Purchased by Me (Affiliate Links)
It was only a matter of time before I splurged and purchased själ saphir concentrate, I used numerous samples that I savored down to the last drop-- and no matter how hard I tried to resist the urge to buy this fetching oil I knew that was a losing battle. It certainly isn't that I had an inherent need for yet another luxury beauty oil-- since I already have a very large collection. Instead, I was compelled to make the purchase because the results from this jewel were simply indisputable. Given that it is at the higher end of the luxury oil price point, I tried to convince myself that it wasn't such a special stand-out beauty oil, and that I already had plenty of oils, but using up the last few drops in my last sample vial and examining my face was the final straw. I simply had to have it!
själ offers a beautifully edited, and thoughtfully created line of skincare products that utilize the latest technological innovations available coupled with a holistic approach that encompasses principles from homeopathic and Ayurvedic medicines. Mother and daughter founders, Karen and Kristin Petrovich, sought to merge their interests in Eastern and alternative medicines with the prevailing cutting edge technologies available from Western biotechnology. The end result is a line of extraordinary products that boast great efficacy and outstanding results, and själ saphir concentrate is truly a revelation in the realm of luxury face oils.
själ is a luxury lifestyle skincare line that merges a holistic approach with scientific advances, creating simple, effective products which are truly universal. själ skincare is a global concept, bridging ancient eastern medicines with the latest in western biotechnology, infused with bio-osmotic energy through precious minerals and gemstones. själ incorporates the highest possible standards for quality and product performance. själ offers innovation and luxury to every element of their simplistic, yet multi-tasking skincare regimen.
A ‘liquid silk’ treatment blend of rare essential oils and an anti-aging bioactive complex designed to visibly diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, increase elasticity, plump and revitalize skin. Infused with Himalayan blue sapphires and aquamarine.
Gemstones & Minerals: Contains Himalayan aqua marine and blue sapphire elixir for calming and soothing.
Key Ingredients:
- bio marine complex
- plant retinol complex
- lavender complex
- blue chamomile
- Improves skin smoothness, elasticity and tone (plant retinol complex, lavender complex).
- Protects against aging, environmental stress and pollution (bio marine complex, plant retinol complex, meadow foam seed oil).
- Naturally plumps to fill and soften fines lines and deep wrinkles (bio-marine algae complex, retinol plant extract).
- Nourishes, hydrates and calms skin while providing barrier protection from moisture loss (blue chamomile, essential oil blend, macadamia nut oil, vitamin E).
Ingredients: Camellia Oleifera Seed Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam) Seed Oil, Macadamia Ternifolia Seed Oil, Citrus Aurantium Amara (Bitter Orange) Flower Oil, Jasminum Grandiflorum (Jasmine) Oil, Citrus Sinensis (Sweet Orange) Peel Oil, Lavandula Stoechas (Lavender) Extract, Salvia Sclarea (Clary) Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Gossypium Herbaceum (Cotton) Seed Oil, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Oil, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Bidens Pilosa Extract, Alaria Esculenta Extract, Elaeis Guineensis (Palm) Oil, Tocopherol.
Apply 2-3 drops to face, neck and décolleté as needed. May be used alone, over själ serum1 and/or under a moisturizer. Excellent for normal, dry or depleted skin.
Skin is immediately brightened and luminous with a pronounced clarity. My skin routinely feels energized upon application, and there is an unmistakable flushing of the skin as this magical oil seems to stimulate increased circulation. My skin is immediately calmed, and my skin-tone immediately appears more even and healthy. Repeated use results in a diminution of fine lines as skin is plumped and elasticity is improved. Skin is left deeply nourished, hydrated and balanced while the aromatherapeutic effects soothe the spirit and quiet the mind. Skin is revitalized while this potent anti-aging luxury oil performs miracles on the skin. This gorgeous gem is a true modern masterpiece, and I'm thrilled that I finally took the plunge!
A modern masterpiece, indeed! I warm up about two drops in my hands and then massage it into my damp and warm freshly cleansed skin. själ saphir concentrate can be used day or night, or better yet day and night. The effects of this beautiful elixir are immediately obvious, and it's hard not to reach for it all of the time once you see how potent and transformational it is!
$175.00-$180.00 for 1 oz. Available from SkinStore, Neiman Marcus, SkinCareRX, Lookfantastic, Space NK & Bloomingdale's (Affiliate Links).
Purchased by me. All views expressed are categorically my own.
Copyright © 2014 www.lolassecretbeautyblog.com All Rights Reserved.
