I have a sample of this as a GWP. I really, really love the texture of this product. I apply it in the morning before my moisturizer and it makes my skin sooo soft and silky. It also makes my skin matte in appearance.

I love this product!! It does seem to make my pores look smaller and my make up goes on so nice after applying. Unfortunately, it's very expensive. I only use it when going out or special occasions. It would probably work even better if I could use it all the time. Unfortunately it's just too expensive for the small bottle. But it's so great!
I would give it a 5 out of 5 if not for the price.

I purchased the Idealist Skin Refinisher and the Thermal Polish this summer hoping to find the perfect regimen for my dull Senstive/Oily skin. Well at first the Skin Refinisher was working quite well and I was overall content with it- it seemed to make my skin softer and my pores seemed to be shrinking in size. But once I started combining it with the Thermal Polish I started noticing these little bumps underneath the top layer of my skin. (I really noticed them in my dim bathroom lighting... they looked like the models "zits" in those Proactive ads.) And I thought what the heck!? So I started squeezing the little bumps and little black-head cores started to pop out. So obvsiously my pores were getting more and more clogged and the "refinishing" was making my skin worse. So just today after fighting breakouts all along my hair/jaw lines and my outter cheek area I decided to find my order form and send the products back to EL online. I ordered the Advanced Night Repair Pro. Rec. Complex and I'm hoping that will be my ideal night serum and I won't have to search any longer! *Fingers crossed*

I was optimistic about this product, but the results just don't impress me enough to repurchase...especially the price ($46). The packaging is great and it does feel silky, but only slightly minimized my pores I've been using this for 3 1/2 months now) and doesn't make my foundation wear any longer than it already does (I use EL double-wear light foundation and it's great all on it's own, so that may be why).

I LOVE this product!! It feels like you are putting silk on your face and is great for wearing under makeup. The only thing I don't like is the price. It is SO expensive so I have to use it sparingly and can only buy it once a year.

WOW! I worked for Bare Minerals and thought Skin Rever Upper was an awesome product but it's nothing compared to this amazing complex!

I find it to be a very versitile product that is good for reducing redness, reducing the size and appearance of pores, and for protecting and locking in Moisture when following the application with a moisturizer.

If you are only using a moisturizer you are not doing yourself a favor.

The most important ingredients in this serum are: glucosamine, chestnut extract, Mulberry and Scutellaria. The powerful antioxidant is NDGA which helps balance PH and open pores so cleansing is complete.

Thank goodness for samples! I do love this product, but it has one snag for me: I cannot wear it under makeup. I know I can wear it over night, but my understanding of the chemistry and mechanics of this serum is that the most visible results are only temporary, sort of an illusion. Illusions are fine; that's what all makeup is. But for me to spend $40 on a face serum, I have to really really know I like it and will use it. So I straight up ask for them at every counter I'm curious about. I've gotten some very generous samples, too! In any case, I would use this happily if I got it for free, but I am not paying for it.

The bottle (not the one pictured) is GORGEOUS. Definitely a pretty addition to your vanity. :)

I LOVE my idealist! Estee Lauder is actually quite a poineer company when it comes to skincare. I wear it under my moisturizer during the daytime and it gives my skin a nice freshly matte babybottom look.
As a skin refinisher it works great. I did begin to notice my skin look healthier and feel softer. As a pore minimizer it does change the way the light hits your skin to make pores appear smaller/less visible by giving your pores a kindof blurred look. It is effective in lessening the appearence of pores since it is not really possible to actually shrink pores permanently.
The image they have on the site is actually of the old idealist. About a year ago estee lauder reformulated and added 4x more grapeseed extract for even more effective refinishing qualities. And its now in a squareish opaque glass bottle.

If you like the idealist i really suggest every 3 days using the Idealist Micro-D exfoliator before applying the idealist serum. If you think the idealist serum makes your skin feel smooth and silky just wait until you pair it with the exfoliator!

I LOVE this product. I have funny skin. Very Very Very oily T-Zone that can resemble an oil slick within a few hours of cleansing. I went to purchase some foundation and the SA asked if I had a primer. I told her that I wanted something that would assist with large pores and she put me onto Idealist.
I purchased it, without trying it first (pretty stupid given the cost!) but luckily, it did everything it says it does.
It gives you the most gorgeous soft base for make up.
Would I buy this again - yep, in a heartbeat. But would need to allow for it in the budget as its a bit exy (but worth it!)

I am dissappointed in this. Had high hopes initially, the first 2 weeks of usage gave me smooth skin, but then my pores got all clogged and i broke out, a shame cuz the cream has a nice texture and smells good. Dont think i'll be using this again