Men's Moisturisers

The dermalogica range

Effie Mann.
October 7, 2008

You test the products and the claims - myth or magic? Compiled by Effie Mann.
This week: MEN'S MOISTURISERS
OUR TESTERS
Guy Connor, 28, account executive
Product: Milk Face Moisturiser and Sunscreen, $34.95, 9533 6171
Claim: Replenishes, nourishes and protects against UV damage
Verdict "I currently use Biotherme but I am not loyal to a particular brand so I would consider buying this product. I loved the way the packaging looked - like a space age cube. In use, the product had a thick texture and absorbed quickly. It smells nice, too. I particularly liked the fact that the product includes a facial sunscreen but I would have liked to know on the packaging what SPF rating it is. It has a bit of a dodgy name - Michael Klim's Milk, I wonder how many men are going to want to put that on their face?"
Rating 4/5
Luke Naughtin, 26, financial planner
Product: Dermalogica Daily Defence Block SPF 15, $52, 1800 659 118
Claim: Conditions, promotes skin recovery and beats dryness
Verdict "I have dabbled in other moisturisers before, usually cheaper brands, such as Nivea. I really like the SPF element and the fact that it doubles as sunscreen. I'm into efficiency and always get a kick out of killing two birds with one stone. I also spend time outdoors in summer playing sport. It's non-greasy and doesn't appear all shiny on your skin which is a bonus. I think I would buy the product in future, but having said that I don't usually part with more than 50 sheets when it comes to skin care!"
Rating 3.5/5
Hamish McLachlan, 33, marketing manager
Product: REN Multi-tasking After Shave Balm, $64, 1800 007 844
Claim: Soothes, hydrates and nourishes just-shaved skin
Verdict "I have always been a moisturiser user, although I generally use whatever is at my girlfriend's house. I like the smell and it felt fresh on my skin. I read the label and was convinced I would look as young as Macaulay Culkin in Home Alone. With peppermint leaf juice, malachite and pumpkin fruit enzymes, the balm was going to calm, moisturise and condition my skin, stimulate beta endorphin release and prevent ingrown hairs. I honestly have no idea if it achieved its promises. I don't even understand what malachite is. But it felt good."
Rating 4.5/5
Michael Shmith, 50ish, senior writer
Product: Korres Olive and Rye Day Cream, $66, 1800 705 800
Claim: Ultra-soothing, non-oily cream for long-lasting hydration
Verdict "I have used other moisturisers in the past. Some were good; others were like variants on sandpaper. Smoothness is paramount: whether or not it is doing the skin any good. The aroma is important, too; is it restrained, or do you smell like the ground floor of David Jones? I would buy this product, although I'm not sure if the jar doesn't look a little too feminine. Perhaps I'd conceal it in an empty jar of Vegemite. I find that a small application in the morning, after shaving and in conjunction with my existing moisturiser, keeps my skin smooth until late in the evening."
Rating 4.5/5