Wow! :-D I have to admit, the marketing spiel made me roll my eyes a bit, (ok, a lot) but I'm so glad the result speak for themselves for you! It sounds like you're having a marvellous time! :-)
ReplyDeleteI had the exact same reaction! Then I tried some samples, and then a few more samples, and I was blown away by the results! It is by far the most that I have ever spent on a face oil, and I tried hard not to love it-- but my skin just does a major happy dance each time that I use it. I have no idea what it is about the combination of ingredients that resonates so beautifully with my skin, but it really does. It's definitely worth trying to get your hands on a sample-- assuming it's available in NZ. It's definitely a big beauty splurge!! :-)
DeleteI haven't really rolled into the whole skin oil thing yet (I'm still on butters and lotions), but you and Sunny and Melissa are making me super curious! I've never seen this brand here (not like that's unusual, LOL), but I suspect we probably have a whole host of NZ made ones that I've never really paid attention to...reconniassance may be required! (Fortunately well within the purview of a rogue ;-))
DeleteHi Syl! Beware-- once you start trying out oils it can quickly turn into an unmitigated obsession! My guess is that you will find some spectacular NZ made oils on your reconnaissance mission!
Deletehmm interesting. the bottle is pretty color too but is it translucent?
ReplyDeleteIt's semi-translucent. It's a green color, but you can still see the liquid inside. The neck of the bottle, however, is clear glass, but it is covered by the large lid. I'm not concerned about light as an issue since I keep it stored in a cool dark cabinet. The bottle is definitely pretty, and the oil inside is pretty amazing! It's worth trying to get your hands on samples!
Deletei'm fascinated and conflicted. intrigued because the ingredient lists looks pretty common (not the combination but the ingredients themselves individually) so for it to have the kind of effects you're describing was pretty unexpected. i was expecting to see something more exotic in the ingredient list. however, at that price point, i feel like i should be offered packaging that protects my investment instead of me pondering where i should store the bottle to prevent degradation. it's a nice touch that it's not dropper form though so it's safer to travel with. does the oil dispense out quickly?
ReplyDeleteI passed on this oil for YEARS, and really didn't have the intention of spending that much. I had been curious, but it was getting and using multiple samples that was the tipping point for me. It really is an extraordinary oil, and it does beautiful things to my skin. I actually like the bottle, and while it's not completely opaque it also isn't completely see-through. I don't think that there would be a problem in preserving the contents unless you are strong it in direct sunlight-- in which case an opaque bottle won't even offer much protection for the contents. The hole in the top is small enough that it prevents too much oil from coming out at once. I turn the bottle upside down and give it a gentle tap on the bottom and it dispenses the perfect amount for my face, neck and décolleté-- it ends up being about 2 drops worth. Yes, no spillage problems like with a dropper-- that's for sure. That said I haven't been travelling with full size oils lately-- either I take samples, or decant to a smaller bottle. Then I warm it up in my hands and apply it to my warm damp skin and that's all that I need. It's concentrated enough that I imagine that this bottle will last a good long time. I would definitely try a sample to see if you love it, because at this price point you really do need to love it!!!!
DeleteI've gotta say this-- you scare me. In a good way. Every day, you post about things I've either recently tried or have on my radar. It's uncanny! Gilt.com has a few Sjal sets for a good price, which I passed on in favor of a MARULA Leakey Collection oil and cleanser set and a bottle of La Roche Posay Rosaliac AR. No matter what I ever end up buying, there's going to be a pang of "DAMMIT!" around the corner. :)
ReplyDeleteLOL!!! Well, we figured out early on that we shared a scary love of beauty oils-- and we could certainly (with little prompting) convince one another to go on an excursion even deeper down that particular rabbit hole. I have the exact same feeling whenever I see what you post as well!!!!! själ products should probably be placed on some elicit substance list and outlawed-- because their products are so addictive. saphir concentrate is a scary wonderful thing. Scary because I already know that I will replace this bottle when I finish it! Thanks for the Gilt.com tip-- I will go take a look! Your purchases sound lovely, but i know just what you mean-- just as soon as I make a purchase there are always more products that I want to try! I fear for you, if you purchase this oil-- you will likely end up right where I am coveting it, thinking about it, and then using it up and replacing it!!!!!!!! <3
DeleteWow, fab post :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Maya-- I'm glad that you liked it! :)
DeleteI don't know if I'd like the flushing but wow this oil sounds fabulous!
ReplyDeleteIt's not like an irritated flushing-- it's as though it increases circulation, but skin quickly returns to "normal" and it feels soothing. The ethereal glow (or lit from within) appearance is really stunning. This is a truly amazing oil! :-)
DeleteOy. It sounds amazing. Where can I get a sample?
