I tend to be fairly agnostic with it comes to skincare brands. A brand can excel at one product, and completely fail with another. Just because someone makes a great cleanser doesn’t mean their facial oil is just as good. But sometimes, it is. In fact, sometimes a brand gets a lot of products just right.
British skincare maker Oskia is trying hard to tempt me into brand loyalty. So far, I’ve been impressed with every product I’ve tried, and their Super 16 Anti-Ageing Super Serum (£80) is no exception. It boasts sixteen different nutrients and bio-actives, including hyaluronic acid and vitamin A palmitate. There are exotic ingredients, too, such as bakuchiol and seaweed extract, all working together to deliver a nutrient boost to the skin. With regular use, my skin is noticeably smoother, brighter, and soothed.
It’s also a pleasure to use. It sinks in quickly, relieves any dryness or tightness and is brilliant at calming upset skin. It reduces redness and irritation better than any I’ve tried, which is amazing when you consider its anti-ageing properties.
Effectiveness: 5 – give this one time. I saw results after about three weeks.
User Experience: 5 – lovely, silky and light.
Comfort: 5 – this hydrates right away and is wonderful for relieving that post-cleanse tightness dry skin sufferers sometimes experience.
Repurchase: Yes. I can’t see myself being without this one.
Oskia Restoration Oil (£60) is a blend of some pretty impressive botanicals. Heartseed vine, borage, and rosehip oils help to soothe irritation, improve elasticity, and repair damage. All Oskia products contain a complex which includes a vital mineral called MSM (Methyl Sulphonyl Methane). MSM supports collagen renewal, promotes circulation, and reduces inflammation, making it excellent for sensitive skin.
After only a few weeks of use, I’ve noticed an improvement. The annoying dry patch under my left eyebrow has disappeared and shows no sign of flaring up again. My skin appears smoother, plumped, and even-toned.
Effectiveness: 5 – plumps, evens, and promotes healthy skin when used over time.
User Experience: 5 – pleasant scent and a lovely light oil that’s easy to apply and never feels heavy or sticky.
Comfort: 5 – because it’s light, it sinks in quickly and makes skin feel wonderfully nourished.
Repurchase: Definitely.
Oskia Renaissance Cleansing Gel (£28) is a great multi-purpose cleanser. Not only does it remove makeup, it cleanses the skin deeply and acts as a gentle chemical exfoliant, effectively cleansing, exfoliating, and toning in one step. It’s also full of antioxidants which can help put a little life back into skin on days when you’re worn out or feeling fragile.
If you need an occasional break from a multi-step regime, this is a great stand in. And if you’re looking for a straight-up cleanser, it’s one of the best.
Effectiveness: 5 – as a cleanser it’s excellent, and stands in for a toner and exfoliant quite well.
User Experience: 5 – it has a lovely rosy-geranium scent and melts from a gel to an oil on the skin. It’s great if you enjoy a facial massage while cleansing.
Comfort: 4 – as usual, I need serum right away.
Repurchase: Yes. I would buy this again.
If you visit the Oskia website, be sure to sign up for their newsletter. I did and they sent me a code for £10 off my next order.
Fig and Pen 