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My favorite Benton Steam Cream is reaching its last drops. Being in Montenegro, I don’t know how to get Korean products delivered here. So I took pictures of all the products I find at the local cosmetic store, posted them on Instagram, and asked if anyone knows them.
A friend living in Norway recommended the Lumene brand to me, which she really appreciates. It’s a good thing because they have a Christmas set with 4 products in travel size, ideal for testing.
Lumene is a Finnish vegan brand that uses 99% natural ingredients, and a large part of the ingredients come from Arctic wild fruits or flowers. The water used in their formula is spring water, coming from the melting of glaciers, therefore pure. Their products are suitable for use in winter rather than summer.
I bought a set from the Nordic-C collection (vitamin C) as well as a probiotic serum. This will be an opportunity for me to give you a little brand review on Lumene.
Lumene Nordic-C Pure Glow Cleansing Balm
Lumene Nordic C Pure Glow Cleansing Balm melts into the skin to gently and effectively remove even stubborn eye and face makeup. The sensorial formula rinses off easily, leaving the skin more comfortable and radiant. Formulated with wild Arctic Mulberry oil, its silky texture also includes the unique Nordic-C Complex enriched with vitamin C for an instantly energizing, smooth, and radiant complexion.
Price : 20,5€ for 125ml, FeelUnique link
C10-18 TRIGLYCERIDES, PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (SWEET ALMOND) OIL, POLYGLYCERYL-3 POLYRICINOLEATE, ETHYLHEXYL PALMITATE, BUTYROSPERMUM PARKII (SHEA) BUTTER, LAURETH-3, MIPA-LAURETH SULFATE, GLYCERYL DIBEHENATE, ISOPROPYL PALMITATE, LAURETH-7 CITRATE, HYDROGENATED OLIVE OIL, ISODODECANE, OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) FRUIT OIL, PERFUME (FRAGRANCE), RUBUS CHAMAEMORUS (CLOUDBERRY) SEED OIL, TOCOPHEROL, OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) OIL UNSAPONIFIABLES, PHENOXYETHANOL, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, ASCORBYL TETRAISOPALMITATE, DISTEARDIMONIUM HECTORITE, LACTOBACILLUS/PUMPKIN FRUIT FERMENT FILTRATE, PROPYLENE CARBONATE, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, LEUCONOSTOC/RADISH ROOT FERMENT FILTRATE, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF EXTRACT, LIMONENE
My opinion: I’m used to using make-up remover balms, but this one deserves the medal for the thickest balm in the world. It is difficult to spread it on dry skin. So I have to use a lot of products for my little face. However, from the first drop of water, the balm emulsifies and turns into milk. All you have to do is cleanse the whole thing so that it leaves no trace. This balm works very well for removing sunscreen and light make-up. However, as soon as you have waterproof makeup, it becomes very unpleasant. Eye make-up removal is unthinkable since the balm is too thick and stings the eyes. I won’t repurchase it.
Lumene Nordic-C Glow Lumenessence Brightening Beauty Lotion
Reveal a radiant and energizing complexion with Lumene Nordic C Glow Lumenessence Beauty Lotion. Natural exfoliating berry and fruit acids, water-repellent hyaluronic acid, Nordic birch sap, and pure Arctic spring water are combined with Vitamin C’s unique lightening blend to perfume, refine and moisturize the skin. Leaves skin purified and prepared for the next steps in your skincare routine.
Price : 17,9€ for 150ml, FeelUnique link
AQUA (WATER), HAMAMELIS VIRGINIANA (WITCH HAZEL) LEAF WATER, GLYCERIN, BETULA ALBA (BIRCH) JUICE, PEG-40 HYDROGENATED BEAVER OIL, VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS (BILBERRY) FRUIT EXTRACT, RUBUS CHAM AEMORUS (CLOUDBERRY) FRUIT EXTRACT, RUBUS CHAMAEMORUS (CLOUDBERRY) SEED EXTRACT, PHENOXYETHANOL, PROPANEDIOL, ASCORBYL GLUCOSIDE, SODIUM PCA, SACCHARUM OFFICINARUM (SUGAR CANE) EXTRACT, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, CITRUS AURANTIUM DULCIS (ORANGE) FRUIT EXTRACT, CITRUS MEDICA LIMONUM (LEMON) FRUIT EXTRACT, MALTODEXTRIN, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, DISODIUM EDTA, ACER SACCHARUM (SUGAR MAPLE) EXTRACT, SODIUM CITRATE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, CITRIC ACID, SODIUM HYALURONATE, SODIUM BENZOATE, LINALOOL, LIMONENE, PERFUME (FRAGRANCE)
My opinion: One should use this lotion right after cleansing the skin to perfect the cleansing. It contains witch hazel, an astringent that does not need to be rinsed off to tighten the pores. However, I notice that if I don’t rinse it off, my skin remains uncomfortable and bouncy. As a precaution, I always rinse it with thermal water (Uriage, of course, which I like very much). Other moisturizing ingredients such as Glycerine, hyaluronic acid, birch sap… make the lotion more pleasant for the skin. After having meticulously cleansed my skin, I am always shocked to still find traces of dirt on the cotton soaked with this lotion. At the same time, that’s what lotions are made for, to perfect the cleansing. The vitamin C contained here is so little dosed and remains little on my skin that I don’t see any effect. I will repurchase it if I have no other choice, but there are other more elegant options on the market.
