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Gatineau White Plan Skin Lightening Serum
by rosaliecullen
Ooh I am quite excited! Never been able to review anything in the "most wanted category" before.
**Why I bought this item**
I actually didn't buy this item, the item was used on me as part of a pre-wedding skincare routine in the months leading up to my wedding. I had'nt heard of the brand before, but ... like many things my wonderful beauty lady tries on me (Guerlain was also a new one on me), I decided I was happy to give it a go. I wanted clear, radiant skin that positively beamed at the congregation on my wedding day, so began the serious skin care routine about six months prior to the big day.
**My experience**
It is suggested that you use this morning and night for the best results. As I only had weekly facials (rather than bi-daily), I only used the product once a week so it is possible I didn't get the maximum results. The serum is not as runny as a serum, but not as thick as a gel. I found it went onto the skin very pleasantly, but then, my beauty lady always knows just how to apply these things. She massaged the serum into my face and neck really well so it didn't feel greasy at all. I didn't shine at all, my skin felt good but not greasy.
I didn't know this at the time, but it is said that "the skin appears instantly lighter in colour, more even and more luminous. Helps to prevent and diminish the appearance of pigmentation by reducing melanin production.". I definitely wouldn't have used this to lighten my skin tone had I known this (that kind of reminds of some sort of Michael Jackson type thing), but I guess because I had asked to be more radiant, the beauty woman decided this was a good bet.
When combined with cleansing, toning, exfoliating and moisturising, my skin felt much better than it usually does. How much of this was down to the serum? I'm just not certain. I did feel as though I was more radiant than usual, the texture was much softer, but I suspect it was down to the exfoliator scrubbing away dead skin cells than this.
**The style**
The bottle doesn't appeal to me in any way, it looks quite clinical and reminiscent of AVON in the 1980's. I hold the same opinion of Chanel and suchlike. They appeal to an older clientèle in my opinion, rather than a 20 something.
**Value for money**
As I didn't buy the item myself, I can't comment on the value for money (mine was included in the price of the weekly facial). However, I treat myself to the Moisture Surge by Clinique at £30 a pot (lasts 6 months) and that is a HUGE treat. This, at £60 (having looked on the web for the cheapest) for 30ml is very, very expensive, although you don't need a huge amount of the product to cover the skin but as it recommends to use it every day, twice per day, I can only imagine that you'd be lucky to get a month's supply in one bottle of this stuff.
Admittedly, I didn't use the product in the way it is intended (twice daily), but from using it once per week, I can't say I noticed any huge results. My skin was indeed more radiant on my wedding day due to a fabulous make up artist - tip for the girls, invest in a make up artist not a beauty woman !
**Would I buy again?**
At the price, for the minimum impact it had, definitely not. Invest in a good exfoliator.
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Gatineau Floracil Gentle Cleansing Lotion for Eyes
by Doglovers
I don't normally buy eye makeup remover as the products I have used in the past have made my eyes sting and left a greasy residue around the eye, which I find very irritating as it doesn't take much to make my eyes irritated and teary.
So I was a little wary about trying this which came in a trial size with some Gatineau products. ...
However this is completely different to all the other eye makeup removers I have tried before and I now use this on a daily basis.
The packaging
It comes in a plastic bottle which has a pump action if you buy the larger 400ml size, which I usually buy as I find it easy to dispense the right amount and the larger size is better value.
The Product
Floracil is a blue liquid lotion and it is very easy to apply.
Simply apply one pump to a cotton wool pad and place this on each eye area and leave for about 30 seconds, pressing lightly. When you lift the pad off you will see that the Floracil has also lifted off your eye makeup. I usually turn the pad around and apply again just to be sure it has taken everything off and then gently wipe under the bottom lashes. I find this method takes off all my eye makeup and if you look at the pad you can see the shape of you eyelashes in mascara that you have taken off with the Floracil.
I love this because it doesn't sting even if you get it in your eyes, you don't need to rub and there is no greasy residue, which is brilliant for me with my sensitive eyes that are easily irritated. This is really gentle and as the eye makeup lifts off really easily you don't have to rub the skin around your eye, which is very delicate and you don't lose any of your eyelashes.
It does say that it has the same PH as your tears and it has extracts of chamomile and cornflower, which are known for their calming properties.
This is also great at taking off difficult to remove waterproof mascara
Floracil can also be used as an eye mask, just put on damp cotton wool pads and leave on for 5 to 10 minutes. I find this really soothing to my eyes and do this, particularly in summer when my eyes get irritated with Hay fever.
It isn't cheap but I find the 400ml size lasts me about 8 to 9 months.
It does have a scent which is Ok, but you can smell the alcohol in the product.
It also claims that it helps diminish dark shadows under the eyes, but I don't have those, so I can't confirm this.
The Brand
Gatineau is a French beauty brand that has existed since the early 1930's which is now owned by Revlon. It has a long heritage and some of the products that were first developed by the founder are still being used today.
It used to only be available in beauty salons but can now be purchased online, so it probably isn't as well-known as other skincare brands, but it does produce quality products and continues to develop the range.
Would I recommend?
Definitely, this removes eye makeup easily and effectively without having to rub your eyes.
It leaves my eyes feeling fresh and soft and causes no irritation or stinging and doesn't leave any oily residue behind. It is really kind to eyes and the added advantage is you can use this as an eye mask.