ReplyDeleteOy is right, Duffi! This is by far my most extravagant splurge on a single luxury beauty oil! I had received several samples from Barneys to see if I really liked it enough to buy it, and after using them up I realized how much I really loved it-- so I splurges and bought a bottle during their February Love Yourself Bag Event! If you aren't near a Barneys- then you might try emailing or calling själ directly to see whether or not they are able to send you a sample. At this price point it's definitely worth trying before buying! :-)
DeleteRight now on their website this is part of a gift set for $185.00 which seems like a better deal than just the oil also. I wish I could get a sample of this prior to purchasing.
ReplyDeleteThat's a good deal, but you can also buy it from Dermstore (link above in post) and enter Code: NEWYEAR and get 20% off your total purchase! That's a pretty hefty savings on such an expensive oil!
Delete$140.00 is a much easier pill to swallow than $185.00!
DeleteIt is, it is.... I really would prefer to test this before buying it though due to the price. I wonder if this is included in all of the Dermstore's 20% off sales. They do seem to have them periodically.
ReplyDeleteI don't blame you for wanting to test it in person given the price. I initially got small samples from Barneys, and I knew immediately that I wanted to buy it! I don't know if it is ever excluded from the Dermstore sales or not. They definitely do periodically have sales though! You should go with your instincts, and if your gut tells to to test this first, then you should!
Delete:-)
I sent an email to them and they responded today that they will send a sample to me along with some other samples of their products for me to try. WIN!
ReplyDeleteFANTASTIC! What about submersing the closed jars in warm water to soften them up? If they still smell good, they are probably still good to use. Just a thought! :-)
DeleteHmmm...What am I going to submerse? Why? Do you mean the Marula from SpaceNK?
ReplyDeleteYes, I meant the two jars of the hardened Marula balm and scrub. If they were submerged in warm water (with their lids on tightly) then you may be able to soften them up enough to use them.
DeleteI may have to try that. I am still awaiting a response from SpaceNK. I would have thought they would have better customer service, actually.
ReplyDeleteI would give them a little bit of time since many people are still getting back to work after the holidays. :-)
DeleteI responded over in the appropriate thread. Still awaiting my promised sample of this product. Can't wait to try it.
ReplyDeleteGot it, and responded back! I cannot wait for you to try this! I really look forward to hearing how it worked on your skin! Enjoy the rest of your weekend! :-)
DeleteToday I received the samples sent to me. There is a very, very small vial of this oil (half filled) as well as two packets of balans cleanser and a small jar of kura intuitif. I honest do not know if this sample will tell me anything (that's how small it is). When you got the sample at Barney's was it in a vial thinner than a perfume sample and only half filled? Wondering I received a standard sized sample. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteYes, that is exactly the same way that I received it. I asked for a couple more when I was at Barneys because I wanted to make sure that it worked well for me before spending that much money on it. You definitely received exactly the same thing that I did. I think that is the standard sample size for their oil.
DeleteOh. Well, like you, I don't think the sample is large enough to give any real information. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWhile I have a few of the little sample vials I really made sure to apply a tiny amount to warm damp skin to make it stretch further. I knew pretty quickly that I was going to buy a bottle because I loved the way that it made my skin look and feel. I have never regretted my decision to buy it because I think that it is an exceptional oil, but it definitely isn't inexpensive– so it is good to know if you really like it before splurging!
DeleteI'm a bit confused - it says infused with Himalayan sapphire and aquamarine but there's no sign of this in the ingredient list. At this price point that's a bit disappointing. I have the sjal toner spray and that has colloidal gold in it ( probably in very small amounts). But this oil intrugues me - I already have Perricones Chia oil so wondering how much this differs as they both appear to have similar skin penetrating properties.
ReplyDeleteHi Zah, I share your confusion in that respect. I suspect that the oil may have been soaked in these stones, or some such thing.
DeleteI cannot compare the efficacy of the själ saphir concentrate to the Perricone Chia Oil since I neither haven nor have tried the latter. I will say, however, despite the fact that I was less than enthusiastic about the high price– that the oil is itself so effective that I have never regretted the purchase. It sinks in quickly, deeply nourishes the skin, and gives my skin a pronounced luminosity. I didn't buy it sight unseen, but instead got several samples, and I was so impressed by its efficacy that I purchased a bottle.
Am so tempted to get this - the name, blue bottle and the Himalayan link are enough to draw me in! was wondering if this oil Is light enough to use as a "top coat" on dry / lined areas (under eyes etc) to soften fine lines and add radiance. The chia serum can be used this way (as long as you don't overdo it). I would also like to try it on bare skin (after my Biologique Recherché P50 and before my Biologique Moisturiser in the evening. I really don't need it but having tried the Sjal Tonic spray I know their line is really superb....
