Subtle Energies skincare uses the power of Ayurveda. But is it any good? We review their products honestly, here below
By Chere Di Boscio
I first saw them at the Six Senses Spa in Sharq Village, Qatar. Thick glass bottles of rich, delicious scented body oils lined up on the shelves. Each bottle promised customers a sensual aromatherapy experience.
My masseuse told me she wouldn’t be using the oils, as they were just for sale. I was really disappointed and vowed to try them back home in Paris. I bought a bunch of those oils and more. And here is my review of the Australian skincare brand Subtle Energies.
Main image: cellophaneland.com
A Bit About The Business
First, I looked into the business a bit.
The owner of the brand, Farida Irani, has brought her whole family into her work. She explains that she never uses synthetic fragrances, as these can produce rashes and irritation. But pure high grade oils have benefits on your skin, mind and body. These are profound and scientifically proven.
One example she gives is Mogra. This is a known cytophylactic (cell renewer), that can help promote collagen synthesis, but also has wonderful anti- anxiety properties.
Subtle Energies skincare also works on the principles of Ayurveda. None of their products contain petrochemicals, synthetic preservatives, colours or parabens. Ingredients are sourced ethically, and are most often organic. And of course the brand is never tested on animals.
A Bit About Ayurveda
For those not in the know, “Ayu” means life and “Veda” means science. Thus, the ancient art of Ayurveda is a time-tested science, going back 5,000 years in written script. And the oral origins of its teachings is said to be over 40,000 years old.
Ayurveda has always specified ways in which aromatic scents, diet, herbs, yoga and even cosmetics could help to sustain balance in our daily lives. It treats different body and skin types based on the 5 elements of air, water, fire, ether (space), and earth.
To benefit most from Ayurvedic products, it’s always best to first determine your dosha (your own Ayurvedic type). Just take a quick test, which you can do here.
Turns out I’m 50-50 Vata Pitta, meaning I have dry to normal skin and hair.
My First Subtle Energies Trials
To begin my testing of Subtle Energies skincare, I washed my face with the Gentle Neem Cleansing Gel. This is rich in neem oil and Kashmir lavender. The texture of this slightly medicinal smelling gel was light and it formed a slight lather.
I wiped it off with a warm, damp cloth and my skin was left dewy–not tight at all– afterwards. I noticed the ‘use by’ date on the bottle was within a year. But I am sure that the 125ml bottle will only last about three months anyway. Still, it’s good to know the ingredients are so natural, the product has to be used quickly.
1. Gentle Neem Essential Gel Cleanser
Price: £53 (around $60)
Verdict: Foams up slightly. Cleanses well, just splash off with water. Slightly medicinal smell. Leaves skin feeling dewy and clean, not stripped. A little goes a long way.
One of the best Subtle Energies skincare products for: Those who prefer a splash-off product, as opposed to wipe-off.
Next, I turned to the oils.
The first one I tried was the Mogra, Sandalwood and Rose Facial Oil.
This oil contains ingredients that promote cellular growth. Therefore, fine lines are erased over time, and skin becomes plumper, too.
It smells richly divine, like a deep red rose on a summer’s evening, and it was an absolute pleasure to massage in. It truly made me feel beautiful, not only because I knew I must smell wonderful, but because it left me glowing, not greasy.
However, within an hour or so, I felt my skin was too dry and in need of a cream. I reckon this product is meant to be more of a nourisher than a hydrator.
2. The Facial Blend Oil
Price: £240 (around $270)
Verdict: Smells delicious. Very nourishing, as Mogra and Ashwagandha are known to stimulate cell renewal, promote collagen and elastin production help keep the skin firm and revitalised. Additional cream may be needed afterwards for hydration if your skin is very dry. A bit pricey for most.
One of the best Subtle Energies skincare products for: Those who are experiencing the first signs of ageing.
Enchanted with the facial oil, I then moved onto the Rasayana Detox Body Blend Oil.
This smells a bit woody, and a bit medicinal–because it is, apparently. The oil claims to be able to reduce the appearance of cellulite and tone the skin on the body by detoxifying our largest organ, the skin. It also assists lymph drainage, and is best applied after a shower, when pores are open.
3. Rasayana Detox Body Blend
Price: £80 (around $100)
Verdict: Smells like a herbal pharmacy. It’s too early to see the results on any cellulite yet, but I know my skin did look more toned immediately.
Update: Two months after using, this did seem to remove some cellulite on my thighs. I couldn’t really see my butt well enough before and after to honestly comment.
One of the best Subtle Energies skincare products for: Anyone concerned about cellulite.
All the more reason to try another oil, this time the Blissful Sleep Blend. This is a soothing combination of mogra, frankincense and kewda oils.
I asked my husband to give me a wee massage with this one before bed. And whether it was the oil or his touch or both, I easily fell into a deep sleep. I awoke still smelling a slight whiff of this exotic brew of woody oils.
