☆ A product Nolbu repurchased
A review from the cosmetics-obsessed Nolbu, who'd rather give away money than share skincare
- Nolbu's skin type: Dehydrated sensitive combination/periodic blemishes
It's been a while since I've seen streets covered in snow. It's got Nolbu feeling all sentimental... but why is it so cold? I've come to recommend a product perfect for times like these, Hwahae friends. (See, I'm getting faster at bringing you reviews - that's the power of staying home!)
I've tried almost every Aromatica product, so it's no exaggeration to say I'm a fervent buyer of the brand. With their frequent sales, it's hard to resist. Above all, Aromatica aligns perfectly with my lifelong obsession with recycling. (For those who don't know, check out Aromatica's website for product disposal methods!)
Anyway, I'm rambling again... I bought this product primarily because it contains calendula. As I've mentioned before, aloe vera works well for me, and I love its unique refreshing feel. However, I often dislike popular scents and prefer unscented products or raw, natural scents that others might find unappealing. But here's the thing! The Briskin Calendula mask I impulsively bought out of curiosity unexpectedly suited me well. Since then, I've been eagerly buying calendula products, and they all seem to work great - I think I've discovered another holy grail ingredient.
Aromatica has two types of calendula creams (Juicy and Intensive), but I've only tried the Intensive. Initially, I hesitated due to mixed reviews saying it was greasy and lacked hydration, but only briefly. I always buy first and worry later! I liked that this product came without a box, but I must say, while Aromatica's use of recycled plastic is commendable, the quality of their containers needs improvement. None of the lids close properly, and they crack easily.
Despite my concerns, I'm very satisfied with this product. As the weather suddenly turned cold, I was looking for a deeply hydrating product to avoid mixing with oils, and this fits the bill perfectly. The reviews about it being oily... well, they're not wrong. It's quite rich. But it's not an unpleasant oiliness (at least not to me). I've attached a photo after application, showing my unfortunately prominent pores, for reference. As it's focused on hydration, I was very pleased that it addressed my deep dryness, and I could overlook the richness since it didn't cause any blemishes. If it works well for my combination skin, it must be ideal for those with dry skin! I use it in the morning too, and it's no problem under base makeup or foundation!
Here's the bottom line: If texture is crucial to you and you absolutely can't stand any oiliness, this product isn't for you. But if you think this level of richness is necessary for winter, give it a try.
By the way, I keep excitedly buying calendula products, but I keep confusing them with chamomile... Maybe it's because they're both yellow or both start with 'c'. My vanity is slowly filling up with yellow products. Looks like I'll be spending another winter as a true beauty enthusiast!
I have some disappointments with Aromatica lately, not just with this product. First, there's a serious issue with their containers. Among the products I've bought in recent months, many have cracked, broken, or won't even close properly. I had to buy separate refillable containers. It makes me wonder if this is truly the right path for environmental consciousness. Especially for someone like me who buys cosmetics to stock up, by the time I discover these issues, it's often too late for exchanges. That's why I'm emphasizing the importance of durability.
Also, their frequent container and design renewals... Interestingly, they don't seem to renew the formulas as often. I understand they're establishing their brand identity, but the renewals are too frequent. It's tough for someone like me who loves brand new things (panting). Rather than constantly releasing new products or redesigning packaging, I think it's more important to create products that consumers can use easily for a long time after thorough research and consideration.
Of course, I fully support the brand's direction! Keep up the good work. I'll continue to buy as much as I can... phew!
