Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Defense Barrier-Boosting Essence Oil [SGD89 for 30ml] is a lightweight oil that is designed to be applied after your serum, before or after moisturizer, to strengthen and nourish skin’s natural barrier.  It has a perfect consistency that is neither too dry in feel nor does it leave the skin feeling oily.  I usually apply my facial oils as the first step immediately after toner, but I found that this Origins Mega-Defence Barrier-Boosting Essence Oil works best applied after my serum, before moisturizer as prescribed.  When patted over my serum, it seems to seal in my serum, and accelerates absorption.

There are a bunch of skin-loving oils in the Mega-Defence Barrier-Boosting Essence Oil, for instance, Camellia Seed Oil is rich in oleic acid and vitamins A, B, D and E as well as nourishing Omega 3, 6 and 9.  Similarly, both Evening Primrose Oil and Olive Fruit Oil are also rich in fatty acids, including linoleic acid and gamma linoleic acid, which are necessary for maintaining a healthy barrier function.  Salicornia Herbacea Extract is an interesting addition as it originates from South Korea, and is known to be a good anti-oxidant and has skin-whitening properties.  Orange Peel Oil contains a high concentration of limonene and myrcene, both powerful antioxidants and anti-inflammation.

There is lots to love about the ingredients in the Origins Mega-Defence Barrier-Boosting Essence Oil, and combined with the lovely fast-absorbing texture, I was prepared to fall in love.  Unfortunately for me, it seems to trigger off eczema on my skin.  I tried it twice, on face and neck, giving myself months between attempts, but in all cases, I invariably ended up with a bout of eczema after about a week’s use.  I’m not quite sure which particular ingredient or combinations of ingredients may be causing the irritation, so my suggestion is to try obtaining a sample of this and doing a patch test before applying it all over your face.

Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Defense SPF 45 Advanced Daily UV Defender [SGD70 for 30ml] is a lightweight, fluid sunscreen that uses physical blockers and is completely non-chemical.  With SPF45 / PA++++ rating, this Daily UV Defender provides a high level of broad-spectrum sun protection that many will appreciate.  Designed to be the final step of skincare before makeup, this sunscreen dries down quickly, and does not leave skin feeling heavy nor oily.

It was interesting to see this is much more than just another sunscreen, but contains many of the same skin-loving ingredients as the Barrier-Boosting Essence Oil above.  Opuntia Tuna “Prickly Pear Cactus” Extract helps maintain the skin’s barrier and prevents moisture loss.  Epilobium Angustifolium Extract, Barley Extract, Cranberry Fruit Extract, Wolfberry Fruit Extract, and Rosa Roxburghii Fruit Extract are all great antioxidants and anti-irritants.  In addition, there are some skin-softening and moisturising ingredients thrown in for good measure.

I’m a huge fan of multi-tasking sunscreens that do much more than simply protecting against UVA and UVB rays.  Even better if it comes in a lightweight, easy to apply texture that leaves no trace on the skin!  I love this one so much that I’ve been using it daily ever since I received it, and am about halfway through the bottle already!  And unlike the Barrier-Boosting Essence Oil, the Mega-Defense SPF 45 Advanced Daily UV Defender does not irritate my skin.  Instead, my makeup seems to go on smoother, and lasts longer!

Both Dr. Andrew Weil for Origins Mega-Defense Barrier-Boosting Essence Oil and SPF 45 Advanced Daily UV Defender are already out in stores.  Check them out for yourself!

_{This post featured products that were kindly provided for my consideration.  Regardless, all opinions expressed here are my own honest, unbiased views.}