Speed Skincare Reviews featuring Sol de Jeneiro, Tatcha, Drunk Elephant, Farmacy, Clarins, Kiehl's, Biologique Recherche
Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Gel ($52.00 for 1.69 fl. oz.) is supposed to be a hydrating serum that uses the following ingredients (as called out by the brand): Pro-Vitamin B5 for “attract[ing] and hold[ing] hydration to skin,” Pineapple Ceramide to “help boost luminosity and improve the appearance of skin texture and tone,” sodium hyaluronate crosspolymer for “intense hydration,” and “watermelon rind/apple/lentil complex” for “up to 24 hours of skin hydration.”
It had a clear, gel-like consistency that spread easily across the skin, and one to two pumps was all I needed to get enough product for my entire face and part of my neck. It dried down quickly, never felt tacky or greasy, but it definitely kept my skin hydrated throughout the day. I noticed the effect of it more when I used a more lightweight moisturizer in my routine (rather than a moderate to intensive hydrating one), but even when I was using a richer moisturizer with it, B-Hydra never felt like overkill or made other products feel greasy or heavy. I often use this one at night and occasionally in the morning if I’ve done a number to my cheeks through swatches. It is also nice under makeup when one needs more hydration but doesn’t want to use a heavier cream. I didn’t notice any scent to it.
Biologique Recherche Lotion P50 PIGM400 ($66.00 for 5.1 fl. oz.) is a marginally gentler version of the brand’s long-time favorite P50, which I have used (and I really enjoyed but prefer the PIGM400 slightly). One of the big “wins” is that the PIGM400 smells less abrasive (less vinegar-like) compared to P50. The scent hasn’t bothered me (even in the original formulation), and I don’t find it lingers. It’s supposed to “exfoliate, hydrate, and balance the pH of the skin” and is the “prep step before any skincare.” It is an exfoliating toner that uses the following active ingredients: “Alpha-Hydroxy-Acids, Australian Finger Lime Extract, Beta-Hydroxy-Acids, Poly-Hydroxy Acid, Phytic Acid, Levulinic Acid.” I find it works really well for keeping my skin smooth with a better overall tone–less ruddiess, less hyperpigmentation, and just a more even tone. It was one of the few products that I felt made a measurable difference in my routine, which is obvious as I’ve gone through almost two bottles, and this post is reminding me to pick up a new bottle as my current is getting low!
It’s available in three sizes; the one pictured here is the medium (5.1 fl. oz.) size, which lasted for around four months for me.
Sol de Janeiro Brazilian Bum Bum Cream ($45.00 for 8.1 oz.) is a very rich, heavy cream with an equally heavy fragrance (described as “pistachio-caramel,” though I get creamy, sweet and fruity, beach and sand kind of vibe from it). It had the kind of scent that I could smell at any given moment during the day and many hours later. It’s not my favorite scent (personal preference), though my husband likes it and can always tell when I’ve used this cream. I would highly recommend ensuring that the scent is up your alley before splurging!
The cream absorbed within five to ten minutes as long as I was very sure to massage the cream in for a few minutes until I could no longer see the cream on my skin, but just lightly rubbing or massaging (as I do with most other creams!) wasn’t sufficient and just left the cream sitting on top of my skin. It hydrated well and the effect lasted without needing to use it daily, but I did not notice any firming or smoothing of skin.
Sol de Jeneiro Brazilian 4 Play Moisturizing Shower Cream-Gel ($25.00 for 13.0 fl. oz.) is a frothy, cream body wash that kept my skin lightly hydrated and never left my skin feeling stripped. I liked it, but my husband loves it; the household has gone through three bottles of it. The body wash has a light-medium, creamy texture that lathers up well without being too frothy nor requiring too much product for total body cleansing. I need a lot more hydration for my body, since I’m terrible at consistently applying body moisturizer, so while it didn’t dry out my skin and may have marginally hydrated it, it was just a nice effect but not a significant one as it was not replacing any step in my routine. For me, it has been an indulgence and not a must-have.
It has a strong scent, which the brand describes as “pistachio-caramel,” and it absolutely lingers throughout the day, though it is subtle and doesn’t seem to interfere with the scent of a perfume if I wore one on top. That is by design, so if scented body washes aren’t for you, I’d skip this one.
