I've Joined A Cult

This is a very exclusive cult though, so I’m sure that makes it okay. It’s a cult that in a rather privileged fashion only accepts members who have less than fabulous skin and no problems shelling out alarming amounts of dosh on skincare products in the vague hope they’ll deliver on their back-of-bottle promises. In a cult-esque way, I am entirely devoted to it. I’ll happily pay whatever I have to in order to stay in this cult and continue to feed my addiction.

You read it here first… I’ve joined the SK-II Facial Treatment Essence cult.

Like the very best of addictions, I can’t exactly pinpoint when I first heard about this product although I can tell you the moment I became addicted. I’ve been using for about a week now and since I don’t really have anyone around me at the moment who can provide a sanity check on my belief that it’s been doing wonders, I was at least partially thinking perhaps it was all in my head. Perhaps this wonder product is in fact not sensational for my skin but in fact a brilliant hallucinogen. This all changed this morning when my boss who is based in another state walked into the office and declared “oh my god, you look fabulous”. And he’s not even gay. I’m officially addicted. If there was a foundation for this miracle liquid, I’d be tithing for it.

Although a cliché, it was with some serious trepidation that I tried this product in the first place. Yes, it’s the bread-and-butter of the SK-II brand – their star product – but reading reviews across the net made me realise the beauty population is really split on this one – they either love it or hate it. Some users of Make Up Alley had some downright alarming reactions to it, but those who loved it were giving it a full five points.

Before I jumped on this bandwagon and blew about a hundred bucks on 75ml of promise, I figured I’d snag a 30ml sample and give it a whirl. To give you an idea, a 30ml sample will probably last you around 3 – 4 weeks depending upon how you use it. And the use part is an important one. It’s intended to be used between your cleanser and moisturiser. I’ve read about people soaking a cotton pad in the product and wiping it on their face, although SK-II recommend you put a few drops in the palm of one hand, gently press your palms together and then press it into your skin with your hands.

Given this product has the consistency of water, I think the first is just plain wasteful and the second is downright fiddly! I read of one user though, who had the ingenious idea of decanting some product into a small spray bottle (which I can now inform you can be purchased at Price Attack in Australia). You then simply spray the product on and wait for it to be absorbed (it’s a very quick wait too!) before applying your moisturiser.

In just a week, I’ve noticed a serious change in the overall pallour of my skin. It’s brighter and more radiant. My chin which was previously quite congested has barely a single bump. The only real place I got blackheads (my nose) is basically as clear as glass. Before this product, I had (on the whole, anyway) great skin. Now I’m seeing something in the vicinity of spectacular emerging. Heck, this morning I almost forgot to put my foundation on (!!!).

So folks, as one review I read put it… do whatever you need to in order to get your hands on this product – sell your mother if need be – just make sure you give it a try!

- Beauty Bartender

SK-II Website: http://www.sk-ii.com.au/
SK-II Stockists in Australia: Myer & David Jones in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney

SK-II Online:

Strawberrynet
Fresh Fragrances & Cosmetics (AU Based)