Skincare worth splurging on – and 25% off Elemis
When it comes to beauty, I tend to take the same high-low approach as I do with fashion. There are certain items I don’t mind paying more for – think neatly tailored jackets and good shoes in the wardrobe department, quality skincare in the bathroom cabinet. Other everyday basics can be found on the high street. As makeup is not something I spend a great deal of money on – I’m happy with Burt’s Bees Lip Balm, Maybelline’s Great Lash Mascara and Rimmel’s Wonder’full Brow – I tend to reward this frugality by treating myself to more luxurious skincare. Elemis is one of my favourite brands, the products are consistently good and so when an email pinged into my inbox asking if I’d like to collaborate, I said yes before I’d even read the terms and conditions.
Having inherited my mum’s lovely skin and not looked after it as well – too much sun, caffeine, gin, not enough water – I’ve reached an age when I want a hydrating moisturiser with SPF. (On very hot, sunny days I do wear sunscreen on top but tend not to in winter). Of all the day creams I’ve tried over the last few years, Elemis’ Pro-Collagen Marine Cream is the best. It smells lovely and fresh, feels light and creamy, absorbs well and leaves my skin looking radiant. I’ve been using the Dream Cream together with the Pro-Collagen Super Serum Elixir, and I’m happy with the results. Though the products are at the higher end of the price range, I would definitely splurge on the Pro-Collagen Marine Cream to give my skin a treat and know beauty editors who say the same.
I also took the opportunity to try out a couple of products from Elemis’ Superfood Range. The Facial Wash with kale, nettle and rosemary, smells delicious and leaves skin feeling squeaky clean. While the Superfood Glow Priming Moisturiser does indeed make your skin look radiant and glowy (in a good way).
PROMO CODE UPDATE
Several readers have experienced issues with the promo code, so I’ve spoken to Elemis who have checked this across a range of products and are now happy that it is working properly. And just to be certain, Team TNMA has double-checked this, too. Apologies for any unnecessary faffing – and a quick reminder that the offer is open until 31st October 2020. Please note that certain products are exempt from the offer and listed in the T&Cs below.
Many thanks, Alyson
Elemis is offering That’s Not My Age readers 25% discount.
Use code ALYSON25 to receive 25% off your order on ELEMIS.com. Offer ends midnight 31st October 2020. Not valid on Limited Edition Pro-Collagen Marine Cream 100ml, 25 Days of Spectacular Skin Advent Calendar, ULTRA SMART range, Christmas collections, travel sizes, gift cards & vouchers and cleansing cloths. Only one promotional code can be used per order. Offers are not valid in conjunction with any other offer or codes and cannot be redeemed retrospectively. No cash alternative available. Currently only available for use in the UK, but we’re hoping this might change to extend to US shoppers soon so stay tuned.
This is a sponsored post.
Photography: Claire Pepper
Discussion (38 Comments)
Katie says:
Elemis is a really nice brand so it’s good to read you’re a fan too, Alyson. I don’t use the face cream range but love the Frangipani Monoi Body Oil. It’s expensive so needs to be used sparingly and makes a special gift. The one thing that concerns me about Elemis’ products is the packaging – the face creams are in very thick plastic pots which aren’t suitable for recycling. I’d like to know if Elemis has any future plans to make its packaging more sustainable?
Julia says:
Hi Katie,
I too am concerned out the recycling aspect of pretty much everything I buy these days. So, I was looking into that and came across this, which I’m sure you’ll agree is fantastic news…..
https://www.itv.com/thismorning/articles/the-seven-best-sustainable-beauty-buys
Julia
Thank you so much, Julia, for sharing this useful link which makes me feel a little more hopeful on the beauty products recycling front! And thank you, Alyson, for negotiating a 25% discount for your readers on Elemis products.
Bettyboop says:
Thanks Katie at this information. I despair at the lack of interest from cosmetic companies on packaging (as well as other companies). Good to see some progress.
Kim says:
I am a self confessed beauty care addict. Since aged 17 I’ve flirted with lots of brands at all price points and a few homemade concoctions…..the turmeric mask leaving a faint nicotine stained face was a low point. The one brand that I’ve always gone back to is Elemis, their cleansing balms are great. I’m currently loving Medik8 moisturiser with spf 30 built in, Aesop serum and Elemis cleansing balm. Glad to see your influence being recognised Alyson.
