Review: Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil for dehydrated skin

I have really oily skin. Really, really oily skin.

Despite this, I sometimes find I have a dehydrated base under the oil. I can see by the teeny tiny lines that appear when I pull my skin gently on my cheek. This is probably a result of not drinking enough water (although I do try to guzzle it down!) and the general dry air conditions with the central heating being on 24/7 in freezing ol' England for long periods of time.

The difference between dry and dehydrated skin is that dry skin generally lacks oil (and is a skin type), whereas dehydrated skin is a result of moisture loss (often stemming from internal dehydration - and this is a skin condition). It took me a while to realise this! Hence many skincare mistakes in the past.

I am not afraid of using oil on my already oily face. I find it helps to regulate the oil production. I can't go out and get a product for dry skin, as this is completely wrong for oily skin and only makes my skin worse by overloading it with product. My skin is also acne prone and anything that clogs my skin is unwelcome!

But I needed something for the dehydration - enter Clarins Blue Orchid Face Treatment Oil.

The product

This oil contains essential oils of Rosewood and Patchouli, Hazelnut oil and extract of Blue Lotus. It is 100% pure plant extracts with no preservatives.

It comes in a 30ml glass bottle with a pipette built in to the lid. The packaging is gorgeous and feels very luxurious. It looks beautiful on the dresser. The pipette keeps it hygienic and with as little mess as possible.

The smell is a little like chocolate orange - only nicer. It is not particularly sweet but there is something....sexy about it. Personally I love it. I find it quite intoxicating. If you're walking past a Clarins counter smell it and see if you agree.

How to use it

I use a few drops on damp skin - as per the instructions of the Clarins sales assistant - so I use it immediately after cleansing. The oil is carried by the water into the skin.

I was advised to use this product every night on its own for 3 weeks. Then to use it for another 3 weeks mixed in with a night cream (I was given a sample of the Clarins Extra Firming Night Cream to mix it with), Then you start the cycle again by using it alone for 3 weeks....

Confession: I don't do this. I tend to use this every other night, and always alone. I just haven't seen the need to mix it with anything. Yet.

The results

The product itself is fantastic and sinks into my skin within a couple of minutes. This oil does not sit on the skin at all. Even when I forget to use this on damp skin, the oil vanishes within minutes. It's awesome!

It should be patted on to the skin - no rubbing.

I wake up with plump looking, radiant skin. It looks moisturised and healthy. A couple of nights of using this helped with the dehydration lines so much. It has not broken me out.

I love this oil.

I am going to continue using this. A little goes a long way and the product could last several months. I may try the method of adding this to a cream; I am going to be adding tretinoin (retin-a) to my regime very soon and I might need an extra boost. But I have read reviews where people use this oil alone on top of tretinoin and it soothes the skin perfectly on its own. I seriously look forward to trying these two products together.

To sum it up, I highly recommend this product for oily, dehydrated skin. Whilst nothing can, or should, replace good old fashioned water consumption for keeping the skin in good condition, this definitely helps with the visual effects of dehydration. I'd love to hear your views if you've tried this oil, or any of the others meant for the same problem!