I wanted to give this sumptuous, buttery face moisturiser a bit more of a try before writing a full review, but I’ve noticed that it has a third off at Escentual.com at the moment and – as it’s not exactly cheap – thought that I’d give it an early shout-out.
The 8-Flower Nectar Oil Cream from Darphin is a gorgeous little pot of winter skin wonderment; if you’ve got thin-feeling, dry and flaky skin then it’s just a delight. Though you have to like essential oils because this definitely isn’t shy on the florals! It’s almost like applying perfume to your face. In the nicest possible way…
Rich doesn’t even begin to cover this cream – it has, as the name of it suggests, all of the benefits of an oil, but in a cream formula. Which would be better described as a butter really, because it’s very firm-textured and not one of those flimsy, whipped affairs. Not the kind of cream that you’d scoop out a blob of, more a balm or salve that you apply sparingly, bit by bit. Of course you could scoop out a big wodge of it, melt between palms, press onto skin, etc etc, but (as mentioned) this isn’t cheap – I prefer to have a bit more control and just massage it in where I need it.
After a massive run of using completely unfragranced face products, I am actually rather enjoying the strong scent of the essential oils in the 8-Flower Nectar Oil Cream; it feels spa-ish and decadent. I find myself holding my palms over my face for a while after applying and breathing deeply – it’s very summery and uplifting. Rose, lavender, neroli, iris and jasmine, which I would normally find far too overpowering and full-on, but I think that it’s all tempered down by the deeper patchouli, which is the note that my nose seems to single out as the dominant one. (The other flowers in the “8” are ylang ylang and immortelle.)
And the effects of the Oil Cream? Long-lasting relief from that tight skin dryness that winter seems to always bring, a beautiful juiciness without the residue you might get from a straightforward oil. Great underneath foundation – it has just the right amount of dew and bounce – and if I use it last thing before bed, I wake up with a face that is still very nicely hydrated.
If you want to slather a thick cream on all over with gay abandon then this, perhaps, is not the one for you; if you fancy a bit of a special (fragrant) face treat that deserves a press and a massage when it comes to application then you’ll love it. I hate to use this particular phrase, but it’s sort of for the person who likes their skincare rituals. Takes their time.
It’s usually £65 but at the moment Escentual.com have 1/3 off French skincare brands so it’s £43.33 here. If it’s showing as out of stock you can still order at the reduced price and it will ship when it’s restocked, which at last check is about 7-10 days.
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