Alrighty, I know some of you have been champing at the bit for me to hurry up and tell you about the Estee Lauder Nutritious Essence Oil. It was supposed to have gone up last week, but what can I say? It didn’t! LOL!
Nevermind, because here it is 😀 You can read an overview of the Estee Lauder Nutritious skincare collection in my previous introductory post so I don’t have to repeat it here. Essentially, this is a range of skincare that uses pomegranate extract which is a known antioxidant, to give your skin a detox and infuse it with radiance and a glow.
The Nutritious line isn’t targeted at anti-aging or hydration or whitening. It is a sort of, I’d say, “maintenance line” where if you don’t have a particular “problem” you want taken care of, this helps you stay on the ball and to retain that glow in your skin.
I’m just telling you about the Nutritious Essence Oil today because for me, this has been the star of the show. I’ll also share some thoughts from a reader who had the chance to try this a month or so ago so you have not just 1, but 2 reviews! (Talk about value for money hehe…) 😀
What the Nutritious Essence Oil is, is a sort of “booster oil”. Its not even an oil in a true sense, being a blend of various oils, extracts and other ingredients including fragrance and silicone; the latter 2 of which I can almost see send warning bells to those sensitive to these ingredients. The oil is a clear liquid that doesn’t have a very oily texture. It has been described as “silky”, a description with which I tend to agree. I don’t quite like the texture because it feels a bit “artificial”. Then again, I like my oils to be oils. The packaging is a red translucent plastic bottle (dislike) and a pump with pipette dispenser. What I found is that when I depress the pump while the cap is screwed on and then, I unscrew the cap, I don’t even really have to physically pump out any product. I just remove the cap, hold the pipette over my palm and allow a few drops to fall. No physical pressing necessary.
The instructions say to use a few drops on skin and smooth over skin before moisturiser. Here’s how I use it, for best results (for me).
I usually drop about 3-4 drops into the palm of my hand, rub my palms together to spread out the product, and then I press and pat my palms all over my face, starting from my cheeks. I find that the light, silky smooth oil absorbs very quickly into my skin this way. If you are concerned, mist on some thermal water or toner and then pat the oil onto your damp skin. It’ll absorb really quickly then.
I don’t stop there. In my evening routine, I drop 2-3 more drops into my night moisturiser, to thin out the thick texture and then apply it to my skin. I found that for some reason, although my night moisturiser (the one I’m using is the Dior Capture Totale night cream) works very well for my skin, it had a tremendous boost after I started using it together with the Nutritious oil. I don’t do this extra step in the day so my skin isn’t too oily so I reserve it only for the evening routine. It must be noted that I have skin that tends to be dry so it might be why this works so well for me.
I’ve been using this for over a month now and my skin loves it. In the first 2 weeks, I noticed that my skin seemed to almost visibly look more radiant, clearer and smoothen out with twice daily use. It also feels much softer. I can’t say its helped a glow because I’m going through a stressful period and nothing really, can give a glow to the skin right now, but it isn’t looking as bad as it should be otherwise and perhaps this is helping my skin retain the status quo. Not all bad.
Suffice to say therefore that I love this oil not because it really does anything but because it just makes my skin look and feel better, and additionally, gives my already effective face cream that extra boost of efficacy. I’m not sure I understand how it works, but its worked very well for me 🙂
I must mention 2 things I’m not crazy about:-
- Packaging – The plastic bottle doesn’t grab me at all. For oils, I’m a glass girl. I also felt that the cap didn’t seem to screw on very tight so I didn’t dare travel with it. Wish they’d used glass for the bottle and I’d have been sold, hook line and sinker!
- Scent – Its not an unpleasant scent, but there is a sweet fruity sort of scent that I’m not crazy about.
A bottle isn’t cheap but then you only need a few drops so it’ll last you a long long time. This is definitely one to consider and a serious contender to the popular Kiehl’s MRC 😉
Reader Cecilia won a bottle during the MWS 6th Anniversary Giveaway and here’s what she had to say:-
I’m a strictly-by the-instruction skincare user. I know, no imagination. So when I got the bottle of Estee Lauder Radiant Vitality Essence Oil, I felt lost. Basically, all it said was apply on face after moisturizer. I scooted off to the Estee Lauder SA for more information. I used to be a loyal user until hormonal changes made me allergic to their skincare. Since it wasn’t out in the market yet, she was as lost as me. Because of my past experience, I was hesitant about using it. But I had given you my word to try it, so I had to do it.
