little white truths

I bought this cleansing oil last year from Mecca Maxima, when it was more nicely priced at $39 AUD for this large 180ml bottle. 

While the price has recently dropped from $50 to $48, I'm still not sure I'd spend that much on the product so I'm glad I got mine when it was a little easier on the wallet.

It's a gorgeous cleanser and I'm loving mine - plus it's lasting well, even with daily use - so you do get good bang for your buck, but like many I find myself baulking at current prices in Australia and can only hope that they drop a little more throughout the year.

• Cleanse, balance, repair and hydrate the skin with this all-in-one oil cleanser
• Using the incredible properties of 100% Argan oil, this versatile product cleanses the skin of impurities and re-balances oily, dry or sensitive skin
• Safflower seed and grape seed oils hydrate and repair the skin while protecting against free-radical damage
• RRP $48 AUD for 180ml

Verdict

I love this stuff and I'm really enjoying using it. 

It's a thick cleansing oil with a very strong citrus scent - like orange or grapefruit peel - so do be aware of that if you don't like fragranced products because this one smells strong and the smell does linger while you're using it, to the point where I can always taste it in my mouth for a while after use because I think some sneaks in there during the washing process.

I use the product as the second cleanse in my nightly skincare routine, after makeup remover. While this oil does remove makeup itself, I would prefer to use it as a skin cleanser rather than a gunk-remover, because this way I feel that I'm getting the best benefits from the product.

Note that while the directions suggest dispensing three to four pumps of product, I find this to be too much - perhaps because I've already dissolved and removed my makeup first - and two pumps is more than enough for my face, neck and dec. I work the oil into my skin, leave it for a couple of minutes to do its work, then add a bit of water to emulsify it and wash it off.

It's also worth saying that I always have my shower in the evenings, so I've had no trouble removing the oil itself from my face. But it is quite a tacky product, so you may find it easier to remove (without showering) if you take it off with a warm, damp face cloth.

What I love about the product is that it's a joy to use - the smell, the texture, the feel of it against my skin - and that it also removes the grime from my face without stripping the skin. As someone with perpetually dry, dehydrated skin, I'm always in the market for something that cleanses without irritating, and this achieves that.

Do note, though, that Paula's Choice only gives this product one star, largely because it contains grapefruit oil - a potential irritant, particularly around the eyes. I haven't found this product irritating in the slightest, but it's worth mentioning this because I'd recommend testing the product first if you have sensitive skin. 

Also, I've looked at various online reviews and while most people seem to love this product, quite a few don't because they don't like the strong fragrance and they also don't like how thick the texture is. Another reason to test this before use, particularly because it isn't cheap.

In sum, I love this product and it's up there with my favourite cleansing oils. Indeed, I find myself reaching for it over other cleansing oils because I love the experience of using it so much.

Having said this, I'm not sure it's worth the $48 it now costs (I think it's better priced at the $39 I paid for it), but it's a beautiful product and one that's worth sampling at least.

Love.