Zelens Z-22 Absolute Face Oil

I've been enjoying trying out a few bits and pieces from the Zelens skincare range recently. It's founder, Dr Marko Lens comes across as very passionate and also very matter-of-fact so I feel like it's a real 'all killer, no filler' beauty brand which can be very refreshing and definitely piqued my interest as a skincare lover. I actually first discovered the brand around 10 years ago when I was working for a magazine on the Gold Coast - I remember going to the launch at Mecca Cosmetica and we got to play with all the products which seemed very ahead of the game and full of promise at the time. Of course this was before I was obsessed with cleansers and serums so in hindsight I wish I'd asked a lot more questions!

I pretty much want to get everything from Zelens on my face at some point but I'm being sensible(ish) and pacing myself (sort of) by sticking to a couple of products. I'll start here with one I've had on the go for the last couple of months - the Z-22 Absolute Facial Oil.
Since I had a baby, and I often wake up with a tight feeling, dry face, facial oils have been my number one, must have beauty product. I use one at least once a day, and while I appreciate the simplicity of a great quality rosehip or argan oil, Z-22 got my attention because it's a blend of A LOT of oils - in fact it contains 22, hence the name.

Incredibly light and multi-purpose, Z-22 was designed to replenish and plump up the skin, restore elasticity and even out tone and texture and leave skin looking and feeling more youthful and radiant. Like every other product, this oil is not in fact the fountain of youth, but it is a pleasure to use and I'm sure it's helping to make me and my skin look and feel more hydrated and comfortable than before, which is always a plus.
As mentioned, Zelens Z-22 is a blend of 22 precious oils including:

• Perilla (Shiso) Oil - omega-rich and antioxidant. The richest plant-source on omega 3 available
• Rice Bran Oil - soothes and hydrates
• Squalene - derived from Mediterranean olives, not sharks
• Camellia Oil -  rich in omega 9 
• Rosehip Oil - contains a vast range of vitamins including A, C and E
• Grapeseed Oil - rich in omega 6
• Bergamot Orange Oil - antiseptic, cooling refreshing
• Lemon Oil - toning, tightening and antibacterial
• Petitgrain Oil - antiseptic and great for blemishes
• Litsea Cubeba Oil (May Chang) - antibacterial, antiseptic and calming
• Orange Oil - refreshing, antiseptic and contains powerful antioxidants
• Lemongrass Oil - antiseptic, antibacterial and toning
• Cardamom Oil - refreshing and toning
• Lavender Oil - antiseptic, antibacterial and toning
• Rosemary Oil - antiseptic, antibacterial and stimulates circulation
• Maritime Pine Oil - antioxidant, antibacterial and antiseptic
• Geranium Oil - balancing, antioxidant and antiseptic
• Rose Oil - calming, soothing and antibacterial
• Green Tea Oil - rich in polyphenols, green tea oil is antioxidant and has shown to inhibit collagen break-down
• Jasmine Oil - moisturing and soothing with antioxidant and antiseptic properties
• Labdanum Oil (Rock Rose) - toning and tightening
• Basil Oil - refreshing with antibacterial, toning and antiseptic properties

It's safe to say that if you are sensitive to essential oils, this will not suit you but if like me you can tolerate them, you'll probably appreciate the blend. Interestingly, for a product that contains such a plethora of different oils, it doesn't actually smell of much. To me, it smells a little bit citrusy with a hint of the Shiso (which I really like) which is the signature scent of most Zelens products. Overall, it certainly doesn't have an overpowering nor offensive smell so would suit you if you're not a fan of heavily fragranced skincare.

Z-22 is designed to be applied to cleansed skin - I mainly use it like a serum before moisturiser - and can be mixed with serums/ moisturisers to boost the effects. I can't find information on the kind of skin type that this oil is aimed at, so I'd say it's suitable for virtually anyone, whether that's dry and dehydrated or combination or oily.

Zelens is a high-end brand so the Z-22 Absolute Face Oil doesn't come cheap at £70 for 30ml but I think it's a great introduction to the range. I'm now itching to try the Power-D Treatment Drops because I can't seem to find anything similar and it seems to be quite a unique product! You can find Zelens at Look Fantastic, Feel Unique, Beauty Bay, John Lewis, Selfridges and Zelens.