Update 2020: I’m no longer using the Nilotica Melt. (I don’t like the feeling of heavy moisturizers anymore.)
It’s often hard to tell if a skincare product is working since there are so many factors that affect skin like stress and diet, not to mention makeup and other skincare products–how can you isolate one and know it’s effective? For me, I can tell a product is really helping my skin if I stop using it and notice a difference, and that’s what happened recently with the LXMI Nilotica Melt.
My skin is prone to dryness, redness, and sometimes breakouts as well. For a while it seemed like I was cursed with chronically dry, flaky skin. I tried a lot of foundations but had trouble finding any that looked halfway decent because even the supposedly hydrating formulas made my skin look dry and patchy.
I started trying out some more natural (and pricey) skincare, and after some trial and error I’ve found a routine that’s working for me, so much so that I’ve felt confident enough to do some minimal makeup looks lately or even not wear makeup out for quick errands (something I honestly haven’t done in years.) The last and critical part of my nighttime skincare routine is applying the LXMI Nilotica Melt as an overnight mask.
When I saw Molly from Fashion Veggie recommend it, I was intrigued because it’s natural and made from a single ingredient–cold-pressed, untreated Nilotica (a type of shea butter). I was also skeptical though because I’ve tried natural things like coconut oil on my face after hearing people rave about them only to have my face breakout the next day. Putting shea butter on my face made me a little nervous–wouldn’t it break me out?
Not only does it not break me out, the Nilotica Melt has really improved my skin–it feels more moisturized and healthy. Since my skin is quite dry, it will often soak up any moisturizer or facial oil I apply quickly, but the Nilotica melt is like a true moisture mask–my skin doesn’t immediately soak it in, and it works its magic overnight. It does feel a bit heavy, but that’s kind of the point–I need a lot of moisture! And the reason I think it’s really working is because although I’ve found some other skincare products/steps I like as well, they’re not as effective without the Nilotica Melt, which I discovered recently when I got a little lazy with my skincare and forgot to apply the melt as a mask after my other steps. After a week or so of not using it, I started to notice my foundation wasn’t sitting as nicely on my skin again…so I’m back to the Nilotica Melt!
So what is the Nilotica Melt? Is it just shea butter? According to LXMI, Nilotica is an heirloom shea nut varietal collected near the source of the Nile River in East Africa and has 25% more essential fatty acids than traditional shea, coupled with high doses of Vitamins A and E and catechins (the same potent antioxidants found in green tea.) When you squeeze it out of the tube, it looks like a balm, but it warms up to more of an oil as you apply it. Like I mentioned before, it feels very thick and nourishing–it may be too much for people with oilier skin, but it’s a godsend for me.
I initially ordered the little 15g mini size (which came with a free 7g sample as well), and it’s been 2 months and I still have some left (though I did stop using it briefly.) You only need a small amount, so although it’s pricey, it’s worth it to me, and I’ve already ordered the bigger 50g tube. It says that one is for hand and body, but it appears to be the same as the jar version (but less expensive), and I prefer a tube over a jar for sanitary reasons anyways, though I guess the jar is more luxe.
Another thing that makes me feel like Nilotica is worth the price is that LXMI is a cruelty free (Logical Harmony approved) and vegan brand and is committed to paying their producers 3x their local wages.
I’m not one to really believe in miracle products, but honestly I love the Nilotica Melt, and if you have dry skin, you’ll probably love it as well. I also think it’d be great as an eye cream even if you have a different skin type and don’t want to apply it all over your face–it feels so hydrating around the eye area and does seem to help with the fine lines around my eyes as well.
Have you tried anything from LXMI? Do you have any “miracle products”? Let me know in the comments!
*This post is not sponsored, and I bought the products with my own money. It does contain affiliate links, meaning I may make a small commission if you purchase through them (at no extra cost to you) which supports this site–thanks!