As someone that suffers with oily skin, I was excited to try L’Oréal Men Expert‘s new Pure Power range.
My combination skin – oily t-zone (forehead, nose and chin) and dry cheeks – has made it difficult for me to find products that keep my skin feeling clean and fresh without over-drying it. The new Pure Power range has been designed to do exactly what I need, but does it?
Francisco Lachowski – I want to look like him!
With 22-year-old Brazilian model Francisco Lachowski as their poster boy, the range has been aimed at younger males who have trouble with bad skin. Combating blackheads, spots and marks, the four products in the Pure Power range each target a different problem area. At high street prices (RRP £5-£9), the range is accessible and means that you don’t have to fork out a small fortune to keep yourself looking good.
I’ve been using the products for the past four weeks and now feel in a pretty good place to give them either the thumbs up… or the thumbs down!
The four products I’ve been testing are:
Black charcoal wash
As the name suggests, the product is black. But as soon as you start massaging it in to your wet face and neck, it produces a soothing white foam.
The wash also includes menthol, which gives you an amazing fresh feeling across your skin.
This product was unlike any other face wash I’ve used. My skin felt squeaky clean (it did actually squeak when I was washing), but didn’t feel like it had been dried out. My skin retained its natural moisture, while washing away excess oil.
Anti-blackhead scrub
As any of you who suffer with oily skin will know, a good exfoliator can be a life saver. Not only will it rid your skin of dirt and dead skin cells, but it will also help to unblock clogged pores – one of the biggest causes of spots.
Enriched with salicylic acid, the scrub contains three different sizes of beads, each helping to remove the dead skin cells on the surface of your skin.
Quite often, I’ve used exfoliators that have been fantastic at scrubbing my skin, but have left it feeling tight, sore and uncomfortable. This product, however, was quite the opposite. It felt strong enough to exfoliate, but gentle enough to use daily to keep my skin feeling soft and supple.
I’d recommend using this product in the shower, directly before shaving. I’ve got a really sensitive neck area, so this product was perfect to prep my skin for a close shave.
Anti-spot moisturiser
Finding a good moisturiser (that doesn’t cost the earth) has always been the biggest challenge for me. I need something that provides 24 hour hydration, without clogging my pores or making my skin look shiny.
The Pure Power moisturiser is light and glides straight onto your skin. With a pump bottle action, you’ll never use too much and it’s the perfect size to chuck into your gym bag.
For the past four years, I’ve been using L’Oréal Men Expert’s Pure & Matte anti-shine moisturiser. But I now think it’s time to retire the Pure & Matte in favour of the Pure Power.
I’ve been using this product both in the morning and at night before I go to bed. It’s light enough to be fully absorbed into my skin, but still has a soft and creamy texture that keeps my skin shine free.
Anti-spot roll-on
I’ve always been a little resistant to spot potions, lotions and creams. Skeptical of what they actually do, I’ve opted for a good face wash or exfoliator. So, the anti-spot roll-on definitely took me out of my comfort zone.
Designed to be applied directly onto the surface of spots, the formula dries the spot, soothes skin and reduces the appearance of marks.
I’ve been using the roll-on directly after moisturising. It definitely dries out spots and – more importantly – takes the heated red glare away! It’s a handy little product to have, but not a wash bag essential.
I’ve loved using the L’Oréal Men Expert Pure Power range. It’s definitely my new favourite companion for my combination skin.
Although my skin still isn’t perfect, I am a total realist! L’Oréal are not miracle makers, nor are they my fairy godmother. My skin can be a little troublesome, but this range has helped me keep it under control. It’s a fantastic high street alternative to expensive products and really does help to reduce excess oil, blackheads, marks and spots.
What can’t you live without: Anti-spot moisturiser.
What can you live without: Anti-spot roll-on.
I’d most definitely recommend the Pure Power range.
