Diptyque L’Art du Soin Skincare Collection

Luxury French perfumer and maker of divine candles and room scents, Diptyque, recently launched its own skincare collection. L’Art du Soin focuses on bringing the Diptyque tradition of luxury sensory experiences to the art of skincare.

The skincare collection currently consists of 5 basic products – a balm cleanser, cleansing powder, facial water, exfoliating clay, and moisturizing lotion. I was kindly offered small samples of all the products except the exfoliating clay, and am excited to be able to give you some initial thoughts on them.

Diptyque Nourishing Cleansing Balm is a thick solid balm that quickly turns into oil when massaged into dry skin. It is gentle enough to be used even on the eye area, and is very effective in removing all traces of makeup (except waterproof mascara). It contains a blend of softening oils – sweet almond, nourishing geranium, refreshing ylang-ylang, and softening mimosa– to leave skin velvety soft. It can also be used as a comforting mask, simply spread a thick layer all over the skin and leave on for 10 minutes. In true Diptyque tradition, the Nourishing Cleansing Balm is scented with geranium and roses, for a complete sensory experience.

I generally prefer cleansing oils as they are quicker and easier to wash off, but lately I am really taking to cleansing balms. I enjoy the ritual of massaging the balm over my face, and then wiping it off with a wet wash cloth. Old fashioned, but once you get into it, so comforting.

Diptyque Radiance Boosting Powder draws from Japanese tradition, and is a facial cleanser in powder form that turns into a creamy lather when mixed with water. It is accompanied by a special foam ball (which I do not have on hand), which helps to work up a foamy lather quickly. Formulated with natural white clay to purify and remineralize skin, and powdered rose, jasmine and neroli petals for added fragrance. It can also be mixed with the Infused Facial Water for enhanced skincare benefits. The actual full-sized product comes in a bottle from which the powder can be poured out of.

This is not my first time using a powder cleanser, and in general I do find the process rather trying as compared to foaming cleansers in a squeeze tube. But the whole philosophy behind this range is to put time on hold and concentrate on ourselves, and the ritual of foaming your own cleansing helps to soothe the senses. Better yet, I am very happy to find the Diptyque Radiance Boosting Powder was very gentle even when my skin was irritated and had sensitive red patches all over.

Diptyque Infused Facial Water is more than just a toner. It is composed of 84% hydrolate of Damask rose, Nasturtium extract, and a blend of 9 other plants; to bring out the skin’s natural radiance. It is a treatment on its own, revitalizing and energizing the skin, and optimizing the absorption of other creams and lotions applied afterwards. The actual full-sized product comes in a pump bottle although the sample I was provided with was just a simple twist-cap bottle.

This is perhaps the most unique product in the range, and unlike traditional toners, it comes in a pump bottle. It can be used on its own after cleansing to prep the skin for ensuing treatments, or tapped on when needed for some refreshment. It is also the ideal pairing for emulsifying the Radiance Boosting Powder, or for rinsing off the Nourishing Cleansing Balm. I do wish it also comes with a spray nozzle so we can use it as a refreshing facial mist as well!

Diptyque Protective Moisturizing Lotion is a thick fluid that feels almost like a cream to me. A small amount is sufficient to cover the entire face, and with a built-in SPF15, it is suitable for day-time use as well. It is formulated with Damask rose hydrosol (yet again!) to refresh the skin, orange blossom extract to moisturize, and infused with floral and grapevine root extracts. It is rich is omegas 3, 6 and 9, and vitamins and trace minerals to protect the skin. The actual full-sized product comes in pump-bottle, but the sample I was provided with came in a jar.

This is quite a rich lotion, and takes some time to be fully absorbed into the skin. However, once it sinks in, my skin is visibly plumper, and feels much softer and smoother to the touch! It can also be used on top of foundation as a touch-up as needed.

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In our modern fast-paced world, it is interesting to find specialty lines that force us to slow down, and take some time to focus on ourselves. Even with its basic 5-piece collection, Diptyque manages to offer something unique other than simply injecting fragrance into otherwise commercial skincare. I hadn’t used the line long enough to pick my favorites, but each of them feel like a treat. Not merely because of the fragrance (and mind you, this range is strongly scented, so if you are averse to scented skincare be forwarned!), but the textures are rich and the products feel traditional and wholesome to me.

Diptyque L’Art du Soin Skincare Collection is available exclusively at Escentials at Paragon and TANGS Orchard in Singapore; and is available online at www.diptyqueparis.com

xoxo