Zelens Z-22 Absolute Face Oil

I've been enjoying trying out a few bits and pieces from the Zelens skincare range recently. It's founder, Dr Marko Lens comes across as very passionate and also very matter-of-fact so I feel like it's a real 'all killer, no filler' beauty brand which can be very refreshing and definitely piqued my interest as a skincare lover. I actually first discovered the brand around 10 years ago when I was working for a magazine on the Gold Coast - I remember going to the launch at Mecca Cosmetica and we got to play with all the products which seemed very ahead of the game and full of promise at the time. Of course this was before I was obsessed with cleansers and serums so in hindsight I wish I'd asked a lot more questions!

I pretty much want to get everything from Zelens on my face at some point but I'm being sensible(ish) and pacing myself (sort of) by sticking to a couple of products. I'll start here with one I've had on the go for the last couple of months - the Z-22 Absolute Facial Oil.
Since I had a baby, and I often wake up with a tight feeling, dry face, facial oils have been my number one, must have beauty product. I use one at least once a day, and while I appreciate the simplicity of a great quality rosehip or argan oil, Z-22 got my attention because it's a blend of A LOT of oils - in fact it contains 22, hence the name.

Incredibly light and multi-purpose, Z-22 was designed to replenish and plump up the skin, restore elasticity and even out tone and texture and leave skin looking and feeling more youthful and radiant. Like every other product, this oil is not in fact the fountain of youth, but it is a pleasure to use and I'm sure it's helping to make me and my skin look and feel more hydrated and comfortable than before, which is always a plus.
As mentioned, Zelens Z-22 is a blend of 22 precious oils including:

• Perilla (Shiso) Oil - omega-rich and antioxidant. The richest plant-source on omega 3 available
• Rice Bran Oil - soothes and hydrates
• Squalene - derived from Mediterranean olives, not sharks
• Camellia Oil -  rich in omega 9 
• Rosehip Oil - contains a vast range of vitamins including A, C and E
• Grapeseed Oil - rich in omega 6
• Bergamot Orange Oil - antiseptic, cooling refreshing
• Lemon Oil - toning, tightening and antibacterial
• Petitgrain Oil - antiseptic and great for blemishes
• Litsea Cubeba Oil (May Chang) - antibacterial, antiseptic and calming
• Orange Oil - refreshing, antiseptic and contains powerful antioxidants
• Lemongrass Oil - antiseptic, antibacterial and toning
• Cardamom Oil - refreshing and toning
• Lavender Oil - antiseptic, antibacterial and toning
• Rosemary Oil - antiseptic, antibacterial and stimulates circulation
• Maritime Pine Oil - antioxidant, antibacterial and antiseptic
• Geranium Oil - balancing, antioxidant and antiseptic
• Rose Oil - calming, soothing and antibacterial
• Green Tea Oil - rich in polyphenols, green tea oil is antioxidant and has shown to inhibit collagen break-down
• Jasmine Oil - moisturing and soothing with antioxidant and antiseptic properties
• Labdanum Oil (Rock Rose) - toning and tightening
• Basil Oil - refreshing with antibacterial, toning and antiseptic properties

It's safe to say that if you are sensitive to essential oils, this will not suit you but if like me you can tolerate them, you'll probably appreciate the blend. Interestingly, for a product that contains such a plethora of different oils, it doesn't actually smell of much. To me, it smells a little bit citrusy with a hint of the Shiso (which I really like) which is the signature scent of most Zelens products. Overall, it certainly doesn't have an overpowering nor offensive smell so would suit you if you're not a fan of heavily fragranced skincare.

Z-22 is designed to be applied to cleansed skin - I mainly use it like a serum before moisturiser - and can be mixed with serums/ moisturisers to boost the effects. I can't find information on the kind of skin type that this oil is aimed at, so I'd say it's suitable for virtually anyone, whether that's dry and dehydrated or combination or oily.

Zelens is a high-end brand so the Z-22 Absolute Face Oil doesn't come cheap at £70 for 30ml but I think it's a great introduction to the range. I'm now itching to try the Power-D Treatment Drops because I can't seem to find anything similar and it seems to be quite a unique product! You can find Zelens at Look Fantastic, Feel Unique, Beauty Bay, John Lewis, Selfridges and Zelens.

Nourish London Vegan and Organic Christmas Gifts

I love browsing skincare Christmas gift sets - they're often really good value so it's the perfect time of year to grab a little gift for yourself as an introduction to a brand you've had your eye on, or stock up on some favourites. I've been acquainted with Nourish London for a few years now and their 2018 Christmas sets are particularly lovely. If you're new to Nourish, they are a London based vegan and organic brand that produce results-driven skincare products to protect, support and stimulate the skin's natural processes. Nourish focus on high quality, plant based and superfood ingredients and their products are fragranced with pure essential oils, making them as raw and natural as possible. They really are a lovely brand, and I've enjoyed every product of theirs that I've tried so far, so I'm loving their release of Christmas sets this year. The brand has released four Christmas sets ranging in price from £15 to £60, so you can experience a taste of the brand yourself or buy for someone special, no matter what your budget.

Nourish London Radiance Duet £15

Featuring 5ml each of the Firming Radiance Facial Oil and the Illuminating Face Shimmer, the Radiance Duo is an ideal stocking filler or secret santa gift for the beauty lover in your life. I've tried both products before and particularly like the face shimmer which is a beautiful, bedazzling liquid perfect for adding some festive cheer to your complexion at Christmas and all year round. The duo is presented in a kitsch little reusable tin, which is a very nice touch.

Nourish London Essential Travel Collection £25

An affordable introduction to the brand, this little selection of products is presented in a handy washbag, and as the name suggests, is great for travel as the four included products are under 100ml. The kit includes the Kale 3D Cleanse, which is a luxurious anti-pollution cleanser that changes colour as it works, the Protect Replenishing Peptide Serum which is rich in hydrating ingredients to keep the skin plumped and moisturised, the Probiotic Multi-Mineral Repair Mask to nourish and repair the skin and the Radiance Facial Oil.

Nourish London Radiance Beauty Collection £30

This little set is a great compilation of products with a strong focus on hydration; perfect for Christmas time really. The collection features the Anti-Ageing Peptide Serum 15ml which includes hyaluronic acid, tripeptides,argan and kale, Argan Skin Renew Moisturiser 15ml which boosts hydration and collagen production, Radiance Firming Facial Oil 5ml and the Illuminating Face Shimmer 5ml to round things off nicely.

Nourish London Luxury Argan Beauty Collection £60

The luxury collection features a mixture of full sized and travel sized products and includes everything you need for a full routine so you (or the lucky gift recipient) can fully immerse themselves in the Nourish brand. The generous selection includes the omega-rich Skin Renew Cleanser 30ml which lists argan, jojoba, borage and the brand's own unique kale extract in the ingredients to help replenish the skin's natural oils and fight the effects of pollution. The Argan Anti-Ageing Peptide Serum 30ml and Argan Skin Renew Moisturiser 50ml complete the routine while the Radiance Facial Oil 5ml and Illuminating Face Shimmer 15ml add a little something extra.

The sets and the rest of the Nourish London range (which is well worth a look) are all available online at nourishskinrange.com