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Denise gets a fresh new routine
This was my first experience with Renee Rouleau skin care, and all I can say is that I'm sorry that I've missed out on these amazing products until now. First and foremost, I can't rave enough about the personalized service that you get from the company. I really think that the detailed consultation and ongoing support that I received made all the difference in determining the perfect skin care regimen for me. Plus, any time I had a question about how to use a product, or whether a certain product was right for me, all I had to do was shoot off an e-mail or call the 1-800 number and I had my answer. That kind of personalized attention is priceless, and I applaud Renee Rouleau for setting the bar so high. The fact that Renee's awesome customer service is backed up by such a wonderful line of products is enough to make a cosmetic diva do the happy dance!
Renee Rouleau has gone way beyond the usual "dry, normal, or oily" skin typing. The company has developed nine different skin types, using very detailed descriptions to define each. See Renee's website to determine your skin type. My personalized consultation revealed that my skin fits best into Skin Type #5, which is "normal/sensitive/red/anti-aging." For this skin type, there are quite a few recommended products. The great thing is that those who would prefer a simple approach to skin care can use just a few basic products, while skin-care junkies like me who want to really get serious with their skin can utilize all of the steps and achieve amazing results.
My full-force skin care regimen varied a bit from morning to evening. In fact, I tried such a variety of products from Renee's line that I decided to break up my reviews into three parts: (1) Morning Routine, (2) Evening Routine, and (3) At-Home Facial.
Here are the products that I've got front and center in my beauty routine right now!
Morning Routine
Gentle Gel Cleanser ($27.50)
This mild gel cleanser is like no other that I've tried. Renee's cleanser is mildly foaming and contains cocoa butter, which makes it feel soft and silky on my skin. My skin is left soft, smooth and clean, but not stripped as many gel cleansers tend to do. This is a great aloe vera based cleanser that cleans deep down into the pores without any drying at all. I use it every morning in the shower – the mild citrusy scent is an added bonus!
Elderberry Toner ($21.50)
Those of you who read my reviews regularly know that I am a faithful fan of alcohol-free toners. A good toner is an essential part of my skin care regimen. Renee Rouleau's Elderberry Toner is one of the best I've ever used. This fantastic toner removes all traces of cleanser and makeup from my skin, and contains elderberry extract to soothe redness and inflammation. My face is left feeling soft and smooth and ready for the next step! GREAT TIP: Renee recommends that her serums be applied while the toner is still wet on the skin. This seals in the water and active ingredients from the toner.
Toner Pads ($7.50 for 180 pads)
One of my major complaints with skin care products is that I always run out of toner before anything else! I'm left with cleanser and moisturizer, but usually have to fit some random toner into the regimen. I've often wondered why cosmetic companies don't make larger bottles of toner to solve this problem. Well, Renee Rouleau must have heard my pleas and answered them with these awesome Toner Cloths. They are thin, folded cotton cloths that are 50% less absorbent than cotton pads or balls, so that my toner lasts way longer than ever before! At first, it took me a little bit of practice to make the best use of the Toner Pads. That may sound silly, but I found that if you don't hold them securely when swiping toner across your skin, they come unfolded easily, which is fine, but not when you're not expecting it and the pad gets all crumpled up. After a few trials, I've now got them down to a science, and I love my Toner Pads! Thanks for solving my toner crisis, Renee!
Vitamin C & E Complex ($59.50)
Renee Rouleau's Vitamin C & E Complex is a concentrated, time-released, encapsulated dose of three stabilized forms of Vitamins C and E. My skin absolutely drinks this light serum in. To my delight, I found that this is the first Vitamin C product that I've tried that did not leave with me with any residual stinging sensation at all. Such a relief! This vitamin-packed serum is awesome for smoothing fine lines, evening out skin tone, and all-around firming. Since a pea-sized dab is plenty to "feed" my face each day, this bottle should last me quite a while, too! No wonder this is one of Renee's best-selling products!
Daily Protection SPF#30 ($28.50)
Finally, a daytime moisturizer with an effective level of SPF that doesn't clog pores or irritate my skin! Renee Rouleau's best seller, the Daily Protection SPF#30 lotion, is a lightweight, greaseless lotion that contains an oil-free, micronized zinc oxide sunblock, which ensures that it goes on transparent and doesn't smell like sunscreen. Daily Protection SPF#30 is also packed with calming green tea extract to soothe away any redness. Because it is anti-bacterial, this is suitable for all skin types. It's definitely a staple in my daily skin care regimen! If you would prefer a lower level of SPF, Renee Rouleau also makes Essential Protection SPF#15 ($28.50). This product is more of a traditional UVA/UVB sunscreen which is better suited for normal to dry skin types. This lotion contains Vitamin C and glycerin to keep skin fortified and soft. Whichever one of Renee's SPF lotions you choose, your skin will be happy, and more importantly, protected from the sun's harmful rays.
In my next Renee Rouleau installment, I'll cover my Evening Routine. Watch for it!
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Posted August 12, 2005
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