Elemis: Gentle Rose Exfoliator

Exfoliation is one of what it seems are many keys to good skin. It feels good to get rid of the old and reveal the new. Although there is a danger in doing it too much. It could lead to spots and all sorts of other problems. So a couple of times a week should be more than enough to keep you looking all shiny and new. It will also help your other products do their jobs more efficiently.

Who else used the St Ives Invigorating Apricot Scrub growing up? Where the granules felt like the size of apricots and were tearing your face off. But it was worth it because you had that baby soft skin after -- even if it was on fire for hours. Maybe my youth has made me hesitant towards manual exfoliants. By and large I must prefer the chemical heroes that go on like a gel and the fruit based acids eat away all the dead skin cells while you sit blissfully unaware.

I know there are loads of you that like a good scrub. And while they still aren't really for me, Elemis' offering has the right balance. The gentle rose exfoliator is very much a does what it says on the tin tube. I re-discovered it when I went for a quick but satisfying facial at Foxhills Club & Resort. I enjoyed the facial so much, like a complete sucker, I ended up purchasing a number of the products they used including the exfoliator.

Rather than feeling like sandpaper and leaving my face feeling irritated for hours later, this exfoliator had and almost cooling effect when applied. And leaves your face feeling soft and nourished - reading for an oil or whatever sort of treatment you're going to put on later. It has a gentle rose scent, the secret is in the name, but nothing too overpowering for those of you who aren't a fan of aromatic skincare.

What Elemis says:

"Micro-spherical Jojoba beads are blended with hydrating Rose Absolute to gently exfoliate the surface of the skin leaving it silky smooth and soft to the touch. Cucumber extract, rich in Vitamin C, a natural anti-oxidant, moisturises as it soothes and refreshes"

How I use it:

Apply to cleansed skin - which is damp. That's the key, you don't want your face too dry before your apply. If you're particularly fancy, you could even use a hydrating toner to dampen your face (although I usually just save that until after). Rub gently all over my face for a few minutes. And then remove with a warm muslin or washcloth. I usually follow it with an oil. As its so gentle, this would be safe to use in the morning without fear of walking around with a beet red face until your lunch break. But I prefer it in the evening.

Pricing

Elemis isn't the cheapest brand on the market. But it is one that often goes on offer and probably does better package deals than just about any skincare brand on the market. A 50ml tube should last you ages only using it a couple of times a week and is available at Cult Beauty for £30. However, it's totally worth waiting until you see it packaged with another item you had your eye on, checking QVC for deals or Time to Spa which regularly has Elemis specials!

Go forth and exfoliate

jb xx