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Darphin
In 1958, Pierre Darphin, a French specialist in cosmetology, launched a research programme using plant extracts, botanical aromas, and active skin treatments to develop a customised skincare range.
Darphin have blended the best of science and nature to create "the pleasure principle". Darphin recognised that sensations of "pleasure" derived from touch, sight and, most significantly, smell has a positive impact. His innovative formulas were engineered to envelope the user in multi-dimensional, multi-sensory delight.
They say: "Darphin is the cult-classic Parisian-born skincare brand... Only Darphin prescribes regimens of serums, essential oils and creams that work in any combination, creating personal rituals that fit skin needs and feelings. Darphin products feel so good because of the botanicals, essential oils and careful attention paid to texture during the formulating process."
We say: "A luxury range that has noticeable effects on your skin concerns. Worth it, if you can afford it!"
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Darphin 50ml, RRP £48 |
Reviewed by: Sedate Spy Age: 40s Skin type: Dry |
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Application: The cream felt rich and creamy but not oily. The cream felt as though it actually melted into my skin, leaving no shiny finish. I applied it to my face and neck morning and evening and saw the effects almost immediately. What's in it?: Omega 6, Peptide 8 and "Arovita Complex" (artemia salina extract, caffeine, carrot protein, vitamin C and E). Effect: My skin felt silky soft and the area around my eyes felt plumper and looked less tired. I especially noticed the difference in my skin in the mornings. After using the Line Response Cream for three weeks, I was convinced that it made a difference to the lines around my eyes. Verdict: A pretty pricey purchase but if you pay for it now you'll save a lot of money in the long term. |
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Darphin 50ml, RRP £130 |
Reviewed by: Single Spy Age: 50s Skin type: Mature |
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Application: This silky-smooth yellowish cream is pleasantly firm to the touch and glides on easily, melting instantly into your skin. The cream smells pleasantly aromatic (it should: it contains extracts from fruits and leaves) but not overpowering. What's in it?: Vitamin E, green tea extract, and hyaluronic acid. Effect: Darphin promise some serious repair work, advertising Stimulskin Plus as a "divine lifting cream", and you'd expect a small miracle for the price. My skin felt hydrated and refreshed, and looked smoother and firmer after application. I didn't notice any tightening effect, though, so couldn't go so far as to call this a "face-lift in a jar" as some have done. Verdict: Pretty pricey but pretty good. |
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Darphin 15ml, RRP £38 |
Reviewed by: Sassy Spy Age: 30s Skin type: Combination/dry |
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Application: My eye area is delicate and very sensitive, so I was chuffed to find that this product is non-aggravating. Contact wearers will be pleased to know that they can use this product with ease. What's in it?: Extracts of passion flower, liquorice and rose, and "Eyeliss TM peptides". Effect: This serum is non-sticky, cooling and de-puffing -- I welcomed this addition to my morning and evening routine with open arms. Sadly, I haven't noticed a great deal of dark-circle relief so far. Concealer is still my best friend. Verdict: A light serum suitable for sensitive eyes that de-puffs a treat! |
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Darphin 50ml, RRP £30 |
Reviewed by: Salubrious Spy Age: 40s Skin type: Combination |
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Application: I smoothed the lotion into my skin and was impressed by how quickly it was absorbed, and by how little residue was visible afterwards. What's in it?: Kiwi, Japanese bloodgrass extract and "vital essence of mamaku". Effect: The cream left a slightly dewy sheen on my skin, but was in no way greasy, and left my skin feeling really supple. Once I had used the product for a few days, I refined my application to avoid my T-zone, and found the Hydraskin cream to be really good under make-up. Verdict: A good choice for drier skins, or as a winter base. |
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Darphin 30ml, RRP £45 Darphin 50ml, RRP £35 |
Reviewed by: Silver Spy Age: 50s Skin type: Sensitive |
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Application: I have been using the Darphin redness-relief cream in conjunction with the serum. The serum goes on smoothly and absorbs quickly. The cream feels as if I'm smoothing on liquid silk. It has a slightly green colour, which has the effect of giving my skin a more even tone and a shimmer!. What's in it?: "Calm complex" (chamomile, hawthorn, peony and panthenol), wheat bran, glycosaminoglycans and vitamin E. Effect: The soothing, redness-relief serum felt cool and comforting on my face, and even my hands felt softer after I used it. From day one, I was impressed with the effects of these Darphin products, and feel that the price is money well spent. I can see and feel the difference in my skin. The tiny red veins are less noticeable and there is no sense of greasiness after use. Verdict: Two anti-redness products that work wonders together. |
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Darphin 15ml, RRP £39 |
Reviewed by: Sustainable Spy Age: 40s Skin type: Sensitive |
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Application: I found the plastic spatula a little fiddly and initially misjudged how much of the satisfyingly rich cream to take from the pot. You really only need a tiny amount as a little goes a very long way. What's in it?: Magnolia, hyaluronic acid, shea butter. Effect: My eye-lines certainly seemed less pronounced and the skin around my eyes was beautifully soft. I regretfully stopped using this product as the marvellous magnolia cream was irritating my sensitive skin. Verdict: I need less sensitive skin. If you have "normal" skin give this a whirl, I think it works. |
Where can I try Darphin products?
At these spas that we've reviewed:
* Vineyard Hotel and Spa, Newbury
* Eastthorpe Hall Health and Beauty Spa, Mirfield
* The Club Hotel and Spa, Jersey
Where can I buy Darphin products?
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