We all have a skin care routine right? We are all set in our own way and know what we like to put on our skin, but have we ever thought to stop for just a second and look at lotions that have been on the shelves for many years before all these new fancy smancy brands? Don't worry I'm guilty of it too. I'm talking about E45, this brand has been around since 1952, and available to us the public since the 1980's. Now that's my whole life and I have only just discovered it properly all thanks to the wonders of BzzAgent.
I once again have been chosen to trial a product for them and this time it's the E45 Nourish and Restore Lotion. I was actually glad to have a chance to sample this, I have seen the original on the shelves but I've always been swayed by the oooh's and ahhh's of the fancy branded products that, lets be honest, half the time they do nothing for your skin. The only time I've ever heard of E45 being used was when my Grandad had a little sore face and he had a tube of this E-something or other cream, see that just shows how much I paid attention way back when I was a teenager.
The E45 Daily Moisturisers have 4 varieties to choose from, 2 that have fragrance, Touchably Smooth and Nourish & Restore, and 2 that are fragrance free, the Moisturising Lotion and Intense Recovery. A good idea to be honest, as it tailors for everyones different body issues, such as dry skin, even eczema. I was lucky to receive one from each group, the Moisturising Lotion and Nourish & Restore.
I was pleasantly surprised when I received my parcel and it had 2 full sized bottles of the original E45 and this fancy and very feminine and attractive Nourish and Restore Body Lotion. OK I'm going to be really lame here I fell for the bottle of Nourish and Restore straight away. The pearlescent bottle caught my eye with its lovely shiny red text and it's red cap. This lotion looked expensive, and if I was in the supermarket it is definitely a bottle that I WOULD buy for myself. So I thought I would read the back you know just to get the jist of what's going on with the product, and I discovered that the lotion has natural oils and Vitamin B3. It claims that it will help to replenish hydration lost and restore suppleness to your skin (it does state that it's for mature skin but that doesn't bother me at all), which will be noticeably glowing and healthier in just 3 weeks. OK, I thought that was a little far fetched, but I was willing to give it a go, and I'll tell you why. Not only does it say it is hypoallergenic and used for sensitive skin, it's the fact my skin is dry, cracked and very very sore. I have such a problem with the skin on my face it's dry, tight and burns. The skin is broken and no matter what lotions and potions I use nothing soothes it or even helps the anger that is trying to escape, so yes I really was willing to give anything a shot. I was getting fed up with all those horrible and stinky creams that the doc provides, not that i'm ungrateful as I know they are trying to help but I just wanted to feel normal, and feminine again. Not like a gremlin or guinea pig, and to be honest to get a little confidence back in myself, I hated the way my face looked and was very self conscious, so if this little lotion from E45 could do it then I was about to find out.
I know I know you think I'm nuts, someone with sensitive skin using a fragranced lotion, but please just take time to listen to what I have to say about my first application, and then you can make your own minds up.
I squirted the cream onto my hands, the bottle was easy to use and the cream was white and the consistency was just right. I could smell the fragrance instantly and I have to say I really approved, it is mild and floral, sort of like your soap and this instantly made me feel girly. The first place I wanted to try it was my face, but I relented I tried it on my poor hands first. Instantly I could feel the difference, the skin on my hands felt smoother and less rough. The cream absorbed quickly and left no sticky or greasy residue behind which is an added bonus especially for body lotion as this means you can apply and quickly dress, bonus if you are in a hurry. So I then thought I'd try it on my elbows and knees, which have patches of Psoriasis, and the heels of my feet, and once again what a difference just after the one application, my skin was smooth, and I just couldn't stop rubbing my hands together, I loved the feel of them, I loved the feel of the lotion. The patches of Psoriasis responded well to the lotion also and this is when I decided to give it a try on my face, I thought if it hurt I'd instantly wash it off. So I took the plunge and all I can say is that I felt like the skin on my face gave out an audible sigh of relief. I applied in small circular motions and each time it felt like my skin was being lovingly kissed and caressed better. The tightness relaxed slightly, and the burning sensation which I thought would increase actually subsided a little bit too. I will tell you something I have never felt so much relief in my life.
So that was my first application and I have been using it everyday since as part of my skin care routine. I've found the best time to use the E45 lotion is right after you have showered or bathed, it helps lock the moisture in. The bottle states that it lasts 24 hours and I can't honestly vouch for this because I shower twice a day so it's not on long enough, but I can tell you that one application in the morning lasts me all day and the fragrance also lasts throughout the day on my skin personally, which I am thrilled with as I feel more womanly with a scent on my body. I have decanted some into a smaller bottle so I can take it with me and top up if I feel I need to and this is just habit because my skin has always been so dry, but the past week or so I've just applied once in the morning and it has lasted all day. I would definitely recommend just before bed putting the lotion on your hands and feet and popping on your gloves and socks, I'm not joking your hands and feet will thank you in the morning.
I knew that my new E45 lotion was doing a good job, but it was when I went to visit my family and the ladies that my gran meets with couldn't stop complimenting me on my healthy and glowing skin. In fact they were convinced I was pregnant because I honestly couldn't have that glow without being pregnant. It took me a while to convince them that I was without child, and that it was in fact good ol' E45. They all took a little squirt in their hands and I was ashamed to admit they made me really jealous because they were reminiscing about the times they had used it. I wish that I had discovered this little wonder years ago too, my skin would have loved me and E45 a whole lot.
Now I don't know about you but there is nothing better than someone else noticing something different on you and positively complimenting you, I have to admit my confidence has been boosted and I'm not trying to hid my face or avoid people as much as I have in the past. I feel like a weight has been taken off my shoulders, like I have been given another chance, and I can be feminine now and not feel like a complete and utter gremlin, and I'm not ashamed to have this lotion displayed on my bathroom shelf either it takes pride of place there! Since that first application my facial skin is less angry, my skin is healthy and glowing, and I feel such a difference overall. My body feels smooth to the touch and I just cannot thank E45 enough for such a fantastic product.
Want to try it yourself? Of course you do... well it's available in all major supermarkets, Boots and other major retailers. There are different sizes and variants and the price is down to the retailers discretion but usually it's between £3.84 and £7.20, but as we all know there is always deals and offers to be had and the best place I've found to look is the mysupermarket website which compares the price in 7 different shops so you can get the best deal. I know most people think that is a lot of money but in all honesty you don't need loads for an application, I take a small amount and it goes a long way. Plus it works, and I'm happy to pay for something as long as it works, I mean there are these wonder creams out there that are a few hundred pounds and don't make the blind bit of difference, so I'm quite happy to pay the price for this bottle of cream. I've been using it everyday for the past few weeks and I've still got a lot left in my bottle.
So how about trying it before you buy it? Yes I know we all love a free sample, so why not skip on over to the E45 page and request your own free sample (I'm not sure if this is while stocks last or not) .
Thank you Bzzagent for allowing me to trial this product for you :)
