Many of you know I love using facial oils but you may not know how I got started with them. Like many of you, I had the misconception that oils will cause my combination skin to secrete more oil. Little did I know that they will actually help balance the sebum production and prevent wrinkle formation better than moisturizers. It was Lleonn, who introduced me to the world of facial oils, and since then, I’ve been using facial oils daily. They’ve worked tremendously well for me and I use facial oils both day and night, although never alone. Currently, I’m using Varnya, which is an anti-aging serum comprising a number of beneficial oils concocted by Lleonn herself. It was sent complimentary from Lleonn not meant for a review actually, but out of friendship because she thought it would help my skin.
Customized according to my skin concerns
Anyway, I’ve been using Varnya for about two months in my night skin care regime and I love it! Although I still love the Marie Veronique Organics Anti-Aging Oil Plus, but this bottle of Varnya was customized for my skin. Hence, it is specifically addressing some of my concerns, namely acne blemishes and pigmentation spots. Plus it smells lovely!
Ingredients & formulation
The formulation is 100% natural and is free from chemicals, mineral oils, phthalates, parabens, synthetic fragrance and artificial colors. It is also non-comedogenic and on top of cruelty free, it is a vegan formula free from gluten with no peanuts, corn or soy.
Use of Ayurvedic herbs
What’s really interesting about Varnya, and hence is different from the other oil serums I’ve tried, is that this product is formulated based on a combination of ayurveda and aromatherapy. It comprises hard to find Ayurvedic herbs like Gotu Kola, Shatavari, Indian Gooseberry and other herbal extracts on top of the botanical extracts, cold pressed and essential oils. But depending on the customization, not all the herbs are included.
Customized according to your skin needs and state of health
So depending on your skin concerns, Lleonn will formulate Varnya to suit your requirements. This is why when you place your order, you will be asked to complete a form asking you about the state of your skin and health. This is particularly important as some of the herbal extracts are estrogenic and thus, not suitable to be used during pregnancy and nursing or if you have other hormonal imbalances. Those with such health concerns will be given a special blend suitable for them.
Address 9 different skin issues
Actually, “Varnya” itself means glowing complexion in Sanskrit and the serum is said to be able to address a total of 9 different skin issues – including reducing wrinkles and fine lines, evening out the skin tone, repairing UV ray damage, reducing the appearance of acne, tightening saggy skin, fading blemishes and age spots, moisturizing the skin, tightening the pores, and bringing an overall glow to otherwise dull skin. I started using the oil end of last year but was less consistent until last month when I started using every night. While the serum has not given me clear, radiant skin all at once, but I found that my skin tone has somewhat improved. But what was most visible were the fine lines.
Before using Varnya
Personally, I sent a few pictures to Lleonn on top of completing the form. So this is one of the pictures I sent to Lleonn. It was taken at the end of last year and I had this wrinkly patch near the right corner of my mouth. Although the products I was using then sort of helped, but the patch was quite visible whenever I smiled (gave me an excuse for not smiling often).
After using Varnya
Now this is fresh, just taken today. Originally, I didn’t intend to do this before and after shots but knowing how pictures serve as a better testimony than words, I decided to take some shots this morning. As you can see, there is a noticeable improvement to that area.
Not using Varnya alone
However, I would like to qualify that I’m not using Varnya alone. This oil is a bit richer than the others I was using and hence, I only use this at night. But using it alone was not really sufficient to keep my skin hydrated and so I layered it with another product, of which I will review next week. So the improvement may not be solely due to Varnya but I would say, it probably contributed a lot.
Price & availability
The price of Varnya is US$72 (premade) and US$90 (custom) and you can only purchase it online via the Varnya website. The price may look rather steep but if you factor in the number of oils used and that it is customized for your specific needs, it is reasonable. Anyway, the 30ml bottle will last me months! But I may not use this continually and will probably be alternating with other facial oils that I have on hand.
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About Sesame Blog editor of Viva Woman, Sesame is a skin care addict who is fond of using natural & organic beauty products. She also enjoys ogling at handmade jewelry & cute stationery.
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Custom blend is $99.
sorry, custom blend is $90 not $99
Thanks for pointing out! I forgot to include the price of the custom blend. Have updated.
Wow! The improvement seems fantastic.
