Estee Lauder • Idealist Micro-D Thermal Refinisher • Treatments
(141 reviews)
| Average Rating. | 3.6 |
| Would buy this product again. | 58% |
| Package Quality | 3.7 |
| Price | 4.1 |
| Ingredients | |
*TOP REVIEWER* Gother on 2/19/2013 11:59:00 AM more reviews by Gother
Age: 30-35 Skin: Sensitive, Medium Hair: Blond Eyes: Violet
Idealist has been my exfoliator of choice for the last 12 years. I never found anything similar, except for an Olaz thermal treatment that was a bit too harsh on my skin.
I love the heating sensation when I dampen it with water: unfortunately, the product has been reformulated and the thermal effect doesn't last as long as it used to (the current formulation only stays warm for about five minutes). The grains are just the right size, quantity and texture for what I want and my skin is left absolutely glowing and not dry at all!
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LiamT5010 on 1/2/2013 5:04:00 PM more reviews by LiamT5010
Age: 18 & Under Skin: Other, Fair Hair: Brown Eyes: Green
Only used this product once, and I don't plan on going near it again. It's actually rather painful to use, and in the end I was left with blotchy red skin and small red spots across my nose, which appeared immediately after use. Maybe my skin is just too sensitive for this product.
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vinefit on 9/7/2012 5:58:00 PM more reviews by vinefit
Age: 36-43 Skin: Normal, Medium, Neutral Hair: Black, Relaxed, Medium Eyes: Black
this scrub is such a gimmick from Lauder. Its a so so scrub with slight heating feeling that only last for less than 5 seconds. Nothing really thermal about this scrub for sure. The heat suppose to open up the pores for deep cleansing but just 5 seconds.....I don't think it do the job.
I notice Lauder's company tend to jump into some kind of band wagon & come out with their version of thermal treatment. Sometime it work but most of the time, it don't.
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nkar23 on 12/22/2011 5:46:00 PM more reviews by nkar23
Age: 19-24 Skin: Combination, Olive Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium Eyes: Brown
So my mom gave me this because her skin is too dry/sensitive to use it. My skin is not very sensitive. I have now used it twice and I like it ok. It's not lifechanging, but it's not ineffective either. When you're done using it, your skin feels smooth and really clean. I like that clean feeling. This product reminds me of an old product that Biore used to sell, I think. it was like a heating facial cleanser.
As for the microdermabrasian qualities that this product "promises"....I dont know about that. I havent seen enough results to comment on it. yes, it does make your skin smoother and softer after use, but i think it will take me longer than just the 2x i have used it to see those results.
The problem w this product is that i kind of have no idea what it's really supposed to do for my face! it just feels good when it warms up on your face, you leave it on then wash it off....but other than that, it doesnt seem that great. 3/5
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*TOP REVIEWER* HanLuna on 8/5/2011 11:20:00 AM more reviews by HanLuna
Age: 25-29 Skin: Combination, Medium Hair: Black Eyes: Black
When i got this, i was surprised that it looks almost the same as Clinique's Pore Minimizer Thermal scrub. I was slightly disappointed at first because i thought this was going to cause a bad reaction just like Clinique's.
I followed the instructions on the leaflet inside the box which describes the massage technique and to leave it on for 5 mins. I'm happy to say it did not cause any burning sensation or skin reaction. The whole experience was really pleasant. For such a high price,i think its worth the money. I might repurchase again in the future.
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*TOP REVIEWER* peunwha on 9/30/2010 8:03:00 AM more reviews by peunwha
Age: 30-35 Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium, Neutral Hair: Brown, Straight, Fine Eyes: Brown
it burns my skin, and little bit too harsh.
it seems that it works not that superb. I use this just for my nose area.
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lapatatedouce on 6/15/2010 12:59:00 PM more reviews by lapatatedouce
Age: 36-43 Skin: Very Oily, Fair, Warm Hair: Blond, Medium Eyes: Green
I expected more from Estee Lauder. I wasn't impressed. It's advertised to give the smae results as a 30% peel. No way. I think you can get better results with an acid peel from the beauty supply
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ARiggs on 11/9/2009 9:23:00 PM more reviews by ARiggs
Age: 25-29 Skin: Combination, Fair Hair: Blond Eyes: Green
It is a very good exfoliator. I have to use it very sparingly or it will dry my face out.
