Dermalogica Treatment Foundation

RRP: £26.40 for 40ml
# of shades available: 8

--What does the promo say?--
"Dermalogica Treatment Foundation No.5 has natural, non-sensitizing pigments that maintain true color and texture all day without irritating the skin. Includes two hypoallergenic application sponges. Contains no artificial fragrance or colour."

--Packaging--
Having only trialled this on a sample basis, I'm not in a position to comment fully. However, the screw-top lid looks secure and the design concept both belongs confidently to the Dermalogica brand and clearly identifies itself as a foundation. All good :)

--Application--
The website instructs:
"1. Dot on each area of the face.
2. Blend with provided application sponge or with fingertips. Do not rub.
3. Wait one minute before applying powder or blush."

This is all fairly simple. However, I would discourage the use of any sort of sponge, as they are undoubtedly the most unnhygienic application method around. Go for your fingers or a foundation brush instead.

--Appearance--
As with the Rimmel, the sample shade that I had managed to procure was a tad too dark for my skin. However, unlike with the Rimmel shade, I still wasn't 100% happy with it once it was blended, so olive-skinned people should have no problems with this brand at all. Whether or not it was my imagination, though, I did find it had a slightly shinier finish than I would normally be happy with, too.

--Texture/consistency--
Lovely and creamy, but not too rich or comedogenic.

--Coverage--
Initially good, but wore off quickly. Reapplications of concealer and/or powder are definitely needed during the day.

--Effects on the skin--
One of the supremely positive aspects of this product: this is the main point of the product and thankfully it does deliver. I did definitely notice a difference in skin condition even in the few days of use that I had from my sample, with skin seeming more balanced and with fewer spots and dry patches.

--Value for money--
While there are websites offering this for less than the RRP, and while the foundation does help to reduce acne, I'd still say that it was pretty expensive, and that I'd really like to see Dermalogica improve the overall formulation so that it stays on for longer and gives a more matte finish before I commit to buying it with any sort of regularity. For now, opt for Rimmel's Renew and Lift instead.

perfect partners
Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant, £22.49/75g from www.beautycow.com
Dermalogica Total Eye Care, £22.20/15ml from www.beautysupply4less.net
Dermalogica Solar Defense Booster, from £19.51/30ml from www.skincaredirect2u.co.uk

Dermalogica Oil Control Lotion

RRP: £23.40/€28/$36.75

--What does the promo say?--
"Dermalogica MediBac Oil Control Lotion is recommended for blemished and breakout-prone skin, or for areas of excess oil production. A feather-light lotion containing microsponges to absorb oil on the skin's surface, helping to combat shine and maintain an all-day matte finish. Niacinamide, zinc gluconate, yeast extract, caffeine and biotin purify and inhibit overactive sebaceous gland activity while soothing aggravation. Salicylic acid clears congested follicles to minimise future breakout activity, while enantia chlorantha bark extract controls over active oil glands, helping to reduce oily shine on skin's surface. Naturally-soothing camphor, balm mint and cornflower cool and calm aggravation."

--Packaging--
Classic Dermalogica: white, with their usual logo in a cool, unisex, professional dark grey. The green band is, I think, a recent addition, but it works well, emphasising the natural element of the product's ingredients list. Has a tapered nozzle for more controlled application.

--Application--
After cleansing and toning, use this to moisturise face and neck twice a day. Simply squeeze onto fingers, and then rub into skin and allow to absorb.

--Scent--
Citrusy, medical, and clean, though it's difficult to tell what specific ingredient this is down to. Certainly pleasant and nothing that the boys would be embarrassed to use.

--Texture/consistency--
Smooth and without lumps. However, it is VERY runny and this often also hinders application, as it can consequently spill through your fingers/eject too much moisturiser in one go. This is a shame, as this is the only thing rendering its use more difficult.

--How does your skin feel afterwards?--
OK, but not as moisturised as with some other moisturisers I've tried, such as Liz Earle's. It does, however, keep skin feeling and looking matte and non-greasy.

--Value for money--
While this is a rare being - a moisturiser intended specifically for acneic skin - it's a little bit more than I would normally spend on a moisturiser, and I just didn't feel it improved my skin enough to put up with the runniness. Value for money is certainly down to the individual, and everyone's skin is different, so if you think you can put up with the in-desperate-need-of-improvement consistency, give this a try; it may be the miracle your skin's been begging for.

perfect partner
Dermalogica Clearing Kit, £35/€42/$54.75