Product Review: Decleor Paris Aromessence Ylang Ylang Night Balm

Use oil to cleanse oily skin? That's the idea behind the seemingly counterintuitive oil cleansing method, and the reason why skincare products containing essential oils are gaining in popularity. I got to test-drive one such product lately with the Decleor Paris Aromessence Ylang Ylang Night Balm. Boasting all-natural ingredients and ylang ylang essential oil, it claims to clarify blemishes, re-balance the complexion, and reduce inflammation. I received my Ylang Ylang Night Balm in the form of a 5 mL tube from Wink Beauty Lounge--part of my gift with purchase. If I had paid the full retail price of $69 for a 30 mL jar, though, would it have been worth my money?

I'd have to say no. First off, the instructions on the tube ("At night, warm a little dab of the balm in your cupped hand, then apply in light sweeping strokes") left a lot to be desired. Were you supposed to use it every night? Once a week? I was mystified and had to do a bit of Googling on my own.

User reviews on various websites praised this product as a solution to multiple skin problems, but cautioned against using it more than 1-2 times a week because doing so would "congest" pores. (Shouldn't the product warn users about that right on the packaging?! But I digress.) The user reviews also promised miraculous "morning after" results, so I decided to try using it 2 nights in one week and see for myself.

I followed the vague package instructions as closely as I could, warming a little of the balm in my palm and sweeping it lightly on my face with my fingertips. The essential oils emitted a pleasant, soothing fragrance. In fact, I think the scent actually made me sleep better on the nights I used it. I also liked how a little bit of the balm went a long way, meaning that even a 5 mL sample tube would last me ages.

The downside? It didn't absorb completely into my skin and I woke up with an oily film all over my face. The results weren't as miraculous as I was expecting either. My face was more even-toned and my skin was soft, but I didn't see a noticeable improvement in blemishes or that energized, well-rested look I get when I use my Mary Kay TimeWise Night Solution. Also, I'm not crazy about how this product can only be used 1-2 times a week to be truly effective. Call me greedy, but I want that luminous "wow" factor every morning of the week.

My final verdict: It's worth a try but not worth the buy.

Has anyone else ever tried the oil cleansing method or Decleor products? What has your experience been like?