The Daily Gloss

All sorts of lashings of gorgeousness...

Ella Baché Crème Intex No. 2: The one pimple product I swear by

Fri, 25 March 2011 10:03AM

Yes, it’s true – I have a potty mouth. But sometimes life throws some bad love your way and a little French is required. And those mornings when you wake up and stare into the mirror only to see an epic zitasaurus glaring right back at you is most certainly one such occasion.

A week or so back I spoke about pimples and acne ruining people’s confidence, especially when it comes to snapsies and vids of themselves online. And it got me thinking about my pimple history, Primps, which – if it were a very short book – would read something along the lines of this:

Cherie suffered from a very zitty forehead in Year 6 and 7, which led to the use of Roaccutane for around 6 months. Extreme skin dryness, sadness (yes, this pill is has a certain knack for being a massive downer on your moods) and a HUGE sensitivity to the sun soon resulted. However, her pimples did clear up, and now she generally only suffers from those ridiculously annoying hormonal ones around the chin. And just to make it clear, she is in no way fond of these ones as they are generally large and very ouchy.

Anyway, enough of referring to myself in the third person.

Since my first pimple sprouted, there’s been one zit cream that has stuck by me through thick and thin. I’m talking about this bad boy:

Ella Baché Crème Intex No. 2, $49

I must thank my mother for hooking us up because she was the one who handed me a bunch of Ella Baché skin care products at age 12 with a note that said, “Use these. You’ll love them. They actually work and won’t agitate your sensitive skin at all,” or something along those lines, anyway. And she was right. (Mothers generally are.)

Despite loving – and still using till this day – all the Ella Baché products in that pack, Crème Intex No. 2 was the brilliant gem that stole my heart.

Why?

It’s the only zit cream that never leaves my skin dry and flaky but still makes my pimples go away, quickly and efficiently.

I kid you not.

For those with a long history of pimple cream use, you know exactly why this is a fantastic achievement. I mean, usually you get a zit, apply your standard pimple cream, your zit dries up and disappears, but you’re always left with crusty skin in its place, which looks damn sh#tty when you try to cover it with foundation/concealer. Said dryness seems to hang around for a good five days, and at the end of it all, you often find yourself wishing you had that tiny pimple back instead.

But why does this product refuse to dry out your skin? Well, Crème Intex No. 2 contains fletan oil – a spiffy non-clogging oil hailing from the halibut fish – that is rich in vitamin A and helps to soothe the skin while at the same time preventing dryness. Woo! The zinc oxide and thyme oil, on the other hand, have amazing healing and antibacterial qualities, which helps clear the breakouts while also killing any nasties. That’s some double whammy goodness right there. And for those oily-skinned Primps out there, don’t think this product is bad for you because of its ability to prevent the skin from drying out. It also contains talc to absorb excess oil. Goodie, goodie gumboots.

I dab a small amount of him on my zitty areas at night after applying my serum and before my moisturiser, but you can also wear it during the day under makeup – just make sure you only use a teeny tiny bit or you risk a bad case of ghost face. Oh, and the tube lasts for ages. I’ve had my current tube for over a year. Talk about value for moolah, Primps.

Primps,

Have you heard of or used this product before?
What about Ella Baché as a brand? Do you use their products?
Does this sound like a product you’d like to try?

Posted by: Cherie Herrmann

Comments (45) Print Send to friend Share

Tags: acne, amazing products, beauty product review, clean, complexion, Creme Intex No. 2, ella bache, glowy, pimple, skin, skin care, zit

45 Comments

Posted by: katiekates Enthusiast // Fri, 25 March 2011 10:25am

i love this! its the best pimple cream i’ve ever used. i usually get redness around the area due to using pimple gels but this just soothes my skin and gets rid of the pimple overnight. its also great for preventing ingrown hairs after waxing
Posted by: Jannz Enthusiast // Fri, 25 March 2011 10:28am

This product sounds pretty amazing, I’ve never tried Ella Baché before. My skin has been acting up lately so I’d like to give it a go.
Posted by: Georgia Daisy // Fri, 25 March 2011 10:33am

YES! One of my girlfriends worked at EB and put all of us on to it – works everytime!
Posted by: Kelly Lee McCarren // Fri, 25 March 2011 10:36am

AGREED!! This is THE greatest pimple prod on the market.
Posted by: Ken // Fri, 25 March 2011 10:46am

sounds perfect for me – i absolutely loathe the dry skin that comes after attacking pimples with a gel.

