Diptyque For The Face – Sensory Sophistication

diptyque is known for their luxurious, fancy scented candles and fragrances. I’m not really into them because I find them (the candles) to be too high of a maintenance for me. Besides, from what I’ve seen so far, a lot of people buy them for the decorative quality of it. You know, for the extra likes in the Instagram photo. Not for the actual lit action. Sure, I can re-use the glass container for my makeup brushes. But I just think that’s not enough to justify the purchase.

That being said, I am interested in the skincare line, L’Art du Soin (for the Face), which I wrote about my interest in them sometime ago here. To my surprise, they are available locally in The Papilion Duo, Pacific Place, Jakarta. Sadly, the mark-up was a little too much for me.

I knew, however, that I can get them in Hong Kong, in Joyce Beauty to be exact.
That’s where I got them.

There are a few reasons why these appealed to me. First, there are only 5 products. Couldn’t get any simpler than that! Second, each product is infused with different types of plants and flowers, making them really unique on its own. The infusion is inspired by “phytotherapy”, which translates to “to treat with plants”. After reading the vast descriptions on the website (seriously you have to explore the web!), I fell into the trap. I have to try them, at least once in my lifetime.

As you might know already, they’re on the expensive side. So in order to be frugal and be the most efficient possible, I picked the ones that I know I’m going to use the most and (possibly) the cheapest cost for every use.

Nourishing Cleansing Balm was actually the last product that I bought. I’ve always wanted to try cleansing balm for my first cleanse and I thought this is the appropriate time to try one. But, I didn’t want to commit to a full-sized purchase just yet. So after my initial purchase with the other two products, the lovely BA gave me generous samples, including the cleansing balm.

I was too excited that I used it right away during the first night of my HK stay. The sample I received was in the tube. I pressed out a bit and started massaging on dry skin. The balm turns into oil once I did that, making it easier to spread around the skin. Add water to emulsify it, massage it a little bit more. Then rinse away. I was quite in awe at how cleansing balm works. It’s not much different in using a cleansing oil, although if any, it’s slightly more convenient because no need to worry about product leaking out. But it’s still a cool first-time experience. Silly, I know. Late in the game. Who cares.

I was quite impressed with my first try that I went back to Joyce Beauty the next day to get my full-sized tub. The product comes with its designated spatula, which is great for hygienic reasons. I don’t need to scoop out a lot, because if I do I feel it leaves residue on my skin. Not really an issue since I do use a second cleanser afterwards. Getting the right amount is crucial though because why waste the product when I can just be efficient. The oil consistency it turns to isn’t very runny, it’s actually quite viscous and thick. Once I hit it with water, it doesn’t emulsify (turns into milky consistency) on its own. I have to massage it. By then, makeup has melted off.

After rinsing it all away, the Nourishing Cleansing Balm leaves my skin soft and smooth. I LOVE the scent, that’s for sure. It’s infused with Ylang-ylang, mimosa, geranium waxes and sweet almond oil. The whole massaging thing combined with the floral scent is just an experience on its own.

Of course, I have to try the Radiance Boosting Powder. I am a huge fan of TATCHA Rice Enzyme Powders and enjoy the results it has done to my skin. I’m curious to see how diptyque‘s version fares. It turns into a creamy lather once I mix it with a touch of water. It comes with a black ball that I can use to make the lather. I usually just roll over the damp foam ball between my two damp hands, pick up the lather and slap it on my face. Then continue with softly massaging it onto the skin. Wash it off.

It claims to cleanses, soothes and clarifies. It’s enriched with powdered rose petals, jasmine, and neroli petals to lock in the moisture. The natural white clay powder purifies and cleanses the skin well. For me, the massaging step is key. The lather stays up much longer than TATCHA‘s and this way I can really spend my time massaging it. I usually do small circular motions, making sure those bubbles get into the pores and crevices of the skin. After rinsing, I can not only feel it, but I can see it in the mirror. After using it continuously for about 2 weeks at nighttime (with the cleansing balm beforehand), my face did look more radiant. Not to mention soft and smooth as well.

I personally love to use the Radiance Boosting Powder in the morning. It cleanses off the skincare I applied the night before, which is important because I piled up quite a bit. Clean face, but not stripped. Very fresh. Just ready for my morning skincare routine. And of course, the floral scent preps and awakens my mood.

The last product that I know I have to get is the Multi-Use Exfoliating Clay. It’s a 2-in-1 product that I can use as an exfoliator and as a mask. I do both, at the same time.

With the provided spatula, I scoop out the mask and spread it evenly on my face, doing one section at a time. I do it rather quickly because the clay dries up quite easily. With circular motion, the grittiness of the clay will already help to exfoliate the skin. I let the mask sit on for about 20 minutes (or more if I forget or simply need it). During this time, I soak a face cloth in water to soften the fibers. I don’t wipe everything completely with the face cloth. I add a little bit of water to the face, massaging the skin a little bit more to get that exfoliation, adding more water until more and more of the mask comes off. I use the face cloth to wipe whatever’s left on my skin, usually on the perimeter of my face and on the crevices.

I can feel the massage removes a lot of the dead cells because after I’m done, I’m left with this clean, refreshed and radiant skin. And smoooooth. UGH, MAJOR LOVE for this! I also find it helps to recede some blemishes as well. I reserve the Multi-Use Exfoliating Clay for once-a-week treatment because I definitely don’t want the risk of over-exfoliating as it’s never a good thing.

Out of the three, this has the least pleasing scent. It’s not bad, it’s just very.. clay. I can live with it though because this mask is a winner!

swatches L-R: Nourishing Cleansing Balm, Radiance Boosting Powder, Multi-Use Exfoliating Clay

I decided not to get the versatile Infused Facial Water because I thought what if I like it? Then I’m going to have to go through serious amount of dough and trouble repurchasing it. I was given a sample but I still don’t have the gut to try it yet.. Maybe someday..

Same thing with the Protective Moisturizing Lotion, which is the most expensive out of them all!

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So, after trying out 3 out of 5 products in diptyque skincare range, I can say that they’re good basics. They’re luxurious for sure with that unique infusion-concoction that flutter the senses. Not trying to sound vain, but the line screams modern Parisian to me. It sort of gives me a glimpse of that’s how Parisians take care of their skin. Simple, gets the job done with an added touch of luxury.

I have to be honest that there are greater products out there, with lower price tags. Or similar price range with bigger benefits. I do appreciate the hard work that was put into this oh-so-chic skincare line. The presentation with white textured cardboard boxes, the tiny booklet inside it, the spatula, the heavy material for the tubs, etc. They’re obviously photogenic and will look good on one’s vanity/bathroom. The scents are truly one-of-a-kind and unmistakably diptyque’s work of art which in the end amp up the whole pampering experience.

But.. erm.. It’s great if you have good skin to begin with. I, myself, need more than that.

As of today, I’m still on the fence whether I’ll repurchase any of them..

I might go with the mask.