L'Oreal Age Perfect Cell Renew Revitalising Day Cream - SPF30

This comes in a heavy, black-and-gold glass jar with a big, easy-use lid that clicks closed. It looks classy and seals well, but I really don’t like jars. I feel they’re unhygienic and all that product is fully exposed to the air each time you use it.

The cream itself? I love that it’s full of antioxidants and has a good spf. And the texture is delicious; rich and hydrating without being fatty or oily. It’s beautiful to use and feels lovely and nourishing on my dry skin. It does sink in, but it leaves a soft, satin-smooth sheen (not shiny or oily looking), and for the rest of the day, it feels like I have a sort of gentle cushion of hydrating protection on my skin. Instead of applying foundation over the top, which I found can mess a bit with the nice finish, I mix a bit of foundation in with the cream as I apply it, and the result is a luminous, satin look with a perfecting tint. I really like it.

L’Oreal claims it ‘Illuminates, Revitalises, Regenerates’, and I’d say for me it definitely does the first two. As for regenerating (reducing wrinkles and firming skin), I can’t say I’ve noticed much of a difference, although I’ve only been using it a few weeks.

I’m generally not keen on fragrance in face products, but the softly floral scent of this isn’t overwhelming, and it lingers only lightly once applied.

I do have one major problem with this cream, however. It stings my cheeks a little. It’s not an allergy, and it fades after a while, but that prickling feeling makes me reluctant to use it on my cheeks. I do have sensitive skin, and I notice that denatured alcohol is high up the list of ingredients, so it could be that. Or the combination of chemical sunscreens maybe? I’m not sure.

Because of the jar packaging and the slight skin irritation I get from the product, I won’t be buying this in the future. Which is a shame, because there's lots I love about it. But I’d recommend it to anyone with dry, mature skin who wants a rich cream that protects and nourishes and gives their skin a beautiful soft radiant finish. I certainly won't be wasting the rest of mine; it's still perfect for me as a luxurious treatment for my forehead, neck and decolletage.

I must admit I don't think I have ever used a day cream that was so full bodied! After my usual go to toner, I would massage this cream into my face, neck and decolletage each morning. Very creamy texture so I was able to massage (circular motion as per the instructions) quite firmly. It was fine on the days I didn't wear foundation. The days when I did do full face makeup I found it was a bit too greasy. Also I have quite sensitive eyes so I need to make sure I didn't put it anywhere near them, otherwise my eyes would feel greasy/smeary as well.