4. Blissful Sleep Massage Oil
Price: £54 (around $60)
Verdict: I love woody scents, so this aroma really worked for me. The Frankincense in particular for me stands out. And I love that smell! The oil absorbs well. When the hubby is busy, I massage this into my feet myself, and it’s a real treat. I also massage this on to my neck, as the woods in the oil are also said to benefit thyroid health, which I struggle with. The oil is too pricey to use regularly for whole body massages, but you can dilute it with almond or coconut oil.
One of the best Subtle Energies skincare products for: Deep relaxation through aromatherapy.
Although you’re meant to keep this body oil on as long as possible, the next morning I tried the Rasayana Detox Body Scrub in the shower.
Containing Holy Basil and wild tumeric, the product cleans, buffs and polishes skin with tiny bits of walnut shell and cinnamon bark ground up in the formula. I squeezed some onto my hand and tried to spread it all over my skin. It was rather liquid-y and washed off too quickly–before I could massage in the scrub, in fact. I decided it would be best to apply it from a bath mitt, and indeed, this gave a much better result.
5. Rasayana Detox Body Scrub
Price: From £55 (around $63)
Verdict: My skin was clean without being dried out, and the scrub was gentle enough to use on tender spots, like under arms. The most surprising thing about this product is the smell–almost exactly like Coke with a twist of lime!
One of the best Subtle Energies skincare products for: Anyone with dry, ashy body skin. Using before applying tanning products.
The next product I tried ended up being my favourite. In fact, it’s one I feel I can no longer be without!
The Rose and Cardamon Hand Cream is rich and rosy. This thick cream not only makes me smell delightful (no need for perfume, in fact!), but it deeply hydrates my hands, elbows, cuticles and any other dry areas of skin, plumping it immediately.
Rose and gul heena are blended together with cardamon and calendula for intense moisture therapy. I’m a huge gardener. And as a result, my hands are often rather…well, disgusting. Cracked, broken, dry. So this deliciously scented hand cream came in as a bit of a saviour product!
6. Rose and Cardamon Hand Cream
Price: Around $50
Verdict: This is a rich cream that absorbs fast, and soothes cracked, dry skin.
One of the best Subtle Energies skincare products for: Those who live in dry or cold climates. Gardeners. People who use their hands for working.
I confess I prefer a wipe off cleanser rather than one you splash off. It’s just easier. So I was delighted to try the Juhi Replenishing Milk Cleanser.
This is based on jojoba seeds, patchouli and rosewood oil and is further scented with sandalwood and Juhi jasmine oil.
As you can imagine, the scent is simply heavenly – all without any artificial fragrance!
The milky texture is moisturising, and the oils draw out impurities and makeup perfectly. My tissue was covered in makeup within minutes, and after a few applications, it was all removed without a trace. Even the 50 factor sunblock I wore all day was completely gone, all without a drop of water.
7. Juhi Replenishing Milk Cleanser
Price: From £61 (around $70)
Verdict: Hydrating, effective, and absolutely heavenly scented. I looked forward to using this each night just for the scent!
One of the best Subtle Energies skincare products for: Cleaning dry or mature skins.
Finally, to ensure my skin remained hydrated, I ended the routine with Mogra and Indian Rose Gold Cream.
This is another hero product that truly sets the standard for organic skincare. Infused with Mogra jasmine and rose oil for nourishment, a youthful glow is also guaranteed by another high-end ingredient: nothing less than 24k gold.
In case you didn’t know, gold is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. This cream not only soothes mature skin, it smells richly and deeply of an exotic garden. So much so that I wish Subtle Energies would create a perfume based on these ingredients!
This cream absorbs quickly, leaves a wonderful scent on the skin, and instantly hydrates. I’m making it my day – as well as my night – cream. This is another product I would buy again and again, along with the rose hand cream and creamy cleanser.
8. Mogra and Indian Rose Gold Cream
Price: £110 (around $130)
Verdict: A truly rich, luxurious, soothing facial cream for dry and mature skins.
One of the best Subtle Energies skincare products for: Calming redness. Reducing fine lines. Gifting (it’s beautifully packaged!)
Conclusions
My overall conclusions on Subtle Energies skincare would be that this is a beautifully crafted, clearly high end luxury brand. The price points are not for everyone. However, the prices are not due to fancy packaging or huge marketing campaigns. The cost is a reflection of the highly effective organic, wild and natural ingredients, such as gold, jasmine and frankincense.
If you can’t afford a whole range, it’s well worth investing in one key product that best addresses your beauty needs.
For example, if you’re concerned about cellulite, get the Rasayana Detox Body Blend Oil. If you’re noticing fine lines, go for the Mogra and Indian Rose Gold Cream. But of course, first learn about your dosha to understand which products are best for you.
By using Subtle Energies beauty products, you’ll also be supporting a female owned, family business. What are you waiting for?
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It’s actually a cool brand. I am glad that you shared this useful info with us.
Now, where can we find it?
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When I originally commented I clicked the “Notify me when new comments are added” checkbox and now each time a
comment is added I get several e-mails with the same comment.
Is there any way you can remove me from that service?
Many thanks!
Hi Edison
There shouldn’t be a problem–no replies to this comment except my own! 😉 Email us at [email protected] if you still see strange emails.
Thanks!