La Roche-Posay Toleraine Ultra Fluide Review

La Roche-Posay (LRP) recently launched a new addition to their Toleriane skincare line which is designed to provide intense soothing care for ultra-sensitive or allergic combination/oily skin types. They sent me the new Toleriane Ultra Fluide for testing and review.

Packaged in a hermetically sealed pump bottle, Toleriane Ultra Fluide is designed to provide combination/oily skin types with 3 main actions: immediate relief of skin irritation, lasting relief of "irritation, reactivity and heated sensations" after 4 weeks of use, and a "high tolerance" for users. The formula contains Neurosensine a "strong soothing agent", LRP's thermal spring water which is included in all their products and is preservative/paraben/fragrance/alcohol/colorant and lanolin free.

I've been using Ultra Fluide for the last 3 weeks in conjunction with my regular skincare which includes Differin gel at night, and moisturizer with SPF 30 during the day. Although I do not have sensitive skin, I do suffer from seasonal allergies which, irritatingly enough, now persist until the snow falls. The skin on my face and around my eyes can frequently get itchy and red and I'm also prone to dryness, peeling and irritation around my mouth and nose due to the dry air the fall brings. I used the Ultra Fluide after I washed my face and after any topical medications (Differin). I did find that having a thin layer of this lotion helped ease the peeling, stinging and redness around my mouth (in part caused by the dryness and the Differin). It provided an extra layer of protection and moisture that that thinner skin needed without feeling heavy or being greasy. 

I also tested it after I used a depilatory cream on my upper lip. Hair removal products such as Neet or Olay irritate my skin leaving it pink and stinging. Using the Ultra Fluid after helped soothe my upper lip skin as well.

Overall I think this is an effective product for irritated skin. It works well layered with other products and is light enough that you won't notice an extra product on your skin. The packaging also ensures it stays free of contamination without adding any extra unwanted preservatives.

La Roche-Posay Toleraine Ultra Fluide retails for approximately $34.00 CA (40 ml) and can be found at retailers such as London Drugs and Shoppers Drug Mart. 

Grade: A

J

Lush Dream Cream Review

Dream Cream is one of Lush's best-selling products. It's a soothing, rich body lotion that's fantastic for dry and problem skin, and particularly good for eczema and psoriasis.

What Lush has to say about: 

Incredibly soothing body lotion for troubled skin. Dream Cream is LUSH's best-selling product because it makes sore skin feel good again. Chamomile and lavender calm irritations, reduce redness and banish blotches. Mark considers it his favourite product because it makes so many people so happy.

We also use oat milk, too, which has traditionally been used on troubled skin for centuries. It contains everything nature makes for soothing your skin.

Rose and lavender essential oils are calming for irritated, suffering skin.

Dream Cream contains: Oat milk, rose water, olive oil, fair trade cocoa, glycerine, stearic acid, tincture of benzoin, rose absolute, chamomile oil, tea tree oil, lavender oil, triethanolamine, cetearyl alcohol, geraniol, limonene, linalool, methylparaben, propylparaben and perfume.

I used to work for Lush, so I'm very familiar with Dream Cream. I used to have customers tell me how they had never used a better moisturizer and others who raved about how quickly it eased their psoriasis. 

The fragrance was never something I warmed up to and it still doesn't appeal to me. It's borderline offensive to me so I wouldn't buy it on that basis alone. If my skin was in need of Dream Cream, I'd have to reconsider. 

I've been using it on my legs this summer to ease the irritation that comes from shaving. It absorbs well and it's very moisturizing without being heavy. This would be great moisturizer in the winter on itchy, dry skin. If you like the scent.

Any Dream Cream fans out there?

C.

Kiehl's Facial Fuel Eye De-Puffer

Kiehls' Facial Fuel Eye De-Puffer, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways!

1) You're the third eye de-puffer I've tried and you're my favourite. I don't want to try any more.

2) You're short and stubby, but that means less draggage when I apply you under my eye. One swipe and we're done! It also means you don't take up much room in the medicine cabinet and you don't fall over like the tall skinny eye de-puffers do.

3) You don't feel oily or greasy on my skin and it's almost like there's nothing there when I apply you.

4) You WORK! My undereye area is smooth and less puffy after I use you.

This is what Kiehl's has to say: This lightweight cooling de-puffing eye stick is formulated with caffeine and refreshing Arctic Root to minimize puffiness, and to help revive and awaken tired eyes. Convenient and portable packaging also allows the formula to glide on easily, providing an instant cooling effect.

What it says: This "no baggage," portable eye stick is the ultimate pick-me-up for tired eyes on the go. Enriched with Caffeine, Arctic Root and Hibiscus Extract, our anytime formula gently glides under the eye area to provide an immediate cooling effect, while hydrating and helping reduce the look of signs of fatigue common with active lifestyles. The appearance of under-eye bags and dark circles is diminished. 

It's a short tube, maybe 3-4 inches tall and the product twists up, like a deodorant or lip balm. It has the texture of a light lip balm. The Facial Fuel Eye De-puffer retails for about $18.50 US. 

You apply it directly to the eye area, sweeping it from the outside corners in along the eye socket. You can apply it above your eye as well. It feels smooth and cool on the skin and is very soothing on raw, first-thing-in-the-AM eyes, puffy eyes. It definitely helps to minimize minor puffiness and plumps the skin ever so slightly to decrease fine lines. There is very little fragrance. You can use your finger (I use my pinkie) to tap in any excess product on your skin.

LOVE!

C.