Thanks to a magazine freebie, I got a chance to try out very generous samples of the Aromatherapy Associates Renewing Rose Cleanser and Rose Hydrating Face Mask – the perfect mini facial. Given that the samples were so generous, I’ve had the chance for quite a few of those mini facials, so I feel about ready to write them up.
On balance, the Cleanser is the product I’m better suited to. I liked the delicate rose fragrance and although I buy more oil-based cleansers, particularly during the colder months, I liked the fresh, creamy lightness of this one. A cream cleanser never gives quite enough slip for facial massage but for occasional use that didn’t bother me. It always left my skin feeling smooth and clean without stripping out any moisture – largely thanks to the skin soothing Rosa damascena and geranium, as well as hydrating coconut and jojoba oils.
I was less keen on the Hydrating Mask but that was to do with my personal preferences about its action, rather than disappointment at the results. Let’s call it a psychological block! The mask has a clear, liquidy texture and goes on like a light, watery gel. Because of the high water content, it then dries on the skin leaving you with that tight, stretched feeling. You may like that; as someone whose skin feels like that naturally if it gets wet and isn’t immediately moisturised, I find it a bit unpleasant and much prefer the indulgence of an oil-based mask. Despite the slightly uncomfortable waiting period, when I wiped it off I was always left with soft, plump skin in no more than 10 minutes. It’s just unlikely that I’d ever buy one of my own when I like my masks to be a more all-round sensory experience.
Renewing Rose Cleanser, £24 for 200ml
Ingredients: ROSA DAMASCENA FLOWER DISTILLATE (ROSE WATER), COCOS NUCIFERA (COCONUT) OIL, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL, GLYCERIN, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, CETEARYL OLIVATE, SORBITAN OLIVATE, PHENOXYETHANOL, TOCOPHEROL, XANTHAN GUM, PELARGONIUM CAPITATUM (GERANIUM) OIL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, GERANIOL*, CITRONELLOL*, LINALOOL* *Natural Essential Oil Contents **Natural Plant Extracts
Rose Hydrating Face Mask, £36 for 100ml
Ingredients: AQUA (WATER), ALOE BARBADENSIS LEAF JUICE, ROSA CENTIFOLIA FLOWER WATER, SODIUM HYALURONATE, CARBOMER, BENZYL ALCOHOL, DEHYDROACETIC ACID, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, GERANIOL*, CITRONELLOL*. *Natural Essential Oil Contents **Natural Plant Extracts
naturalbeautycabinet 
Great review! the cleanser sounds really nice and gentle!x
YOUR REVIEW IS GREAT AS ALWAYS BUT THE INGREDIENTS ARE NOT!!
You make a good point about the PHENOXYETHANOL in the cleanser. It’s generally used as a preservative but studies (using high doses) have shown it can be an irritant or exacerbate existing dermatological conditions. As such, the Soil Association and ECOCERT no longer certify products containing it. It’s hard to get the balance right sometimes because not everyone has such strict rules about ingredients and I can be more relaxed myself when it’s a product that doesn’t stay on my skin (like a body wash or cleanser). That’s why I always publish ingredients lists so people can make their own choices. Thanks for reading! x
Keep up the good work!!!!! I just love the way you present everything!!!! Have a nice weekend!!