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Gatineau Mateliance Effervescent Formula
by freud
It seems a long time ago now (sigh!) when I had any spare cash, but when I did I invested a little money in my skincare products believing that if products cost more they must be better?
The menopause seemed to age my skin quite quickly & the Gatineau products with melatogenine seemed to help with the fine lines & ... wrinkles but I needed something very effective for shifting a few blackheads.
I tried several products including strips, creams & lotions but nothing seemed able to penetrate the wretched things which make me look as if I'm permanently frowning!
On QVC I saw a demonstration for something that looked ideal - Gatineau Mateliance Effervescent Formula - on promotion at £19 a pack. The demonstration looked good & gullible as always, I ordered it with high hopes of shifting the 'nasties'. Apparently the salon treatment for a single session is over £30 but I don't like salons & don't like spending £ on myself.
The box is very smart (Gatineau always package their items beautifully) & inside there was a bottle of 1.6fl oz of deep-cleansing purifying liquid, 6 small sachets of the effevescent powder plus a good quality little brush.
The directions are very small to read but basically you mix the liquid & powder & brush onto the areas you need to deep cleanse on the face, leave for 10 minutes, then rinse.
The first time I used it the offending area (between the eyes, over the bridge of my nose) started to smart quite badly so I rinsed it off immediately afraid it was too strong for my skin.
When I had a look to see if the blackheads had become unclogged all I could see was red & quite sore skin and, to top it all, they were still there - AHHHH!!
I tried it again a couple of weeks later & this time I didn't experience any smarting & a couple of the blackheads did seem to go but the results weren't nearly as good as I'd hoped.
The third time I tried it there didn't seem to be any effect at all - so disappointing especially as my QVC 30 day money-back guarantee had run out so I couldn't return it & get a refund!
I have 3 sachets left so I'm going to have another treatment tonight & then again later in the week - I'll add to this review if my wretched line of 6 blackheads finally disappear because I'd be such a happy bunny.
summary
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- 19 quid is quite a lot for a product which hasn't, as yet, worked for me.
- although I don't have sensitive skin this caused smarting the first time I used it.
- not sure I could recommend this product.
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Gatineau Electelle Exfoliating Oxygenating Deep Cleansing
by Jcapulet
I love my exfoliation products and this one is a gentle one that brightens my skin effectively. ( The gentleness is similar to that of Liz Earle's gentle exfoliator to compare. ) It's a two in one product that will also cleanse. ( This is a physical exfoliator as opposed to their Melatogenine 3-in-1 cleanser which is not.) Now I double ... cleanse anyway and would remove my makeup/daily grime etc first and then use this, however, you could use this alone if you're using it as a morning cleanser/exfoliator.
*Who is this for ? *
This is for someone who has sensitive skin and dislikes 'gritty' exfoliation products on the face. It's also for someone who is starting to use exfoliation products and it's a gentle way to begin your exfoliating skincare routines.
It's for all skin types, but some VERY sensitive skins may prefer the non-physical AHA based exfoliators such as Elemis' Papaya Enzyme Peel. Also, this is not over stimulating for oily skin types whose oil production is sometimes over-stimulated when using very granular exfoliating products. However, if you have extremely thick, coarsened, severely pigmentated sun-damaged skin you may want to put your money towards something more effective for your skin that needs extra powerful ingredients to help clear away the dead skin cells and target aging skin.
*Why this works *
It contains a natural cell activator (to provide oxygenation and stimulation on the skin,) Jojoba extract, shea butter and marine collagen (for softening and hydrating ) and plant derived exfoliating particles to remove the dead skin cells.
*How to use*
Apply once you have cleansed and toned in the evening or on its own in the morning. It needs to be applied to DAMP hands and lathered then placed onto damp skin !! Don't use straight from the tube without lathering as it won't be very effective and you probably won't like it. ( It reminds me of Dermalogica's Special Cleansing gel in thay regard. A great product when used correctly but it can be easily disliked if not used as it should.)
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Gatineau Skin Renewing Peeling Kit
by Jcapulet
As our skins mature, the rate of natural exfoliation that takes place slows down and we need that extra help to reveal fresh skin cells. I have friends who didn't used to exfoliate and then complain that a skincare product wasn't doing anything for them and if that sounds familiar then you really should exfoliate or your lovely skincare ... products are doing nothing but sitting on top of dead skin cells !! If you want effective ingredients to work on your skin you need the best possible conditions for those ingredients to do their most effective work.
