When it comes to shopping for skin care it can be easy to fall into the trap of purchasing whatever takes your fancy. I know I've made this mistake countless times and I now call it a mistake because nine times out of ten I'm not bowled over by my impulse purchase and it's at the back of my bathroom cabinet within a few uses.
These days I like to be guarded with what I put on my skin and so I go with brands I know to be good and that are recommended by the skincare gods of the internet. Which is how I became aware of Kate Somerville and her Exfolikate line (established as an amazing skincare line in the US but only just landed on Cult Beauty here!) as it came recommended by Caroline Hirons (see her in-depth video with Kate Somerville herself here).
Then my eyes landed on the Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Introductory Kit *insert heart eyes emoji* and being a girl that loves any kind of sophisticated exfoliating treatment I knew I had this trio a try.
While I won't bore you with the history of Kate Somerville, let's just say she knows her stuff and only brings out products that truly work. So if you try any product from the ExfoliKate range you will see results! Anyway, onto the exciting ExfoliKate trio that is the only sampling set from Kate Somerville available exclusively at Cult Beauty... which allows you to try three premium priced products at a smaller volume thus saving you money.
Included in the Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Introductory Kit (£33 + free shipping) - Exfolikate Cleanser 50ml (full size - 120ml £32.00), ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment 15ml (full size - 60ml £72) and Exfolikate Glow Moisturizer 15ml (full size - 50ml £55.00).
The ExfoliKate range first began with Intensive Exfoliating Treatment named 'The Hollywood 2-minute facial' and in fact is still used before every facial Kate Somerville provides in her clinic. So this really is the product to try! However, I think it's fair to say that the £72 full-size tube is out of most people's budget, which is why this smaller size is amazing as not only is a pea-sized amount enough but it also works well as a one-off weekly treatment.
Over a wet face, a thin layer is applied and massaged in for 30 seconds before being left for up to 2 minutes as a mask and then washed off. While the massaging stage feels like microdermabrasion the mask also gets to work on breaking down the dead skin cells due to it's AHA ingredients. Through flushed skin you can see instant results of a smoother soft surface that once calm looks like you really have renewed your skin! A fairly intensive exfoliation but one that feels soooo good and works better than most exfoliators I have tried. Oh , and did I mention it's green?
Next up, the largest product in the kit that I was also keen to try, ExfoliKate Cleanser is a daily lightly foaming wash that again contains AHA and is importantly sulphate-free. Ideal for an AM face wash or second cleanser the texture of this is most noticeable being more like a smooth lotion on the skin than a foaming face wash as you would expect. Removing any traces of makeup and cleanser residue the ExfoliKate cleanser glides over the skin and is a joy to use. On removal, the skin is left clean, firm and smooth. I have a feeling I could love this just as much as my favourite Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip Cleanser!
To finish off this 3-step trio there is the ExfoliKate Glow Moisturizer, again a mild lactic acid and glycolic acid based cream that works on exfoliating the skin to keep a smooth glowing complexion. While I have enjoyed using this daily moisturiser after using the Intensive Exfoliating Treatment as it seems to soothe the skin and give a good dose of hydrating and moisture, I haven't been able to fit this into my daily skincare routine. This is likely a good thing as the sample size is only 15ml but I've found it a little too heavy for my oily/combination skin although I can see it would be the perfect balance for normal to dry skin when used in conjunction with the two other products or similar exfoliating treatments. Not something that will be going on my to-buy list but I'm glad I've tried it all the same.
Kate Somerville products are without a doubt on the premium side which is why I love this set to give the ExfoliKate line a real try and even set the skin in the right direction. However, please Kate bring the price of ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment down so I can forever purchase it!
Fee xo.
