Oils on oily skin? Not something I would do but had to try, as I take part in the #14DaystoVNMSkin challenge. Especially since I had to use 7 products every day. Again, not something I often practice. But then why did I decide to agree to this? Simply because I have faith in natural products, which I have been using for months now. So, I figured, why not try the very brand I work for since it’s all natural anyway? And that’s exactly what I did.
THE REGIMEN (First Impressions)
Shades Of Shave
Shades of Shave has a light consistency on the face and I found that after rinse, it does not give that squeaky clean feeling that I don’t particularly like. It also doesn’t have a stinging sensation, unlike other brands I’ve tried. Moreover, this cleanser has a subtle citrus smell, similar to that of a pomelo, which is a great plus. After use, it doesn’t dry my skin but makes it feel clean and light instead. Pro tip: leave for 2-3 minutes to hydrate the face.
Witch Hazel Toner
The Witch Hazel Pore Perfecting Toner does exactly what it promises, it is gentle to the skin (didn’t give me any more breakouts than I already have) and cleanses the skin further. It, too, doesn’t sting in each use. This comes in a spray bottle, which I find amazing since 2 spritzes are enough for my entire face. Lastly, it has an amazing floral scent that is very refreshing.
CPC + G Oil
CPC+G Oil is surprisingly not at all oily, rather it has a water-like consistency that is very light and is quickly absorbed by the skin. I find this very hydrating and even has a good subtle citrus smell. Also, a little goes a long way since two drops of it is enough for the whole face already.
Total Potion
The consistency of Total Potion Tamarind Insta-Lift Serum is quite heavy, like gel. This made me feel like I’m putting so much product on my face, as it weighs down my skin a bit. Although it has a subtle smell that I didn’t like at first (similar to burning plastic but this becomes unnoticeable when used regularly, plus the odor doesn’t stay on the face for long), I love how it is absorbed easily by my skin. With just one application – 2 drops are enough for the whole face – my face already felt soft to the touch!
Eternal Pearl
Eternal Pearl has got to be my most favorite moisturizer thus far. Not only does it hydrate the face very well, it is very easy to apply and a little of this product is enough for the entire face (a pea-size amount is literally all you need)! It doesn’t hurt that this product smells so amazing, which adds to the feeling that my face is already healthier. However, its consistency is a bit too thick as well, especially since I apply it after Total Potion.
Marula Oil
I started having doubts after applying Marula Oil for the first time. As I said, putting oils on my already oily face is not something I do for skin care. The fact that it has a very heavy and thick consistency and smells very organic (in short, I didn’t quite like it), add to the questions swirling inside my head. But I soldiered on and continued because I’ve heard the greasy feel will eventually pass with regular use.
Emu Oil
Good thing I only use this Emu Oil for spot treatment because I don’t think I would have wanted to put any more oil on my face after the Marula Oil. The consistency is thick and heavy, has an organic smell, and is color white, not the usual golden-yellow I’m used to seeing. It also contains small particles, which made me think at first that the product given to me was expired. I was told, however, that the more sebum there is then the better the formulation. Again, I banished all doubts and continued through my regimen.
THE RESULT (First 7 Days)
DAY 1
Woke up feeling greasy! This continued all throughout the day in the office and I wanted so much to put powder but I was afraid the makeup formulation will interfere with my morning regimen (Yep, I do it night AND day). I have a feeling this has something to do with the fact I used two drops of Marula Oil instead of just one. Either way, that first day was a greasy one. The smells of Total Potion, Marula Oil, and Emu Oil were still noticeable albeit not as much as the last night. What I really liked about this first day is the fact that the Emu Oil was able to significantly diminish the size of some of my pimples. For someone as impatient as me, this is a great thing!
DAY 2
There is less grease in the morning, may be due to the fact I reduced Marula Oil to just one drop. I still have very oily skin in the office, however, but I still didn’t put any powder (although I was told it is okay to do so). Acne continues to diminish in size while the smells I hated that first application has become increasingly unnoticeable.
DAY 3
I woke up with no grease whatsoever on my face! The oils I’ve put the night before were completely absorbed by my skin. I still got oily skin, something I know I wouldn’t be able to get rid of after just three days, but I weirdly feel like the oils are good and healthy ones. Also! I received my first compliment from a co-worker, saying she can see improvements in my skin. With this in mind, I continued through my regimen.
DAY 4
I noticed my skin feels softer and smoother while washing it with Shades of Shave. Also, by this day, my face absorbs all the oils faster (I had to reapply the Emu Oil when I get to the office, something that has not happened in the last 3 days). And, amazingly, I didn’t feel as greasy during the day unlike before!
DAY 5
One of my bigger pimples on the chin has healed a bit, while the one on my forehead was completely treated. There is no grease throughout the day, no matter the amount of Emu Oil I put on my spots. Products are more quickly absorbed by the face compared to the day before.
DAY 6
Pimples continue to heal. The Emu Oil is absorbed by my skin about 1 hour or less after application. Despite all the products I use every day, morning and night, my skin doesn’t feel weighed down at all.
DAY 7
I had quite huge pimples the night before on my jaw area and their sizes have diminished significantly! However, there are still a couple ones that have not healed as completely. The Emu Oil I used for spot treatment has already been absorbed before I get to the office. Also, I am fairly convinced that the oiliness of my face has reduced and I wasn’t just imagining it these past couple of days.
THOUGHTS
I’d say that I did not expect as much difference when I first started the regimen. If anything, I even thought it wasn’t going to take effect on me because I firmly believed then that oils and oily skin are not a good combination. However, I’m happy to be proven wrong. The fact the Emu Oil lived up to its promise of healing acne in just days (if not hours), to me is already amazing. I’m quite used to natural products that take days, if not weeks, to take effect so this to me is a great discovery.
There are still 7 days before the challenge ends and I’m quite excited to see how it is going to turn out. I hope you join me for the reveal of the overall results of this challenge.
- Kristine Lucas, V&M Naturals’ Content Writer
Keen to try these products for yourself? Head to our stores at SM MOA, SM Megamall, SM Southmall, SM North EDSA, Ayala Malls The 30th, or our Fairview HQ. You can also visit our website, Facebook or Instagram pages to know more.