Lumene Nordic-C Glow Reveal Moisturizer
An intense moisturizing treatment that revives radiance with our new exclusive illuminating technology based on wild Arctic blackberry extracts, rich in antioxidants and vitamin C. Lumene Valo Moisturizing Radiance Revealer also contains pure Arctic spring water and two types of hyaluronic acid, as well as vitamins B3 and B5 and omega fatty acids from Arctic blackberry seed oil. This formula rejuvenates the skin and leaves it plumped, smoother, and more luminous.
Price : 28,9€ for 50ml, FeelUnique link
AQUA (WATER), PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (SWEET ALMOND) OIL, ISONONYL ISONONANOATE, SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL, DIMETHICONE, PROPANEDIOL, GLYCERIN, CETEARYL OLIVATE, SORBITAN OLIVATE, ASCORBYL TETRAISOPALMITATE, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, NIACINAMIDE, RUBUS CHAMAEMORUS (CLOUDBERRY) FRUIT EXTRACT, RUBUS CHAMAEMORUS (CLOUDBERRY) SEED OIL, RUBUS CHAMAEMORUS (CLOUDBERRY) SEED EXTRACT, PHENOXYETHANOL, PANTHENOL, CETEARYL DIMETHICONE CROSSPOLYMER, CETYL PALMITATE, SODIUM POLYACRYLATE, MALTODEXTRIN, SORBITAN PALMATE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, XANTHAN GUM, HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES (SEA BUCKTHORN) OIL, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, HYDROLYZED HYALURONIC ACID, PEG-8, DISODIUM EDTA, ADENOSINE, TOCOPHEROL, ASCORBYL PALMITATE, ASCORBIC ACID, CITRIC ACID, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF EXTRACT, LIMONENE, LINALOOL, CITRAL, PARFUM (FRAGRANCE), (CI 19140) YELLOW 5, (CI 17200) RED 33
My opinion: In winter, you only need a well-nourishing moisturizing cream, and that’s all this cream does. Sometimes, out of laziness, I don’t use a serum before this cream. It can be used on its own (without serum) as long as you spread a good layer on it. The skin absorbs it very quickly and does not leave an oily film. Unfortunately, I don’t see any effects other than hydration. The well-known effects of Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) and Panthenol (Vitamin B5) are absent. I see more effects with my favorite B3 B5 serums than with this cream, probably because these active ingredients are very little dosed? Simultaneously, if you can have a cream for the winter, which does not bud, this one is perfect! I’ve been using fragrance-free cosmetics for several months now, and the fact that I have a cream that smells a little confuses me, but the smell is pleasant and doesn’t smell chemicals. I will repurchase it if I have no other choice, but there are other more elegant options on the market.
Lumene Nordic-C Overnight Bright Sleeping Cream
Lumene Valo Overnight Bright Night Cream revives your skin’s radiance while you sleep. Revitalize dull skin with a powerful combination of extracts and oils from wild Arctic blackberry seeds, rich in antioxidants, vitamins A, B3, C, and E, pure Arctic spring water, and hyaluronic acid. This new technology sublimates the complexion and leaves your skin glowing with health, softer, more luminous, in the morning.