It is expensive, but I feel that it is worth every penny as every other product I have tried leaves my eyes stinging and with tears rolling down my face.
It lasts for ages as you don't need to soak the cotton wool pad to remove all your make up.
Unlike other brands I have tried there is no residue left behind so you can reapply make up immediately.
A 5 star product that suits all, but particularly those with sensitive eyes.
Availability
Gatineau is sold in beauty salons and can be bought online.
At the moment salonskincare.co.uk has this at half price or dicounted and 250ml is £11 and 400ml for £14.50
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Gatineau Gommage Visage Gentle Facial Scrub
by Doglovers
I received this when I purchased a neck cream from Gatineau , I wasn't impressed with the neck cream or any of the other products but am really glad I gave it a go , as I wouldn't have come across this exfoliator which is brilliant!
It is designed to gently remove dead skin cells and can help to reduce the appearance of flaws ... leaving your skin looking healthier and revitalised. Gommage is the French word for exfoliator.
It is described as an anti-aging scrub. To me that conjures up images of a rough grainy textured product and the beauty of this product is that it is a smooth cream and you do not have to scrub to get results.
The Brand
Gatineau is a brand that was developed in France by Madame Jeanne Gatineau who opened her first salon in 1937. It has a long history of developing skincare ranges. This particular product used to be a beauty salon secret used in facials and wasn't available to buy until the past few years.
Application
The instructions on the back of the tube are very brief, but I believe it does come with a leaflet.
Apply to cleansed skin
Shake well; this is primarily a mix of essential oils so I recommend shaking before applying to ensure all the oils are blended together.
Apply a thin layer over the face and neck, it turns translucent, leave for about 5 minutes and then start to gently stroke your skin, until you feel the texture changes and it begins to roll off your skin.
I usually avoid applying this around the eye area as the skin is more delicate and I don't recommend even gentle stroking in this area of your face.
Roll off the entire product and then wipe off any excess, rinse thoroughly or take off with a toning lotion.
Ensure you only apply a thin layer as if you put too much on it takes ages to get to a point where you can roll this off your skin.
I squeeze a small amount out and if there is any excess. Smooth that over the back of your hands as it will significantly improve their appearance.
Don't apply this whilst soaking in the bath as it isn't as effective, I think the steam affects it.
If you leave the product on for a long time it will peel off and I don't think this is as effective. When you roll the product off it seems to lift more and also takes off ingrained dirt. Which is surprising, given that I do this after cleansing thoroughly?
It is very satisfying experience because the product and skin rolls off and it feels like you are removing a thin layer of skin but in a very gentle manner.
It is messy and I always manage to get some on my eyebrows and hair line, so I always need to wash my hair afterwards.
Expect to spend 15-20 minutes devoted to this.
I have very sensitive skin and at first smell I thought this was going to be like one of those masks that are so strong they make your eyes water. So I was pleasantly surprised that this is so gentle but very effective at sloughing off dead skin.
After any treatment my face is red as I am very fair skinned and prone to redness, so when I cleanse and moisturise it doesn't matter what I use my face takes a while to lose the redness. This product does not irritate my skin in any way and it feels much moisturised.
I usually apply a moisturising mask after exfoliating, but that isn't an essential part of this routine, just something I always do.
The Results
Visibly brighter more youthful soft skin, it really does deliver time after time. It makes a massive difference to my skin and means that any product I apply afterwards is more effective.
I have learnt that applying serums and moisturisers on top of dull dry dead skin, has little effect, so exfoliating is something I make sure I do on a regular basis. Miss this step out and I really notice the difference on my skin
What is difficult is finding something gentle yet effective, when you have dry sensitive skin, so discovering this means my search for the perfect exfoliator is over.
No more grainy scrubs that leave my skin sore and inflamed - hurrah!
The Product and Packaging
It comes in a cream tube with silver writing on and a grey lid. Nothing to write home about , but who cares if the product is brilliant.
It is a blend of oils including - Yellow mandarin, mint, sweet almond, jojoba, lavender, rosemary sunflower, cranberry seed and shea oils
The texture is creamy; there are no abrasive elements in this scrub. It is a cream colour and feels creamy but gloopy.
It has a refreshing mint scent which makes it pleasurable to use
Suitable for all skin types and all ages.
Also men and women if you don't mind sharing.
It can be used twice a week but no more than that.
It has a 2 year shelf line once opened
I use this once a week and I also use it on my hands and décolletage - so it lasts me 3 months
Price
Ranges from £33-£35.75 for a 75ml but buy 2 for £36.25 +postage from QVC at the moment.
Available on line at QVC and other online retailers and in salons that do Gatineau facials.
Warning
If you do decide this is for you make sure you buy the Anti-Aging Gommage in a cream tube. Gatineau also does another Gommage in the Active Éclat that comes in a White tube with Activ Éclat in Orange writing. It isn't the same product and I ordered this by mistake.
Would I Recommend This
A resounding yes. It is the most effective exfoliator I have ever used and it makes a significant difference to my skin. I would not be without it as it is so difficult to find a good exfoliator that does the job, but is suitable for dry sensitive skin.
This one feels like you have had a face peel and what is satisfying is you can see the results in the dead skin that rolls off with the product. I know that's slightly gross but you will see what I mean if you try this.
Disadvantage
Pricy , but makes all your other skin care products work better.
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