Therefore if you have visible signs of aging on the skin or your skincare never seems to sink in and sits on top of your skin, then it's vital that you exfoliate and help the skin shed those dead skin cells.
Gatineau have produced various exfoliators during their time, each targeting different strengths and skin types and this is their Big Daddy of exfoliators. It's targeted at thick, coarsened, sun damaged ( lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, ) type skin. If you have well-exfoliated skin already and you don't have any of the above skin issues then don't buy it as you won't need it. This is for those who need their exfoliator to go that extra mile more than the rest. I used this when I first started to see signs of pigmentation on my skin and it made a big difference on the brightness and evenness of my complexion. I haven't had the need to use it since as I use lots of other skincare products to help with any pigmentation issues so it's not something that needs to be purchased on a regular basis.
*How to use*
This routine is in three parts and is a three week programme. If you like an easy skin care routine then don't buy as you're only wasting your money if you think you're probably not going to stick with it until the end of the three week course. It will only work if you use it !! Also I personally prefer to use a higher SPF than the one included, however, for the winter months SPF 15 should be OK but if you want the best results I would use an SPF of 25-30 especially in the summer months.
*STEP ONE*
The first part is the peeling gel mask. It should be applied to a cleansed and toned skin and applied on the face and neck, AVOIDING the eye area altogether.
If you have sensitive skin leave on for 15 minutes ( if you have VERY sensitive skin then I would always patch test any new skincare product first as this is quite powerful !! )
If you have normal skin then you can keep it on for 20 minutes. I have combination skin prone to breakouts and I left it on for 20 minutes also.
Then remove with a dampened muslin cloth or a flannel.
*STEP TWO*
After using any exfoliator, I always recommend using a serum or a mask as the skin is at the optimum level to accept the product and do its job effectively. In this routine Gatineau have supplied a revitialising serum for you !!
You should use this on dry skin after the exfoliation process and can be followed by your usual night time moisturiser if need be.
*STEP THREE*
This is the protection step. It's vital that you protect your fresh skin cells that have been revealed by using an SPF cream during the daytime. As stated, Gatineau supply an SPF of 15 which is OK for the winter months but not high enough for spring/summer months in my opinion, so I supplemented the SPF cream supplied for one of my own.
*Why the product works*
Each product contains certain ingredients that are effective on the skin and that compliment each other.
The peeling mask contains the likes of MPG 30% ( which weakens the dead skin cells adhesive, improves skin suppleness and helps stimulate cell renewal,) VGP 0.3% (which is gradually released into the extracellular spaces thanks to skin enzymes) and Allantoin 0.8% (which calms and soothes.)
The revitalising serum contains the likes of Magnesium Phosphate PLUS Dextrose (sugar) (which gives instant energy to the skin,) Encapsulated Magnesium Phosphate (which gradually releases energy,) Vitamins A, E, F (to help stimulate cell renewal, ) a soothing complex and 1% Ceramidone ( which is thought to help strengthen the intercellular cement and help protect skin from dehydration and environmental stress factors.)
The SPF 15 cream is a multi-tasking product in this routine. It contains a form of peeling complex which will gently help to keep the skin exfoliated, a soothing complex of Allantoin, Bisabolol, Defensil (to calm and soothe the skin,) a UVA/UVB shield of Titanium Dioxide ( which is a PHYSICAL suncreen !! Therefore no liquid products should be applied on top as it needs to reflect the sun rays without interference) and on top of all this it contains the likes of Achromaxyl 3% ( which is a rapeseed protein to help brighten the complexion and add radiance,) Vitamins A,E,F 1.7% (to help stimulate cell renewal) Oat Extract, Shea Butter, Glycol derivative, 5%, (to moisturise and nourish the skin.)
*Precautions*
Do not use whilst pregnant or breastfeeding.
Patch test for sensitive skin types.
Tingling during application is normal. Burning or extreme stinging is not and should be removed immediately. Patch test first if in doubt.
Avoid the eye area !! Remove immediately if accidental contact.
Avoid extreme sun temperatures ( i.e going to warmer climates abroad or using sunbeds ) at least a week prior and a week post.
Stop using any other exfoliating product or skincare product that contains exfoliating ingredients during the three week period.
Overall, a fantastic exfoliating programme only let down by the low SPF protection.
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