Okay, so before this gets crazy, I want to preface (for anyone who has read my blog since last November) that I rarely go outside my hardcore Clinique addiction when it comes to skincare. The reality of the situation, though, is… I’m poor. I know, it’s a shock, right? I’m poor and I can’t really afford to keep up with 3 different pieces of an amazing cleansing routine that accompanies a Clinique dependency.
So, please hold your fire… I’ve strayed. A cleanser was sent to me from L’Occitane and, I admit, I willingly told them I would try it before I even got it. Why? Because L’Occitane has a great reputation for skincare, and this baby is only $9. Yes, that’s approximately 1/5th the price of a complete Clinique set.
The cleanser I was sent was the L’Occitane Immortelle Brightening Cleansing Foam and yes, it says all of that right on the adorable 1.7 fl. oz. bottle.
At first, after I opened the package, I just kind of stared at the little tiny bottle full of swishy, thin liquid. Why? For many reasons. Well, two. One, the bottle looked like it could wash my face approximately 4 times before running dry. Two, the color of blue they chose for the bottle is really exquisite – it reminds me of my favorite crayon, Cornflower.
Anyway. I thought I was getting ripped off, but then I remembered that I didn’t pay for this at all, so it was okay.
So, bedtime came (yes, bedtime) and it was time to use this stuff. I get a little nervous about “foam” cleansers because it always seems to take 2-4 pumps of the stuff to really feel like you’re using anything. I get that it’s mostly air and blah, blah, blah… But it just makes me nervous and generally sounds like an excuse to dish out less product.
Fortunately, I was surprised that the foam, airy as it was, appeared to be somewhat substantial! It wasn’t heavy by and means, but it took only two pumps and, when I rubbed my hands together, it didn’t completely dissipate! Off to a good start.
Now let me take a second to talk about my skin: it’s allergic to everything. Pollutants totally attack my skin, as do most metals, some fabrics, and occasionally – facial cleansers. I’m not very oily-faced, but it is summer in Chicago which means humidity. I’m happy to report that, not only did this stuff feel really light, but it totally didn’t irritate my skin.
In fact – my skin has improved since I started using it. After washing, it doesn’t make my skin feel tight like most other hardcore cleansers, but the film of dirt that usually hangs out on my face when I wake up completely disappears. Plus, there’s so little dryness afterwards, I’ve been forgetting to use moisturizer after washing without any ill effects.
So all-in-all… This stuff is definitely worth it’s $9 price tag. Like, definitely definitely. I’m going to have to think long and hard about returning to my previous skincare range because – not only would this cleanser give me a break in the pocketbook area – but the idea of only using one or maybe two products on my face is quite appealing after the 3-step process of my other favorite brand.
I’ll make another post in about 15 years letting you know how it affects aging.
Update 12/21/2014: It looks like they have discontinued this specific cleanser, but have replaced the formula with L’Occitane Immortelle Brightening Foaming Cleanser, $11.50 for 1.7 oz., but if you’re looking for the same type of product that this review discusses, try L’Occitane Precious Immortelle Cleansing Foam, $28 for 4.2 fl. oz..