Before I was introduced to Darphin, I didn’t think much about skincare, seriously. I would read beauty articles about $500 face creams and $250 serums made with crushed pearls that swore all over the place that “they’d deliver”. What exactly? Would smearing creamy crushed pearls all over your face reverse aging? Clear up zits overnight? Plump up those hollows under your eyes? I was a diehard doubter.
At about this time last year, I was knocked on my butt by one of the worse flus of my life. There were days where I laid in bed, shrouded by the haze from the humidifier, pretty much praying for death while high on Buckley’s cold medicine. My skin took a real hit too. My complexion was somewhere between “living dead” and roadkill.
At the tail-end of this week long flu, I received a beautifully wrapped package from Darphin on my doorstep. It was a box of Lumière Essentielle products that I was excited to try! Darphin is a storied brand, and I knew they would be good…but I didn’t think they’d transform the way I thought about skincare!
After only a week of using both the Lumière Essentielle Illuminating Gel-Oil Cream and Serum, my skin looked better than before I had the flu! My skin tone evened out, my skin looked brighter thanks to that, and it was so much softer! It was insane! The acne subsided and the scarring faded away…I was over the moon. Ever since then, I have been purchasing both of these products every two months like clockwork. I’ve never looked back.
While I’m fortunate to test a host of stellar skin care products for blogging purposes, my Darphin products are the one of the only ones that I restock faithfully, I love the brand so much. A happy repeat customer right here.
So, all of this to say, I’m thrilled to keep discovering new gems from Darphin! This month’s amazing skincare discovery is Darphin’s Prédermine Sculpting Night Cream, followed by Darphin Vetiver Aromatic Care. Lastly, Darphin has a hand cream! *Cue angels singing*
Darphin Prédermine Sculpting Night Cream
In true Darphin form, they sent me this press sample to test when I needed it most. This very thick and rich cream is beyond hydrating. Formulated with a strong Peptide-complex and hyaluronic acid, it plumps up your tired skin. In addition, this cream features iris and Padina pavonica extract to reduce fine lines and wrinkles. The ultra moisturizing effect comes from Kokum butter and rice oil. I’ve never used a richer cream.
I was using an alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) wash twice a week to boost up exfoliation. Apparently, I was overdoing. After a few weeks of using the AHA wash, my forehead became very tight and dry. The Prédermine fixed that right up with the help of the Darphin Vetiver Aromatic Care Oil. More on that next.
Darphin Vetiver Aromatic Care
Ever since I worked at Holt Renfrew, I’ve been dying to try Darphin’s Aromatic Care line! The oils are so sumptuous, hydrating and smell lovely! WOW. In my recent package from Darphin, they included the Vetiver Aromatic Care Oil.
Vetiver is known for its calming, stress-relieving properties. This particular oil also contains Geranium, French Lavender and Marjoram essential oils. This Aromatic Care oil boosts the skin’s barrier to ward off the effects from the surrounding environment (pollution, etc.) and reverses the signs of sleepless nights. Use this if you want to appear rested and glowy. A little goes a long way!
Pro-tip: mix the Prédermine Sculpting Night Cream with a couple of drops of the Vetiver Aromatic Care. Apply to your face after washing and right before bed. I promise – you will wake up with smooth ultra soft skin. Incredible. The Vetiver Aromatic Care Oil is also very calming and helps you feel rested for bed.
Darphin All-Day Hydrating Hand & Nail Cream
This is the best handcream I have ever used. EVER. You hear me??? I love nothing more than a killer hand cream that moisturizes dried out paws.
The winter months normally usher in the worse dryness and hang nails of the year. GAH! I hate that! This All-Day Hydrating Hand & Nail Cream is luxe, to say the least. Thick and rich, it moisturzies beautifully for hours…even the driest of hands. Calling all nurses and hair stylists – you need this in your lives right now.
Best of all, it’s made of rose water so it smells heavenly – floral and wonderful. I’m hopelessly obsessed.
Got any Darphin favourites? Let me know in the comments!
*A huge thank you to Darphin for these press samples in exchange for my honest opinion.
Dominique is a Canadian-based fashion and beauty influencer with a strong voice in Ottawa’s black community. Since launching her blog Style Domination in 2015, she has amassed a global fanbase. Dominique shares her life through beautiful imagery and compelling story-telling that speaks to her fans on a personal level. She’s been featured in The Guardian, Flare, The Kit and Cityline. She also hosts events for Dress for Success, the Gem Conference, and has been named a United Way Person 2 Know for the past three years.
Always love learning about new skincare brands! Thanks for sharing!
xx, Danielle | Pineapple & Prosecco
Sounds like an amazing skin care line. I will have to check it out!
XOXO
Cathy
Author
It’s so, so good. Definitely worth it!
Sounds like an awesome product!
Belle | One Awesome Momma
Love learning about skincare brands. It’s so important!! These are so pretty, need to try!
I’ve got to try this! I’m not so good with beauty items, and these look so great!
Author
They truly are! My all-time favourite skincare!
These products look absolutely amazing! I’ve never heard of this brand but need to check them out!!
I have never heard of this brand but I can’t wait to check it out. The way you rave about this brand is so authentic and genuine.
xx
Cristina
http://www.timelessoptimist.com
I’m a HUGE fan of Daphin products! I love how luxurious they feel on my skin.
Okay, girl, you’ve got me intrigued. I’m a huge skincare believer – because I have adult acne to beat the band, some serious hyperpigmentation, and undereye circles that would scare a boxer – but I’ve never found a one stop shop to cure all my issues, and now I’m thinking I may just need to check out Darphin to see what they could do to help this face that’s been impossible to help for years! Sounds like a winner of a line!
I just started using skincare because I noticed at 51, (yes at 51 lol) I’m seeing my neck starting to age faster than my face. A woman once told me you can tell a woman’s age by her neck. haha I’ve been digging deep into the department store shelves for skincare fines with retinol of which I’m learning more about.
Thank you Dominique for the tips!
Cheryl
Author
Hey Cheryl!! Sigh. I hear ya. And I’ve definitely heard that about the neck. I only recently – maybe two years ago – started moisturizing my neck with a good moisturizer. I wish I started ages ago!
Lately, I’ve been addicted to skin oils! The aromatic oil sounds incredible!
Birdie Shoots
Author
It’s so good, Kelly – and it gives you a lovely glow!
There are so many fab skincare brands! I want to try this one. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve never heard of Darphin but your review on these products sounds amazing – thanks for sharing! I”m always looking for new items to add to my skin care routine!
xo, Sara