Just wondering if face oil is suitable for oily skin? I had been using oil for my face for about 2 months. While I can say that my complexion improved abit, I developed decongested/clogged pores in my forehead area. I’m not sure if it’s due to my new suncreen or the oil. Now I stop using both and my forehead area seems much clearer. Now I’m abit scared to start putting oil to my face again
Yes, oily skin can also use but probably a different blend. Normally oil should not cause clogged pores though but I also know girls with oily skin who do not like oil.
how to u keep this oil away from your pillow when u sleep? i can imagine i’d get a lot of transference from using a facial oil
Haven’t found the oil to stain my pillow. I guess it’s cos I sleep with my face up.
Perhaps to balance it out, use a toner to cleanse out excess oil. Some toners also have moisturizing and pore tightening effects as well.
Yes, toners can help.
It is interesting to see custom blended oil for skin..
I also used to think tat oil for bad for oily skin..till I started using suki balancing oil tat is for acne/oily skin then I know the correct oil can actually help problem skin adsorb better in moist skin..
But it requires some sort of skill to prevent over-using it and ur face will look very shiny..
It might be choosing the right oil. Some blends can be too rich and cause shine and even streaky makeup.
Looking at the ingredients list, I think I would love this oil.
I can already imagine what it smells like with the sandalwood and Helichrysum… should smell close to the Marie Veronique oil right (which I totally love the smell)?
Oh well, a bit high priced for me though.
No, the smell is not the same. This one comes across sweeter…more rose scented.
Hi sesame, may I know what other brands of facial oils you are using now? Are they available locally? Any recommendation? My cheeks are dying and flaky and oily T zone. Thinking of starting to try my first bottle but not so adventurous to order varnya products for now due to high price. Thanks!
I also use those from Marie Veronique Organics.
I started out using grapeseed oil and it worked for my combination skin but usually, I add an additional moisturizer in the night. You can try getting from whoopeekiddies.com.
Thanks,I’ve gotten the Grape Seed oil from whoopeekiddes.com. The texture is not bad but somehow i dread the smell. lol :p
Oh how come? Hope it has not gotten rancid cos the usual smell is pkay.
Oh dear..rancid??? hmmm it smell like some erm…’leftover’ oil to me after frying the seed?? i seriously don’t know how to describe the smell, a bit plasticky smell. how does it normally smell like? i don’t know what to compare as i did not smell any of this oil before but they did inform me that i do not need to put in the fridge but it already smell like that when i first use.
Yes, that’s rancid! Also like biscuit kept too long and can’t be eaten. I suggest you write to them and ask them. Grapeseed oil is not supposed to smell like this. If I remember correctly (cos I’ve stopped using this oil now), it barely has much smell.
Yes Sesame, Grapeseed Oil shouldn’t have any smell.
Thanks sesame and Leon, I have already informed her but don’t think she can help much on my feedback. Anyhow i will probably look for other oils to try.
hi sesame i apply extra vigin olive oil with lavender essentioal oil that i mix on at night and coconut oil in morning is that enought to protect me from sun since i’m indoors most of the time
It can help to some extent but there are still UV rays coming in from the windows. It depends on your skin type too…if it’s prone to pigmentation. Otherwise, you need a sunscreen with at least SPF15.
hi sesame, i want to tell u how i just got started on this natral stuff, i was spending and have spended lots of money on different kinds of produts promesisng what i never saw resaults and maybe i did but this last product i was paying $280 for 2 creams one for face the other for neck, saw that the was ok but the neck was not getting firm as it was for that, and the sunscreen that i was using was a small little bottle for $55 that was tinted as it looked as if i was using makeup, tried putting this stuff on neck and it looked more wrinkled, sagging, made me look way older than what i am im 50 years old but made me look older than that, and the day i didnt use the sunscreen becouse just to look and c how my complextion looked without it this thing socalled suncreen was filling in my pores, my pores were so opened that i didnt no where else to turn as u know this other creams were draining my pocket, a coworker mentioned she uses essentioal-oil and for me to try it out so far i do like it but like i said i don’t use any thing else on my face as far as sunscreen please let me know if i do need to apply it and what kind should i use as i hate that white look left behind
If you really dislike sunscreen, then you should try to use more protection like using sunglasses, umbrella, etc. If you use makeup, choosing those with some SPF will help.