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ESMorin on 7/21/2009 9:07:00 PM more reviews by ESMorin
Age: 25-29 Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium Hair: Brunette Eyes: Blue
This stuff is really relaxing. I look forward to the one night a week that I use it (Sunday nights). the warming sensation is supposed to open up your pores, and then the product is supposed to dissolve the gunk that is in there. I don't know if that's exactly how it works, but it delivers. My skin looks clear and refined after I use this. My pores look smaller, and less clogged. It also offers exfoliation and a peel. My skin looks really amazing for a few days afterwords. I just wish it wasn't so expensive....but I only use it once a week, so it's going to last me for a while.
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*TOP REVIEWER* asortafairytale on 7/6/2009 9:53:00 PM more reviews by asortafairytale
Age: 25-29 Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Neutral Hair: Red, Straight, Medium Eyes: Green
my first review of this was bad, because my skin wasn't in the right shape to use this (lots of acne, very sensitive at the time).. now that my skin has cleared up, I can use this without irritation. I give it a 4/5 because its just a warming scrub, nothing more (this is for the older version without the glycolic acid). Its not for sensitive skin or if you have an open sore or open pimple, because it will BURN and make it worse. but otherwise, it works well, and will give your skin a rosy look to it which I like. the amount of scrubs in it is perfect, though - gentle but effective. but WAY too expensive. $50 for a 2.5 oz tube! but I love estee lauder, so I'll buy it... the good thing is that it will last forever, you only need a very tiny amount! *****update 10/29/09 **** Again, dont use this if you have active acne, it will BURN. Otherwise, use it 2x a week or less (definitely not more than that) for fresh feeling skin. They have "improved" the formula, but I think its still pretty much the same product. I STILL have my 1st tube of this stuff, from 2 years ago, its 1/2 gone. since its very dense, not a liquid, I dont think it will go bad anytime soon.
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Shamaine on 6/14/2009 7:40:00 PM more reviews by Shamaine
Age: 30-35 Skin: Combination, Medium Hair: Black Eyes: Brown
I had the same overall reaction as most people. It didn't seem to do anything different from any other exfoliator and it was pretty expensive. But I gave it a good review because after I used my husband asked what I had done that my skin looked good. My husband notices nothing...so I am guessing the product did something. There was not redness and the heat, though maybe just a gimick, is kinda relaxing.
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aleka11 on 3/18/2009 4:21:00 PM more reviews by aleka11
Age: 30-35 Skin: Combination, Olive Hair: Brunette Eyes: Brown
This is a product that feels unrefined. You dont expect this scrub to be Estee lauder as it feels a bit hard and rough and salty. However I do feel that if you need a scrub that you will you immediate glow, even skin and brightness this is a very good one.
I have sensitive skin and prone to break outs but this product didnt give anything like that. You only use a tiny amount on wet face, you dont rub hard only circular motions upwards. Do not insist on problem areas such as nose blackheads if you rub too hard you will damage your skin.
Gently, circular motions, tiny amounts and leave for a few minutes if you want.
The price is high but it will last for years, so overall I think this product is reasonably price. And I agree with the other reviews it definately feels like it has sodium in it.
Good product.
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*TOP REVIEWER* loci on 1/19/2009 1:39:00 AM more reviews by loci
Age: 19-24 Skin: Very Oily, Fair-Medium Hair: Black Eyes: Black
I like it, it works for my skin. However, please bare in mind my skin is no where near sensitive, and I've been using strong AHA products to control acne. My skin pretty thick to the point that I can exfoliate everyday and have no problem. (if I don't exfoliate at least once every 2 days my foundation will cake everywhere)
This is probably the chemical and physical exfoliator combined. You can feel the heat when applied (last a few seconds) and there are particles that removes the dead skin physically. Its very moisterising and my skin do not feel dry after using this product. However, after rising off, my face have a buring feeling...bu tit went away in a few minutes and nothign bad really happen.
