Facial Oils are the new trend be it as a step in our skin care or mixed with various products we use such as our creams or foundations. I have previously talked about Sisley Black Rose here and was positively surprised to hear lots of very experienced and enthusiastic comments. After that I decided to invite an expert to the discussion and I was so happy when Ebru from ChicScience agreed to write us an article about the basics of facial oil (read here). She then later on added another article to this series on her blog, which is about twelve most favorite facial oils and their benefits here.
Today's post is inspired by our orchid, which is right now in full bloom and poses so well. I have been searching for a more affordable alternative to the Sisley Black Rose Facial Oil, so have been on a journey on trying a few alternative products. I heard many good things about Clarins Facial Oils and decided to give one of them a try for science (thanks to Clarins for supporting it). For the ones who don't know, there are three different products for different skin types in their line up. The one I would like to share my thoughts today is Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil (Huile Orchidée Bleue) for dehydrated skin. There is one for dry skin but it is more specialized in rednesses which I luckily don't suffer from, so I decided to go for Blue Orchid.
 |
| Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil |
Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil comes in a 30ml glass container with a drop dispenser. It feels luxurious and heavy in a good way. The packaging is great, though I don't know if being transparent is an issue here for the life of the oils. I keep it in my bathroom cupboard which is dark. Ingredients are given as follows:
Ingredients
Corylus Avellana (Hazel) Seed
Oil, Pogostemon Cablin Oil, Aniba Rosaeodora (Rosewood) Wood Oil,
Fragrance, Dendrobium Phalaenopsis Flower Extract, Linalool, Limonene,
Geraniol, Benzyl Benzoate, Coumarin, Eugenol
Hazel seed oil is given to be a quickly absorbed light facial oil, which is great especially for dehydrated skin. Pogostemon Cablin Oil, aka patchouli, known to stimulate the growth of new skin cells apart from smelling divine. It is especially said to provide fast wound healing (source). Rosewood is given to aiding rejuvenation of the skin. There is unfotunately fragrance in the mix, which might be of concern if you are sensitive to that. Dendrobium Phalaenopsis is the Orchid which gives the oil its name is given to be great for hydration.
 |
| Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil |
On my slightly damp skin, I apply this facial oil straightly. I found that 5-6 drops is optimal for my skin condition at the moment. I suspect though in winter I might need more. I like using Facial Mists before Facial Oils. I am going to share a few of those I am loving at the moment in another post. The oil smells divine and it doesn't sit on the skin. I feel like this doesn't get soaked in as quick as Black Orchid but still my skin feels good after the application. I am missing squalane here which I got used to so bad. I purchased a bottle of pure squalane in Japan after the recommendations in the last post. I am mixing it with this one to make it more complete in terms of anti-aging ingredients.
One of the things I love most about Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil must be its smell. It is a gorgeous woody smell which is not too heavy but very calming. With some of the smells I can't sleep at night, but this one takes me to the most sweet dreams.
In the morning when I wake up, my face feels smooth and hydrated. I don't feel that it is very much nourished so need to add my cream on top for this purpose. All in all a great budget option for dehydrated skin types. I recommend you add your anti-aging on top.
 |
| Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil |
Final thoughts: I love the smell, the quick absorption and lightness of Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil. It definitely helps to keep the skin hydrated and happy. I think it is best if you use it under or together with your anti-aging creams.
Have you tried any of Clarins' Facial Oils? Which oil ingredient makes your skin happiest?
Disclaimer: The product in this post was sent free of charge for consideration purposes.
I am not paid for this review. All opinions are honest and my own.
