“Transforming skin takes time. That is why it’s so important that the journey is a means unto itself. Find pleasure in your beautiful oils, in your self-care rituals. Find beauty in life and in yourself NOW. And trust the process. Let go a little. Have faith. Because you WILL get there.”
The joy and curse of reading a lot of natural beauty blogs is that there are always new products to lust after, try, and fall in love with. I definitely experience #FOMO when it comes to all the serums, lotions, oils, and cosmetics that exist in the world...with more being created every day! So when I started seeing the clean, beautifully packaged offerings from MOSS (for Modern Organic Sacred Skincare) on the blogosphere, I have to admit that I groaned a little. Here was something new for me to save my pennies for!
After trying a few of their products over the last several weeks, I have to say that I am completely in love. Each and every potion is crafted from the highest quality natural ingredients with no low-quality fillers. That means that I can feel confident that my hard-earned money is not going to go to waste when I buy from MOSS. It's obvious that the brand is a labor of love for Celestyna Brozek, the founder. According to the website, "MOSS products are created in an energy bath of meditation and healing mantras since Ayurveda believes emotions and energy felt during preparation permeate our food and later, the organism that consumes it". I know this is going to sound a little hippy-dippy but I swear I can feel the love when I use Celestyna's products.
So far, I've had the chance to try 3 different MOSS preparations, but I have a feeling I'll be ordering more in the near future.
Zen Physic Active Spot Treatment
MOSS is the only brand I've seen with a class of products called "oil intesifs". Think of them as facial oils on steroids (or on lots of Moon Juice, take your pick). I was excited but a little skeptical about whether the Zen Physic could make a difference for treating the new bane of my existence: acne. And I'm not just talking about cute little whiteheads that you can pop, cover up, and forget about. I'm dealing with some seriously huge, painful, and deep cystic zits that pop up like whack-a-moles all over my face and neck; once I manage to get rid of one, another pops up in a different spot. I know next to nothing about treating acne since I've been lucky enough to have clear skin for most of my adult life. Then about 3 months ago, I decided to get off my hormonal birth control and BAM(!), whack-a-mole on my face. So after placing my order, I anxiously waited for this new solution to show up on my doorstep. I practically squealed with delight when it arrived. The Zen Physic Oil is packaged in dark glass, perfect for protecting all the goodies inside the bottle. It's a powerful blend of plant oils and 40% (!) essential oils that work to fight bacteria, inflammation, and scarring. I felt a slight tingling sensation which quickly dissipated the first few times I applied it and it took me a few days to get used to the medicinal smell which lingers for a while after application. I find it to be slightly drying in the spots where I use it the most, but I think this honestly is just part of how it works. For this reason, though, I wouldn't go slathering it all over my face.
So now on to the real question: does it actually work? My answer is a resounding "yes"! It really really works. Since I've started using the MOSS Zen Physic Active Spot Treatment, I've managed to quickly heal a big, gnarly zit on my cheek and to prevent some other big, gnarlies from rearing their ugly heads. I've also successfully used it on some really intractable pimples around my neck. In some cases (for smaller or not fully established zits), it seems to work in as little as one day. In other more stubborn situations, it can only help time work it's own healing magic. In all cases, I am extremely grateful to have found such an effective and natural solution to keeping my skin as clear as possible while I work through my new non-synthetic hormone reality.
Renewal Matrix Scar Healing + Age Reversal Oil Intensif
While we're on the subject of MOSS's excellent oil intensifs, I'd like to talk about the Renewal Matrix. I only got a sample size with about a week's worth of this product when I ordered my other things from Aurora Beauty (more on how much I love them later) but I can already tell that I'm in love. The cornerstone ingredient is Tamanu Oil, which lends an strong, woody scent and gorgeous yellow hue. The formulation also contain Pracaxi oil and Helichrysum essential oil, both of which are superstars for their wound healing and cell renewing properties. I like to use just 1-2 drops mixed with my other facial oils or moisturizers applied all over the skin. Or if my skin is feeling incredibly oily, I'll just use 1-2 as a moisturizing treatment by itself (I put it on after any serums). At $70, it my seem a little pricey for a 10mL bottle but remember that these are incredibly concentrated ingredients that are meant to be used in small amounts. Though small, the bottle really should last a while. I did some price research to discover if I could DIY a similar formula in a cost-effective manner and learned that it simply can't be done. Each of the ingredients precious and pricey and this is reflected in the final price of the Renewal Matrix. I will be ordering more of this as soon as I finish the final few drops of my sample size.
Nutrient Synergist Collagen Repair Absorbing Fluid
Have you ever heard of an absorbing fluid? If not, it's understandable because the concept is another MOSS original. The secret is in the liposomes, "a nano-particle delivery system naturally derived from soy and created to help vitamins and other nutrients permeate the dermal layers deeper". It's touted as a way to make your face oils more effective by helping them penetrate deeper while minimizing the "greasy face" look that can happen when you have naturally oily skin like I do. I also love that the formulation had vitamin B5, which is great for anti-aging and fighting inflammation. Overall, I really like this product. It smells lovely and lightly floral and makes me feel like I'm getting the most out of my expensive face oils. I do think that it helps the oils absorb a bit better but I also notice my face stays oily if I accidentally apply too much product. This will definitely become a staple for me, however I do feel like I'm going to run through it quickly since it comes in such a small bottle.
So, overall MOSS skincare gets an A++ from me! If I weren't a serial dater when it comes to my skincare, I would probably switch to ONLY using products from this line. I believe in them that much!
And before I go, one last word about Aurora Beauty, the website where I ordered everything. I had a wonderful shopping experience with them! They carry all of my favorite eco-luxe beauty brands with great customer service and your choice of 2 free samples with every order. I had trouble deciding what I wanted to try and so they were kind enough to send me the MOSS Renewal Matrix (reviewed above), Lilifox No. 2 Perfume, and the much-coveted Vintner's Daughter Serum. The shipping was free (on orders over $50) and my package came fast! Check them out next time you're looking to treat yourself!