Tatcha Violet C Radiance Mask ($68.00 for 1.7 oz.) is supposed to be an “anti-aging” mask that brightens and improves skin texture and tone. It had a light-medium weight texture that was creamy and spreadable on the skin; it was easy to apply a thicker layer but equally easy to go for a very thin layer. There was a subtle, berry-ish scent that I barely noticed–only when I initially opened the jar and started to work the product across the skin was the scent present to my nose. I’ve used this a dozen times now, and I never notice anything significant after using it — at best, slightly more hydrated skin that feels a bit pampered, but I don’t get brighter skin, didn’t see an uptick in evenness or texture (but I would say my skin is fairly smooth normally with only some unevenness in tone). It was a very comfortable mask to wear, easy to wash off (as directed), and definitely didn’t hurt my skin, but I didn’t personally see enough benefits to repurchase it.
Tatcha Pure One Step Camellia Cleansing Oil ($48.00 for 5.1 fl. oz.) is supposed to be a “two-in-one makeup remover and cleanser” that will break down “even waterproof makeup.” I know I tried this a couple of years ago, but it didn’t register as more than a blip on my radar at the time. My sister raves about it, though, so I figured I’d give it another try and picked it up whenever I last indulged in Tatcha products. I liked it, and I felt it did its job well–it broke down all of my makeup, whether waterproof mascara, full coverage foundation, or red lipstick–without leaving behind any filmy or greasy residue. There was a light, clean, floral scent that I could barely detect personally.
Farmacy Honey Potion Renewing Antioxidant Hydration Mask ($56.00 for 4.1 oz.) is supposed to hydrate and smooth the skin that has a warming, tingling effect as one massages it into the skin that is noticeable for about ten minutes (in my experience). Per the brand, the mask should be left on for 10 to 15 minutes before rinsing off and can be used two to three times per week. It had a sweet, honey scent and had the consistency of a smoother, less-sticky jelly that turns into a creamy, white consistency after being massaged onto the skin.
It was a strong enough warming, tingling sensation that I think that has to be an effect one enjoys in a mask to consider this product. The first time I used it, the effect was a bit too uncomfortable for me, and I removed it after five minutes, but subsequent uses were more tolerable. It took me a few uses before I was able to figure out the right amount of product to apply as well. One of the neat aspects about the product was actually in the packaging: the included, metal spatula stuck to the jar, which made it easy not to lose it! The mask itself is not one I’d use right prior to an event but a day or two ahead as prep for an event, as it did leave my skin slightly redder initially, but the next day, my skin did seem brighter,slightly glowier and plumper overall.
Clarins Fix’ Make-Up (2017) ($29.00 for 1.7 fl. oz.) is supposed to be a setting spray that “keeps makeup looking freshly applied for hours” while also “moisturi[zing] and sooth[ing]” the skin. The mist is particularly lovely, as it was ultra-fine and never spit onto the skin with big droplets, and the fineness of the mist seemed to cover the skin more evenly than less fine mists do. I felt like it extended the wear of my makeup by a couple of hours–not the most intensive, most effective setting spray–but it also was one of the lightest, least detectable (weightless and natural in feel after it dried down) setting sprays I’ve tried. Like most setting sprays, that mist also helped to tamp down any excess powderiness and breathe a little life back into the skin for anyone who has a tendency toward mattifying products.
Kiehl’s Crème de Corps ($48.00 for 16.9 fl. oz.) has been a long-time favorite for me–almost a decade of love!–and I might have reviewed in the past, but I have newer photos and did intend to review it at some point, so let’s do a speed review of it! Over the last couple of years, I have found that squalane is particularly effective for me for keeping my skin hydrated, so it didn’t surprise me at all when I saw it as the second ingredient (right after water) in this formula, as it has served me well over the years.
It’s a light-medium thick lotion-cream hybrid–it absorbs faster than most creams but is heavier than a true lotion formula–that dries down to a non-sticky feel, starts to smooth and hydrate the skin immediately and keeps going all day long. There’s no lingering greasiness, which makes it comfortable to wear, even if I slip on clothes before it’s fully absorbed into my skin. There doesn’t seem to be any added scent; it smells a bit like almond and cocoa butter to me, so it just smells like an unscented cream might to my nose (a lot like an unscented lipstick smells of its waxy base). It’s a go-to when I don’t want any additional scent on my body or if I plan to wear perfume, so I can get my hydration without altering my scent of the day.
Kiehl’s Crème de Corps Nurturing Body Washing Cream ($22.00 for 6.8 fl. oz.) is a product a picked up on a whim as I’m a big fan of the original Creme de Corps body cream. It’s a more expensive body wash product, and I felt like it was most “worth it” when I felt drier, particularly for legs and when I shaved them, as it did seem to make them a bit smoother and less scaly post-shower (without using anything else). There seemed liike a slight, hydrating film left behind post-shower, which may not be for everyone (it didn’t feel bad or greasy to me, though). To cover the whole body, a fair amount of product was needed, which again, made it a more expensive product that had a marginal, positive change on my skin but simply taking the time to apply body cream or lotion would do a lot more. It seemed unscented to me.
