TL;DR
Recommended
Yes.
Loved
- Not aggressive but cleans exceptionally well.
- Leaves skin soft and dewy.
- The experience of it turning milky.
- Smell not obtrusive. Evaporates quickly.
Problems
- ICI Paris XL specific packaging.
- Oil is a peculiar sensory experience.
Fixes
- Don't go to ICI Paris XL stores if you're sensitive to light or smells.
- Don't use an oil based cleanser if oil causes The Ick.
Images
Review
Shopping experience
ICI PARIS XL is not a store I will ever set foot in again. Don't get wrong, it's not because I think they're a terrible company, not at all. It's just not meant for me.
I bought the product through their website and used the "Click and Collect" feature. In my head this meant that I could buy it, jump on my bike and collect it. Fast and efficient. But ICI PARIS XL isn't that kind of store.
When I arrived it took almost 20 minutes before I could find someone to help me. This isn't a complaint. The employees take their time with everyone. They will never rush anyone. Good on them but I was there simply to collect my cleanser.
When it was my turn she had to fill in two forms to prove that I had indeed picked it up. This part could be improved. Why use paper when computers exist? Click a button to tell the system I stopped by. She made me wait two minutes while she was filling out the forms and then made me sign the document twice. This isn't an ND-friendly consumer experience.
The store itself was such an assault on the senses that it made me feel queasy. The lights are too bright, and there were customers spraying perfumes on paper sticks. All of them needed to come in close to smell it properly. I was standing 3 meters away ready to hurl.
I was happy to leave. Again, this store just isn't meant for people like me and there's nothing wrong with that. It would be amazing if they could implement a fast check out for ND-folks though. I'd pay extra.
Packaging
It came in a cute bag.
But now my entire office smells like the perfume they sprayed it with. It gave me a headache; very much do not recommend.
It came with two product samples. I'm assuming because they want this experience to feel luxurious. To me it's just an incredible waste of resources. I simply wanted my cleanser. It didn't need it to come in a bag or with samples I won't use. All of this is just landfill now. I might give the samples to my mom.
The cleanser came in a standard carton box with an instruction booklet for a variety of DHC products. That's a waste of paper. The instructions are on the side of box; there's no potential for confusion. Why include an instruction manual?
When I first read the booklet I was confused that it said "facial scrub" on the front. I initially thought they had a mistake by including the wrong manual. It apparently includes instructions for a number of their products. Absolutely unnecessary.
Notice how much packaging is included for such a simple product. This isn't a sustainable practice.
Reason for using this product
I wanted to try the "double cleanse" method of taking care of your skin. I've been looking for an oil based cleanser. The DHC Deep Cleansing Oil comes highly recommended online.
Product
You need to rub the oil into your skin for a good 30 to 40 seconds before washing it all away. I don't particularly like rubbing oil on my face though. It's a peculiar experience.
There's an intense smell that evaporates quickly. I don't object to the smell itself; it's a pleasant smell, there's just a lot of it at first.
You may not like the experience of rubbing oil on your face. I don't know if there are samples that you can obtain easily, but that would be my recommendation. If you know someone who uses it, ask to try it out.
I love when the oil turns into a milky substance when it comes into contact with water. My skin feels amazing when it's all said and done.
You don't need much of it. The product comes with a handy pump. I use two pumps per wash and I think that's almost excessive.
The oil doesn't just clean thoroughly, it leaves the skin dewy and soft. Oil always leaves residue, that's why you should use a water based cleanser after, and maybe some micellar water with a cotton to ensure nothing's left.
I use it morning and night. It's an incredibly relaxing experience. I feel like I've upped my game with this product. I look forward to using it every day.
Recommended.