my favourite erborian products

Please note: This content was written alongside a paid partnership running on my Instagram channel. This was not a contractual deliverable; I wanted to write it as a place my audience could come to get a fuller picture of my thoughts and findings having used Erborian for the past four years. I’ll also include my discount code from the partnership, should you wish to buy something based on my recommendation.

I find it quite tricky as time goes on to be able to say “this product is my favourite” or “this product is the best” because the reality is that there are many brands who do skincare and beauty well. However, Erborian really is one of those brands that I’d miss and pine for if for some unknown reason it disappeared from my beauty shelf. Social media has done a good job in talking about the BBs and CCs (as will I) in this post but I also wanted to give a shout out to some of their skincare products as they’re some of the most impactful that I’ve ever used. 

As some background to the brand, the French-Korean company (they are owned by the L’Occitane group which tells you a lot about its commitment to quality ingredients and processing) were the first to launch a BB cream into Europe, followed a couple of years later by a CC cream. “BB” stands for “blemish balm” and serves to improve the tone and texture of the skin straight away. “CC” stands for “colour correcting” and are often slightly thicker (for that reason make sure you get one that is “de-comedogenic” which means it won’t build up and cause blackheads or milia – really important especially in eye creams across the board) and work to both immediately correct any imbalances in the skin’s colouring (dark circles, spots, sun damage) and to actively improve the appearance of skin over time. 

From their successes from the BBs and CCs came a range of carefully crafted skincare. Erborian sticks to its heritage with its ingredients using a lot of plant-based formulations, combined with expert research and technology to ensure the products do exactly what they claim. They’ve been focussing their efforts on creating products that can service all skin tones for a couple of years now - and other skincare products are coming soon with some exciting launches in September. 

My own experience started with CC creams, I think moved on to their CC Eye next and then even deeper into their skincare and make up. Here is a run through of my favourite products.

1 - CC Eye Cream

I had to start with a ride or die product because if this ever goes out of stock life would just be that little bit harder. As aforementioned, a CC cream does two things. Firstly it “colour corrects” your skin immediately and secondly it improves the texture and colour difference of the skin itself over time. Put that concept into an eye cream and voila – you have Erborian’s flagship product the “CC eye.” You need a small amount (half a pea) for both eyes, it goes on white and fades to match your skin tone. It does come in a couple of shades, I tend to use “Dore” which going by my friends will work right up to deep caramel skin tones. I’ve been using this for as long as it’s been available and it’s the product I leant on most during lockdown to help me look a bit less dead behind the eyes. I used to have really dark circles and I think this combined with a decent eye cream (see below) has really helped my skin’s colouring, texture and overall appearance.

2 - CC Dull Correct

I’m recommending two CC creams because one is good for every day and one is better for an evening or fuller make up look. The Dull Correct being the latter. This was the first one I used and I was slightly baffled over putting purple paste on my face, but I went with it and am very glad I did. It does a lot more than just repair dullness, it provides coverage equal to a light foundation and somehow works on my pigmentation meaning it can’t be seen at all. The reason I say it’s better for days when you wear make up is that it does leave a finish that look like you have something on your skin – rather than the next product which doesn’t look like you have anything on at all, so it depends on the finish you’re after…

3 - CC Water gel

The newest addition to my favourites, CC Water came out this year and is brilliant for people who want all the benefits of a CC cream without the texture. It goes on as a clear gel (I use shade Clair which works for me throughout the year) and somehow magically skins into the skin matching your skin tone. Don’t ask me how, it’s all kinds of genius. I wear this a lot, it can work as a primer within your skin care routine or even as a day moisturiser as its active ingredients also serve to improve your skin’s appearance over time.

4 - Ginseng Infusion Total Night Cream

It takes a lot for a product to add itself to my everyday list these days, I’m pretty set in my ways especially at night time. But this cream is good. Like, really good. It was perfect during lockdown as it works to relieve tired skin and improve bounciness - something I really did see after a few nights of consecutive application. If you’re deep in life and light on rest, this stuff will really help you. They do an eye cream in the same range which is equally good too.

5 - BB Crayon

You’ll find one of these in my car, in my purse, in my gym bag – and in random places around my house. It works as a concealer and boy does it work! No matter how much you lather it on (lets be honest sometimes we really need some help) it doesn’t overly build up and covers anything – dark circles, scars, spots – the works. It also doesn’t budge, and the ginseng ingredient will work to improve the darkness of the skin over time. As lockdown has ended I had forgotten how sturdy the crayons are – they last all day even when I’m commuting and running around town. I use shade “Nude” throughout the year.

6 - Centella Cleansing Gel

Me recommending a gel cleanser is a big deal as a pet hate is that tight feeling you get after using them. I usually use cleansing balms but they’re not very practical in the shower so thought I’d give this a go. I was so impressed – no tightness (all down to the active ingredient: Centella Asiatica which from Google I’ve learnt encourages collagen, aids healing from damage and helps purification) and my skin feels super clean without being stripped. My other half absolutely swears by it too and he’s really particular with what he’ll put on his face (which makes me laugh as he essentially had a shower wash and hand cream when we met).

7 - Red Pepper Paste Mask

I stupidly forgot to include this in the photos which annoys me because it’s a true hero amongst masks. Whilst you might look like something from CSI with it on, I can’t find anything better for calming down inflammation or breakouts than this. It’s the most impactful product I’ve found without using a peel. As a warning use an old flannel or towel to take it off – it does stain.

8 - black cleansing oil

Truly saving the best till last here! As this goes to press this cleanser is half price which panics me as I fear it may be discontinued. Get it quick, it lasts forever too. If like me you have a tempestuous relationship with your skin in that it can brew up a spot the size of a plate at a moments notice, I really recommend this. Don’t be put off by the oily consistency (oil pulls oil out, so great for congestion) as the charcoal will deter even the most determined of breakouts. I couldn’t be without it. Sometimes I get a little red after using for 10 minutes after the shower but that’s often more down to my hard scrubbing as I desperately try to get rid of a spot - and also typical with charcoal as it works by bringing everything to the surface. As a side, I’ve also found it really good for tightening pores which I’m not sure is something they advertise but has happened for me. 

I hope that all reads OK, I sometimes get a bit ahead of myself and type away in an incoherent manner - apologies for that! Should any of the products interest you do use my code ANNA20 for an additional 20% off – and also double check you’ve added the free samples to your basket. They’re not always an option but if you can do it, do. It’s how I got into the Ginseng eye cream so very much worth it as it’s enough to really give a product a go! Enjoy!