001: AESOP Mandarin Facial Hydrating Cream

This is the second bottle that I've ever owned in less than a year - and that says something.

I've learnt (from my elders, surprisingly) it's easier just to find your that one face cream, and stick to it, because you know you could try a whole bunch every season and just end up with a bunch of different face creams. It's a waste of space, and a waste of money. I'm very grateful for how convenient it is now to just hop online and go through a bunch of different products in one go. This cream, however, was actually originally recommended to me at a store (Myer Sydney City, 2013) after describing what my kind of skin is on my face and trying it out on my hands and seeing if I liked how it felt, and so on (also known as, what's supposed to happen at a proper consultation).

So I'm not going to describe what it's in it - everything is clearly labelled on the pot, and there's a proper description of it online on the Aesop website. However I'm going to make it clear that it is exactly as described in the 'what to expect' and definitely smells like mandarin zest. It doesn't bother me any more, but initially it did because I wasn't used to something that smelled so strongly. Now I associate it with something that's good for my skin. Like me, you can learn to like it.

It feels good, and that's the main thing. When I first tried it (and this is just a dab to cover my cheeks) it had this tightening feeling and made my skin feel very soft. After continued use (over days) some redness faded, and weeks later I was getting people to "feel my face, it's so soft." This kept going until I finished the jar, and it lasted me from Autumn to Spring.

If you have combination skin (which is what it's for, as says the website and by the kiosk consultant) it's definitely for the windier, colder months. Keeps your face hydrated and works well (although for the Aussie summer and tropical climates I use another different Aesop product). Yes, I let it absorb before putting anything else on my face, and I don't need to top up when there are dry patches during winter.

I would add though that getting to the bottom of that glass jar was a pain (finger pain) so I ended up transferring the bottom splotches into a smaller plastic container. Didn't deter me though - I just bought it again last week. 

Cost A$67 for 120ml
From Myer, David Jones, Aesop stores or online - I got this one from Adore Beauty (because of the free shipping)