Decleor Lotion Tonifiante / Tonifying Lotion

...examining the wares on the Decleor counter in a local department store. I had noticed previously that this counter always had an impressive look about it - clinical looking and orderly. The published policy of this company includes a statement that it “combines the purest, most potent and natural ingredients”. This seemed a reasonable place to seek out something new. The “Lait Démaquillant” and the “Lotion Tonifiante” were recommended for my skin ...
...fact it is recommended by Decleor as being suitable for all skin types. I wondered if it was just not gentle enough for my needs. I persevered with it and now after a few months of use I can give a more rounded opinion. My skin has remained clear, blemish-free and appears very fresh and healthy looking. The promise of a refreshed complexion is delivered without a doubt, and of course very clean skin is the best foundation (if you’ll pardon the pun) ... more

For more than twenty years I have stuck loyally to my favourite brand of facial cleansing lotion and toning lotion for my night-time routine. Some months ago I just fancied a change. Let’s call it boredom. So, on a shopping trip to replenish my bathroom cabinet stocks I found myself examining the wares on the Decleor counter in a local department store. I had noticed previously that this counter always had an impressive look about it - clinical looking and orderly. The published policy of this company includes a statement that it “combines the purest, most potent and natural ingredients”. This seemed a reasonable place to seek out something new. The “Lait Démaquillant” and the “Lotion Tonifiante” were recommended for my skin type and so I left the store clutching a bottle of each.

The idea of a toning lotion which contained lavender, kiwi, petitgrain, orange, lime-tree and mallow extracts sounded very appealing. I adore any cosmetic or toiletry product which contains lavender – not only for that distinctive, restful fragrance but for the impressive range of benefits this plant provides. It has anti-septic, anti-inflammatory properties and helps to soothe and heal skin. Mallow too, is a favourite ingredient of mine. This plant also has healing and soothing properties. Orange oil has been described as nourishing and hydrating by some skin-care companies. Petitgrain essential oil is extracted from the bitter orange plant and this is said to be useful in treating greasy skin. Lime tree essential waters will soothe the skin. Kiwi fruit contains a high level of vitamins C and E and so can contribute to skin moisture and also has antioxidant properties. This content list seemed very promising.

The bottle (250ml) is a simple and attractive tear-drop shape and is easy to hold. The small dispenser insert in the bottle top allows you to squeeze or shake a very small amount at a time onto a cotton pad. The transparent bottle is a pretty pale shade of pink but the liquid is clear and colourless. The smell surprised me. I had expected lavender to be the dominant scent and at first I found it difficult to identify the fairly strong, herbal smells from the bottle. Then I remembered that distinctive aroma – it reminded me of orange flower water. Not sweet, not floral but fresh.

One of the claims made by the manufacturer is that this toning lotion will “complete the effective removal of make-up and impurities from the skin”. I have no way of measuring the removal of impurities but it certainly does remove last traces of make-up. After using the cleansing lotion thoroughly – or so I had thought – I was amazed at the colour of the cotton pad after using this toning lotion. Very make-up coloured! It was extremely effective in getting the last remains of make-up removed. There is a lovely cool, clean feeling when you are actually using the lotion and then, for me at least, a very slightly tingly sensation as the lotion is evaporating. I was a little less enthusiastic about the way my skin felt after the lotion had dried. I thought there was a feeling of tightness in my skin. This product does not contain alcohol so you might expect it to be quite gentle – in fact it is recommended by Decleor as being suitable for all skin types. I wondered if it was just not gentle enough for my needs. I persevered with it and now after a few months of use I can give a more rounded opinion. My skin has remained clear, blemish-free and appears very fresh and healthy looking. The promise of a refreshed complexion is delivered without a doubt, and of course very clean skin is the best foundation (if you’ll pardon the pun) for any skin-care routine. I noticed as the year progressed that I felt differently about the lotion in different seasons. In hot, sticky weather – either in England or while abroad in warmer climes – the feeling of freshness was lovely. In winter I liked the feeling rather less. I felt that the toner was just a little too ….how can I describe it….robust when my skin was in need of a gentler approach.

On behalf of friends who are keen to know about the presence of parabens in cosmetics, I am now including a “paraben watch” when reviewing products. Some consumers may be pleased to learn that Decleor promise “Minimal use of Parabens” in their products. However, I must concede that this does not help anyone with an allergy to these components as they are present in this lotion. On that note I feel I should mention one negative feature I noticed about the product packaging. A list of ingredients can be found on the rear of the bottle but the print is extremely small. The bottle is clear and coloured and the content is clear and colourless and this combination forms the background from which you really have to struggle to identify the lettering. Decleor’s website has an information page which lists the active botanical ingredients of this product but this is by no means a complete list of ingredients. So if the components are important to you, get out your magnifying glass!

So will Decleor’s Tonifying Lotion take over as a permanent resident in my bathroom cabinet? Maybe not. I have used other products which have suited my skin better. In the event that I end up living in a region warmer than the North East of England, then I think I could consider this product as part of my regular routine but for now I think I will revert to my old favourite. (Did you notice the day-dreaming creeping in there?) I would recommend anyone with normal to oily skin to at least give this product a try. For anyone with a more sensitive or dry skin I would suggest asking for a sample before purchase or maybe trying another product from the range designed for sensitive skin.

The recommended price for a 250ml bottle of the Tonifying Lotion is £17.50*. I wouldn’t call this cheap but it is a quality product, in my view, and if it is right for your skin type it could be a good buy.

* It is possible to obtain this item more cheaply than the recommended price but Decleor are currently issuing a warning that counterfeit products are being offered for sale in the UK - so be careful!
 

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