Perricone MD Face Finishing Moisturizer 
6/19/13

If you haven't tried any Perricone MD products, chances are you've heard of a few. I wrote a post about his magical Blue Plasma, and had high hopes for the other products. I'm currently using some other Perricone MD goodies, but today I'm sharing my experience with the Face Finishing Moisturizer or 'FFM' as brand loyalists refer to it. 

The Perricone Philosophy is costly and rigid, as we're not simply talking skincare here. There's an anti-inflammatory diet component, nutritional supplements, and skincare, of course. The diet resembles the Mediterranean diet with minor tweaks. The supplements (which he sells) run about $150 a month. Then there's the Clinical Skincare component. Needless to say, I don't subscribe to the full lifestyle. A girl needs a filet mignon, some wine, and dessert. I just jump right to the skincare component, which is focused on anti-aging products. I do take non-Perricone vitamins C, D, E, a multi-vitamin, and Nordic Naturals Omega 3-6-9. 

(click photo to enlarge)

While much of the line offers products for more mature skin or severe premature aging (deep-set wrinkles, sagging necklines, etc), there are several targeted at women in our 30's and early 40's with first signs of aging. That said, this product falls into that category - much like Blue Plasma and his pore treatments. The anti-aging ingredients include Alpha Lipoic Acid, DMAE, and Vitamin C Ester. 

This moisturizer offers the usual anti-aging promises, from decreased fine lines to increased radiance and hydration, and minimized pores. It's also listed as having a "delicate rose scent." I'd describe the scent as "fishy with a hint of rose." We need to accept that Perricone products are "fishy," and tolerate it in the best products. It actually fades after an hour or so. Unfortunately, this moisturizer doesn't agree with my skin. For whatever reason, the moisturizer begins to ball up and flake off which has only happened to me with 2 other products (non-Perricone eye creams). I have no idea what causes this, but it's really a bummer. It may be interacting with my Lancôme Visionnaire serum which I refuse to give up. I could tolerate the fishy/rose scent if the product would stay on! That said, your skin may take better to this product. I like that it comes with a spoon to keep the jar germ-free, and the price is reasonable in comparison to similar products. I've spoken with Dr. Perricone on several occasions and he's always happy to refund or exchange products. It's a shame, because I loved that it's lightweight, non-greasy, and the texture is cooling and soft. Very pleasant to apply. 

My verdict? Definitely a case of personal misfortune. I recommend picking up samples and giving it a try, as I believe this problem is potentially related to my other products. Perricone rocks it out with other products, so don't let my experience turn you away. I can barely remember life before Blue Plasma, and the other Perricone products I'm trying right now work, without issue. Note: all but two Perricone products are paraben-free, including those mentioned in this post. 

Perricone MD Face Finishing Mosturizer is $69 for a 2 oz. jar. 

Sephora offers a 4 oz. jar for $99.

Available at Perricone MD, Nordstrom, & Sephora.