DeleteHi Zah, You might try to locate a sample to give it a try. If you have a Barneys New York nearby then you can certainly get a sample from them. Yes, I definitely use this as a top coat on dry skin whenever I feel the need. I simply warm it up in my hands or fingertips and then press or massage it in wherever I desire that added moisture. It definitely softens fine lines and gives the skin pronounced radiance! I agree with you that their products are superb! This is most definitely among my favorite beauty oils!
DeleteHi Lola - thanks so much for the detailed reply. Alas no Barneys near me so may just have to take the plunge 😁 am guessing it has a long "use by" date so it will be an "investment" (lol!)
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely my pleasure, Zah! The small opening in the plastic cap definitely seems to keep the oil protected against the intrusion of air. I tried two tiny samples, and knew immediately that I loved this oil. While it was definitely a big splurge, I never have regretted spending that much on it!
DeleteGulp. Just bought it (as part of a kit that includes small jars of Sapphir mask and Kura intensif creme). Looking forward to some miraculous time machine effects! ( and the scent!)
ReplyDeleteCONGRATULATIONS! I can't wait to hear what you think! It's certainly very nice that you were able to get other products as well!
DeleteYour last comment vanished as I hit publish! :-(
DeleteHi Lola. Thanks as always for the reply. So.... I got my full size oil in a kit with Kura creme and Sapphir mask ( as well as a small sachet of eye creme and the exfoliating mask). I thought I'd trial them this weekend. I honestly have way too many skin creme and sample sizes either keeping in the fridge till I get round to them or on rotation! The sjal range appeals because it's so edited and the ingredients and packaging are beautiful. To be fair I put my skin through the mill with a Japanese lymph drainage massage followed by a thorough going over with my clarisonic and then a wipe over with Biologique Recherche lotion p50v 1970. So I was exfoliated and slightly red. I have also been using some skinceuticals retinol under the eye area this week so my skin is a bit tingly. I tried the Sjal Sapphir mask which looks quite beautiful ( smoky grey jar, pearlised Sky blue mask) and left it on for 30 mins. It did feel quite tingly / burny but I think that's more to do with my skin being raw through retinol ( the price of removing wrinkles!). Washed that off and then went in for the Sapphir oil topped off with a small amount of the Kura creme and now 10 minutes in my skin feels very soothed but I can tell there are active ingredients working. The oil? Yes smells as good as you describe - I really get the chamomile and neroli scent coming through. I can see how this could be addictive. I also love the Kura creme - it's a pale yellow butter rich luxe type creme which I much prefer to the more modern silicone based / waxy ones that a lot of brands do now. Am toying with trying their cleanser next but feel like I should put some of my other skincare on eBay first as it seems a bit excessive. Plus I really love my Japanese balm (rmk) and wash off cleansers.... Agggghhh. Sjal so much to answer for!
ReplyDeleteHi Zah! Always my pleasure! I agree that the packaging and ingredients are very appealing and beautiful! Not a bad idea to store those samples in the fridge, and I certainly know what you mean by having so many of them– it can become quite overwhelming!
DeleteBetween your Japanese lymph drainage massage and Clarisonic, you have certainly been activating your skin. Add to this the retinol and the mask, and I'm not surprised that your skin was tingly/burny! The saphir oil is miraculous in in its ability to soothe irritated skin, and I'm not in the least bit surprised that it in conjunction with their Kura Creme soothed your skin within 10 minutes. Their oil really is one of the very best that I have ever tried. I don't think that I have ever tried a sample of their cleanser, but if i did it was long long ago. I'm sure that it is a wonderful cleanser though, since their products are so beautifully conceived, and so effective! själ really does make extraordinary products!
Aha. I see what you mean. This is beautiful.
ReplyDeleteYAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so glad that you feel the same way that I do about this extraordinary luxury oil! I can't imagine a time that i won't have a bottle in my collection! :-)
DeleteOh yes. It's lovely. I may buy a back up if I see any offers or discounts. I just got a set with the balans cleanser and the mineral tonic. I didn't read the instructions ( my bad) and just rubbed the cleanser in, massaged and rinsed off ( you are supposed to apply to damp skin) and it had a wonderful cooling effect that I've not had in a cleanser before. It came with a konjac sponge that you use with it for a (very) gentle exfoliation. Here in the uk they only retail Sjal in Harvey Nichols London store and a few sites online but never with discount. Am a bit concerned that this brand may disappear from the shelves altogether as they don't have the huge finances of a La Mer or Clarins but I think their products really are on a higher (spiritual!) plane. I mentioned before how post Erno Laszlo I was looking for a brand with a similar mysterious alchemy to their products ( they shouldn't work but they do) and I think Sjal could be that product. I have to use on rotation with my stash of other products but if it was a bit more affordable i would love to try a Sjal only regime for 6 months to see the true effect
ReplyDeleteHi Zah!