I’m also a long-time fan of Kiehl’s Crème de Corps lotion. It’s so luxurious, and I absolutely adore that, as you said, it doesn’t interfere with the scent of the day. My mom bought the first bottle for me at least 20 years ago and I’ve loved it ever since. It’s one of the only two body lotions I own and use regularly (the other being the much more affordable, but decidedly less luxurious, Cetaphil Moisturizing Cream). Thank you for giving the lovely Kiehl’s Crème de Corps its due on Temptalia!
It’s one of the best!!
nivea’s new body lotion with almond oil in the dark blue bottle (it has a sticker on it advertising that!) is AMAZING as well. Like all nivea products, no irritating fragrance and this one leaves skin soo glowy!! I use it on night outs to give my legs that glow that’s how amazing it is! cannot recommend it enough.
I’ll definitely look for that one next time I need lotion from the drugstore. Thanks!
I selected the Farmacy mask as a 100 point perk this morning when I did my VIB order. I wonder which ingredient causes the tingling.
Here’s the ingredient list: Glycerin, Diglycerin, Polyglyceryl-10 Stearate, Honey Extract, Propolis Extract, Royal Jelly Extract, Panthenol, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Zingiber Officinale (Ginger) Root Extract, Allantoin, Phenoxyethanol, Echinacea Purpurea Root Extract, Honey, Water, Flavor, Vanillyl Butyl Ether.
So probably the ginger.
the irritating ginger which research has shown again and again to be of no use whatsoever to the skin and actually with continuous use will cause collagen breakdown in the long term.
I was so glad for this review, as I’ve just ordered it. I was a little confused though. You mentioned that you “…noticed the effect of it more when…”. Do you use it in conjunction with another moisturizer? Thanks 🙂
Hi Tracy,
I noticed the effect of B-Hydra more if I use a lightweight moisturizer (think a gel or more water-based one) than if I use a heavier cream – not any one in particular, though, just generally.
I have been wanting to purchase this drunk elephant product, I am so glad you gave it a quick review. I am also wondering what moisturizer would be best to accompany it. I have sensitive/reactive skin and I really appreciated how you described the smells of the products because scents and fragrances bother me so much.
Thanks
I’d probably pick something that wasn’t too watery, but I only cycled through two moisturizers while I used B-Hydra and both were fine. I don’t recall the first one I used with it, just Shiseido’s Benefiance Day Dream (which is what I’m using at the moment). I don’t have sensitive skin at all, though!
Thank you for the reply Christine ? You are So very lucky to not have sensitive skin! Maybe someone else will see my comment who has similar issues ?
So happy to read that you love the Clarins facial spray because I adore it too. I got the Tatcha Camellia Oil in the VIB Rouge sale and I really like it and like that it doesn’t require a second, wash off type cleansing. I’ve used Kiehl’s Creme de Corps for years and have a large bottle that I’m actually eager to finish off because I’ve other products I like better.
I’m in the same boat with the Kiehl’s Creme de Corps giant bottle. Have loved it for years, am almost at the bottom, but I don’t have other things I like better. I’m ready for a change. What’s on your list as a replacement?
Oh gosh – so many others. I really like the Body Shop Body Butters (and their newer Japanese Camellia Cream, Vichy Ideal Body Serum Milk, Soap and Glory’s Righteous Butter Lite (it’s a lotion), Palmer’s Cocoa Butter (the stuff in the large jar), a body oil from Cake Beauty (Canadian brand briefly at Sephora but, alas, no more) and a body butter from Sephora that I don’t think they even make anymore (I think it was called “Supreme”). Olay used to make (maybe still makes in the US) a Quench body lotion that I love. I’m on my last big bottle of it and will be sad when it’s gone too. There are lots of others but it’s almost embarrassing to list them all. I do like the Kiehl’s one but I don’t think it’s all that special or that it’s worth the price, which is much higher than many other really good ones.
The Drunk Elephant product sounds veeeery promising. Must try.
I have the P50W lotion, and while it does seem to do a great job with exfoliation, I don’t think it helps at all with balancing, hydration, redness, etc. Then again, I have ridiculously over-the-top sensitive skin. Maybe I’ll look into this version when I finish my big bottle … about a year from now. :-/
Aww, sorry to hear it’s not working and you have such a large bottle to work through 🙁
That’s okay — I classify it as “working” because I bought it purely for the exfoliation. I guess I didn’t realize that it’s supposed to provide other benefits too, so I don’t feel like I’m missing out on anything.
