Product Review: Decleor Paris Aromessence Ylang Ylang Night Balm



Use oil to cleanse oily skin? That's the idea behind the seemingly counterintuitive oil cleansing method, and the reason why skincare products containing essential oils are gaining in popularity. I got to test-drive one such product lately with the Decleor Paris Aromessence Ylang Ylang Night Balm. Boasting all-natural ingredients and ylang ylang essential oil, it claims to clarify blemishes, re-balance the complexion, and reduce inflammation. I received my Ylang Ylang Night Balm in the form of a 5 mL tube from Wink Beauty Lounge--part of my gift with purchase. If I had paid the full retail price of $69 for a 30 mL jar, though, would it have been worth my money?

I'd have to say no. First off, the instructions on the tube ("At night, warm a little dab of the balm in your cupped hand, then apply in light sweeping strokes") left a lot to be desired. Were you supposed to use it every night? Once a week? I was mystified and had to do a bit of Googling on my own.

User reviews on various websites praised this product as a solution to multiple skin problems, but cautioned against using it more than 1-2 times a week because doing so would "congest" pores. (Shouldn't the product warn users about that right on the packaging?! But I digress.) The user reviews also promised miraculous "morning after" results, so I decided to try using it 2 nights in one week and see for myself.

I followed the vague package instructions as closely as I could, warming a little of the balm in my palm and sweeping it lightly on my face with my fingertips. The essential oils emitted a pleasant, soothing fragrance. In fact, I think the scent actually made me sleep better on the nights I used it. I also liked how a little bit of the balm went a long way, meaning that even a 5 mL sample tube would last me ages.

The downside? It didn't absorb completely into my skin and I woke up with an oily film all over my face. The results weren't as miraculous as I was expecting either. My face was more even-toned and my skin was soft, but I didn't see a noticeable improvement in blemishes or that energized, well-rested look I get when I use my Mary Kay TimeWise Night Solution. Also, I'm not crazy about how this product can only be used 1-2 times a week to be truly effective. Call me greedy, but I want that luminous "wow" factor every morning of the week.

My final verdict: It's worth a try but not worth the buy.

Has anyone else ever tried the oil cleansing method or Decleor products? What has your experience been like?

11 comments

  1. I've never tried it, but then again my facial routine is terrible. Sounds strange, but who knows? Maybe it does work for some people.

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  2. Great review! I love how constructively critical you were with it.

    bisous,
    La C.

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  3. Oily film? No thanks. Keep the reviews a comin'!

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  4. your reviews are always amazing :)....

    hahaha, i just found out i got taiwanese magazines and they use traditional characters :(, good thing i got them for free and anyway i can look at the picts!

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  5. I'll be thrilled if you come back to NYC. So thrilled, I'll take you to the Francis studio in midtown and we'll make a special trip downtown for the post-shopping sangria!

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  6. I've tried the Shu oil cleanser before... I guess I'm just addicted to the squeaky clean of cream cleansers in general, though. Also, I've had Decleor facials (I think)... It's been generally good... Thanks for your honest review.

    P.S. You've always been on my blogroll. Check "Dreamy World Fashion" :)

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  7. very interesting....great review!

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  8. Aw that's too bad. I remember the girls at Wink raving about Decleor, but I guess this product is one of their duds.

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  9. The hunt for that miracle product is soooo difficult isn't it?

    I've been looking for such a simple one: eyeliner. Every single one I've tried has rubbed off by noon. If you find a gem, let me know.

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  10. Decleor Aromessence SPA Relax Body Concentrate is very relaxing for a massage. Not oily at all

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  11. Yep i've tried the OCM previously-it took about a week or two to really kick in but it was amazing how much stuff it pulls out of your skin.

    For those who don't want to try just OCM i use dermalogica precleanse and find it fantasic.It seems to lift makeup,oil and dirt in ways that cream cleanser can't.

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