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mAn on 12/26/2008 4:32:00 PM more reviews by mAn
Age: 19-24 Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium Hair: Other Eyes: Hazel
I only had a sample so probably my evaluation won't be the most comprehensive:-)
Well, just as I applied it, it literally burned my skin (I see that when my cheeks are instantly red). I tried it also few days later and the same reaction.
I believe it would be good for my skin if it wouldn't have that burning sensation.
Suggest sample first!:-)
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marinahasber on 12/7/2008 2:57:00 AM more reviews by marinahasber
Age: 25-29 Skin: Acne-prone, Fair-Medium Hair: Black Eyes: Black
I've received the sample of this product. After using it for the first time, it irritated my skin. Small bumps suddenly appear all over my face. I stop using it. I will not purchase it.
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*TOP REVIEWER* doe_eyed_kitty on 9/20/2008 9:20:00 AM more reviews by doe_eyed_kitty
Age: 19-24 Skin: Normal, Fair Hair: Black Eyes: Black
This is very expensive~! I tried it a few times and on each occasion it irritated my slightly sensitive skin. Yes, it does feel warm on the skin and gives you the impression that its working but it dosent feel any better than a normal scrub (like asprint which is so much cheaper). I went overseas for 2 months and guess what happened when i next opened the tube? The scrub became so hard it was imposible to squeeze... sigh,... ok, move on, next!!!
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zandra_khi on 5/15/2008 7:01:00 PM more reviews by zandra_khi
Age: 36-43 Skin: Very Oily, Dark Hair: Black Eyes: Brown
I'm a big fan of Estee Lauder skincare products but I have to say I wasn't really pleased with this one. The product was thick, sticky and rather difficult to put on evenly. While I did feel a warming sensation after adding water to it as instructed, I can't say I saw miraculous results after using it. I will stick with Prescriptives or Avon's microdermabrasion products.
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ayuhasida on 3/30/2008 4:42:00 AM more reviews by ayuhasida
Age: 25-29 Skin: Combination, Medium Hair: Brunette Eyes: Brown
oh well, what can I say about this product..it's a true waste of money when you can get the same result for much cheaper price.for me,it just like any drugstore exfoliator, nothing really special about it.I found much better effect with the olay regenerist exfoliator for much cheaper price and its good enouf to be used everyday.but this, you got to be a bit careful, too much of rubbing, can make you skin red and flaking dry..i guess just used a little bit of it or NONE if you have sensitive skin.
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*TOP REVIEWER* chanel277 on 3/24/2008 6:11:00 PM more reviews by chanel277
Age: 25-29 Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Cool Hair: Brown, Wavy, Fine Eyes: Brown
I dont like this product.Has tiny micro-resurfacing spheres.
Estee Lauder maintains that is the ideal partner to Idealist Skin Refinisher. Delivers dramatic skin resurfacing benefits with the exclusive TripleSphere Refinishing System. Deep, thermal action warms skin to help open, detoxify and minimise pores. One application, and the radiant skin you want is revealed.The truth know.I really end up with red,irritated burning skin.So I asked for help in E.L.They told me not to rub the product in my face but to put it on and wait for a few minutes.So I did this and nothing at all did nothing for my skin this way.I also have noticed that this product Idealist Micro-D Thermal Refinisher is exactly the same with clinique s Pore Minimizer
Thermal-Active Skin Refiner so if you want to try something like that buy clinique s is cheaper
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coloryouclingto on 3/13/2008 12:26:00 AM more reviews by coloryouclingto
Age: 19-24 Skin: Acne-prone, Fair Hair: Blond Eyes: Blue
my skin is acne prone and combination.
This product does a great job bringing out a fresh new layer of skin. I feel like it makes me glow, which is exactly what I wanted from it. I don't use very much because it goes on very warm and rather gritty and I fear being too rough on my face, and besides, just a little bit can easily be worked over my whole face with a little warm water. The tube lasts forever and a day for me because I only use it once a week or so. The only thing I don't like is how it smells, but really, what can one expect from a product like that as far as smell goes?
UPDATE: I have discovered that putting this on a DAMP face makes it soooo much better! not nearly as gritty/thick and still works like a dream! Maybe some of the reviewers who didn't like the consistency will try this trick and fall in love w/ this product!