Many years ago when I was in Covent Garden, I remembered seeing a store called Neal’s Yard Remedies. At the time, I was in a bit of a hurry and my store to target was Lush. I then forgot about Neal’s Yard Remedies until I came across it on some English blogs.
Well, this English Certified Organic skincare brand is here in Malaysia, and has been for about a year or so I believe. I came across their counter at Isetan KLCC but there is now a proper flagship store opened at The Gardens, Mid Valley. I stopped by a couple of weeks back to learn a little about the brand and also to check out the new Frankincense Intense cream.
Neal’s Yard Remedies is an organic skincare brand, certified by the Soil Association UK which is a prestigious and strict organic certification body, so I’m assured that NYR products come of high quality and are free from harmful ingredients.
Whilst I’m personally not terribly fussed about how natural or organic my skincare is, I am appreciative of a high quality product and that’s what I look for in my skincare.
The range is huge, from head to toe, so I won’t go through everything. Instead I’ll show you this new cream that has been launched recently worldwide, which is the Frankincense Intense cream, under the Frankincense product range.
The Frankincense Intense cream was formulated using stem cells from the gardenia together with 3 peptides to improve collagen production. What they say is the result, is firmer, younger looking skin. Frankincense is a an aromatic resin obtained from trees and is commonly used in incense and has been for centuries. It is also quite an expensive product since it isn’t that easily found and harvested. The ones used by NYR are obtained from wild sources as certified by FairWild and sustainably sourced and harvested.
If you ask me, the scent is either love or hate. It has a heavy, heady scent and its something I like, enjoying it in my aromatherapy oils and perfumes. I find it calming. But I can imagine that some people might find it too heady or oriental for their liking. So, be sure to take a hefty sniff.
The cream is rather thick, so I’d put this at one targeted towards those who have more matured, drier skin or for night use. It does feel lovely on the back of my hand once I’ve rubbed it in and the smell is so comforting.
In fact, I am presently using the Frankincense Facial oil and I love it! It’s a little thick but it makes my skin feel and look amazing, especially when it’s feeling a little dry. I’ll tell you more about that later.
Being new to the brand, I asked what the popular products are, so I might give them a go some time, and these were the ones told to me.
Apparently the Frankincense Intense Cream has been very popular. Another popular product that I’m itching to try is the Wild Rose Beauty Balm, which works as a cleansing balm and also as a moisturizer and a general balm to calm the skin. The smell is that of roses and the texture is that of an oil balm. Definitely very intriguing to me, with my newfound obsession with anything balmy.
The other item is the Beauty Sleep Concentrate. Its a light textured serum that feels absolutely amazing on the back of my hand. I’m told its really good to hydrate skin and replenish and repair. Ticking all the right boxes! Someday I’ll give it a go.
So that’s a little bit of what I’ve learned about the brand and I cannot believe how much I love the Rejuvenating Frankincense Facial Oil. Been using it at night for a few weeks now and even took it with me to Australia so my skin doesn’t dry out without it. I’d say its worth trying!
Have you tried anything from Neal’s Yard Remedies before? What do you think I should try next (or avoid)?
I’d love to know from any long time users, since I’m so new to the brand. What should I drop into my shopping basket next? :D
I’ve just tried the facial oil for now and it’s been a hit for me. The next to try will be the Frankincense Intense cream so I’ll have a review up for that in the next few months. The next item I’d probably see myself picking up is the Wild Rose Beauty Balm. Hello? Balm? Sold! Lol
Paris B
Neal’s Yard Remedies Frankincense Intense cream Price: RM350/50g Spatula included Availability: Neal’s Yard Remedies store at The Gardens, Mid Valley (next to Isetan), Isetan One Utama and Isetan KLCC
This shop caught my attention that day! The blue bluey bottles!
Indeed! I love the use of the blue bottles too – it is old school apothecary style and the blue actually helps block UV rays and helps the products keep better since they’re essential oils and organic and all :)
I’ve never tried this brand but it sounds really interesting!
And I’m totally in love with the packaging, too :)
I’d never tried it till recently too but I’ve read some good reviews on it mostly from UK bloggers over the years. Guess it only makes sense since they’re from the UK :D
I have used NYR on and off for years – it is one of those brands I forget exists as it isn’t really on any of my shopping routes, until it go out of my way and see a shop, then rush in and smell everything!
The rose balm is lovely (have just finished my pot last week), although it has a short shelf life (3 or 4 months I think) so you can’t really get through it while testing other things. It is one of those non-emulsifying balms you have to scrub off with a flannel, but it leaves my skin so very soft and just the right side of greasy so there is a dewy look, but no real shine. Actually since finishing it, my skin has suddenly got very dry, so I might well go and get another pot.
I have also got the beauty sleep concentrate and it is a bit meh… Doesn’t really do much for me. I love their hair treatment (coconut oil with some aromatherapy EOs), and buy it whenever I see a deal on it (ocado stock a very limited range but do 3for2s regularly).
Was going to try the frankincense oil and the wild rose elixir serum next… Although I’m waiting to finish another oil first which has plenty left!
Haha you are so right about the smell in the shop, Charlotte. I loved standing in there surrounded by all the lovely smells of essential oils! It’s good to know the rose balm is good because I’m definitely eyeing that one. I am using these sort of wipe off balms with a flannel in recent times so I have a feeling I’ll like it. Thanks for letting me know the Beauty Sleep Concentrate is meh. I was told how wonderful it was but it’s good to hear from someone who’s used it! The Frankincense oil is lovely if you like the smell. I love it. Makes me so relaxed befored bed :D Thanks for sharing your thoughts! It has been helpful for me
The brand name reminds of those English brands like Yardley lol. Of course pricing wise and market segment, they are worlds apart. I am intrigued by this Frankincense word. Even the one from Ren caught my attention. Sounds like Frankenstein beauty somehow. I am looking for a new moisturizer. I must drop by to sniff this one :)
LOL!! Yes it does have that old English feel about it doesn’t it? :) Frankincense was one of the 3 gifts from the 3 Wise Men to baby Jesus which might be why it sounds familiar ;)
Is the facial oil similar to Kiehl’s MRC and you use the oil after ANR and before your moisturiser?
Nope, it’s a proper oil oil – it’s quite thick. I’ll review it soon because I love it :) When I use this oil, I don’t use a serum with it. Just this oil and a moisturiser. My routine changes from day to day depending on how my skin feels each day so that’s why it’s hard to stick to one routine LOL