Keeping Me Fresh Faced And Young Looking For Ever (Olay Total Effects SPF15)

Member Name: zoe_page_1

Product:	Olay Total Effects SPF15
Date:	17/12/08 (345 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Lovely texture, added bonus of SPF

Disadvantages: The container could use some redesign

It's bad enough that I'm 26 and using Anti-Ageing Creams, but I've actually been using this one since I was, wait for it, 16. Olay were doing a mail shot and I got a free mini tube which I just loved. When it eventually ran out (admittedly I wasn't using it every day at that point, so it lasted a while) I decided it was worth the pocket money and invested. Since then, whatever I've been doing, and whichever country I've been doing it in, I've had Olay Total Effects by my side. Originally it was available just in Normal, quickly followed by a Fragrance Free and Night time versions, but this one, the Fragrance Free SPF 15 pot, is my favourite.

Total Effects is available pretty much everywhere, from Boots to BodyCare to Tesco, to the supermarkets of deepest, darkest Mexico. It comes in a small cream pot with a clear lid, neither of which I am particularly fond of. The problem with the pot itself is that it is not sea-through, so it's hard to know how much you have left (the cream is dispenses through a fixed, black nozzle, so you can't even peek inside). The problem with the lid is that it IS clear - but since I apply moisturiser in a hurry, I am not careful with it and the lid does not stay clear for long. In fact often it looks at best like there's been a slight explosion of a non-identifiable white cream inside it, and at worse like it's a prop from a delightful Mexican porno.

The cream that comes out of the aforementioned black nozzle is thick and white. I tend to use the Fragrance Free version and it lives up to its name with not a hint of a scent to it, though the normal version has a nice floral kick to it. The dispenser is well made and I have never had any problems with it clogging - the first few pumps of a new pot, and the last few of an old one tend to require slightly more effort, but the many, many pumps it provides between these come out with no trouble at all. I like the dispenser action as I always feel there's something a little icky about those pots where you scoop your fingers in to get the cream out, leaving a trail of finger-borne bacteria behind.

Since many skin experts say sun damage is the main cause of early aging, it makes sense to use a moisturiser that contains an SPF. It shouldn't be used in place of sun cream when you're baking in the sun on the beach, but for every day exposure, the SPF 15 in this cream should be enough. In total, the cream fights 7 signs of aging. These are signs I've never seen (and hopefully, through using this cream, never will) but include:


************************************************* *********
Minimises lines: Visibly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
************************************************* *********

Maybe if I had fine lines, this would reduce them. For now, I'm happy for it just to keep them at bay entirely.


**********************************************
Nourishing Moisturisation: For a Radiant Healthy Glow
**********************************************

Definitely - I look wide-awake and fresh faced whenever I apply this.


************************************************* *********
Tone Enhancement: Balances colour & visibly reduces appearance of age spots
************************************************* *********

Essential for me since I don't hide my skin under make-up. I do think this gives me a balanced colour, despite my daily over-exposure to the sun (usually incidental, sometimes deliberate)


**********************************************
Gentle Exfoliation: Smoothes and evens skin texture
**********************************************

I am intrigued by this claim, (it must be really gentle for you not to feel it), but ok.


**********************************************
Pore Refinement: Minimises the appearance of pores
**********************************************

Absolutely. And for extra pore refinement you can keep this cream in the fridge, which also give you a nice tightening, tingly feeling when you smooth it on.


************************************************* *********
With Anti Oxidants: Helps prevent free radical damage to the skin's surface layers
************************************************* *********

Not sure this is something I could expect to see at my age (or to see being prevented) but good to know.


**********************************************
Subtle firming: Hydrates for firmer skin appearance
**********************************************

Ditto, I don't have (shudder) saggy skin, but it seems to keep my nice young firm skin nice and young and firm, which is enough for me.


The thing I love most about this cream is that a little goes a long way - it takes me 3 months to get through a 50ml bottle, using it twice a day virtually every day (allowing for trips and sleepovers). It is not cheap at full price - about £16 - but it is almost always on offer somewhere. Currently you can get it from Boots.com for a mere £11. If you are interested but don't want to rush and invest, you can get a free sample from the Olay website (see below).

The effect this cream has on my skin is the ultimate reason I continue to buy it. For me, the anti-aging side of things is a bonus, but I would buy a moisturiser that didn't offer these claims if I liked it enough. Unfortunately, though I have tried cheaper alternatives, nothing works like Olay does. As soon as I put it on my skin glows. This reduces during the day, but my skin stays smooth and soft to touch. It lasts a good 18 - 20 hours, though I tend to reapply twice a day as I wash my face morning and night. If I am using a face wash or scrub, or one of those cleansing wipes, sometimes my skin can feel quite tight, but as soon as I apply this moisturiser the feeling subsides. I don't wear make up, but with this moisturiser I don't need to as my skin is so nice and even and fresh looking. The simplicity of it all appeals to me - wash, moisturise, go. I can be showered, changed and ready to go in 15 minutes with this in my bathroom, as you don't even need a mirror to apply it, since it obviously won't streak or go on funny.

Personally I don't think there is too much difference between the moisturisers in this range, and it's all down to personal preference. Those with sensitive skin may prefer the fragrance and colour-free versions, while those people who are outdoors a lot like me might like the SPF one. I don't bother with the night cream, just applying the day one again in the evening, but again, it does exist if you want it.

To summarise, I like the scent (none), the colour, the consistency and the effect it has on my skin. I am not a huge fan of the pot, but I've become used to it over time, and I can;t dock a star for it since if you shouldn't judge a book by its cover, you can hardly just a moisuriser by its container.

I would certainly recommend this product, and I'm not alone - the website tells me that 4 out of 5 "Easy Living" readers would recommend Olay total effects too.

Worth every penny.

More information: http://www.olay.co.uk/totaleffects/index.php

Summary: Worth Every Penny