use it to remove my makeup – it’s definitely a second cleanse for me, but I do like the texture, the smell and the results. It’s definitely softening.
What’s in it?
Well it doesn’t contain collagen – as I was asked recently. In fact, you’d be hard pushed to find the ingredients anywhere if you weren’t standing in front of the box as neither Elemis, nor any of their online retailers PRINT THE INGREDIENTS. I’ve ranted about this before so I won’t bore you with it again – but seriously – it’s borderline arrogance to me that brands don’t a: list the full ingredient list on their sites and b: insist that their other stockists do the same.
How do you expect your customers to make an informed decision about purchasing a product if they do not know what is in it? And not just the ingredients you want to ‘push’ – all of them.
So here, in all their iPhone glory are the ingredients:
Now why couldn't Elemis have provided that? There's nothing to apologise for in that list - in fact Elemis make a big deal of saying what they don't contain - parabens, mineral oils etc - so why not say it loud and proud? On your website.
What's good about it?
Mineral oil free, paraben and SLS free - good almond oil base. Gives a great massage medium for second cleanse - or only cleanse if you aren't wearing a lot of eye makeup. The flannel! I like the smell.
What's bad about it?
It contains shea butter so I would consider avoiding if you are prone to breakouts/acne. Hardens slightly in colder temperatures so can drag slightly on the skin if not warmed in hands before - which you must do as this is aimed at 'mature' skin - the last skin type you want to be 'dragging'.
If you keep your cleanser in your bathroom you should be ok though. Not great for eye makeup removal - leaves traces of mascara and a film on the skin. I have to pre-cleanse if I'm wearing makeup and give an extra wipe with the flannel to make sure it's all off before I tone.
Verdict:
The Pro-Collagen range is to Elemis what Lime, Basil and Mandarin is to Jo Malone or Touche Eclat is to YSL in that it is their 'pension fund' range.
Pro-Collagen Marine Cream was such a huge runaway success for Elemis that it was only a matter of time before they extended the line. Elemis fans will no doubt LOVE this and say that I am insane. And that's great - if it ain't broke, don't fix it on my account.
All that being said, I'm just not overwhelmed with enthusiasm.
It is good, it's not great.
To give more context, it's easily better than Eve Lom, but it wouldn't stop me buying another balm cleanser. Then again, what would? :)
I happily use it, but it wouldn't be my first choice. But it IS good. So much so that I have 3 of them - and I won't be giving any of them away - I'll keep them and use them all (I KNOW).
I'm just confused. Sorry Elemis.
I do like it. I'm not obsessed with it - but I do like it. Especially for good gripping massage!
Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm is available on TimeToSpa.co.uk and is £39.50.
16.07.13 - Still £39.50 and still no ingredients on the website.
Please do let me know if you have had great results with this - I love Elemis as a rule and want to play fair.
