This is quite an expensive cleanser, it costs between £35-£40 for a 200ml pot. I was given mine at Christmas by an eccentric but wealthy uncle. Apparently he wandered into Debenhams and asked for "Six presents for the ladies please!" (Heaven knows what it all cost him but my daughter received a very expensive bottle of perfume which she is very smug about!)

Anyway, it was a very nice present and looks quite posh in the bathroom. It comes in a striking little blue pot with a silver lid. The lid is engraved with a picture of a lotus flower to show you what it contains. The jar has a screw lid which is easy to take on and off. I threw the little flat dust cover lid away after a while because it was unnecessary.

The accompanying blurb in the box (cardboard, recyclable) promised me that the cream " Is born from the Lotus flower ; known for its purity and restorative properties, its gentle purifying action helps restore the skin's natural radiance."

The instuctions tell me to apply at night and wash off with warm water or cotton pads. I have to say that it feels lovely and cool and silky when I apply it. On the rare occasion that I wear make up it removes it completely, even the stubborn mascara is cleaned off with no effort.

I can't say whether it helps me with fine lines, my face has lost the battle with them long ago! It has evened up my skin tone though and I don't seem to get the dry patches on my forehead that could occasionally visit me after a long day.

The scent of the cream is mild but pleasant, slightly floral and not a hint of that chemical smell you sometimes get with cleansers. It looks and feels like Pond's Cold Cream, with about the same consistency, fortunately it smells a lot better.

It cleans and moisturises very effectively and it is aimed at "The more mature skin." I think it does it's job very well, I never have that tight feeling on my face in the morning which has me reaching for the nearest bottle of moisturiser. So it has probably saved me a little expense there.

I have been using it sparingly for six months now and I think the jar will only last another couple of weeks unfortunately! It's no use asking Uncle Andrew for another pot because I don't think he has the faintest who he gave what to! I shall just have to bite the bullet and buy myself some more. I didn't really subscribe to using a cleanser instead of soap and water but this has converted me. I am wavering in my devotion to Clinique with this one!

It is available from good cosmetic counters and online. Amazon seem to have the best deal at the moment but the price does seem to fluctuate so you would be advised to shop around. Or get on my Uncle Andrew's Christmas present list!

Where he will shop next year? I wonder if I can direct him to Harrod's jewellery counter? Hmmmm...