Price : 28,9€ for 50ml, FeelUnique link
AQUA (WATER), PRUNUS AMYGDALUS DULCIS (SWEET ALMOND) OIL, HYDROGENATED POLYDECENE, OLUS OIL (VEGETABLE OIL), GLYCERIN, CETEARYL ALCOHOL, LACTOCOCCUS FERMENT LYSATE, OCTYLDODECYL MYRISTATE, OLEYL ERUCATE, CETYL PALMITATE, GLYCERYL STEARATE, NIACINAMIDE, PEG-100 STEARATE, RUBUS CHAMAEMORUS (CLOUDBERRY) SEED OIL, RUBUS CHAMAEMORUS (CLOUDBERRY) SEED EXTRACT, PHENOXYETHANOL, HYDROGENATED OLIVE OIL, CETEARYL GLUCOSIDE, PROPYLHEPTYL CAPRYLATE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) FRUIT OIL, PROPANEDIOL, HIPPOPHAE RHAMNOIDES (SEA BUCKTHORN) OIL, ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, ALLANTOIN, OLEA EUROPAEA (OLIVE) OIL UNSAPONIFIABLES, LECITHIN, TOCOPHEROL, PEG-8, XANTHAN GUM, CAPRYLYL GLYCOL, MAGNESIUM ASCORBYL PHOSPHATE, RETINYL PALMITATE, ALGAE EXTRACT, SODIUM HYALURONATE, LACTIC ACID, SODIUM HYDROXIDE, SODIUM BENZOATE, SODIUM CHLORIDE, ASCORBYL PALMITATE, POTASSIUM SORBATE, GLUCOSE, ASCORBIC ACID, CHONDRUS CRISPUS (CARRAGEENAN) EXTRACT, CITRIC ACID, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF EXTRACT, CHONDRUS CRISPUS (CARRAGEENAN) EXTRACT, LIMONENE, LINALOOL, CITRAL, PERFUME (FRAGRANCE)
My opinion: I wouldn’t say I like this cream. However, I tried it. I really tried it! It doesn’t spread well on the skin. It has an unpleasant sticky and thick texture. And every time I use it, I end up the next day with a small pimple. Garbage can!
Lumene Nordic Hydra Moisturizing Prebiotic Oil-Cocktail
This intensely moisturizing oil cocktail infused with Xylitol prebiotics repairs the skin barrier and its natural microbiome. The nourishing two-phase formula moisturizes the skin for 24 hours with a blend of Arctic spring water, organic Nordic birch sap, and Nordic blueberry seed oil. Specially designed for dry and dehydrated skin.
Price : 31,9€ for 30ml FeelUnique link
AQUA (WATER), SIMMONDSIA CHINENSIS (JOJOBA) SEED OIL, CAPRYLIC/CAPRIC GLYCERIDES, DICAPRYLYL ETHER, PROPANEDIOL, SQUALANE, GLYCERIN, BETULA ALBA (BIRCH) JUICE, TOCOPHERYL ACETATE, XYLITOL, VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS (BILBERRY) FRUIT JUICE, RIBES NIGRUM (BLACK CURRANT) SEED OIL, EMPETRUM NIGRUM (BLACK CROWBERRY) FRUIT JUICE, VACCINIUM MYRTILLUS (BILBERRY) SEED OIL, PHENOXYETHANOL, PANTHENOL, HYDROXYETHYLCELLULOSE, PEG-8, ETHYLHEXYLGLYCERIN, SODIUM BENZOTRIAZOLYL BUTYLPHENOL SULFONATE, TOCOPHEROL, TRIS(TETRAMETHYLHYDROXYPIPERIDINOL) CITRATE, ALCOHOL, ASCORBYL PALMITATE, CITRIC ACID, ASCORBIC ACID, POTASSIUM SORBATE, HELIANTHUS ANNUUS (SUNFLOWER) SEED OIL, ROSMARINUS OFFICINALIS (ROSEMARY) LEAF EXTRACT, LINALOOL, FRAGRANCE, (CI 42090) BLUE 1, (CI 60730) EXT. VIOLET 2
My opinion: The smell is pleasant even if it is clearly chemical. The bottle is beautiful. It is composed of two layers that do not mix: water-based and oil-based. Before use, you have to shake the bottle to mix it. The packaging is superb, and the pump allows the product to be delivered hygienically. However, it is always difficult to dose the right amount, and I always end up with twice as much product as I need. This oil cocktail leaves a slightly oily film, like the prodigious Nuxe oil. Absolutely no effect on the skin barrier. I am a little disappointed. Note: my skin barrier is slightly damaged, so I can see right away if a product affects my skin: the next day, the skin should be plumped up and homogeneous. This is not the case with this product: the redness is still there. I am very disappointed.
Conclusion
I was not impressed by the Lumene brand. Effectiveness is either slow or non-existent. The only positive point is its very affordable price for organic and vegan, but that’s it!
I think it is not cold enough in Montenegro to appreciate its special formulas for extreme cold. That said, with my 10 serums, any ordinary cream will be able to protect me from the extreme cold, so there is no need to choose a Nordic brand for that specifically.
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