So just under a month ago I received a set of full-sized free samples of the L’Oréal Paris Hydra- Total 5: Ultra Even Routine from an Influenster Voxbox. I was pleasantly surprised to see that I was sent the Ultra Even Routine specifically,because that is the hydrating and smoothing line that also promises 5 ACTIONS + RESULTS in each product (click here for more on that). Being that I have acneic skin with serious acne scars as a result, the Ultra Even Routine was something I was eager to try. I would love if this line visibly reduced the scaring on my face and the uneven texture so I was more than ready to test out their claims. I used all the products in conjunction with one another and was gifted them for free in order to provide an honest review. As a means to test out the whole experience, I made sure to do a little write up after for a full three weeks of using the whole line...
Cleanser:
I wear pretty heavy makeup daily to cover my acne scars (foundation, concealer, blush, bronzer, highlight, lipstick and eye makeup) and was skeptical that the cleanser would properly clean my face but it most definitely did. When I would follow up with toner, only the smallest amount of dirt would show up on the cotton pad. It has preformed better than some of my more expensive cleansers.
Overall, I really like this product and would re-buy it once I'm finished with it. It cleanses and exfoliates all in one step which I love, seems to be aiding in a reducing the amount of breakouts I have and keeps me looking glowy without being greasy or oily. My biggest criticism is the packaging, you need to be mindful while pouring since you’ll get a lot of product coming out, quickly. I would much prefer it in a pump bottle, so I wasn't wasting valuable product.
Toner:
My first impression of the Ultra-Even Toner was, that it had an alcohol/ citrus smell that didn't frankly bother me, but might not be popular with people opposed to fragrances. Regardless, I used the toner after cleaning with Ultra-Even Scrub and found that it stung a little. I think I might have been a little over excited with my exfoliating (it didn't happen again after the first time). Even after it dried (which was pretty quickly after application), it didn't' leave my face overly tight which is great because these Canadian winters are already pretty harsh on the face. Upon waking up the next day I wasn't overly oily or dry and scaly which tends to happen to me in the winter.
The product claims to remove even traces of dirt and makeup which I think is true because even when I cleansed after a makeup free day, the cotton pad I used still picked up small amounts of dirt and oil from my face.
Do I think the product is hydrating.... yes but not as much as other products I've used in the past BUT it also doesn't dry out my skin either which is perfect for my combo skin. I guess I can say that the claims are true since it seems to be helping with evening and smoothing my face. However I haven't been using it long enough tell if my scarring is lightening from my acne.
I would recommend this product because I do think it packs a punch but can be a little much in the long run. I'll probably finish the bottle up because it seems to be helping clear my pores but in general, I don't like using products with alcohol in it and this one has Alcohol Denat as the second ingredient. Also, much like the cleanser, the only complaint I have on the packaging of the product is that the hole at the top is fairly large and quite a lot of product spills out very quickly; I wish this came in a squirt bottle instead.
Moisturizer:
I finished my night routine with the Ultra-Even Moisturizer and found that I loved the packaging, the texture and the smell. It’s in a sturdy glass jar and the creme itself is this beautiful whipped consistency that has just the slightest hint of fragrance but nothing overt or noticeable. It definitely makes my skin feel soft and hydrated.
HOWEVER my only issue is that the first night I used the moisturizer I slathered it on pretty thickly (which I do with most all my moisturizers) and I found that I was left with a very prominent Casper the ghost white caste on my darker Indian, and it didn't fade when the morning came. The next night, I used way less of the cream and while it did lighten my complexion a tad that seemed to solve my casper problem. The lesson here is that less is more, with this product.
Overall, I like the product and will probably finish the jar since it is helping with my acne scars but I don't think I'll re-buy it. In general, it wouldn't doesn’t bother me much if a night cream left a caste since I’m only wearing it to bed but if it doesn't fade in the morning that's a big no no for me - I end up looking sallow and washed out. If they can fix that problem I'm all in!
SPR 20 Moisturizing Lotion:
The only product in the Ultra-Even line that I was extremely hesitant to try was the SPF 20 day cream. I am not the biggest fan of using spf (I know, I know skin cancer, wrinkles, age spots!) because it usually results in the a white caste on my skin and breakouts/ clogged pores galore. I have darker skin and don't burn so I always feel a little more confident skipping spf all together - especially during the winter.
Basically I procrastinated on trying this and when I did open it up, I was pretty nervous about the thick consistency and the shampoo-like smell, which I thought would break me out. However, upon rubbing it in it felt nice, silky and smooth- most definitely hydrating and dried on nicely. After all full days wear though I started to get shiny which I didn't like because it lead to my makeup creasing. Although it didn't case me any new breakouts or clogged pores which was a huge relief.
Overall not a bad product but I'll forgo it this winter while I can get away with no SPF. I'll bring it out again this summer and re-write a review on how I think it fares as a sun protectant.
#5Works + #BeyondHydration