Sara says:
Each to their own, as ever but I have never forgotten the wonderful Anita Roddick from the Body Shop talking about skincare and saying it is all essentially a combination of oil and water, in different proportions. It made utter sense to me then and just as much years on. With naturally dry skin, I’ ve always moisturised as my skin feels uncomfortable without, but rarely used other than good old basics, with a dash of pricier goods if on special offers. I agree totally with the concept of mixing low and high prices for clothing (shoes, sometimes bags but mostly expensive goodies at TKMaxx at rock bottom prices , jackets, all need to be the best one can manage) but skincare? There really is not the science to back it up, imho. As I said, each to their own and my Nivea means the occasional Russell and Bromley – but still mostly in the sales! My very unscientific research (looking at friends’ skin over years) shows little difference between those who spend a fortune and those who do not. We all need treats, so if skincare does it, fair do’s, but I’ll keep mine for the pricy ankle boots I have my eyes on while I gaily slap on the Nivea!
Hi Sara I find Nivea pretty good also.. I forgot to take moisturise on holiday recently, and the selection available at the local small Boots was limited. I picked up a Nivea moisturiser – its fabulous for my dry skin. Many moisturisers dont even moisturise – well this ones does. I love it. Embarassing to think how much I’ve spent on poor-yet-very-expensives over the years. So that was a lucky break and I highly recommend it.
Meg says:
I had a lovely spa day about 9 years ago in Sedona, Arizona and the spa used Elemis, which was brand new to me. Having splurged on the treatment, I had nothing left to buy product , but I always remembered the brand and how lovely it was. Thanks for the promo, Alyson, I am revisiting my favorite products to have here at home.
Gillian Gustar says:
I have been toying with the idea of Elemis since attending an online beauty update arranged by John Lewis – so this might just tempt me over the line. Thank you!
suzanna says:
The Elemis products appear reasonable in price to so many others; like La Prarie!! I like La Prarie but only use it if someone gives me a sample. It is wonderful but enough to make 1 car payment fir the price of one product. Elemis sounds super & I am desperately needIng a skin care plan as I am out of everything. Sadly they do not seem to sell in the USA!! Hi Alyson, been following you since you started That’s Not My Age! Loved many featured items & great to know about them but can’t get them in the US, or I do not know how to find them!
Judy Dempsey says:
You can buy Elemis on QVC.com in the USA. I believe they are in the UK as well. Lovely but spendy.
Sarah says:
Thanks Alyson. I came to Elemis through my daughter giving me am Elemis facial as a present. I loved it and my skin felt really good afterwards – friends also commented which was a positive endorsement. They are expensive but a little goes a long way. Thanks too for the code – I’ve just used it so very happy. I agree with Katie that their packaging is of concern – too much of it too. Sarah
Trude Irons says:
Your words inspired me to buy. However, the checkout cart is incomprehensible to me.
I entered your code, it subtracted, then added it back in. More frustrating, I can not find the
let’s finish up this sale and pay button. So products sit the cart and life goes on without.Hi Alyson, I was totally sold based upon your recommendation, however Elemis did not accept the ALYSON25 promo code on my order.
Hello Bonnie, Lynda,
So sorry about this – let me check with Elemis and get back to you.
Alyson
Hello again, so I’ve been informed the issue might be if you’re trying to buy from the US site? It’s currently a UK offer, have updated the T&C’s, but it’s potentially going to be extended to the US too, just waiting for confirmation. Thank you!
Kathleen says:
On your recommendation , I will try Elemis. My big concern these days is hair and I need advice. I’ve not colored or cut it in over a year and a half so there are various shades of grayish white, gray, and brown. Non of that bothers me. But my hair seems so dull! I want shine. Your hair looks lovely and healthy. What do you advise?
Me too. My hairdresser recommended “Milkshake” shampoo. It’s brilliant at highlighting greying hair and takes out all the yellow tones that make it dull. Just don’t leave it on too long (2-3 mins is enough) or you’ll get a lavender tint! Oddly I get a lot of compliments about my hair now which I never did when I was colouring it……interesting.
Mel says:
Love Elemis but love your shirt more…..can I ask where it’s from (hoping it’s not one of your old favourites you’ve had in your wardrobe for 20 years!)
Hi Mel, sorry (!) the shirt is several years old from Muji. Let me have a think about where to find something similar….
kb says:
Hello ~
Are the Elemis ingredients mineral, or chemical, sunscreens? I’m asking, with both our bodies and our coral reefs at stake. Thank you.maudie says:
Years’ ago my son used to work for a hair and beauty salon and gave me some samples of Pro-collagen Marine Cream. The smell and results were outstanding but I never splashed the cash and bought a full size version. Your post might just tempt me to the spendy-side! I would, at some point, love some advice on cosmetics for sensitive skin. I have just binned ALL my makeup as it seems to make me itch and my eyeballs are so sore! – admittedly it is all a bit old (and cheap) but I am afraid of hitting the Clinique counter and being sold a load of stuff that I don’t need. (I am a tinted moisturiser, brown eyeshadow, mascara, blusher and lip balm kind of woman). I can only go so long without any makeup at all. I now have none, nada, zilch and look pretty grim!!