Just on another note, glad you told us you were on Roaccutane – I’ve been on it twice now with varying results. Your skin always looks so nice that I figure you’ve never had a pimple in your life, but now your credibility’s gone way up in my book! x
Posted by: sumaya Master Fan // Fri, 25 March 2011 10:59am

I have never used any of their products before but they do sound fantasic. I am definately interested in giving this product a go
Posted by: Kbeard Enthusiast // Fri, 25 March 2011 11:43am

Thanks for the advice I am going to buy this today!!!!
Posted by: kristinkate Enthusiast // Fri, 25 March 2011 12:27pm

Sold! I’m going to buy this on the weekend!
Posted by: Talithaw Enthusiast // Fri, 25 March 2011 01:19pm

Perfect timing. I just finished my bottle of ultraceuatical pimple gel which was great but i did still end up with a flaky bit of skin after the pimple which i can never resist and then pull it off which sometimes results in scarring that takes a month or so to fade. this prod is also cheaper and you claim it lasts forever so will definietly be giving this a go. Thanks!
Posted by: ellie84 Supporter // Fri, 25 March 2011 01:24pm

This sounds great! I used Roaccutane in my teens too and now get hormonal breakouts on my chin. Roaccutane was pretty horrible + drying so this seems like a much nicer product to try!
Posted by: keppers Devotee // Fri, 25 March 2011 01:24pm

I have never heard of this product but it sounds like it would work magic. Have never tried Ella Bache but have always wanted to
Posted by: DebstarDesigns Master Fan // Fri, 25 March 2011 01:35pm

WOW! Your mum gave you Ella Bache? Mine gave me soap n water! (which up until recently she still used, god bless her!)
I’ve never used Ella Bache products, but you make this one sound perfect for me so I’ll look into it! Cheers
Posted by: Anna // Fri, 25 March 2011 01:52pm

WOW! I am totally sold too, but I can no way in my pocket money afford that :L being a student, lol.
I am finishing off my uber long roaccutane course (first ever) and my skin is completely clear; i just have these small white bumps next to my mouth. Oh god how i want to finish; my lips are dry and flakey and gross.
I might ask for a sample…i hope i win this one day – need it for those times when i do get a breakout after the roac.
I used to have really bad acne….hopefully it doesnt come back after my 8 month roac round
Posted by: Bridals Enthusiast // Fri, 25 March 2011 02:12pm

I havent used this one but I have been using the md skincare (dr. dennis gross) “correct and perfect spot treatment” sulfur acne treatment. Its tinted and I dont know about getting “rid” of them but I suffer from those blind ones pimples and this product flattens them. I dont know how but it does.
Posted by: Courtney // Fri, 25 March 2011 02:20pm

I love this pimple cream! It’s definitely one of the best I’ve used, my other favourite is A.S.A.P Clearskin Gel.

I have been using the Ella Bache range for about 6 weeks now and I am not happy with the rest of the range for my acne prone skin. I had a consultation and am supposedly using the right products for my skin but I wouldn’t recommend splashing out on the whole range.

Definitely recommend the EB pimple creme, because you are right Cherie it is excellent
Posted by: Karen-1298334769 Master Fan // Fri, 25 March 2011 02:24pm

I have never used any Ella Bache products before, but if I have a serious break out, I think I know where I will be heading.
Posted by: Cherie Herrmann Enthusiast // Fri, 25 March 2011 03:43pm

Ken, I’m glad you appreciated my ‘dirty little pimple secret’. I also had some spots on my back, which the tablets cleared up, too. It’s definitely wasn’t an enjoyable time being on it, though. Those pills are nasty.

