I bought into the hype. Used this stuff every single night for 30 days straight — no cheat days, no double-cleansing with something else.
Here’s the thing nobody tells you: it’s amazing at removing makeup, but the “pro-collagen” part is mostly marketing fluff. Your skin won’t look 25 again. It will, however, feel like butter.
Elemis calls this a “nourishing British spa in a jar.” It’s a balm that turns into oil, then milk. $68 for 100g — yes, that’s steep. I tried it because every beauty editor I know hoards the stuff.
The Texture Shift
Goes from solid balm to silky oil in about 8 seconds — faster than most balms I’ve tested
The Melt Factor
Literally dissolves waterproof mascara without the tugging. No raccoon eyes.
That Spa Smell
Lavender + eucalyptus + chamomile. It’s aggressively calming. You’ll either love it or feel like you’re in a hotel lobby.
Photo: Poko Skincare / Unsplash
Star players: padina pavonica (some algae that plumps temporarily), rosehip oil (actual antioxidant), and opt for the fragrance-free version if your skin throws tantrums. The essential oils in this one? They can sting if you’re sensitive.
- Padina Pavonica: Plumps skin for about 4 hours — it’s a surface thing, not structural
- Rosehip Oil: Real vitamin C. Helps texture over time
- Eucalyptus Oil: Feels refreshing. Can irritate broken skin
- Glycerin: The actual hydrator here. Underrated.
First scoop: thick, almost waxy. Rub between fingers — turns into liquid gold. On skin, it’s like massaging warm butter into your face. Rinse with a warm cloth (they sell one for $12 — just use a washcloth you own).
Week 2: my pores looked smaller. Not dramatically, but that “gritty” feeling when you rub? That’s sebum plugs loosening. Gross but satisfying. Week 3: I got a tiny breakout around my nose. First time in months. Could be purging, could be the fragrance. Hard to say.
Measurable changes: skin felt softer by day 5. Texture looked smoother by day 14 — those tiny bumps along my jawline? Gone. My pores didn’t disappear, but they looked less… angry. What stayed the same: my fine lines. Surprise — a cleanser can’t erase wrinkles.
It’s a damn good cleanser that feels like a luxury ritual. Just don’t expect it to reverse time — that’s what Botox is for.