Where I got this: I got this from a Harvey Nichols store in Hone Kong about last year for HKD$450.00. Just had a chance to try it out now since I have so many products to try out. I have not seen this in New Zealand as I think the Optimizer range is Asia exclusive.
What I got: This is a bottle of Estée Lauder Optimizer Intensive Boosting Lotion Pore Minimizing + Refining. An advanced pore-reducing toner Formulated with new Fortified Bamboo Complex to pacify & relieve skin instantly. Developed with new AquaSyncTM Technology composed of Ion-Balanced Water & Volcanic Mineral Water. Helps impart essential hydration quicker & deep into skin’s surface. Visibly shrinks enlarged pores Skin appears calmer, smoother, refined & younger looking. To use: Apply day & night to cleansed face using a cotton ball. Follow with appropriate moisturiser.
Estée Lauder Optimizer Intensive Boosting Lotion Pore Minimizing + Refining
How I find it: I use this after cleansing and my Paula’s Choice 2% BHA exfoliant. I usually put about 2-3 drops on my palms and apply directly from my hands to my face, but I also use a cotton pad sometimes, depending on what I feel like sometimes. It hydrates my skin before I apply any serum or moisturiser and it has a slight pleasant fragrance. It is absorbed relatively quick but does not feel like any alcohol in it. It has a bit of a viscous consistency compared to water and I quite like it.
Overall: This lotion is really enjoyable to use and I do think that essence lotions are quite the hype in Asian skincare. Western skincare hardly has this step at all. This extra step is supposed to prep the skin with hydration and benefits before any serum and is suppose to balance the pH of the skin as well. It is a quick extra step that helps my skin absorb hydration so I really don’t mind adding an extra step. Even though I don’t see a big difference in pore size with using this, my skin does feel much more hydrated when I use this. I usually apply this after my chemical exfoliant and I do wait for a little bit before I apply my serums while I apply my body lotions and creams. Whilst I do that, I don’t risk drying out my skin before my moisturiser.
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