At the end of 2018 during the holiday sales, I bought another box of Koh Gen Do Pure Cotton Pads and a large bottle the Cleansing SPA Water from Lovelyskin.com. They sent me a few sample packets with my purchases, and one of the packets was for StriVectin S.T.A.R. Retinol Light Night Oil.
I wasn’t looking for a new face oil because I like both the Derma E Rejuvenating Sage & Lavender Face Oil and Amelie REWIND oil in my stash. But I tried the StriVectin packet anyway, and after using it for four nights, I was hooked.
Because at night especially, I have a complex multi-step regimen, I am always interested in multi-tasking, multi-benefit skincare products that might help me simplify my routine and save time. StriVectin S.T.A.R. Retinol Light Night Oil fit the bill. Not having to use a separate retinol serum was very appealing.
I wondered what does S.T.A.R. stand for? Skin. Transforming. Advanced. Retinol. I am really pleased with this product, so I agree that it is indeed a star!
We know that retinol is probably the most important skin ingredient we can use, but what is “advanced retinol”? StriVectin says the product “combines 3 separate but synergistic retinol technologies, including naturally-derived Biomimetic Retinol – which mimics skin’s natural processes to better receive the benefits of Retinol – with nourishing (plant-derived) Squalane Oil and patented NIA-114™ technology to limit sensitivity.” Sounds like a more effective and less irritating retinol, yes!
I was curious about the “light oil”. I wondered if it was like “dry oil” for the body. In fact, it seems to be. The startlingly bright orange oil, that magically goes on clear, is indeed very light. It’s made up of plant-derived squalene and chia seed oils. A few drops pressed directly onto my face are absorbed in less than a minute and leave a velvety smooth, non-greasy finish. I usually apply it over an essence or lightweight serum and under moisturizer. Rather than applying a few drops of the Light Oil separately as I usually do, they can be added to moisturizer and applied that way instead.
I’m very happy with StriVectin S.T.A.R. Retinol Night Light Oil. I’ve been using it for almost a month. The light oil is hydrating and nourishing. The non-irritating Retinol softens my lines and provides a smooth texture. Retinol can also create a more even skin tone, though my two remaining hard to remove areas of sun damage are still there. The oil also contains two soothing and protective ingredients, antioxidants Astaxanthin & Pro-anthocyanidins.
StriVectin S.T.A.R. Retinol Light Night Oil is a bit of a splurge. It’s priced at $99 for 1 oz. I bought it on the StriVectin website when there was a 30% off sale. Shipping was free, and I received quite a few travel size samples as well as sample packets. Fortunately, I use only a few drops each night so I’m hoping it will last a long time!
What was the last product that you bought after trying a sample?
This oil sounds absolutely lovely! I must admit that I rarely test samples, I have so many skincare that I overlook and giveaway the samples. Guess I should pay more attention, eh?
I have a huge jar of sample packets, Shireen, but I think it was the rather unusual and attractive packaging plus the fact that it’s an oil with retinol that enticed me to try it. And I’m glad I did!
I’m still looking into Retinol – it sounds amazing! My last sample to purchase was Boscia Cactus Water. I subscribe to the Sephora Play box so I get a monthly box of samples and I’ve been trying hard to either USE the sample or give it away immediately so someone else can try it out!
This looks like such a good oil. I love Retinol and I would love to try this.
I think StriVectin S.T.A.R. Retinol Light Night Oil is worth tracking down a sample to try!
First off I love that you decided to purchase this after trying a sample! Secondly, I love the packaging of this. Thirdly, whoa that is kind of expensive but if it’s a multitasker then the money that was going into that other product is now coming off of this one. So if you were spending $80 on two products you’re technically only spending $10 more but saving yourself some time. I mark that as a win in my book!
If StriVectin hadn’t had the 30% off sale that saved me $30 on the purchase, I probably would not have bought it, but that sample really hooked me so I was so lucky they had a sale that made the serum more within reach. So far, it’s been worth my investment. And I like your thinking, girl!
I like that face oil from derma-e. This is a new to me brand. Quite spendy but if it does the job, it’s justifiable.
This retinol sounds great fornsensitive skin, definitely something I need. The last thing I bought after trying a sample was a bottle of perfume. It was a $100 perfume and I waited months before splurging.
This sounds like an amazing face oil, and the fact that it behaves like a dry oil is very attractive to me! It says a lot that you bought it after trying a samples and when you didn’t actually need another face oil, no less. I will see if I can find a sample to try!
I have a feeling that the SAs at a StriVectin counter at a department store or the SAs at Sephora would be happy to give you a sample! It really is worth trying. I love the fact that it is light and a multitasker. You might too!
I like the idea of it being in oil form and mixing with a moisturizer, but the price pretty much puts it out of touch for me.
It’s expensive, for sure. Fortunately for me, StriVectin had a 30% off sale right when I wanted to buy it, otherwise, I would have had to pass too.
I know this is expensive but I always see good reviews. Plus the sale and samples. Great deal!
As soon as I saw your title I remembered that I had a sample and found it – it turns out I have two sample packets. So now I’ll find out for myself about this. I’m eager to try them. I hope I like it but I also hope I can wait until a better price comes along.
I hope the StriVectin Retinol Light Oil suits you too, Marcia. I hear ya on the price. If it hadn’t been 30% off, I wouldn’t have been able to go for it. But I’m glad I was lucky. I really like this oil and saving a step as well. Hope you had a good time away!
I need to add retinol to my skincare routine.
Retinol in an oil?!?! I am certainly intrigued. Retinol is sometimes a bit harsh on my skin so I wonder if the oil would help some. Thanks for sharing.
This sounds interesting!
I’ve committed to really trying out some of my samples, especially since you never know what goodies you may stumble upon.
Definitely a splurge, but sounds like it might be worth it! I think the last item I bought was the Sol de Janiero Bum Bum creme after a sample. It smells so good!
I definitely don’t mind a splurge if it works! I’ll pay it lol