In the cosmetics industry it is a well known fact that in men the signs of ageing occur later and more gradually than in women. However, once they do appear wrinkles are most definitely deeper. In addition to this men’s skin is 25% thicker than a women’s and more oilier and acidic. Finally it is subject to more frequent attacks of irritation caused by the harsh effects of daily shaving. Now before we all just give up our daily skin care regime as a lost cause, Sisley, the long established French cosmetics house has come up with a wonder lotion to tackle all of these issues. It is also a well known fact that mens skin starts to age from the age of 25, hence the reason to start with an anti-ageing product from this time. This is Sisleyüm is the brand’s first ever dedicated male product and I’m sure you’ll be delighted to hear that through the grapevine we’ve heard that there’s more men’s products to be launched at the end of the year.

Rather than create a whole range, Sisley have chosen to develop a product capable of fulfilling all functions and responding to all the skin’s needs. It claims that the new Sisleyüm for men offers a complete treatment which acts on moisturising and nutrition, anti-razor burn, anti-stress/fatigue and combats wrinkles and promotes firmer skin.We examined just how Sisley aims to combat these issues. Firstly, moisturising and adding nutrition, this is achieved with the extract of wild pansy which stimulates the growth of Aquaporin-3, the extract increases the water circulation in skin that requires more effective hydration. Adding vegetable glycerine, sorbitol and sunflower oil all act to help moisturise, nourish and soften the skin. Secondly, relief of razor burn, extracts of white horehound and shea butter have powerful soothing and repairing actions, combine these with allantoin to treat the cuts and burns. Thirdly, combating stress/fatigue, a cocktail of active ingredients have been selected including olivine, to reactivate the cell’s energy metabolism, malachite, rhodocrosite and smithsonite, all three form an anti-free radical shield to strengthen the skin’s natural defences. Finally, combating wrinkles and promote firmer skin, extracts of alkekengi calyx, padina pavonica and pussy willow all have an anti-elastase effect and promote the production of collagen in the skin. Vitamin A palmitate regulates cellular turnover and this combined with oils of marjoram,sage and rosemary soothe and stimulate the skin.The formulation comes in two textures, a gel texture, light and oil-free, easily absorbed recommended for normal, combination and oily skin and more suitable for summer months. Secondly a cream texture for normal to dry skin that is prone to tightness, more suitable for winter month protection from harsh conditions.Sisleyum should be applied morning and/or evening as required to clean skin. The packaging is stylishly masculine and oozes expense.

We have been fortunate enough to get our hands on these products before they go on general release. Having used this product for a week now my skin feels hydrated, soft, supple and revitalised, the cream applies with ease and has a very appealing yet masculine aroma. After shaving the skin feels instantly moisturised without any need for any other creams, balms or serums and stays like this for the remainder of the day. 10/10
This product is launched exclusively in Selfridges, London on 28th Feb 2011 then goes nationwide to Harrods, John Lewis and other Selfridges 15th March 2011. £150.00 50 ml bottle.

Graham Matthews, Sisleyüm Review