Facial oils have always been a bit hit-and-miss with me. Possibly because I’ve never taken the time to learn how and when to use them properly and possibly because I’ve never found one that’s right for me. I’ve used plenty in the past that just made my face look greasy AF which wasn’t a good look even by my pretty low standards. I was always hesitant at putting facial oils on before make-up, worried that foundation and concealer wouldn’t sit properly and if I wasn’t wearing make-up, would everyone just think I was super sweaty? What’s the deal here?
As I said, I’ve tried a few face oils in the past and none of them have ever really stuck in my facial routine for one reason or another. But I do still like to try them – and most other face products – because I live in hope that one day I’ll find something perfect and something that genuinely works for me. For the last 2 years, since going on the mini-pill, I’ve had quite bad skin problems and no amount of creams, exfoliators or face wash seem to help. I’m under no illusion that this is a miracle product but from what I’ve experienced with it so far, I’m seriously impressed! So here’s my thoughts on the Skinirvana Original Beauty Oil.*..
I absolutely love the packaging – both the outer packing and the bottle itself. You can tell a lot of love and attention went into the design of these products, not just the one I received but also their formula for sensitive skin which you can find on the website. I love the gold accents on the logo, the lid and the box, I love the font and the lotus flower style logo. It’s also a really high quality bottle and pipette. Yay, 10/10 for packaging.
Most facial oils I’ve used before haven’t had the best smells and especially the more natural and organic ones unfortunately! They’ve smelt like I wanted to get them off my face pronto! But this…. THIS. Wowzers, it smells like the oils my masseuse uses (flipping heck, listen to me, ‘my masseuse’ who do I think I am?) but seriously, it smells seriously luxurious and a smell that you definitely won’t mind lingering under your nose for a few hours! If you went on a spa weekend, then this is the type of scent I’d expect to smell during treatments!
Now onto the oil itself. The Skinirvana brand itself is natural, chemical free, cruelty free and Vegan. Their sensitive formula is also suitable for pregnant women, nursing mothers and children of over 6 months. So I think it’s great that they have that option. As I said, I was sent the original formula and I followed the handy instructions on the packaging (the website also has lots of instructions of ways to use, which is great!) of massaging it into your face of a morning and evening, for 2 minutes. Preferably in upward sweeping motions and keeping away from the eyes.
I noticed that you really don’t need an awful lot of product to be able to feel the benefits and cover all your face which is great because it means it’ll last longer. It’s soft and gentle and didn’t cause any irritation to my face whatsoever. Obviously my face looked a little greasy straight after it was applied but honestly, it didn’t look like I’d just lathered myself in chip fat, which has been the case with previous oils! It also sunk into my skin quicker than I expected it would so I’d definitely be able to stick my make up on shortly after applying.
I gotta admit, it did feel really nice taking those few minutes to myself, massaging my face with an oil that smelt delightful. It’s become a nice addition to my skincare routine (if you can call it that) and just my daily morning ritual. Also knowing that it’s a natural, cruelty-free and Vegan product that I’m blessing my skin with is a huge bonus because I know nothing got hurt for my face to benefit from it!
For a 30ml bottle of either the original formula or the formula for sensitive skin will set you back £45 each. This sounds like a lot and admittedly, it’s not a price I’d think lightly about spending on one beauty oil but having tried it, I can justify the price. I also think the bottle will last you quite a while – it’s not something that you’ll be including in an “empties” post at the end of the month, put it that way!
Everything about Skinirvana screams luxury and quality to me; from the packaging, the bottle, the smell and the price. I think if you want to really treat yourself and you’re interested in skincare, different formulas etc then this would definitely be something to consider. Similarly, it would make a lovely gift for a loved ones birthday if you have the budget available. I’m much more impressed with this than I thought I would be; I didn’t receive this with any expectations but I’m highly sold.
Have you ever tried this brand? What do you think of the packaging? Do you have any recommendations of good facial oils?
* Products marked with a (*) were sent to me in exchange for a review