I was so thrilled when the lovely Michelle of NeoStrata asked me to trial the Sampler Collection of the Exuviance range.  I simply couldn’t say ‘Yes’ quick enough.  After many years of (near) faithful devotion to the NeoStrata range, I couldn’t wait to trial what is, for me, the ultimate in skin care.

Exuviance products are leaders in their field and aim to:

• visibly smooth and soften skin;

• diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles;

• increase skin hydration and suppleness;

• brighten and balance skin tone; and

• improve oily, acne prone or dry skin.

The first products I trialled from the Sampler Collection were the Purifying Cleansing Gel and Moisture Balance Toner.

The Purifying Cleansing Gel is, as its title suggests, a gel.  At first I was a little concerned as to how a gel would work, given that I prefer soapy cleansers.  However, this is a gel with a difference.  It soaps up beautifully.  And it goes a long way.  A penny size drop mixed with a little water was more than enough to cleanse my face

As for the clean itself, this worked beautifully.  As you all know, I’m very into my mineral makeup at the moment which, literally, doesn’t shift all day.  This cleanser easily cut through the makeup.  When I applied the towel test – when I dry off, I always check the towel to see if there is any residue – I was delighted to see there was none.  This cleanser had cleaned everything.  This is HG stuff!

I followed up the cleanser with the Moisture Balance Toner.  I have to be honest, I’m not generally a fan of toners.  I find they tend to dry me out, and result in me having to overload on the moisturiser. 

This toner is lovely, but it still dried me out if I wasn’t careful.  I found that, if I waited until my face was completely dry after cleansing, my skin tended to drink in the toner too quickly. 

If I, however, applied the toner whilst my face was still damp with water, then the toner actually nourished my skin and left it feeling beautifully smooth and ready for the moisturiser.  I’ve never had that from a toner from before and, I have to admit, I was impressed.  I think I might be turned around on the whole toner thing!

So, two products in and I’m loving this range.  It’s everything I had hoped it would be and more.  Stay tuned this week as I continue to trial Exuviance’s moisturisers and masque. 

Pros: Cleanser is thorough and easy to use, effective, toner helps to prep the skin for moisturiser.

Cons: Toner can be drying.

Sampler Collection

$32 – Exuviance