Olay

***UPDATE 2019*** looks like they changed the formula AGAIN. about 8 years ago, they angered their faithful customers because they changed the classic formula -- the worst part being that they swapped the zinc / octinoxate sunscreen for something else. many people hated it, including myself. after a major online backlash, they changed back to their classic formula. well, I just opened a new bottle and discovered they changed their formula again. I can see that many people are already flooding to the interwebs to complain. I was mad at first, but I decided to give it a chance. here's my assessment:

THE BAD: I think it's rotten for a tried-and-true product to be changed without warning, esp when it involves sensitive skin. they should have just launched a new lotion or something. the changes may prove problematic for some. hence, my old 5 star review has been downgraded to 3. I still like it, but it's horrible for a company to do this to their faithful customers.

THE GOOD: on paper, it might be a good change. thankfully they kept the zinc / octinoxate sunscreen, which are the only sunscreens that my sensitive skin can tolerate (esp the zinc, which has the added benefit of being soothing). they moved Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract way up in the list (note "extract" vs "juice": I believe they're the same thing just worded differently), and added Tocopheryl Acetate (vitamin E). the rest of the ingredients contain emollients, emulsifiers and preservatives which had already existed in the previous formulation but in a different order. the vast majority of them were listed as "best" or "good" by Paula's Choice. the only other new addition is BHT, which according to Paula's Choice is an antioxidant. they rate it as "average" but doesn't pose as a risk. I trust Paula and what they have to say about ingredients. On paper, it seems they have improved the lotion by making it more moisturizing.

They did not add fragrance, although this does smell different. I think it smells nice, like almonds. (maybe this is from the vitamin E?) the texture feels a tiny bit different, but what's important is that my face does not seem shinier or greasier than it was with the old formula. will it break me out? only time will tell. I will update if it does, but so far it has been several days and my skin seems fine. AS far as burning / itching -- I seem to be tolerating this new formula so far. I'll update if anything happens.

I have really sensitive skin that CANNOT tolerate most other types of sunscreen on my face. avobenzone, etc, all seem to make my skin really hurt, and the texture is really greasy too. because this new olay still contains zinc / octinoxate combo, I will always prefer it over the competitors.

Recently, having noticed my skin veering more towards 'normal' and allowing me to try more richer products that I normally wouldn't have, I decided to give the Regenerist serum a try.
I actually don't find it at all greasy, it seems to sink in nicely (I only use a very small amount) and goes well before using my moisturizer and CC cream/sun protection. I don't use it twice a day as instructed as I find that breaks me out, but I am able to get away with rotating between some of the other serums I am using - for example on a Monday, Wednesday and once on the weekend.

I have noticed my skin looks/feels slightly better since using this, although it's quite heavily silicone-based so I'm not sure how much of the 'feel' is down to that. The inclusion of Niacinamide which is quite high up on the ingredients list is probably the reason my skin looks slightly better as it is a great ingredient.

Would be great if I could use this twice daily, every day to see how much more difference that would make but that would not turn out well, knowing my skins' intolerance to silicones, so I'll stick with the routine that's suiting me so far.


Selena x


~ My HG list ~

(As I've sampled many 100s of skin, hair and m/u products over the last decade and a half, I thought it might be useful to share my top 10 must-have products, subject to change if and when I come across something more effective. I love constantly trying out new stuff - usually sample sizes via e-bay, also plenty courtesy of a friend who works at Sephora)


1. Hair Loss Treatment: ‘Divine Herbal’ - Hair Oil
2. Lip Balm: 'Nuxe' - Reve De Miel Lip Balm
3. Pigmentation + Anti-Ageing Treatment: ‘Divine Herbal’ - Facial Treatment Serum
4. Cleanser: 'Paula's Choice' - Skin Balancing Cleanser
5. Concealer: ‘Mac’ - Studio Finish Concealer
6. Lash Growth Serum: ‘Divine Herbal’ - Divinelash
7. Foundation/SPF: ‘Juice Beauty’ - Stem Cellular Repair (warm glow)
8. Foot File/Callus/Heel Treatment - 'Microplane' - Colossal Pedicure Rasp Foot File
9. Moisturizer: ‘Antipodes' - Rejoice Light Day Cream
10. Hand Cream: 'Origins' - Make A Difference Rejuvenating Hand Treatment

Has a light scent of orchid mixed with tart tangy berry. This bath soap lathers well, rinses clean and does not dry out my skin.

I used this product for 2 days and I woke up with all these little bumps all over my face the worst part was my temples and forehead. I've used play before never had an issue. It like burned my face. I'd never buy this product again!!!!

I Love This Product!!! I Wish All the Stores Would Sell This.