Steam Cream is a company with care right to the core. Their philosophy is “Simple Quality Skincare” and they produce everything using ingredients that are designed with the aim of rebalancing, protecting and moisturising your skin. Steam Cream handmake each item in Japan using their own unique Steam Emulsification Manufacturing Method, ensuring as much goodness can be absorbed into your skin as possible. With such a precise manufacturing method that can only be done by hand, it means they can only make a small amount of products at a time. The end result is that the brand feels special and intriguing, yet in no way pretentious.
In this piece, I will be reviewing the Steam Cream Cleansing Balm, the Hinoki Sake Moisturiser, and the UV SPF 30 Moisturiser. I will break my review down product by product, walking through my first impressions as well as my thoughts on the results a day after. Each one of the Steam Cream staples uniquely come in an aluminium tin with intention. Aluminium is one of the most recyclable materials possible and has allowed Steam Cream to save over 300,000kg of plastic.
My Skin
For reference, I have combination skin that can have occasional blemishes and dry areas depending on the season. Fortunately, the Steam Cream staple products are intended for every season. I tend to favour lighter and more gentle products that don’t disrupt the natural oils within my skin. As for my pores, they’re tricky. I often struggle to find products that properly clean my skin while still leaving it moisturised.
Thoughts On: Cleansing Balm – Original
The cleansing balm is perhaps my favourite product on my vanity. The instructions on the tin direct you to apply the balm directly to your dry skin… This was a first for me. I have always removed my makeup and cleansed my face with the addition of warm water and single-use cotton pads. At first, I wondered if the balm would do the job in eliminating my mascara and light foundation, blush and bronzer. I collected about a grape-sized amount as directed online and allowed the balm to melt onto my skin as I gently pulled the product up my face and over my eyelids. By this point, the warmth of the product on my skin made my face appear glossy and this really activated the lavender that smelled lovely. I felt as though I was on a trip to the spa.
The moment of truth was the washing process. The balm washed off easily with warm water and my skin was entirely clean. My favourite part was that there was no trace of mascara left under my eyes and my face did not feel stripped of its natural oils. Nothing is worse than having your skin feel tight and dry after removing your makeup or washing your face. This is a Steam Cream staple for obvious reasons. What is also fantastic is that there is little waste involved with using this cleansing balm. All you need are your fingers for application and it takes care of makeup removal and cleansing. Traditional makeup removers often involve single-use wipes or pads. Better yet, you don’t have to worry about harsh materials pulling on and stripping your skin.
Thoughts On: Hinoki Sake Moisturiser
The Hinoki Sake Moisturiser is a real treat. The unique addition of Shonai Bikin sake supplies Rice Ferment Filtrate, which is full of amino acids that promote a natural moister for your skin. Rice Germ Oil has properties that absorb UV rays and this oil does not suppress our skin’s melanin; which is crucial for avoiding redness and skin irritation. The Japanese Hinoki suppresses inflammation and the yuzu peel oil promotes skin cell turnover-talk about rejuvenation.
When I first used this product before bed I thought it was particularly great because of its earthy yet fresh scent. I have never used such a velvety moisturiser. I brought the product down to my neck and was very pleased with how far the small amount I used went. This Steam Cream staple moisturiser did not sit on top of my skin; instead, it seeped in and felt like it truly hydrated my skin. I didn’t have to worry about any moisturiser coming off my face during my sleep, as it felt as though the product had already done its job.
Morning Reflections
In the morning I went to the mirror and was genuinely surprised by the appearance of my skin. I had almost forgotten that I switched up my skin routine the night before, but when looking at my skin, I was instantly reminded. My pores looked lovely and had really tightened up. The previous line of skincare I bought was purchased in hopes of shrinking my pores, but there was little luck. The two Steam Cream staples I used worked magic on my skin overnight. I was not oily but hydrated–a balance that is difficult to come by.
Thoughts On: UV SPF 30 Moisturiser
Because I was heading out to the office today I wanted to use the other Steam Cream staple, the UV SPF 30 Moisturiser, for extra protection from the sun. SPF products can be incredibly tricky and there are many problems these products can run into. Common issues are tackiness on the skin, a strong “sunscreen scent”, and the dreaded photo flashback that casts a pale veil onto your skin in photography. This moisturiser does non of those things. The product spreads thinly and easily, just like the Hinoki Sake moisturizer. The UV SPF 30 moisturiser is not sticky and the scent is of gentle lavender, similar to the cleansing balm.
There was only one way to prove if this UV SPF 30 Moisturiser passed the flashback test: flash photography selfies. I grabbed my phone and snapped away. To my delight, there was no white cast on my face. With this moisturiser, you won’t have to worry about your photos going awry next time you want to benefit from the essential protection from SPF.
Final Impressions
I would happily recommend the Steam Cream products I tested out to anyone. They were lovely and satisfied with everything I could have hoped for. You can find out more about Steam Cream and purchase your own Steam Cream essentials on the link below. Let us know your thoughts on the range in the comments below!
