Elemis Skincare Review: Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
A common misconception about my job as a beauty editor is that I have the knowledge to cure skin problems. I do not, and no beauty editor without extensive medical or aesthetic training does. Instead, my job is to equip people with the right knowledge and tools to help them shop smart. We beauty editors try a huge number of products. There are few skincare launches, from cleansers and toners to serums and gadgets, that slip past us.
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By testing every product that comes our way, we are able to separate the wheat from the chaff, and this makes us go-tos for product recommendations. While our day jobs involve writing up stories to share on the internet for all the world to see, a huge amount of our spare time is also consumed by people grilling us for advice and recommendations. And out of all of the questions I get asked every single day, the most frequent is, without a doubt, Is Elemis really worth it?
You see, besides being a beauty editor, I am also likely in the top 1% of Elemis fans. I'm a sucker for efficacious luxury skincare that has a spa-like, sensorial aspect that just makes you feel great whenever you use it. The best skincare product, after all, is the one that you actually use. So needless to say, I love Elemis, and I'm not alone. With every fan of Elemis singing its praises all over social media, it's no wonder that so many people are intrigued.
However, it's worth noting here that I am also someone who fervently believes in honest and open conversations around skincare, and that is hard to come by when it comes to luxury products. When we part with a lot of cash for something, we become determined to make it work. And this is where I come into the conversation.
As someone who is hard-pressed to name a single Elemis product I haven't tried and as someone who has also tried just about every other luxury skincare product out there for comparison, I'm in a pretty good position to say which products are (and which aren't) the best of the best. So to answer my most-asked question definitively, this is my honest review of the 13 best Elemis skincare products out there, from the brand's cult cleansing balm to the Pro-Collagen range that ticks all of the boxes.
1. Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
Who should use it: Anyone with normal, combination or dry skin.
Who shouldn't use it: If you have acneic skin or very sensitive skin, proceed with caution. It won't cause heaps of damage, but you might not reap the intended benefits.
I challenge anyone to try this product and not instantly fall in love. It's like a spa in a tub. With a number of essential oils to soften and soothe skin, it removes every last trace of makeup and grime while leaving the skin glowing and hydrated. My only gripe is that, because of the fragrance, it can't be used on the eye area without causing some major stinging.
2. Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Marine Cream
Who should use it: Anyone and everyone.
It's not often that I condone spending £87 on a beauty product, but here we are. Seriously, this stuff is worth every penny. It smells divine, yes, but it is also a treat for the skin, providing just the right level of hydration to keep skin looking and feeling its very best. With mimosa to take down inflammation, rose to calm and the brand's iconic padina pavonica marine algae to deliver some serious hydration, it really is god-tier. I have a tiny issue with it being dubbed an anti-ageing cream, though. It does help to plump fine lines and boosts elasticity, but it won't make you look 10 years younger. (But then again, no cream can.) There is also a version that contains SPF 30. However, I'd recommend sticking with this one and applying a broad-spectrum SPF over the top.
3. Pro-Collagen Tri-Acid Peel
ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Tri-Acid Peel
Who should use it: Those who want to lessen the appearance of fine lines quickly and anyone who wants a serious glow boost.
Who shouldn't use it: Anyone with very sensitive or reactive skin.
When this first launched a year or so ago, I wasn't crazy on the idea of it. My skin is reactive, and any at-home product dubbed a "peel" usually equals turmoil. However, I was really pleasantly surprised, and now, it's a mainstay in my routine. Containing a trio of glow-boosting acids (lactobionic, asiatic and mandelic), it lifts away dull skin cells to reveal new, glowing ones underneath. And while it might sound overly aggressive, the inclusion of padina pavonica and chlorella helps maintain balance and hydration to minimise the risk of severe reaction.
4. Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads
ELEMIS Dynamic Resurfacing Facial Pads