If you read my earlier post on L’Oreal Paris Keratin Smooth Frizz Eraser Leave-In Spray Review , then you know that I am re-starting my quest for beautiful skin and hair after a prolonged hiatus of 2-plus years.
In this period, I was completely free of my addiction with beauty products 😛 . My purchases included only very basic items like facewashes, shampoos and sunscreen and I didn’t even use any moisturizer apart from clear aloe vera gel. Anyhow, for better or worse, I am back on the bandwagon which means more reviews on IMBB 😉
The product I am reviewing today is a moisturizing lotion from French brand Gatineau called Gatineau Paris Clear & Perfect Purifying Power Emulsion, This is my first real moisturizer after the break.
About The Brand ‘GATINEAU’:
“Gatineau provides a range of skin care products that truly understand your skins requirements.Beginning life as a spa brand, Gatineau is known worldwide for their innovative skin care solutions.
Product Description:
This non-greasy and non-comedogenic emulsion has been formulated to purify, mattify and hydrate combination and oily skin: purifying Boldo extract (mint leaf from Chile) activates the skin’s natural defence systems against bacteria while reducing redness. The Gatineau PRS (Pore Refiner – Sebo-regulating) Complexâ„¢ – lentil seed extract + salicylic acid – slows down sebum production, unblocks and reduces pores.
Hyaluronic acid provides lasting hydration and an absorbent mineral powder instantly neutralises shine.
Silicone-free.
Ideal For:
Clarifying, rebalancing and matifying your skin.
Claims:
The skin is instantly hydrated and mattified. Day after day, it recovers the appearance of healthy skin: it is purified and its texture visibly refined, for a matte, velvety finish.
Directions for Use:
Apply morning and/or evening over the face.
Top Tip:
Great for a shiny T zone.
Ingredients:
Aqua (Water), Glycerin, Alcohol Den., Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, HeptylUndecylenate, Sucrose Polysoyate, Sodium Polyacylate, Silica, Methyl Methacrylate Crosspolymer, Butylene Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Bisabolol, Parfum (Fragrance), Diazolidinyl Urea, Inulin Lauryl Carbamate, Allantoin, Ppg-26-Buteth-26, Peg-40 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Pentylene Glycol, PeumusBoldus Leaf Extract, Glyceryl Linoleate, Salicylic Acid, Lens Esculenta Extract (Lentil Seed Extract), Glyceryl Oleate, TetrasodiumEdta, Sodium Hyaluronate, Xanthan Gum, Zinc Glucconate, Phenoxyethanol, Farnesol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Glyceryl Linolenate, Tocopherol, Ci 19140 (Yellow), Ci 42090 (Blue)
Price:
USD 68.
My Experience with Gatineau Paris Clear & Perfect Purifying Power Emulsion:
This was one of those unplanned, impulse buys where I was not even aware of the brand before the purchase. I went to this cosmetic products discount sale near my office, and looking at my colleagues splurging, I couldn’t resist doing some shopping of my own.
I have acne-prone skin that has always been oily, but is moving towards being combination, as I am growing older. Given the nature of my erratic skin, I never actually buy anything unresearched, but the ingredients in this product (salicylic acid and aloevera) had given me good results in the past; so, I went for it.
I have used the Clinique moisturizer from the Acne Solutions range earlier and this one feels very similar to that on my skin. Even though, the product looks like a crème, the texture is non-creamy and feels almost like a serum and has a ‘squeaky’ feel on the skin (I hope that makes sense). There’s a slight chemical-y smell to the product which lingers for a short while. It didn’t bother me, but some may find it annoying.
On my first use, I applied this at night after cleansing so that if any sudden irritation occurs it should get at least somewhat subdued by morning. I heaved a sigh of relief when my skin drank it up without leaving any oil-slick behind. This is usually a sign of a good product in my experience. Another test is to check how the skin feels after waking up in the morning; my skin felt smooth and more-or-less oil free, and no irritation occurred. I could finally breathe: P
Pros of Gatineau Paris Clear & Perfect Purifying Power Emulsion:
• Non comedogenic and doesn’t break me out.
• No appearance of fresh acne.
• Goes on smooth and gets completely absorbed in a short time.
• Matte finish after 10 minutes of application; lives up to its claims of ‘velvety finish’.
• Skin feels more even-toned with continued use
Cons of Gatineau Paris Clear & Perfect Purifying Power Emulsion:
• Can be too drying for people with combination or dry skin.
• Quite expensive for the quantity, the comparable Clinique moisturizers come out to be much cheaper per use.
• Doesn’t do anything for acne scars.
• Not easily available.
• The smell may not be pleasant for everyone.
IMBB Rating:
3.8/5
Conclusion:
I think this is a very good product, but similar ones from reputable brands are available at lower price.
Gatineau Gentle Micellar Water
Clean and Clear Skin Balancing Moisturiser
L’Oreal Paris Perfect Clean Foaming Cream + CleanPad
ZA Perfect Solution Moisturizer
L’Oreal Paris White Perfect TRW Night Cream
Forest Essentials Treatment Mask Purifying Yogurt
Oriflame Swedish Spa Purifying Face Mask
MUA Power Pout Lip Tint in Irreplaceable
Oriflame Power Shine Lipsticks
MAC Fleur Power Blush
Shiseido White Lucent Brightening Moisturizing Emulsion
L’Oreal Paris Hydrafresh All Day Hydration Supreme Emulsion
Avene Eau Thermale Very High Protection Emulsion SPF 50+
Good brand but very expensive
I’ve never heard of this brand. Well reviewed!