The phrase “less is more” is not really a term used to describe Korean Beauty. They are known for a skincare routine that consists of least 10-13 products used per day, and if you will notice in some of my k-beauty reviews their packaging alone are often over-the-top. But this new cult favorite brand called Huxley, less is more is their philosophy. So when StyleKorean approached me to write a review about their products, I said yes immediately. Keep scrolling to read my Huxley Cream Fresh and More review and learn more about this brand.
But first, what is Huxley?
Huxley is a Korean beauty brand named after Brave New World‘s author, Aldous Huxley. It has become a cult favorite since its launch in 2016. Their founder, Mr. Hoon Lee decided to do things differently from other k-beauty brands. How they do it differently? Up until recently, the beauty industry was pushing argan oil and coconut oil as the “it” moisturizers, but Huxley is in the first wave of brands promoting cactus-based products as the next best thing. It is a practice that many women in the Sahara desert have been using for years. But because of the tediousness of its harvest, however, it’s still relatively rare on the market, and the way that Huxley packages its products emphasizes how precious each drop is.
“Less is more” is their philosophy and according to Mr. Hoon Lee’s interview with W Magazine, “I like to go back to the basics. You don’t need too many products. Most brands make new products just to sell you more, and we’re doing the opposite. I’m not trying to chase any trends.”
What is it?
Huxley Cream: Fresh and More is a lightweight gel-cream that locks in hydration for a lasting, all-day glow. It forms a protective moisture barrier, locking in hydration, and keeps your skin hydrated all day even in an extremely dry environment, just like cacti that thrive in the Sahara Desert.
The naturally amino acid-rich, Organic Sahara Cactus oil nourishes while Natural Moisturizing Factors such as Ceramides fill and smooth skin. Comprised of 56% Sahara Cactus Seed Oil, a non-comedogenic oil high in Vitamin E, revered for its ability to quickly absorb into the skin while imparting lasting hydration and protecting the skin from stress and aging with its high concentration of antioxidants. Lastly, this product is free of Parabens, Synthetic Dyes, and Mineral Oils.
PERFORMANCE
APPLICATION: Every morning and night, after using an essence or serum, apply an appropriate amount of cream onto palms and then pat it onto the skin in a circular motion for complete coverage and nourishment.
SCENT: I’ve seen cactus many times, but I’m not familiar with their scent. This product has a mild floral scent that feels so soothing. Not sure if cactus oil really smells like that but I like it.
PACKAGING: I love Huxley’s packaging! It has a minimalist design and so elegant. The jar is made of glass, it’s kinda heavy, obviously, but it feels elegant. And it also has a plastic spatula to use as a scoop for the cream. It’s all packaged in an eco-friendly box with a print of the desert with the tagline “Great things never come from comfort zones” which probably refers to its high concentrations of prickly pear extract, which is tedious to harvest. It takes about a million seeds to make just a small liter of product.
RESULTS: I love the light watery gel texture of Huxley Cream Fresh and More which reminds me Laneige Water Sleeping Mask, my other favorite hydrating product. But I prefer this one because I can use this in the morning especially when my skin feels dry. The texture is ideal for oily and combination skin types as it leaves skin feeling plump, but matte, and it also absorbs fast into your skin. This cream leaves my skin feeling fresh, nourished, hydrated, brighter, and softer. I swear I feel like my cheeks are as soft as a baby’s bum. Weird analogy I know, but I don’t where else to compare. Plus, this cream is so soothing!
I recommended this product for those who experience excessive loss of skin moisture in the summer due to heat, UV rays, air conditioner, air pollution and etc.
VERDICT
PROS: Lightweight, nourishing, hydrating, and soothing. The formula is perfect for all skin types especially for those with oily skin who hates moisturizers. It also makes your skin softer and brighter, and mild enough to be used with other products such as essence and serums. Lastly, it absorbs fast into your skin so if you’re going to apply makeup above it won’t be a bother. It’s a moisturizer without the sticky and oily feeling, do I have to say more?!
CONS: As much as I love the elegant jar, it is not ideal for traveling. It’s too heavy and it’s a glass. And depends on your budget, this cream can be too pricey.
Will I buy it? I already ditched my other creams and I will stick to this one for a while. So my answer is yes.
Where to buy?
You can buy Huxley Cream: Cream and More in StyleKorean for $33. They ship internationally and you can get free samples for every purchase. And they also give free shipping in a certain amount of orders. It’s $50 for Philippine residents.
If you live in the Philippines, you can purchase this in Go Bloom & Glow for Php1080. And don’t forget to this coupon code MARIM60 to get ₱100 OFF on your entire order (minimum of ₱1000, single use only).
OTHER SHOPS:
You can also purchase this Glow Recipe for $48. They offer free shipping to the US for orders above $50 and includes free samples in every order.
This is available in Revolve for $48. They also offer free international shipping on orders $100 and above.
What do you think of this Huxley Cream Fresh and More review, and cactus oil as a beauty ingredient? Share it below!
**I received the product mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. All thoughts and opinions are my own and not influenced by the brand or its affiliates.