And DebstarDesigns, my mum has really sensitive skin and spent her whole life searching for a skin care brand that worked for her. She stumbled across EB and LOVED it, so she thought she’d save me the trouble she went through and started me on it straight away. She’s a gem like that. xx
Posted by: Julieow Master Fan // Fri, 25 March 2011 04:04pm

Ive never used it but by golly a pimlpe cream that works is worth hanging on to for dear life! I’m attached to Dermalogica Overnight clearing gel. It takes the anger out and they fade so much quicker and never flaky, ever. I use it as preventative too every night round the old chin zone
Posted by: Tammy // Fri, 25 March 2011 04:23pm

agreed im a makeup artist and i always recommend my brides use this miracle worker in the lead up to their wedding. It is a staple in my kit and life and will be forever!!
Posted by: ssminnow Enthusiast // Fri, 25 March 2011 04:27pm

My skin only started breaking out after year 12 and has only really settled down now but I still get horribly painful zits. I think I need this! Thanks Cherie, I’m sure you’ve helped a lot of people out with this post.
Posted by: Laura // Fri, 25 March 2011 04:44pm

Omg I was on roaccutane too! My skin is great now but I still get the occasional pimple. Creme intex is my fave product from ella bache, it also works on ingrown hairs!
Posted by: lozfromoz Devotee // Fri, 25 March 2011 08:00pm

I used to use this as a teenager, recommended by the EB lady, but I never saw results. Maybe because she was recommending it for my clogged, congested skin and from what you’re saying Cherie, it is more for actual zits?? Not sure…
Posted by: Tina-1291133452 Master Fan // Fri, 25 March 2011 08:05pm

sounds perfect! buying it on the w/e!
Posted by: BettyBoo Devotee // Sat, 26 March 2011 05:56am

This products looks amazing – I’m definitely going to go out and buy it. Thanks for letting me know about this little gem.
Posted by: Megan // Sat, 26 March 2011 05:50pm

I love this!!! My cousin got me onto it when I was 14… It’s been an amazing relationship ever since!! Definitely worth the cash and like you said lasts ages. Cannot live without it
Posted by: strawbsundae Master Fan // Sat, 26 March 2011 09:04pm

Sounds like an interesting product to try. I’ve heard of Ella Bache before, however, I’ve never tried their products before. I’m really glad that there’s a reccomendation from this Product Company, as I usually like to buy things that have been road tested and actually work. Looking forward to visiting the counter in store!
Posted by: Felicety // Sun, 27 March 2011 05:41pm

If it were not 5.30pm on a sunday I would be buying this RIGHT NOW, but instead I will have to wait till tomorrow. My skin is crazy right now, I usually get one or 2 pimples a month but for the last month or 2 it has been non stop zitsville and its really getting me down. Especially seeing as I have no idea why!
Posted by: steph Enthusiast // Sun, 27 March 2011 06:30pm

I have never tried any products from the Ella Baché range before, but would definitely be willing to give this a go (if I can afford it now I am a student!).
I have just moved interstate from cool to warm climate and my skin has gone crazy – for the past 6 weeks I have been getting nasty cystic pimples on my chin, around my mouth and along my jawline. Previously I only got a few hormonal ones. It’s horrible and nothing seems to calm them down. Not only the pimples themselves but the pigmentation and scarring they are leaving behind
Thanks for the suggestion!!
Posted by: Rachel // Sun, 27 March 2011 11:25pm

Thanks for the rec, Cherie! Am current approaching 3rd month on Roaccutane. Pretty nasty stuff – I had to halve my dosage because my 5’2” body just couldn’t metabolise so much of that drug!

