Review of Estee Lauder Idealist by dollfaced41
I used to use the old idealist, before I became knowledgable about AHA/BHA exfoliants and the use of retinoids to fight acne and dry skin buildup. My skin was also much oilier back then, so I would use idealist has a moisturizer (this was also pre-sunscreen obsession). It made my skin smooth and appear more even. It didn't really get rid of my acne, but seemed to make it disappear a bit faster.
It was a bit pricey for a 15 year-old's budget, so when I ran out of the hand-me-down bottle from my aunt, I had to stop using it. I moved on to an endless number of exfoliants to help combat my blackheads and acne. Had I rated it, I would probably give it 4 lippies. It really did make my skin feel and look better.
Flash foreward five years. My skin is now combo-dry. I've learned so much about skin care from MUA. I realized I'm allergic to benzoyl peroxide and started using BHA and AHA-retinoid. My skin is the best it has ever been. I also know it will last, since I'm using high PPD sunscreen on my face and body.
When the new idealist came out, I had to have it. I remembered the velvety feel it used to give my skin. I knew my skin was great as it is, but I just couldn't resist. I bought a BIG 1.7oz and used it every morning with my BHA (you're not supposed to use retinoids like Diacneal during the day, since they can make you sun-sensitive).
I waited for it to do...anything. The product didn't feel as silky as it used to. It's more watery and less gel-like. It didn't make my skin velvety upon application. It basically disappeared into my skin, leaving it looking exactly the same as before. I wonder if the heavy duty exfoliants I use have made my face immune to the miniscule exfoliant properties of this. I decided to be patient and used about 90% of the bottle. Still nada. I don't know if it's the new formula that's lame or if it was always lame and my young skin was more easily altered. Either way, don't waste your money.
My best advice is to get on the skincare board and read up prior posts on exfoliants, retinoids, and vitamin C/antioxidant serums. Get yourself a photostable, high PPD sunscreen for daily use.
My routine for dry-combo skin (dry everywhere with slightly oily T zone) with blackhead and dullness problems:
*AM*
cleanser: Chanel precision blanc essentiel cleansing oil
exfoliant: Neutrogena stress control triple action moisturizer (salicylic acid BHA)
antioxidants: Skinceuticals CE Ferulic serum
moisturizer: Shiseido white lucent emulsion
SPF: Diorsnow Pure UV Perfect Brightening Protective UV Base SPF 50
*PM*
cleanser: Chanel precision blanc essentiel cleansing oil
retinoid: Avene Diacneal (Glycolic Acid AHA and retinaldehyde retinoid (better than retinol and less irritating that perscription retin-A))
exfoliant: Neutrogena stress control triple action moisturizer (salicylic acid BHA)
moisturizer: Shiseido white lucent emulsion