If you're sensitive to fragrance (i.e. annoyed by the stuff in any capacity related to skincare—the products below didn't physically irritate even our testers' most sensitive skin in the slightest), Diptyque's new skincare range is not for you. Each one is scented with the artisan thoughtfulness that had Emily writing a multi-paragraph review on a single one of their candles. Their smells are nice because they're not overpowering to the point of lingering in your nostrils for the next 45 minutes, and not 'cute' either, like the half-baked attempt at freshly baked chocolate-chip cookies you can get in a bulbous glass jar at CVS (or anything “Tahitian vanilla'). And they're not so sophisticated that you don't even know if you like the scent, or if you're simply forcing yourself to enjoy it because it's a $65 candle. Anyway, we knew we liked what Diptyque did to our noses, but would we like what Diptyque did to our skin? The review:
The Fancy Water
What it does: Not a cleansing water in the Bioderma sense, the Infused Facial Water is more of a cleansing…accessory? (Elaboration below.) But it is “bursting with vitamins, minerals,” and radiance-boosting and pore-regulating nasturtium, so it’s not just rose-scented tap water, either.
Smells like: Lemony citrus and rose.
How to use: Our favorite way to use is as a refreshing, aromatic splash at the end of the day after cleansing, or, if you’re doing the no-makeup thing, as a pick-me-up before heading out. The fun thing about the Diptyque line is that the products are designed to work in unison, so the Facial Water is a brand-sponsored H2O alternative to mix with the Radiance Boosting Powder.
The Balm
What it does: A solid in the jar, the Nourishing Cleansing Balm is a mix of cleansing oils and waxes (sweet almond oil, beeswax, and hazel seed oil among others) that melts into your skin and dissolves away any makeup. Gentle enough for two-coat mascara removal, even with the delicate, but definitely there fragrance.
Smells like: A warm, crisp floral—geranium and roses to be exact.
How to use: The directions say to apply to a dry face, but the balm is so incredibly thick, that the melting process can be hastened with a light pre-spritz of Evian water—or keep it all in the family and use the Infused Facial Water. It makes for a decadent cleansing experience, but doesn’t rinse off completely, so a follow-up cleanse is recommended for those that are on the oily side of the spectrum. (Perhaps with the Radiance Boosting Powder?) You can also use as mask, or, we found, as a non-greasy, smells-amazing hand and elbow salve.
The Powder Cleanser
What it does: A mix of powdered white clay, rose, jasmine, and neroli petals, the Radiance Boosting Powder is a purifying, soothing, and moisturizing almost-cleanser—just add water, as they say.
Smells like: A limey, fizzy alcoholic beverage. (But the pamphlet says verbena and neroli.)
How to use: Dole out half a teaspoon into your hand, and add in a bit of water—this is where the Infused Facial Water comes in. The mix becomes milky and frothy, which you’ll intensify with the included foam scrubbing ball. Massage onto your face, rinse.
The Clay
What it does: The Multi-Use Exfoliating Clay is part mask, part scrub. It contains marble powder for grit, apricot kernel oil to moisturize, and kaolin clay to regulate oil, increase circulation, and reduce inflammation.
Smells like: An herby, earthy violet—it’s scented with yerba-mate.
How to use: If using as a scrub, don’t go nuts with a huge dollop—a teeny amount on the tips of your fingers is better for scrubbing, as the marble powder specs are miniscule, so you don’t want a thick layer of the cream between your fingers and your face. You do, however, want to apply a thick layer if using as a mask. It’s nice as a drying mask because it doesn’t actually dry—it draws out excess oil without leaving an uncomfortable crust on your skin. Leave on for five to ten minutes and rinse with warm water.
The Moisturizer
What it does: The Protective Moisturizing Lotion softens and moisturizes skin with orange blossom extract, and contains chemical sunscreen ingredients (SPF 15). The damask rose hydrosol gives the lotion cooling properties, and it’s packed with omegas 3, 6, and 9.
Smells like: Orange blossom, which is a like a slightly citrusy honeysuckle.
How to use: The lotion is light and spreadable, so a little goes a long way. Use one pump—with two you might look a bit shiny.
Photos by Annie Kreighbaum.
