La Mer 'The Cleansing Oil'

The award for the 'Most beautiful cleanser ever invented' definitely goes to the La Mer 'The Cleansing Oil'.  It's such a thing of beauty with its swirly iridescent pearl powders-Zoe from Classic Rouge exclaimed 'it looks like a mermaid' when we were chatting cleansers on twitter a few weeks ago.

This was a complete impulse purchase whilst wandering aimlessly through Dubai airport waiting for another flight to Cairo back in June.  I had been wanting to try a cleansing oil for ages as an alternative to a cleansing balm for removing my make up but so many cleansing oils contains mineral oil which my skin can't tolerate.  I really wanted to try the SKII one but the top ingredient was mineral oil and so I somehow ended up at the La Mer counter handing over my pennies for this one.  And that would be a lot of pennies as this is pretty pricey-around £65 for 200ml.  But before you baulk at the price lets put it into context-the Emma Hardie Amazing Face Moringa cleansing balm is £36 for 100ml so this comes in cheaper than that.

So The Cleansing Oil has the strapline 'detoxifies, removes makeup' which is pretty much what I was looking for.  This is the first step in my evening cleaning routine and I massage 3 pumps into my dry face and give it a good old massage, then add water and massage again (the oil then becomes a milk) and the rinse off, aided by a trusty damp flannel.

So what's in it?  Well a base of oils-sesame, almond and sunflower.  La Mer's patented 'Miracle Broth' which contains seaweed extract, sea salt and various minerals, magnetised tourmaline and pearl powders.  The tourmaline helps to dissolve make up without upsetting the skins natural PH and dissolves excess sebum.  The Miracle Broth components apparently infuse the skin with vital nutrients (although I am skeptical about this particular claim as this cleanser isn't absorbed into the skin) and help to soften, nourish and condition the skin.  There is a faint 'sea' like aqua smell to this cleanser and you can see the pearl powders reflecting in the cleanser when you pump it into your hand but they do not show on the skin.

This cleanser is super efficient.  For an oil, it's not 'oily' at all and could be used by all skin types, even the most sensitive.  It rinses so easily even without a flannel, leaving no residue or film behind.  My skin feels really soft, supple and clear after using it.

For my first foray back into the world of cleansing oils I am really happy I chose La Mer first.  I like my cleansing routine in the evening to be a ritual and this certainly adds the luxe factor.  It's such a beautiful product-to use and to look at.

This was my first Creme De La Mer product so I definitely welcome any recommendations after such a positive first experience.

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