Shu Uemura Pure:Nu Gentle Cleansing Oil-in-Gel

RRP: £24

--What does the promo say?--
"Inspired by our iconic cleansing oils, this revolutionary facial cleanser purifies skin without stripping valuable moisture. Cleansing oil-in-gel gently removes makeup and impurities leaving skin refreshed, clarified and soft. The new fluid gel texture can be used with dry or wet hands. The eco-conception formula is gentle to skin and the environment."

--Packaging--
The bright green packaging is really vibrant and unusual, and emphasises the inclusion of bamboo, as well as the green tea scent. The flip-top lid is sturdy and practical, and the tube doesn't overwhelm you with information, giving you all that's necessary in a minimalist manner.

--Application--
As mentioned, you can use this in dry or wet hands, rubbing it over your face before wiping off (with a flannel, tissue, or whatever your preferred apparatus is).

--Appearance--
A translucent white gel which leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--
Some reviewers criticise the green tea scent for being too strong, but at this end it just seems fresh and neutral - not overly masculine or feminine, or enough to interfere with any perfume you're wearing.

--Texture and consistency--
Doesn't foam up at all, which comes as a surprise to anyone used to a foaming cleanser. However, it's a good surprise, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your cleanser doesn't contain SLS is satisfying too. Glides over the skin and rinses off easily.

--Effects on the skin--
Not sure how it does it, as the medicinal effects of bamboo are hotly disputed, and the green tea is present only as a scent rather than as a raw ingredient, but somehow skin seemed balanced, clarified, less red, and less stressed. Fab.

--Value for money--
£24 is not cheap, I grant you. And don't expect to get a discount either: Shu Uemura controls its distribution very tightly and I don't think reductions are part of their business strategy. But it's so effective, and you need to use so little each time to get a good result, that I would probably pay for it again. If only they made a toner and moisturiser to go with it too!