Katherine says:
Hello Maudie
A friend of mine was in a similar position and the assistant on the Clarins counter gave her an amazing selection of cosmetics and skin treatment samples to experiment with, all without a purchase. She did return and buy a couple of things. Hope this helps.
Maria says:
Thanks for sharing your experience with Elemis products. Is the discount available to people outside the UK please?
Hi Maria, Thanks for your comment. It’s not available at the minute but I’m speaking to Elemis about this. I’ll let you know as soon as I have further information.
Barbara says:
I’m washing my face with CD Avocado Handwashing Lotion and use a simple Avène Moisturizer. That’s it.
And at 72 I have a very good skin with very few wrinkles ;-)))Patrish says:
There are several chemical sunscreen ingredients listed.
As a former Research & Development Cosmetic Chemist, specifically in creams and lotions, I have continued
interest in ingredients.Thank you, Patrish, for answering my query. No chemical sunscreens for me or for our planet, please!
longdenlife says:
I’ve used Procollagen Marine cream for a number of years as its the only moisturiser that doesn’t give me breakouts or leave me with greasy patches, combined with dry patches too like other brands.
Over lockdown I ‘downpriced’ to a high street brand due to budget restrictions and it was okay but my skin does not look as good as previously.
Time to reinvest I think.
A lot of other people love the Frangipani range, including my mum and sister, however, I cant abide the smell at all and have to request that it isn’t used on me if I ever go and have an Elemis facial (another thing I haven’t splashed out on in a while)
I would say that if you purchase from QVCUK make sure you check all the combinations of products on their site for Elemis as you can often purchase a bundle of two or three Elemis items together on offer for less than one single pot of procoll!
Angela says:
I’ve been using the Elemis Total Glow Moisturiser. Gives a lovely subtle light tan on my pale Celtic skin. Thought I would take advantage of your offer and try another product, ordering from the UK. As with others the checkout wouldn’t accept your discount code. Not meant to be!
Apologies, Angela – we’ve been in touch with Elemis again and are waiting to hear back.
I have been told by more than one dermatologist that not using a sunblock is madness now that we know so much about avoiding skin cancer and a moisturiser containing sunscreen is not a satisfactory substitute. Fortunately for me I am extremely pale and have worn a sunhat as a child in the 1960s and sun block since the 70s and my skin is much better than one might expect considering my lifestyle in the 70s and 80s…
I use a niche, organic and quite expensive skincare range but my sister uses a modest Boots product and we both have good skin.Mrs Tonia says:
I haven’t used any Elemis products. But I have been using since lockdown a mixture of Caudalie face creams from their website including the new Resveratrol Lift Cashmere one widely advertised, combined with Avene products which I buy less expensively from Boots via promotions and with loyalty points. I recommend Avene Hydrance Riche moisturiser with and without UV protection, and eye cream Soin Défatigant Regard ( Refreshing Eye Contour Care ). The latter is an excellent base for eye makeup plus an overnight cream.
The textures, light fragrances and positive impact of these products means I’m keeping stocked up with them.PROMO CODE UPDATE
Several readers have experienced issues with the promo code, so I’ve spoken to Elemis who have checked this across a range of products and are now happy that it is working properly. And just to be certain, Team TNMA has double-checked this, too. Apologies for any unnecessary faffing – and a quick reminder that the offer is open until 31st October 2020. Please note that certain products are exempt from the offer and listed in the T&Cs above.Many thanks, Alyson
If you’re still having issues please message the Elemis team at: [email protected] who will be able to help you. Thanks!
Bonnie 
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Lucky you. My dream assignment and I’m 100% with you in all you say in this post. My daughter introduced me to Elemis back when it was very new, she worked for a few years as a therapist on cruise ships, using Elemis products. It was a fatal slide into my dependency! From time to time, in an effort to spend less, I try other products, but nearly always regret it. I’m not sure how they manage to make such effective moisturisers in such a lightweight formula, but they do. Many products are too heavy for my skin and cause breakouts, pore clogging etc, I never experience this with Elemis. I have super ancient, abused skin, and I’m probably no advert for their products, but I can’t imagine where I’d be without them. Especially love the original pro collagen cleansing balm. It has a divine fragrance and is really effective and soothing. But it’s all good.