The first time I used it was before bedtime. The next morning, I woke up with two zits. One on each side of my cheeks. I guess coupled with the richer night cream, it was just too oily for me. I then decided to use it only with my day moisturizer. I stuck to my regular skincare routine, so I could really see the effect on my skin. There were no more zits after that, I’m glad to report. So, did I like it? I liked it. I liked that it barely had any fragrance. I liked that it was quickly absorbed into my skin. It felt comfortable on my skin. There was a nice little glow to my skin after application. But after one month, I don’t see any changes or improvements to my skin. For a 55 year old, I have pretty good skin (thanks to my mom). Maybe there was nothing else it could do for me? I still have 3/4 of the bottle to go, and I intend to finish it before I give my final verdict. So, to your question “Did you like it?” I did. I liked it but I didn’t love it.
As you can see, Cecilia had a rather different view from mine so the moral of the story is that the same product will work differently for different people and different skin types and you will have to learn to tailor its use to suit your skin best.
In a nutshell
The Estee Lauder Nutritious Radiant Vitality Essence Oil is a new product in the Nutritious skincare range. It is tailored to protect the skin with antioxidants, detoxify the skin and boost skin’s radiance. I found that it worked well for me as a radiance and product efficacy booster. It seemed to boost the efficacy of my night cream, and regular use visibly smoothed out my skin texture and also made my skin look better generally that it did before. I don’t personally find it hydrating but it isn’t meant to be so I do use it with a hydrating serum or a whitening serum, depending on what my skin needs at the time. I also don’t think its an oil in a true sense because it is a blend of different oils and other ingredients including fragrance and dimethicone (silicone) which explains the texture. Its not a texture I particularly like, but as a product, I do like it, and I think its a nice product that I’ll be happy to continue using for 1 bottle at least which I estimate will take 6-8 months. I am not crazy about the packaging or the sweet scent so I do think there is still room for improvement.
Pros: Seems to boost the efficacy of my night cream to work better, With regular use, my skin visibly improved in texture and feel and just looked better overall, Not oily, Skin feels significantly softer
Cons: Plastic bottle packaging makes the product look less attractive, I find the scent a bit too sweet, Texture feels a bit “serum-y”
Who will like this: Anyone who may be experiencing a bout of dull skin
I know what many of you are thinking – how does this compare with the Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate, also a face oil that I particularly like. Well for one, Kiehl’s wins for scent and packaging – glass bottle and lavender wins me over any time. I also find that the Kiehl’s oil feels more “oily” and seems to help my skin feel more hydrated and rested. By contrast, the Estee Lauder Nutritious Essence Oil feels more “silky” and my skin doesn’t get that hydrated feel.
In terms of efficacy, they both seem to work well for me. I’ve blended the Kiehl’s MRC with the Dior night cream before but didn’t notice anything different except a thinner consistency. However, blending the Nutritious oil with the cream seemed to make it work better for me. So, from a booster point of view, it seems like this Nutritious Oil works better for my skin. Its a bit of a toss up at this point so I think it will ultimately come down to your personal preference of texture, scent and possibly even efficacy. There isn’t much of a difference in price between the two, so go touch them, smell them and then see which you might like better. They both work for me so its hard for me to pick one. I might lean just a little bit more in favour of Kiehl’s MRC mainly because of the calming scent and I like the oily texture, but then I’d be swayed back to EL because of the “vitamin boost” effect it gives my skin. Gah! Choices! 😛
Update: Reader Kel sent me this picture from a brochure to show you how to use the Nutritious Essence Oil. I thought it was very helpful!
Ingredients: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride-Octyldedecanol, Dimethicone, Neopentyl Glycol, Diheptancatetrisloxane, Olea Europea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Polybutene, Tricaprylin, Phytoserols, Silybum Marianum Seed Oil, Mangifera Indica Seed Oil (Mango), Glycine Soja (Soybean) Oil, Vaccinium Macrocapron (Cranberry) Seed Oil, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract, BHT, Tocopherol Acetate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Fragrance
Have you sampled this at the Estee Lauder counter?
Its a little new right now but it should have rolled out to all EL counters by now. Go have some touchy feely sessions with it and let me know what you think! 🙂
Paris B
Estee Lauder Radiant Vitality Essence Oil Price: RM240/30ml Availability: All Estee Lauder counters
I’ve tried the texture at the counter the other day. I find the texture, uh silky. It is easily absorbed by the skin as well. After absorption, skin feels silky. It reminds me of their Perfectionist CP+R.
I wouldn’t mind to incorporate this into my skincare routine but still thinking how to do so since I use quite a number of products on my skin day and night. I could mix it with my night moisturizer, but I am worry of a zit or two or maybe more. Oh the horror!
Haha yes, its silky. Not oily, which is something I’ve had to get used to. Actually if you already have lots of skincare, perhaps it isn’t necessary to use this one. I find it works well as a “booster” but I like to apply it AFTER using my serum, sort of to seal it in, then followed by my moisturiser. It works best for me this way. I don’t know if they have samples but if they do, I think its safest to try a sample first 🙂
If I were to incorporate this into my skincare routine, it would be after toner before serum. One question though, is this a serum or a booster? No sample for this; I’ve checked with the nearest EL counter. Oh well. Going to The Gardens tomorrow. Hopefully, they have it.