DeleteI'm so thrilled to hear that you love it so much! It's hard not to! I would also buy a backup if there was a discount! Ooh, the balans cleanser sounds lovely! Interesting that Harvey Nichols is the only place to sell it in the UK. I hope that they remain a stockist! I imagine that själ wouldn't want to lose customers in the UK, if HN decided to stop selling the line, but who knows. Hopefully there are quite a number of people who would protest and they would keep selling it in the UK! Yes, I know just what you mean about the mysterious alchemy– their interest in Ayurvedic medicine and Homeopathy certainly differs greatly from the philosophical underpinnings of the major skincare lines. I just feel so good when I use their beautiful beauty oil.
I just looked on their website and here are other stockists in the UK:
THE HUT GROUP
LookFantastic : http://www.lookfantastic.com/
BeautyExpert : http://www.beautyexpert.com/
HQ Hair : http://www.hqhair.com/
ManKind : http://www.mankind.co.uk/
I know what you mean, it would be truly wonderful to try only their products for a sustained period of time to see the true effects of their entire system! That would be extraordinary!
You probably already do this, but if you apply the själ Saphir Concentrate anti-aging oil to warm slightly damp warm skin you can use less product and get even better results. It will definitely make that delectable magical potion last longer!
Enjoy the rest of your weekend! Please keep me posted on your skincare results! :-)
Hi Lola. Thanks for the warm skin tip. I have their kalla spray tonic as well which is also very good for soothing. They gave me a bunch of samples (some of which am scared to try in case I love them!) Yes, I saw that you can buy online & with free shipping but in some ways I still like the old fashioned trip to the store and the ritual of the whole thing. I may try a sjal only regime (with some added spf) in August / September to see the outcome. I do have way too much skincare stuff BUT somehow I do work my way through it and waste nothing. I have been going through a serious Perricone phase but I get annoyed with how they bring out new products every couple of months - makes me hanker for my simple unchanging Laszlo regime of old! Once I have finished up my Perricone I don't think I will repurchase - so many of their products claim to do the same thing ( brightness, firmness, discoloration) that you wonder which particular "layer" is having the effect. Just too much oversell.
ReplyDeleteStores in the UK have a habit of dropping brands - Liberty just dropped Ellis Faas makeup ( amazing concealer that is a daily must have for me) so I have to go elsewhere. They also dropped Perricone, Revive and Natura Bisse. Selfridges dropped Kanebo recently. I guess this happens in the U.S. as well. Am hoping Harvey Nicks will keep the Själ.
Will keep you posted on the all Sjal experience ( although of course I will have to keep up with my Japanese facial massage and the BR p50 lotion in case my face falls off.....)
Have you tried Gankin massage yet?
Best wishesx
Hi Zah, Your timing is perfect! I was actually about to leave you a comment about själ! They have now added Space NK to their list of stockists in the US, and since Space NK is a UK company my guess is that själ will be available through them as well. It's certainly worth checking out. I was actually taking to them simultaneously on Twitter yesterday, and I expressed my glee that they will now be available there as well! This way, even if HN ever decides to drop the line, you will have a place to et it.
DeleteYes, we do have that same thing here many retailers ruthlessly cut underperforming brands to make room for those that will hopefully fly off of the shelves.
I am so glad that they gave you lots of samples! When skincare products are quite expensive it really is nice to be able to try them out long enough to determine whether you want to spend the money on the full sized products. Their kalla spray sounds really really lovely!
I know just what you mean about going through the ritual of buying these things in the store, and in fact, that very much reminds me of going to the Erno Laszlo counter to have our skin looked at and "tuned up" as needed by our Erno Laszlo specialist. My, oh my how times have changed. From the days of your specific clock, with or without modifications were made on an as-needed basis– to their new image, new packaging, and so many new products.
I completely understand what you mean by all of the new products being added– one ends up with a dizzying array of things to use, and pretty soon it just feels like far too many potentially duplicative steps to take.
I can't wait to hear how the all själ experience goes– though I have a pretty good idea how you will respond to all of their gorgeous products. There really is something quite magical about their line! I have had something that sounds a bit like Gankin massage from Koh Gen Do some time ago. Do oy duo it yourself, or have it done to you?
Have a lovely weekend! xoxo