Up at 5.30am, I stumble bleary-eyed into the bathroom and almost reach for my usual brand of soap. Not today. Today, it’s ELEMIS’s Deep Cleanse Facial Wash. Usually, I’m a sceptic about all these face washes. Do any of them really “cleanse, refresh, and revive”? Here goes.

I’m surprised how smooth it actually is. Made with oak bark, spearmint and peppermint, all in an milk protein base, it glides across the face with a silky-like feel. It smells great too. So far, so good.

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I feel a tingle begin to spread across my face and instantly feel more awake. Have I just made myself believe all this “cleanse, refresh, and revive” hype, or is it actually that good?

Quick look in the mirror, and my face seems to have a glow. Right, I really shouldn’t have read the bottle before using it.

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I’ve always naturally had oily skin and so finding a good, light moisturiser is a task and a half. What have I got to lose? Might as well give this one a go.

My face usually feels a bit tight after washing it, but this Daily Moisture Boost lotion promises to “immediately nourish and hydrate.” 

A blend of Polynesian green tamanu oil and cactus cereus flower extract, I’m a bit gutted it doesn’t have as much of a strong scent as the facewash. Still, it’s light, easily absorbed, and does what it says on the tin.

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At work, some nine hours in, I usually feel like my face is sliding off. (Attractive, eh?) I catch myself in the bathroom mirror and, although not completely oil-free, it doesn’t seem to be as shiny as it usually is at this point in the day.

All in all, a good experience. Even more so when a colleague complements how fresh I’m looking. 

ELEMIS: you’ve made a believer out of me.

VERDICT: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Daily Moisture Boost: Hydrating day lotion 50ml is £32. Deep Cleanse Facial Wash: Purifying daily wash 150ml is £22. Both products are also available as part of the Superman gift set this Christmas, priced at £38.

Purchase at elemis.com/men.