Eve Lom Testing Update

I wrote a few weeks ago about the Eve Lom products I had bought and was itching to try. I think enough time has elapsed to give you an insight into whether or not they're working for me.

Firstly the cleanser with muslin cloth. Truly excellent. I enjoy both using it, and the soothing action of the heated cloth on the balm, and the way my skin feels afterwards. My skin does seem clearer and smoother as a result of using the cleanser. I've become such an addict that when I travel I scoop some of the balm into a tiny pot so I can take it with me (the tub is rather on the large side!). An essential partner to the cleanser, for me, is Dynaspot. This is a cream smelling of tea tree oil which you apply to spots. It dries to a chalky finish so it's best used at night or when you aren't wearing make-up. I've found it's great for preventing spots and dealing with any that have the audacity to appear.

The rest of the products though I found a bit ineffective. I would say that they're better for younger women whose skin is maybe less parched than mine! The cuticle cream is too runny, has a strange smell and doesn't work as well as the cheaper Sally Hansen products. Same for the hand cream. Just not rich enough for me. The Rescue Mask was also a disappointment. I didn't notice any difference after using it a few times.

Testing: Eve Lom

Occasionally I get a bee in my bonnet about wanting to use an entire, co-ordinated theme of skincare products. Thus it was that last week I was in Selfridge's buying the Eve Lom range.

Now I don't know why I succumb to this sort of behaviour. There is really no reason to use an entire range from one manufacturer, even though they like to insist that the products work better together.

When I've done this before, it hasn't always been successful. I remember spending literally hundreds on products from the Kanebo range, and the Dramatically Different range from Clinique a few years ago. Neither gave any improvement. Deep down I believe that how your skin looks is hereditary, coupled with what you eat and drink. I try not to drink too much alcohol - it really has a bad effect on my skin - and I try to eat lots of fruit and vegetables, plus I take certain vitamins and supplements. But nonetheless, I am still a sucker for marketing. So what provoked the Eve Lom assault?

Lately my nose has been a bit red, which, as I don't drink very much, I put down to inflammation or irritation. I've been using a Vichy cleanser, a Mignon toner (which is marvellous for preventing spots) and a Decleor moisturizer, plus a weekly exofoliation with a Murad product. Anyway, something among that little lot has been disagreeing with my skin.

I've often read rave reviews about the Eve Lom cleanser, which comes with a muslin cloth. I've only had it for a few days but I have to say it's really fab. The cleanser is a fairly thick balm which you apply to your face. You then hold a hot cloth against your skin for five seconds, three times, then removing the cleanser and finally closing the pores with the cloth soaked in cold water. The hot and cold water treatment feels lovely, and my skin seems to be looking less blotchy and irritated.

Eve Lom only prescribes moisturizers if the skin really needs them. I did buy the moisturizer but I'm not slathering it on for the sake of it. So far, my skin seems moisturised enough (it tends to be dry on the cheeks). The eye serum doesn't seem as good as Decleor Hydrotenseur. That really does give a lifting effect. And I'm quite disappointed with the hand cream. It feels nice, though smells a little strange, when you first apply it, but after 30 minutes your hands feel parched again. I can't really give an opinion yet on the cuticle conditioner. I still have to test the Rescue Mask. It is apparently very good for congested skin, a problem I suffer from occasionally. More later!