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Blemicalm Azelaic Acid 15% Clarifying Serum | previously Lumizela | facetheory | Facetheory
Previously Lumizela
Hi everyone! I'm Oluchi, a makeup artist and esthetician, and I'm thrilled to share my recent experience with a couple of standout products from Face Theory. I received these gems after attending their PR event celebrating their rebranding, and I've been incorporating them into my skincare routine for a little over a week now. The transformation of their packaging is quite striking – it went from familiar to almost unrecognizable! I actually had to do a quick Google search of their old packaging to refresh my memory. But I have to say, I'm a big fan of the new look. It feels clean, modern, and very appealing.
Let's dive into the products themselves!
I have a confession to make: I've dabbled with Face Theory products in the past, but the specifics are a little hazy. I have a strong suspicion I've tried either their Azelaic Acid or Vitamin C serum before, and I'm almost certain I've purchased their jojoba oil at some point. However, those experiences were years ago, so the details are a bit fuzzy.
Now, let's talk about this Azelaic Acid serum. This ingredient is a true skincare superhero, particularly for those battling acne-prone skin, rosacea, or pigmentation concerns. Its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make it incredibly effective at evening out skin tone by targeting acne-causing bacteria and calming redness. This is a huge plus for me, as even with generally clear skin, occasional blemishes and redness can pop up.
Face Theory's Blemy Calm serum also incorporates colloidal oats, renowned for their soothing and calming effects on the skin. While my skin is currently pretty clear thanks to regular use of Azelaic Acid from another brand, this serum serves as a fantastic maintenance product, keeping any potential breakouts at bay. In the short time I've been using it, I haven't experienced any dramatic changes, but I attribute that to my skin already being in a good place.
One of the things I appreciate most about this serum is that it's fragrance-free. The texture is slightly creamy and a tad thick, but one pump is more than enough to cover my entire face. I incorporate it into my routine after cleansing and toning, followed by my moisturizer and, of course, a broad-spectrum SPF. Sunscreen is absolutely essential when using Azelaic Acid, as it can increase your skin's sensitivity to the sun.
A word of caution: this serum boasts a 15% concentration of Azelaic Acid, which is on the higher end of the spectrum. If you're new to this ingredient, I strongly recommend starting slowly. Begin by applying it once or twice a week and carefully monitor your skin's reaction. If you experience any tingling, irritation, or redness, reduce the frequency of use. For those with sensitive skin, start by applying it every other day and gradually increase usage as your skin builds tolerance.
Overall, I'm thoroughly enjoying this Azelaic Acid serum. It's a valuable addition to my routine, and I'm delighted to have rediscovered Face Theory through it. A 30ml bottle retails for £26, which I find to be a reasonable price for such a potent and effective product.
Previously Lumizela
A clarifying serum with azelaic acid for acne-prone and sensitive skin.
Blemicalm Azelaic Acid 15% Clarifying Serum | previously Lumizela | facetheory | Facetheory
Previously Lumizela
tl;dr
A clarifying serum with azelaic acid for acne-prone and sensitive skin.
Pros
Cons
While prepping for this review, I noticed that the Face Theory website might still be displaying the older packaging for their jojoba oil. The one I have is definitely the new version – a sleek 100ml bottle. This oil is priced at £14, which is an absolute steal for the quantity and quality!
Jojoba oil is a skincare staple known for its exceptional hydrating properties. The addition of Vitamin E in this formula further enhances its nourishing benefits. Designed to hydrate, balance, and soothe all skin types, this multi-purpose oil can be used on both the face and body. According to the Face Theory website, this organic oil also helps regulate sebum production, which is a major plus for those with oily or combination skin.
This jojoba oil has quickly become a holy grail product in my routine. Since running out of my previous oil, I've been using this one both morning and night. The fragrance-free formula is a big win for me, and the oil itself has a subtle yellow-gold tint. The texture is light and non-greasy, a welcome change from some of the thicker, heavier oils that can feel suffocating on the skin.
Even with my oily skin, this oil absorbs beautifully and doesn't leave me feeling greasy or congested. There are days when moisturizer just doesn't quite cut it, or I prefer to skip it altogether and opt for just my serums and a hydrating oil like this one. It imparts a gorgeous, healthy glow without clogging my pores.
The versatility of this oil is another aspect I adore. I use it on my body as well, and it glides on smoothly and absorbs quickly, leaving my skin feeling soft and nourished. The generous 100ml bottle ensures it will last me a considerable amount of time.
Integrating this oil into your routine is simple: cleanse and tone as usual, apply your other skincare products, and then finish with the jojoba oil. For daytime use, always follow up with your SPF. I typically warm a couple of drops between my palms and gently massage it onto my face. For body application, simply use as much as needed.
While suitable for all skin types, I believe this oil would be particularly beneficial for those with dry skin. It's also a fantastic option for anyone looking to add a touch of radiance to their complexion. You can even mix a few drops with your moisturizer for an extra boost of hydration. I've also heard it works wonders for hair, although I haven't personally tried that yet.
Facetheory
A hydrating and balancing jojoba oil for face and body.
Jojoba Rebalancing Face & Body Oil | facetheory | Facetheory
Facetheory
tl;dr
A hydrating and balancing jojoba oil for face and body.
Pros
Cons
I'm genuinely impressed with both of these Face Theory products. It's always a rewarding experience to receive products that not only suit your skin type but also become staples in your routine. I often find myself giving away products that don't work for me, but these are definitely keepers.
Choosing a favorite between the two is impossible – they're both tied for first place! Even after just a week of use, I'm incredibly pleased with the results.
If you're considering exploring Face Theory's offerings, I highly recommend giving these products a try. They're both affordable and effective, and I'm confident you'll be happy with the outcome.
Have you tried any Face Theory products before? I'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments below! Feel free to ask any questions or share any suggestions you might have. I'm always open to trying new skincare gems!