Review - Laneige Fresh Brightening Cleansing Oil

Next one coming up! A review about a cleansing oil that I'm currently using, the Laneige Fresh Brightening Cleansing Oil!

I got this from my Qoo10 Shopping for Laneige Samples 1 month ago, since my Elianto Reveal Cleansing Oil was running out (check out that review here) and I was eager to try more Laneige products! 

I bought the three New Cleansing Trial Kit in total, in which each of the Trial Kit included the Fresh Brightening Cleansing Oil, Multi Cleanser and Lip & Eye Remover Waterproof. 

But today's review is gonna be about the cleansing oil only :)

Product Description :

Laneige Fresh Brightening Cleansing Oil 25ml

Light cleansing oil containing apricot seed oil that takes care of dead skin cells, creating a brightening effect without heavy feeling.

Product Benefits :

• Light cleansing oil containing apricot seed oil that takes care of dead skin cells, creating a brightening effect.
• Grapefruit and apricot seed are oils full of vitamin C and natural salicylic acid, which remove dead skin cells, restoring your original, pure skin while alleviating skin reddening.
• Wash-off elements that are water-friendlier ensure quick, light wash.
• Gypsophila paniculata root extract, a natural cleanser, mildly yet thoroughly washes off even the heaviest makeup.
• FREE of mineral oil that blocks your pores - a non-stimulating cleansing experience.

Packaging :

The Fresh Brightening Cleansing Oil sample comes in a clear orange plastic bottle with a screw cap. It's quite sturdy for a plastic bottle and can withstand some hammering on the table (I hammered it on the table few times because it was so solid I thought it was made of glass. Haha) 25ml makes it a small bottle convenient to carry around while traveling.

It has a fruity citrus smell that resembles grapefruit. You know, when you smell it, it feels like there's a whole bunch of vitamin C sitting inside the bottle, waiting for you to rub them onto your face. The oil itself is a clear liquid similar to water. On your hands, it still feels oily (of course, it's a cleansing oil after all!)

Review :

Since the one I bought was sample sized, it comes as 25 ml instead of a whopping 250ml. The full sized product was quite expensive too so I wanted to try it out and see whether if it's worth it. Until today, I still kinda freak out with the thought of using oils on my face as I worry there will be breakouts and such. 

I've experienced different results from different usage methods. At first, I followed the usage directions but something weird happened to my face. I poured some onto my palm and massaged it onto my face slowly for 30 seconds. It gradually becomes harder to massage my face within the 30 seconds. It was like the oil is concentrating itself on my face, or it is slowly drying out while rubbing. Then, I added some water and continued massaged for another 30 seconds. After adding water, it turned into a milky emulsion. It definitely became easier for me to massage my face after adding water, and I felt some particles rolling on my skin(?) which I don't what is it.. dead skin?

After completing my cleansing routine with cleanser, I found out my skin became more dried out than usual. My skin was obviously cracking and flaking off especially at the areas around my U-zone. I wonder whether if I'm the only one experiencing this? It was very unpleasant. With a dried skin, it became harder for me to put on makeup of course. 

Good news is that, after using Laneige White Plus Renew Skin Refiner, my skin became normal for a while and stop flaking off. I needed to use extra cream/moisturizer to prevent my skin start flaking. 

Now, for the bad news. After half day with my makeup on, my skin started flaking off (again!) around my lip corners and cheeks. Putting on additional BB creams onto it or trying to rub it off just made it worse. I can't stand looking my skin flaking off, so I just removed everything around my cheeks and lip corners with a makeup remover and redo my makeup again with the Laneige BB Cushion. That's something I personally experienced. 

I found out that if I just used the cleansing oil with water from the beginning, then my skin wouldn't flake off and I can skip all these problems ahead. Still, it left a much drier feeling compared to the Elianto Reveal Cleansing Oil. Weirdly, it leaves a shinier finish compared to the Reveal Cleansing Oil. Conflicting enough? Haha.

After using it, it does clean up my makeup pretty well, at least better than the Elianto one. It was able to remove most of my face makeup, except that there's still some residue left from my lipstick and waterproof eyeliner. It is easy to wash off with water and didn't leave an oily residue on my face. 

However, as I mentioned from my different experiences from different usage methods, it does not leave a soft finish like the Elianto Reveal Cleansing Oil. It is definitely much more drying and excessive rubbing will prove to make the flaking skin even worse. I think that this cleansing oil might not be suitable for those with extremely dry skin, since there's no problem (flaking off) on my T-zone.

Also, I can't really comment about the whitening effects since I was using other whitening skincare products as well. 

After using this product, I think it's not the one for me. I would need to find another cleansing oil soon. I'm glad that I bought samples first instead of the big bottle because it will be a big waste. 

My Verdict : 

Pros :

1. Removes my makeup pretty well

2. Pleasant citrus smell

3. Easy to wash off

Cons :

1. Dries up my face (if I doesn't rub it with water from the beginning)

2. Doesn't leave a soft feeling afterwards

3. Does not completely remove waterproof makeup

Did you experience the same thing while using this product or if it's just me? Let me know in the comments below!