In the past I used to take my skincare very lightly, never thinking twice about washing my face with soap and water. I used to reason that I’ll leave worrying about aging gracefully until I actually start aging.  Things have changed since then.  Now well into my thirties, caring for my face is a matter of necessity, and in order to avoid my true age showing through on my skin, I’m very particular about what products I use.

For the past two months I’ve been testing out a range of products from renowned French skincare brand Darphin Paris, and beyond a doubt I’m hooked! Darphin founder Pierre Darphin is quoted as saying, “A woman’s skin is a mirror, reflecting her life”. I’m convinced that I want my face to tell a good story and reflect all the happiness I’ve been able to experience. This is why my skin’s relationship with Darphin is one that will not be short lived and one that I’m counting on to continue telling a pleasant story.

The first thing that immediately drew me in is that their entire line of skincare products are derived from natural botanicals and are completely free of parabens. Their lineup of Essential Oil Elixir’s are 99% natural, making me feel really good about what I’m putting on my skin.  Everything about the brand (from the product down to the packaging) exudes Parisian elegance and beauty, and emits a sense of refinement synonymous with the French woman (every girl’s ideal).

After more than six weeks of use, I’ve been more than happy with the results on my skin and am pleased to share a brief review of each of the products I tested out.

The pillar of the Darphin brand is their lineup of eight Essential Oil Elixirs, so I chose three from the Aromatic Cares collection that addressed my specific skincare concerns.  These oils are formulated to apply to the skin in the evening when skin is rejuvenating itself, resulting in a radiant glow when you wake up in the morning.

Tangerine Aromatic Care (Energizing) – Citrus is known for its ‘zing’ and this oil elixir does just that. It awakens tired skin and gives your skin renewed energy.
Orange Blossom Aromatic Care (Brightening)  – When your skin is feeling dull, this oil elixir is just the trick for  brightening and bringing it back to life.
8-Flower Nectar Total Anti-Aging – This oil elixir has been my lifesaver. I love the density of the oil and full of anti-oxidants, it’s just the thing my skin needs to feel healthy, youthful and smooth.

An essential part of my nightly routine is cleansing my face is with the Intral Cleansing Milk. The smooth, creamy formula (perfect for sensitive skin) is enriched with Chamomile and not only gets rid of all traces of makeup, but sooths and calms the skin. It’s like washing your face in a delicate cream that your skin immediately soaks up. For days when my skin is irritated or reactive, I’ll reach for the Intral Redness Relief Soothing Serum. This serum works wonders for calming red skin, leaving it feeling balanced.

For special treatment or when you feel your skin deserves a treat, the Youthful Radiance Camelia Mask from the Darphin Professional Care line is just what the doctor ordered. Doing exactly what the name suggests, this richly formulated mask delivers a renewed, dewy and overall glowing complexion. My face felt like it had just received the most luxurious facial and really has become a weekly treat that I can’t live without.



Last but not least, my most worrisome problem area is my eyes. Tiny crow’s feet and faint lines have quietly crept up on me and are a sure reminder that our skin is a mirror into our life. Having tried numerous products to minimize the development of this sure sign of aging, I’ve been over the moon about Darphin’s  eye care products. The Dark Circles Relief and De-Puffing Eye Serum from their Eye Care series has helped to reduce my puffy under-eyes that clearly indicate my lack of sleep. I have been using this serum at night along the eye contour area and I love how it leaves a very refreshing feeling and reduces heavy, tired eyes. In the morning I have been using the Anti-Dark Circle Eye Illuminator and absolutely love it’s instantly brightening and perfecting results. The metal tip which is cool to the touch, helps to immediately reduce the look of dark circles. It’s also slightly tinted and melts perfectly into the delicate eye area to illuminate and brighten.

As you can tell, I would highly recommend any of the Darphin Paris products I’ve tried out so far and hope to test more of their world-renowned skincare essentials in the near future. These products are priced on the higher end of the spectrum and can be categorized as luxury skincare products, perhaps not making them accessible for everyone. If however, you were to try out just one of Darphin’s products – I would truly recommend an Essential Oil Elixir that addresses your specific skincare concerns. You will not be disappointed!

Darphin’s lineup of exquisite products launched at Sephora Canada in March 2016, and are now available online and at select store locations.


*Thank you Darphin for collaborating on this post. All opinions are my own.
* Macarons c/o A Taste of France