As a part of a relaxing spa day at my local Beauty Salon I was able to pick up a starter set of the Aveda Botanical Kinetics Water/Earth range for a lot cheaper than usual. This pack has an RRP of $89.95 but I picked it up for $39.95 as part of a spa pack. I have used Aveda products previously, but only haircare so this is the first time I have delved into Aveda's skincare range (apart from one small sample).
According to the little sheet included in this pack, Aveda draws on Ayurveda, a 5,000 year old Indian healing tradition grounded in the idea that the spirit of natural elements infinity, air, fire, water and earth are found in all living things, and when these elements are balanced your skin looks healthy, vital and radiant. I've never heard of this but I suppose it makes sense! As my skin is oily-combination, the botanical kinetics skin care system is suited to me, with the elements of water and earth requiring to be balanced. The system includes a cleanser, a toning mist, an exfoliant and a hydrating lotion.
Interesting information, but how did the products stack up?
Purifying Gel Cleanser (RRP $54.95 150ml)
This cleanser is used both in the morning and evening. It has quite a strong floral scent but it is not too overpowering (it also doesn't linger) and it's actually quite refreshing. It is a clear gel which is on the watery side, as you can see from the photo below, it did run down my hand.
The watery texture of the cleanser doesn't both me so much as it lathers well and probably in part to the texture a little goes a fair way. I use about a 20c piece size each application, and that covers my face and neck. This is a nice gentle cleanser which removes the majority of makeup, but I have found I get better results if I use a Micellar Water prior to using this. This also doesn't budge waterproof mascara. This cleanser leaves my skin feeling clean, soft and it doesn't dry it out either. It is a fairly good cleanser but it doesn't feel like anything too special. I don't really know why, but it just doesn't wow me - I'd like to see better results for me to want to re-purchase it.
Toning Mist (RRP $54.95 150ml)
The toning mist is designed to be used in the mornings, after cleansing. This again has that floral scent, but thankfully again it doesn't linger. This is beautifully fresh and light, and 3 - 4 sprays will cover your face and neck. I spray in a cross action in order to get even coverage. I actually haven't used a toning mist previously and I am suprised at how much I liked it! It is very refreshing. When I first started using this it did tend to leave my skin a little tight but only the first few uses - it doesn't anymore. Overall a good toner.
Exfoliant (RRP $54.95 150ml)
The exfoliant is designed for use in the evenings, after cleansing. The scent of the exfoliant is a fair bit stronger than the rest of the range. It took a bit of getting used to the bottle, as it doesn't have a stopper so the first few times I tipped the bottle and lost a fair bit of product but that is the only downside for me. This was amazing - I haven't used a chemical exfoliant before and now I can't imagine life without it (how I haven't discovered one of these yet is beyond me). This left my skin silky smooth, and I love the fact that it is gentle enough to use daily. I was worried it would make my skin dry or even red but there is none of that - just smooth skin! It is a great product and definately my favourite from the range.
Hydrating Lotion (RRP $79.95 150ml)
This has the faintest scent out of the range. The lotion is a thin cream and is on the watery side.
At times the lotion doesn't deliver enough moisture and I found I had to apply a second layer. This was usually on days where I'd been outside in the wind all day and my skin was drier than usual. For that reason I think this would be better suited for me in the summer as it is a bit lighter. When it does work well it leaves my skin feeling soft and supple however I just don't think it is suited to me 100%.
Overall
Overall I would say this is a good skincare range, but I just don't feel it worked 100% for my skin type. I did notice a few breakouts when I first began using the system but this could just be down to the change in routine, or even booze or hormones! Overall my skin does feel soft but I haven't noticed any radical changes in oil production or pore size., or even radiance. I'm putting the softness of my skin down to the exfoliant - of the four products, the exfoliant is the only one that I will consider using again. Aveda is a very pricey brand so for the cost I would have liked to see a much more dramatic difference in my skin. It has been a great range to try but I wouldn't use it again (together).
Have you ever used Aveda skincare? What are your thoughts?
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