Already a fan of Lancôme products, I just had to try Lancôme’s new LCM range – no fuss skincare for the younger women amongst us lancomaholics i.e. late teens to mid twenties, using lots of natural active ingredients. This skincare programme consists of 2 stages, 1-cleanse, 2-condition (that is tone and moisturise in tradition terms) Why is it called LCM? Well it isn’t an abbreviation for something really technical and scientific – quite simply it is the key letters from the brand name – LanCoMe. On to the products…

Firstly I should point out that I have been using the ‘Oily’ Skin version of the programme as I suffer from skin that can be shiny and quite simply, I get spots. Other variants include Normal, Combination and Dry, although the LCM products specifically for dry skin are not released in the UK until September. Sorry.

Step One – Cleanse

The cleanser comes in a metallic canister, with the LCM logo in a funky colour, which depends on which skin type variety you have purchased. I use the cleanser in a blue canister – which both combination and oily skins should use.

The cleaners its self is in a gel to mouse formulation – just think of shaving foam, you squirt a 5p size amount out, and it quickly turns into a luscious foam which you massage into your damp face. However, be careful, its really easy to squirt out to much.

The cleanser has a beautiful fresh smell – a gorgeous cucumber scent. I honestly do look forward to using this product – particularly in a morning. Its really refreshing.

Key ingredients include musk, mimosa, rose, peony, iris and almond.

After using the cleanser, your skin feels cool, calm and soft. This is an important factor for me – all to often I find cleansing products for oily skin leave my face distressed and flaky in places, especially the chin. However, this product doesn’t have that effect on my skin – although it removes makeup and cleanse the skin very effectively.

After that refreshing experience its time to condition….

2 – CONDITION
Hmm…toning and moisturising in one go. Sounds good – time effective and less expensive (paying £15 for one product rather than £15 approx each for both toner and moisturiser)

The ‘conditioner’ is a lightweight gel, contained in a narrow, tall, transparent pump bottle. Each skin type has its own different conditioner, each with its own colour – the oily skin conditioner is a light green colour. (Combination=lilac, Dry=pink, Normal=amber)

As with the cleanser, the oily skin conditioner involves the use of musk, mimosa, rose, peony, iris and almond. (not that each skin type conditioner contains slightly different ingredients – others in the range include apricot, apple and bergamot.) the conditioner has a fresh, slightly fruity smell, which isn’t as strong as the scent of the cleanser.
A couple of pumps from the bottle, about a 20p piece, should be sufficient for the average face.

The rose in the conditioner acts to tighten pores, toning the skin, whilst minerals and vitamins E and B5 play a part in the moisturising process. I had some slightly enlarged pores in my cheeks, and I do believe the conditioner is helping to tighten them up.

Now, prior to using this product I used a Clarins mattifying moisturiser. I have to admit that the LCM skin conditioner doesn’t quite keep my skin shine free as long as the Clarins, and other mattifying moisturisers, although I use a oil control foundation. However, as I enjoy using the products so much I don’t mind having to apply powder a little more often. However, I’ll use a more hard-wearing mattifying moisturiser if I’m going out etc.

~~**The Range Overall~~**
I’m impressed with the range and will continue to use it until my skin becomes immune to it (this happens to me) or something else tempts me. As for the spots issue – well firstly the oily products don’t claim to get rid of all your spots or acne, its mostly about shine problems. However, areas of my skin which were only slightly blemished have improved, whilst clear area look more healthier.

Prices
I bought a ‘Discovery’ Kit which consist of 50ml Cleanser and 50ml Conditioner in a funky transparent holder. These are available for a limited time – but I'm guessing it will be a good few months.

Full Sizes –
Cleanser 125ml - £11.50
Conditioner - £18.50
£30 for a full size duo.

Availability and Info
These products are available at Lancôme counters nationwide, also at Boots.com.
If you want more information go and discuss it with a Lancôme consultant, or go to www.lancome.co.uk where you can read more about the ingredients and work out your skin type.

So overall – this isn’t a miracle product – but it does improve the general condition of your skin whilst you have fun using it.

Thanks for your read
Xx

(Apologies for this review not quite being in the correct section – there isn’t one yet.)