I found the Clarins setting spray to do nothing for my makeup longevity, but I feel like nothing but the really heavy stuff (UD All Nighter) helps. My skin is determined to break down any makeup within hours it seems.
Biologique Recherche P50 — I almost have to hold myself back in expressing my love for this product so that I don’t sound like a madwoman! So many people tell me I have great skin for late 50s. I think I do. 90%, IMO, is due to years of BR P50 (I use the original) and their Masque Vivant I use every week. It’s intensely yeasty in scent, and I love it.
I’m glad you like it Christine! The version you use has helped my husband’s pigmentation a lot too. He can’t use the P50 original (too sensitive), but the one you have has made a big difference for him.
Thanks for this review. I’m going to try the Drunk Elephant while I still can on the Sephora sale!
Do you use a cotton round to apply the P50, Linda?
Hi Christine!
I use the Shiseido facial cotton. They feel so good it makes me happy to use them. On sale at Sephora right now!
Thanks, Linda 😀
Sometimes I’m lazy and just put a little in my hands, lol, but I know the instructions are to use a cotton round/pad!
Christine! lol! Watch Joanna apply. I don’t often take this much time, but when you pull your skin back and use the fast strokes, I swear over time it’s huge. Have fun!
https://youtu.be/oQL7S9-Ky4U
Thank you for reviewing your skincare favourite Christine – I always use a bit of a mixture myself too.
Just wanted to say that I really enjoyed and appreciated this format! I am sure it’s difficult to “review” a skincare product since they are so dependent on a person’s skin type and concerns, but just being able to read such a detailed description and see the real-life photos was extremely helpful!
I really feel like these reviews are so useless, so it’s nice to hear they’re helpful
They’re very helpful as Julia said. It’s good to have a touchstone and then decide for oneself. Thanks.
Not useless at all. I found it very interesting and helpful. I’ve been wanting to try Drunk Elephant for awhile. Your review was the final nudge. I also like the sound of the P50 PIGM400 product. I trust you to tell it like it is more so than the companies or the salespeople.
Thank you for these skincare reviews Christine! I love the DE B-Hydra. Impeccable ingredients, in an airtight packaging.
I wanted to buy the Farmacy duo set (the Honey Mask + the Honey Drop Moisturizer). I was afraid of the mask’s warming, tingling effect on my sensitive skin and with respect to the Honey Drop Moisturizer, I’m not a fan of the jar packaging for a cream meant for daily use, plus it contains alcohol denat (among the last ingredients, true, but still it’s a big no for me).
I have several deluxe samples of the Tatcha Violet-C Radiance Mask and of their Water Cream. So many good ingredients with great potential that is lost because of the fragrance, the jar packaging and in the case of the Water Cream, they added alcohol. For the price point, Tatcha could get rid of these three imo.
I wasn’t a big fan of the Water Cream… too watery and thin without enough hydration for me!
I felt exactly the same about the water cream! I was surprised at all the rave reviews I was seeing for it. My current fave is the Clinique moisture surge.
Moisture Surge is great. Haven’t used it in years now, but it was a great one when I used it years ago (and I did repurchase that one at some point!).
I am very interested in trying the clarins spray! I have been wanting to smell this BumBum cream, but funnily enough Sol de Janeiro does not sell their products here in Brazil anymore. ?
Really??? That is soooo weird!
Yeah! Sol de Janeiro was linda of a niche high end brand in Brazil, they moved out of the country and launched their new products abroad. This BumBum line was never available here. Such a bummer ?
I also love the Bum Bum Cream! I went to Sephora last weekend to check it out since my three sister in laws requested it for Christmas (Sephora is selling a holiday three-pack). At first I was deterred by the strong scent but bought it anyway since my SIWs requested it. The beauty advisor put some on my hand just to show me the texture. By the end of the day I found myself enjoying the scent more and more. So I bought another set for myself 🙂 I enjoy the daily ‘pampering-me’ moment so much with this moisturizer!
Look forward to trying the Clairins mist. Appreciated learning about the other products.
clinique take the day off balm is my HG. nothing will ever come close I’ve worn extremely heavy makeup and just a small size amount of it will remove everything leaving no film behind absolutely the best balm/cleansing oil on the market and a fabulous value compared to tatcha.