If I’m to be perfectly honest, Angelina, I’m not sure how EL suggests we incorporate this into our skincare. All they say is after toner, before moisturiser so this would be the “serum” element. I personally use it after toner and serum because I read that you should apply light textured products on skin first followed by heavier ones. As for whether its a serum or booster, it appears to be a “booster serum” in that its meant to help boost radiance of the skin but I personally found that it helped boost the efficacy of some products I’m using. Again, EL is a bit vague on how mix this with their other skincare. Sorry, just letting you know how I use it 🙂
I found out from the BA that it is a pre-serum. Something like Lancome Genifique. I have yet to purchase it because I still have a huge stash of skincare products to use. I am running out of moisturizer though. Haven’t the time to buy it.
I find it interesting its marketed as a pre-serum because as an oil, I wouldn’t put it first on my skin. I put it on after I’ve applied my serums because once it goes on, I don’t think any other serums could get to the skin. But then, that’s just me 😉
i can’t decide, i may run to get it because i am curious to know what it can do for me; but due to the heavy price tag, i am thinking twice, and also the feeling of silkiness in oil doesn’t sound too authentic to me…
Bring a little bottle next time and I’ll decant some for you! 😉
I got a leaflet on how to apply this..it says to apply from t-zone outwards to cheek..do some finger tapping…then place palm on eyes…then pressure point at the side of eyes…let me see if I still have the leaflet lying around coz it came with some diagrams too
Wow, so complex >.< I'm horrible about doing facial massage like this but it might perhaps be a good way to ensure that it goes on skin as a thin layer and evenly. Has it been working well for you since you bought it, Kel?
I think I will stick to Kiehl’s MRC since I have almost a full bottle to finish. Plus I prefer my oils to be oily and not silky 🙂 Thanks for the review!
Sorry, forgot to ask this question yesterday before clicking the send button. For serums/oils, do you mix it with your moisturiser or do you apply the serum/oil first, allow it to set and only then apply the moisturiser? I am a bit confused about the method of applying serums/oils and curious if there would be a different result for each method.
I usually apply my serums on their own so I ‘layer’ products – toner/lotion, light serum, oil, moisturiser. If my moisturiser is too thick as the one I’m using now is, then I use the oil to thin it out. Layering it benefits the skin better I think and there’s a ‘rule’ somewhere that says that the lightest texture goes on first followed by the heavier texture to “seal” in the goodness.
Thats the problem with oils. They almost seem to NEVER finish! >.<
I’ve been using this for nearly a month and I love it. I love the fruity scent that is not too sweet and I actually like that it’s not oily. I don’t have dry skin, but normal combination skin. If it felt any oilier, I would’ve stopped using it. Also, it helped with my breakouts, so for me, it’s a winner 🙂
Its great that it works well for you Lily 🙂 I think the texture most certainly will appeal to many who aren’t so into applying oil on their skin but ultimately, I think its a great little product!
Have you tried pairing it with the ANR? I think i will be giving this lots of love…soon.
I haven’t Lisa coz I’ve run out of ANR and haven’t replenished it! LOL Did you get a bottle too?
Not yet. I’ve run out of ANR too. Will get both a couple of months later when i’m done with my current skincare routine. Am cutting down on too much skincare this year and simplifying my lifestyle. I need some good, old serum to revitalize my skin. It’s lacking radiance and vitality these days. I’m missing my ANR as i’m saying this. 🙂
I’ve pared down my skincare myself and have been using the same things (more or less) for months on end now and at this point in time, happy for it to remain this way 🙂 I have to admit I sort of miss ANR too so like you, I can see that it will make its way back into my skincare routine soon 😀
Hey Paris, I was so excited to hear about the oil, but I’m SO SO happy that you posted an ingredient list and killed my lemming! While I might be OK with fragrance, silicone is really something I prefer to do without. I’m just not into the texture I suppose.
Glad to hear it has worked so well for you though! It’s really all about finding something your skin likes 🙂
Hiya Sunny, I had to hunt down the ingredients because I didn’t get the box, but I knew the 2 ingredients – silicone and fragrance – will be problematic for some people. Knowing people who actually will breakout from using products with even a tiny bit of silicone in it has taught me that! Sorry to hear this won’t work for you, but definitely, do whats best for your skin – there are loads of other options out there 😀
Facial oil is really good, i use it once a week or whenever i have a tired looking skin. Since I am into organic skincare, the one I am using is Juice Beauty Organic Treatment Oil. It’s a bit oily when first applied, left it on for a while and it will be absorbed into the skin.
