I’ve been carefully testing a few new skincare items from Le Métier de Beauté, Koh Gen Do and Clé de Peau over the past few months. I’m not one who is adventurous when it comes to trying new things for my skin due to sensitivity. I think it’s a miracle that I’ve finally found some items that have dramatically improved my skin. I’ve been particularly impressed by Le Métier de Beauté Peau Vierge Skincare, a surprise to me since my skin did not mesh well with their Peau Vierge Anti-Aging Complexe Tinted Treatment (even though it’s worked like magic on most everyone else).
A bit of background on my skin: My skin is overall normal but sensitive, slightly oily in T-zone, small pores. I just turned 30 this year and I haven’t noticed any significant changes in my skin as I transitioned out of my 20’s except that my usual Clinique Foaming Cleanser/La Mer Toner daily ritual just wasn’t cutting it to keep my skin clear. I decided to try new things and this year I discovered Cleansing Waters from Lancome and Koh Gen Do and fell in love with the Koh Gen Do Macro Vintage Face Mask. Le Métier’s Peau Vierge items have been incorporated into my daily routine now and has revitalized my skin. When it comes to skincare ingredients I’m at a complete loss. Anyone can give me a detailed lecture on various patented formulas, different ingredients and their benefits etc. but I get that glazed look after 4 words (literally). I highly recommend you read the review and commentary posted on Best Things in Beauty, her review is highly detailed and very informative. My attention is limited to three things: 1) is it safe? 2) does it really work? and 3) is this under $100. I don’t like to spend a lot on skincare items that work the same as something much cheaper. I have had some experience with expensive brands like Revive, La Prairie and La Mer, but unfortunately, most of the pricey creams don’t make a noticeable difference to justify the high price tag. Since I’m not well versed in ingredients, I’ll refer you to Neiman Marcus’s website for product information (linked below) and focus more on my experience and what these did for my skin. Now, for my experience with Le Métier Peau Vierge.
I was introduced to Le Métier de Beauté Revive Eye Concentrate ($175 for 0.5 oz/15 ml) by Neiman Marcus Beverly Hills back in August and was told it was “the best on the market” in terms of eye creams. I’ve never been a regular user of eye cream even though everyone (grandmother, aunts, mother, friends etc.) tell me it’s an essential. I don’t use eye creams because I cannot see a visible difference when I use them. Still I decided to try it with an open mind. The Revive Eye Concentrate comes in a pale pink cream formula that is smooth and creamy but not too thick. It feels noticeably moisturizing and once it sets it feels weightless. I did not notice any fragrance. The Eye Concentrate works well to smooth the eye area and does improve the overall texture under the eye. I don’t have any wrinkles yet, except when I smile, under the eye shows some creasing. This cream has helped with dryness under the eye area to help the elasticity of the under eye area. At this time I can’t say this is a life-changer, but then most eye creams haven’t demonstrated a noticeable difference for me. This does help minimize the look of fine lines though.
During Beauty Week Le Métier counters handed out sample packets of the Revitalizing Anti-Aging Day Crème. I decided to give it a try and found the sample packets useful to take with me while traveling (one packet lasted me an entire week with some still left over). I loved it so much I purchased the full size ($285 for 1.0 oz/30 ml) during beauty week. This is a lightweight cream that goes on a moisturizing lotion. There is a slight scent that is hard to describe, but it’s very faint and smells clean. A little goes a long way. The first few days of use resulted in a visible skin purge. Break outs surfaced and there was redness and I had peeling as it was working its way under the layers of skin to purge. Still there was no stinging or irritation, I decided to give it a few days since I was told this would renew the skin. After the first few days of ugliness, my skin was then transformed in an amazing way to be noticeably clearer and smoother and felt like it was glowing. Those tiny bumps on the cheeks from buildup are gone and the overall appearance is a 100x better. I don’t use this everyday because I think everyday use would be too strong for me but this cream has worked like nothing else I’ve tried. (It’s amazing!) I currently alternate with Koh Gen Do’s Royal Massage Milk (review to come soon) for daytime only (I don’t use anything at night). It’s worked wonders for my skin. If you can get a sample packet I highly recommend you try it out. (Update: Just to clarify, the surfacing breakouts was a good thing for me with this cream because it renewed my skin by drawing out all the buildup and then my skin started to peel a little bit for a short time period of 1-2 days as it almost rejuvenated my skin, this didn’t cause breakouts per se, but rather helped renew/revitalize/clarify my skin condition, hope I didn’t confuse anyone!)
My local counter kindly made me a small sample cup of the Daily Renew Cleanser (which lasted 3 uses) and I was hooked. It comes in a squeeze bottle ($50 for 4.0 oz). It’s a yellow-orange gel with orange and white beads. Gentle and effective, it’s almost a scrub-cleanser hybrid. I do not use this everyday but alternate with Cle de Peau’s Gentle Foaming cleanser but it works well to smooth the skin and exfoliate gently. It has a soft citrus-orange scent and lathers well to deep clean the skin. I find that it does renew radiance after use. I like this better than traditional scrubs which I find too harsh for my skin.
Overall, I really love what the Le Métier de Beauté Peau Vierge has done for my skin from using the day cream and cleanser. The eye cream feels pleasant but I haven’t noticed a visible difference from use yet. I did try the toner during a recent makeover but passed because it made my skin tingle (not in a good way). My local Le Metier artists did not recommend the night cream for me (said it would be too strong). The day cream has reached life-changing status for me but the hefty price tag has me wondering what I will do once I’ve used up one tub.
Have you tried the Peau Vierge line yet? What’s your skintype and what were your thoughts?
The Revive Eye Concentrate was provided courtesy of Neiman Marcus/Le Métier de Beauté free of charge for review. All other items were purchased by me.