I like the Clinique one for efficacy, though I’ve never repurchased! Glad you found something that works so well for you 🙂
The Tatcha Camellia Oil Cleanser is my HG first cleanse. I wear waterproof mascara on the daily and this stuff breaks it down without my having to rub/scrub my eye area. It becomes milky when water is added and rinses easily and completely off my skin. It doesn’t leave any residue and does not bother my eyes like many other oil cleansers do. It is expensive but it is something I am willing to pay for. I love the Tatcha Rice Enzyme Powder also. It polishes my skin without any abrasiveness and leaves my skin feeling amazingly smooth. Again expensive and I have to admit I haven’t purchased a full size. I have been lucky to pick up deluxe samples and it takes so little that I have used the powder for over 2 years and have not had to buy a full size. Those are the only Tatcha products I use. I have tried a few others but in general I feel the products are over priced. I guess it is all what we love and are willing to spend.
The DE B-Hydra gel looks and feels and works exactly the same for me as the Cerave PM moisturizer. The ingredients are not the same, DE definitely has more exotic and probably more expensive ingredients but I’ve used both and they are both great, zero difference except in price. If anyone was looking at the DE but not a fan of the price give the Cerave PM a try.
I just got the tatch products, bum bum cream, and drunk elephant I can’t wait to burn through my current stuff to start using the new items.
Do you think the la mer is worth it?
Sorry, the only time I’ve ever used La Mer was briefly in my early 20s, so a) not a good subject to assess skincare at all, and b) I didn’t test it for long and passed it along to my mom (who is, by no means, a skincare junkie)! She likes La Mer’s moisturizing cream but would never pay for it – but she is also someone who would not pay much for moisturizer.
I love these speed reviews! You cover a lot of ground, but I still get a good feel for all of the products. Thanks!
That’s nice to hear!
I’ve never used any of these products as I usually stick to derm brands like Skin Medica and Skinceuticals but I have to give a shoutout to Tata Harpers’ cleansing oil and Cocokinds’ cleansing oil. They have saved my dry skin this winter/fall season. My skin has gone from very flaky, crepe-y and dry to supple and glowing. The Tata Harper is $72 (crazy) but Cocokind is around $12. I love both and think they are both worth it.
Happy to hear Tata Harper’s cleansing oil is nice! If money was no object or the prices were the same between the Tata Harper and Cocokind, which would you get?
ohh that’s a tuff question. I think I’d choose Cocokind because it’s heavier and richer although it’s too rich for everyday morning and night use. TH I could use everyday morning and night. My current routine is TH in the morning and Cocokind at night.
Thank you! <3
Glad you reviewed some skin care products especially Drunk Elephant B-Hydra Intensive Hydration Gel. I have been wanting to try it for a while.
Thanks for sharing your experience with skin care products, always welcome.
I really like this format! Very hepful.
I do love talking about skincare. So this was a welcome, fun read.
I think my favorite time of year is the Nordstrom sale when those big, liter bottles of Creme de Corps roll out. 😀
I appreciate you taking the time to review scent. So many fragrances make me ill; so it’s good to know what I’m getting myself into.
When I finally make my Rescue Spa order, I think I’ll grab baby bottles of the P50 and the PIGM400 just in case the former is just too, too much.
Thanks!
Baby bottles are the way to go – they’ll still last quite awhile! 🙂
Nice review. I love the DE B-Hydra. I use it after the Vitamin C (which I see is on your VIB shopping list).
Now I’m curious about that cleansing oil from Tatcha.
Glad I didn’t end up ordering that Farmacy mask.
Count me in as another fan of this type of review, Christine! I know you think skincare reviews aren’t in your wheelhouse (and it’s not like you have tons of free time on your hands!) but your objectivity, sensibility, and experience make you very qualified. There is SO. MUCH. skincare available it’s really hard to sort stuff out – often I just want a trustworthy person’s opinion as a starting point (I also appreciate your lack of drama/dogma re: ingredients and packaging…).
Christine, how do you think the Clarins spray compares to Mac’s Prep and Prime Fix? I only ask because to me, the mist on the Mac bottle seems too much (too watery?) and not fine enough. I was wondering between the two if the Clarins one has a finer mist. I was hoping for a fine mist like in Missha’s Time Revolution FTE Mist bottle, I’m not sure you’re familiar with this product though.
So Fix+ is more of a finishing spray than a setting one – it helps tamp down powderiness and the like, but it doesn’t lock makeup in place. https://www.temptalia.com/mac-coconut-fix-spray-review-photos-swatches/
Sorry, I haven’t tried Missha’s Mist!
Thank you for your reply and for linking your review of the Mac Prep and Prime. I will give it a read!
Ugh, I want all of the Sol de Jeneiro products! I always look at them in store, but they’re just a little pricey for me to justify buying them – especially the shower gel (which I what I want the most).
The Shower Gel is definitely pricey per ounce, and obviously, anything that you put on and wash off immediately isn’t going to have any huge, long-term benefits 🙁