Acne has cleared up considerably though. Now only if that pesky hyperpigmentation would fade soon (booo)
Posted by: candyapple Enthusiast // Mon, 28 March 2011 09:47am

I love how happy everyone is with this article! Luckily I don’t have much of a need for this product (don’t worry, I have my own skin issues). I can certainly appreciate how good it is to read a good review about something that is a problem for a lot of people.
Posted by: Jess // Mon, 28 March 2011 11:08am

Went out and purchased this after reading the post and reviews – so far so good, kind of smells a bit funny (the BF said I smelt like herbs), but hey, if it clears up those pesky spots without causing redness and flakiness, I’m willing to put it up with it!
Posted by: jusbruers Enthusiast // Mon, 28 March 2011 12:01pm

Chez can we get a RRP?
Sounds divine!
I love the EB self tanners, the green under tones work for me and don’t make me orange!
Posted by: Becca Master Fan // Tue, 29 March 2011 09:38am

I don’t use Ella Bache, but I have heard so many great things about it. This cream sounds like it can earn itself a spot in my too full beauty cupboard.
Posted by: katiekates Enthusiast // Wed, 30 March 2011 12:13pm

haha just had a huge monster of a pimple come out the other day. so i pooped some on when i got home and proceeded to walk around the house with a big blob of white goo on my face. my housemates must think i’m a bit unhinged
Posted by: GorgeousEmeralds Master Fan // Sun, 3 April 2011 03:39pm

Never used Ella Bache products, I’ve heard that they are good, just never tried them.
Posted by: crystaldance Enthusiast // Mon, 4 April 2011 08:31am

This product sounds perfect! I have so much trouble with hormonal blemishes! My skin scars really easily too – which is not a good combination!!!

I love EB’s fake tan… maybe I’ll just have to find myself some of this!! YAY!
Posted by: sibbystar Enthusiast // Mon, 4 April 2011 01:14pm

Sounds AMAZING, can’t wait to try!
Posted by: misslysie Master Fan // Sat, 14 May 2011 12:42am

This sounds great! Thanks Cherie!
Posted by: Adele-1299370274 Devotee // Fri, 20 May 2011 08:10pm

I used to use heaps of ella bache stuff before I moved onto Dermalogica – forgot about this one – I’m keen to try it out now.
Posted by: Becca // Mon, 30 May 2011 07:53pm

Totally agree, and doubly about repairing wax damage. Even my husband knows to go for the Intex 2 when he has the odd outbreak or ingrown hair. Although I must say the little pot seemed was of a better consistency than the tube, and you did use less.
Posted by: sarah // Fri, 3 June 2011 05:58am

Yes, I love this product ! I don’t use it everyday but its certainly helped a lot to reduce and eliminate breakouts completely. Not a sign of that red mess the next day!
Posted by: Fashionista8P Master Fan // Sat, 9 July 2011 03:56pm

wow this sounds amazing, defiantly sounds like a product that i should try as i have such terrible skin that never seems to improve
Posted by: Louise-1295043242 Master Fan // Tue, 12 July 2011 08:04am

you don’t really hear much about Ella Bache anymore… seemed to have fallen off the radar a little.. so this is great, haven’t tried this product but might give it a go!
Posted by: Pretty Fairy // Thu, 14 July 2011 10:06am

I realise I am a little late to read this article and comment but just felt the need to as I agree whole heartedly with the above.

I was a fellow sufferer of not just pimples but full blown acne as a child/teenager and was put on 2 course of Roaccutane – thankfully never suffered the sadness but did have the dry skin, headaches and senstivitiy to sun. While it was a god send to have gone on it as I now only suffer the occasional blemish myself I would never wish acne on another living being it is destructive to your confidence and positivitiy.

Anyway, I too discovered the Ella Bache Creme Intex #2 and have been using it for years, it was and still is the only blemish cream that works for me without making matters worse first.

I love it and highly recommend it – plus it lasts forever! and it works on ingrown hairs.
Posted by: Lauren // Wed, 24 August 2011 04:43pm

I tried this as teen too and didn’t have good results. However I had serious problem skin, which took 15 years to settle down, and some serious dermatologist prescribed medication. I would try it now on my face for the odd pimple as i’m no longer incredibly oily and would love something which doesn’t leave dry patches.