Check Out Line Impulse Buy: Eve Lom Morning Time Cleanser

Retailers are so annoyingly smart!  I despise those check out line displays because, I have no self-control.  It also doesn't help when I go shopping on the weekend since the lines will assuredly be long, which leaves plenty of time to browse.  It was during one of those times when I picked up the Eve Lom Morning Time Cleanser.  

I've heard that Eve Lom's cleanser is award winning and a cult favorite.  As a self-proclaimed skincare junkie, I tried to justify my purchase by telling myself it was just a matter of time before I gave it a try.  It wasn't until days later when I read more about the product that I realized I did NOT pick up the original cult favorite cleanser.  It turned out I picked up it's partner, Ms. Morning Time.  I suppose that's what I get for buying on impulse...

Price:  

$22 USD for 1.6 ounces at my local Sephora as of this Summer.  Since this was at the check-out line display, which normally houses sample size versions of products, I am unsure if this size is available at any other store.  The larger version, 4.1 ounces, was only available on their website.  Since I have never tried anything from this line, this mini version was fine with me.

Packaging:  

This comes in a white squeeze tube where the cap does not twist off separately.  Twisting counter clock-wise enables a small circular opening to dispense the product, which is great so you can control the amount used.  When twisting clock-wise to close, a bit of the product spits out so don't forget to swipe that piece.  

Use and Performance:

The directions recommend warming a small amount of the cleanser between your fingertips before massaging onto dry skin in circular motions.  I prefer to just place the product directly on my face and it warms as I massage my skin. 

The product is a yellow balm out of the tube (reference picture below), but transforms into a clear, thin gel-like consistency after the massage.  You're supposed to leave it on for a couple of minutes before rinsing it off with warm water.  This may be inconvenient for someone trying to rush through a morning routine, but I just brush and floss my teeth in the interim.  All about multi-tasking in the AM.

On Eve Lom's website, they mention that they use four of their signature, aromatic cleansing oils for this, along with a papaya fruit enzyme and carrot oil.  They also described the ingredients purposes, which I've listed below:

• Clove Oil - antiseptic properties to encourage clear skin
• Eucalyptus Oil - drains away toxins
• Hops Oil - tones
• Egyptian Chamomile Oil - softens and soothes
• Papaya Fruit Enzyme - exfoliates, brightens, minimizes pore appearance
• Carrot Oil - help stimulate collagen production

I couldn't physically see all of these claims, but my skin did feel cleansed and soft afterwards.  As for the exfoliating part, I felt a slight tingle, but nothing as prominent as when I used Jan Marini's Clean Zyme.

I must highlight that the scent may not be for some.  It is medicinal-like.  For those that have ever used Tiger Balm, I get hints of that.  I personally enjoy that smell because after a rough work-out, I slather on Tiger Balm to soothe my aching muscles.  Aromas that are similar just put me in a very relaxed mood.

Overall Impression:

For weekday mornings, I much prefer a quick "wash and go" type of cleanser.  Leaving on for two minutes is by no means long, but you know how hectic it can be in the AM.  However, during mornings where I'm not in a rush, I really like it for the experience.  It just puts me in a "spa" mood because it is soothing for me.  Of course it also cleanses well.  

The larger 4.1 ounce size is $60 USD on the Sephora website and I'm not too keen on that cost, but my small 1.6 ounce has lasted me a couple of months already using it 3 to 4 times a week.  It's roughly twice the size so assuming it will last twice as long, it breaks down to about $15 per month or 50 cents per day.  This will definitely be more digestible when I repurchase.