Thanks for sharing, Bryan 🙂 I haven’t tried the Juice Beauty one but its good to know it works for you! You’re right – facial oils are really good stuff.
Having choices is sooo GOOD but can be sooo BAD for our wallets! Luckily you didn’t recommend us to try mixing the ANR with the two products you mentioned above (ANR + Kiehls MRC + this Nutritious Essence oil) or we’ll all go dead broke! Lol! 😀
Thank you for the thesis on this product! Sounds like it really worked well for you! 😀 I agree with you on the texture though – I normally prefer my oils to be thicker and leave sorta a residual “oily” feeling on the skin too! 😀
I almost bought it last weekend but held my horses because I can’t decide if I should get this one or replenish my beloved ANR that’s running out anytime soon now since they’re both about the same price. My husband will faint if I get BOTH! Hahaha! Help me choose, please? 😀
Hahahhaa Actually Jenn, I haven’t tried using the EL Nutritious oil with ANR because I’ve run out of the latter and didn’t replenish yet! I do wonder if it’ll work well together especially since my magic Kiehl’s MRC + ANR recipe still works a treat 😀 I do really like the oil even if it might seem that I’m not that crazy about it. The texture doesn’t wow me, but the effects do and I do like it for that. As for whether to get this or ANR, I think it will have to depend on what you’re going for. ANR is the “anti-aging” treatment while this one doesn’t treat per se, but it does leave my skin feeling so soft and smooth it has to be believed 😛 I suggest getting this first (if you really want to) then when ANR runs out THEN replenish. Maybe in another month’s time? 😛 Not helping, I know 😛
U certainly knows your readers well. The first thought that pops in my head is how does it compare to the MRC.
I think in this case, I’ll prolly stick to MRC. Don’t like the sound of silicones on my sensitive skin.
I think I know how you all think because I think of the same thing too! 😀 Better to address it than to have to reply to questions in the comments hehe…
Ooo…a 2-in-1 review. Likey! LOL.
These oils are so expensive. Tsk tsk. But…they do wonders. And they usually last quite a while.
Haven’t check this one out yet though. The tall, slim, plastic bottle is definitely a hazard for me. I suppose the center of gravity would be higher, and because it’s made of plastic and hence lighter, it’d be easier to topple (?).
My Clarins Lotus oil is still going strong. That bottle is going to last me forever. It’d be a long, long while till I can justify another facial oil purchase.
By the way, I might have missed this in your previous posts, any luck with Vitamin C serums? I’m itching to try some. 😀
I do think oils are expensive for a reason – its actually expensive to use good quality oils and for the face you would want good quality oils 🙂 The bottle isn’t too much of a problem to be honest because the cap, albeit looking metallic and all is pretty much coated plastic too LOL Its not as scary as all that but it is quite different from the Clarins Lotus oil so since you’re using that one, you may not appreciate this one as much 😉 As for Vitamin C Serums, I have actually tried one and although I seemed to have decent results from it, it wasn’t impressive enough for me to want to talk about it or to continue using it. I’m not too familiar with many brands at this time, to be honest.
I tried the sample at night and I find that it doesn’t give me the ‘glow’ that MRC gave, so I tried it under my serum in the day and totally love the subtle radiance of my skin the entire day.
I agree that this texture feels lighter than MRC, so I use 3-4 drops instead, whereas for MRC I use 2 drops every night. 30ml MRC lasts me for a year, so I figure this would probably last me for 6-8 months?
If I were to choose only one of the two oils, I would continue to use MRC because of the scent and results because MRC calms my skin down and I find that it helps to reduce redness overnight. I’m considering to purchase EL oil to use in the day though. Thinking of buying these two oils and maintain them in my routine makes my wallet weep.
Hi Kay, thanks for sharing your experience with this! Its funny how I’m the reverse, finding it working well for me in the evening 😀 But its good to know that this works for you too 😀 Like you, I like the texture and scent of MRC (so calming right?) but I do also like the boost this oil gives my skin. Darnit! >.<
I introduced some of my friends to MRC and they all loveeeee the scent but hesitated because of the high price tag. Used to be S$90 but they reduced to S$80 since April. But I could have gotten from US Nordstrom site at S$65 including shipping, that’s about 15 bucks savings. So far I’ve been sticking to MRC and changed almost everything else I use for skincare, and I feel weird if I missed out MRC.
I haven’t tried this oil with MRC together because I’m afraid it might “clash”. But this EL oil is possibly a keeper, especially for those who find MRC too heavily scented.
I personally wouldn’t use them together too, Kay 🙂 I’m not as crazy about the sweet fruity scent as I am the MRC’s soothing lavender scent but I can imagine the texture will appeal to those who don’t like anything too oily 😉 I do think the pricetag for good oils are worth it – they last close to a year anyway! 😉