Because chaps need a facial regimen too! (L'Oreal Men Expert Hydra Energetic Foaming Cleansing Gel)

Member Name: edinburgher

Product:	L'Oreal Men Expert Hydra Energetic Foaming Cleansing Gel
Date:	13/02/09 (496 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Versatile foaming cleanser that removes the dirt and soothes the skin

Disadvantages: Not the cheapest product in its class

In a manner not dissimilar to most other guys of my acquaintance, I like to find toiletries and personal grooming products that do the job well and can be relied upon to be in the shop next time I go back! While special editions, fancy scents and one-off examples of things are great, continuity is highly desirable for keeping my skin in top shape. L'oreal Men Expert Hydra Energetic Foaming Cleansing Gel is a product that I have been using for about a year, but it has really come into its own since I took the plunge and made the move from windy Edinburgh to polluted London. It's certainly not the cheapest face wash on the market, but I'll set out why I hold it in such high regard.

*You get what you pay for*

As mentioned, this product isn't one that spares the wallet. It retails in the region of £5/150ml which is small change when compared to women's cosmetic products, but enough to make the average man do a double take. I argue that you get what you pay for in most cases and that this is definitely no exception. A tube provides enough facial cleansing for roughly 3 months in my experience (based on two washes a day) and the effects are great.

*Here comes the science bit... concentrate!*

The cleansing gel has a range of complex ingredients in it (including some active ingredients) and makes a range of claims. Firstly, it contains no soap. This is great for those of us with sensitive skin, as soap can be terrible for drying out the old epidermis (especially in winter). In addition to this, it's PH neutral which doesn't harass the skin, cleanses well and softens both the face and short stubble - in my experience. As well as all these wonderful properties that I will happily attest to, it claims to 'reinforce the skin's natural resistance against daily aggression for less irritation'. I can't really qualify this claim, so I've made sure to point out that this is part of the advertising blurb and not my personal opinion.

*In practice*

This is a neutrally scented, blue gel which lathers up well with just a small spot rubbed between the hands and offers a really thorough clean. My skin is left feeling soothed and tingly after use, no doubt due to ingredients such as extract of peppermint oil. It removes a lot of dirt and in summer particularly, it's noticeable how much muck comes off. I haven't had any problems with dry skin, reactions to any of the ingredients or any other negative side affects while using it.

*Cleansing three ways*

While I'm careful to polish around the edges, I'm never going to be the sort of man who has a huge selection of toiletries. I've found three distinct uses for this product to date and I thought I'd share:

1. Cleansing gel - Provides a great daily clean.
2. Deep cleanser - Left on for a few minutes this product continues to work its magic and leaves the skin particularly bright, glowing and soft. I'm convinced this removes extra dirt, but you're welcome to prove me wrong.
3. Before shaving, to soften the stubble - My girlfriend has *very* sensitive skin. By this, I mean that even a hot shower can give her a rash! As a result I'm keen to soften my stubble, as I like the clean-shaven look. The gel helps keep things soft and she can attest to this by the fact that she now remains stubble rash free..

*Terrible adverts, but chaps need a facial regimen too!*

If you're a guy, you've no doubt seen the adverts for the Men Expert range and gone 'what a bunch of plonkers - this isn't going to convince me to spend a fiver on face wash!' If you're not familiar with them, a model-smug man washes his face, generally gets ready for work (apparently as a professional poseur) and has his face fondled by a photogenic lady friend. As someone who spends his day commuting, working and exhausted the rest of the time, I can't exactly say that I relate to their scenario. All this, however, should be disregarded - the product works! I would probably have bought this a lot sooner if the patently daft adverts hadn't put me off and I beg my fellow men not to make the same mistake that I did.

While we're not all male models with floppy hair and angular jaws, guys need a facial regimen too. The fact of the matter is that the world certainly isn't getting any cleaner and a range of the things we love (junk food, booze etc.) serve to mess up our complexions. Why not try and reverse the balance a little and drink more water, eat more fruit and veg and try out a brilliant cleanser like this? After all, a face is for life, not just for Christmas!

Summary: Great all-round cleanser for men on the go