During this summer I’ve added the Estelle & Thild BioCalm moisturizer to my routine after having a sudden switch in my skin type.
Let me start off by saying that I’m starting to develop an aversion to natural moisturizers. While they aren’t bad, there’s just this typical rubbery finish they get when they set; it does not feel like soft natural skin at all. Not saying that all green moisturizer has this quality, I’m just saying that the majority I’ve tried from bought to samples have not felt completely comfortable on my skin. Therefore I’ve always leaned towards moisturizing with oils as they usually sink into the skin – becomes the skin – and won’t leave a rubbery layer on top of the skin. If you’re confused about how a moisturizer should feel on the skin, read this great article.
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Estelle & Thild | BioCalm Day Cream
★★☆☆☆
I bought this when my skin was acting out a few months ago. Hormones and summer weather made my skin break out but also turn dry to the point that my current moisturizer was even drying it further. So I was looking for something more emollient and thought I could as well try something new from Estelle & Thild. My choice got further lit by the BioCalm day cream having many good reviews. I tested it on the palm of my hand in the store and didn’t notice any bad qualities to it.
However, when I started using it on my face I had this uncomfortable feeling; it felt sticky and rubbery and took a while for it to sink in. Eventually, it would dry out matte, but it would feel like I have something on my face. I get the same feeling when I use MyChelle SunShield SPF28. Their moisturizers weren’t much different but they had a milder case of the syndrome. And I wasn’t surprised that when I started sweating (either from exercise or summer heat) with this moisturizer on, that it felt like my face was suffocating.
I’m still in shock that among all the good reviews, I will be the black sheep pointing this out. I just can’t imagine no one else having a similar experience?! While this moisturizer did help in balancing back my skin and calm it down from my sudden switch from oily to very dry, I feel like the Jojoba Oil I added back into my routine at roughly the same time did more.
What’s good about it is that it doesn’t seem to break me out. But the way I have to use it nowadays is by blending it with jojoba oil (helps take off the rubberiness by a little bit), and using it at night as that’s the only time I can get away with something heavier. But the funny thing is that this moisturizer isn’t really your typical “heavy”. It just has this feel to it.
I like the packaging, it’s cute and practical. But it’s a bit easy to take too much if you go all the way down with the pump. Or maybe I’m just spoiled from using pumps that deliver the perfect amount?
However, I don’t find it better at calming down the skin and reducing redness than Paula’s Choice Calm Redness Relief moisturizer that I’ve started using. Actually, it did no such thing! It’s a very simple moisturizer with butter and oat extract. In many ways, you get more active ingredients in PC’s product than for the money you spend on this moisturizer! I know it’s meant to be simple as it’s for sensitive skin, but considering the ingredients, it’s quite overpriced. And there are simply better, more calming, moisturizers out there. But yes, finding one that’s completely natural, fragrance and EO-free, cruelty-free, vegan, and that doesn’t come in a jar packaging, is tough.
Conclusion
I wish Swedish beauty department stores had the same policies as in the US. Because if I could, then I would return this moisturizer. It simply doesn’t work for me and it feels like wasted money. My boyfriend doesn’t like it either. To quote him: “How long do I have to use it, when can I use your oils again?”
But because my hands seemed to like it, I will just use it up as a hand cream or at night.
However, if you’re looking for a very simple moisturizer for sensitive skin, that’s natural and contains organic ingredients, this is a good choice. I just personally am looking to get more out of my moisturizer and for my money.
Where To Buy
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What’s your favorite fragrance-free moisturizer for slightly drier sensitive skin?
Share your favorite in the comments below!
