Review-Holika Holika Bulgarian Rose: Petal Skin, Serum, and Emulsion

Hi everyone!  Today I have a review of some items from Holika Holika's Bulgarian Rose skin care line.  I received these samples of the Bulgarian Rose Petal Skin, serum, and emulsion when I made a purchase in a Holika Holika store in South Korea.

So, first up is Holika Holika Bulgarian Rose Petal Skin

This is what Holika Holika's US website has to say:

Bulgarian ‘damask’ Rose, has been cultivated since the 16th century, it is considered to produce the finest quality essence. Holika’s Bulgarian Rose oil and Rose Water is from the Valley of Roses in the Kazanlak town and is made with the most delicate process. It provides a high-moisturizing effect and provides marvelous beauty to the skin. Bulgarian Rose is the same beauty secret that Cleopatra’s used.

Holika Holika Bulgarian Rose Petal Skin is an alcohol free blend of hydrating and toning rose floral waters, enriched with real rose petals. This gentle floral water hydrates the skin and tones complexion. It’s natural aroma adds a mood-enhancing dimension to the experience.

Benefits:

• Hydrates
• Tones
• Firms

How to Use: Every day after cleansing, pour a small amount into a cotton pad and gently wipe over face and neck.

And this is what I have to say about Holika Holika Bulgarian Rose Petal Skin:

Well, first and foremost, the thing I love the most about this product line is the scent!  I can't say I'm a huge fan of floral scents, but this smells amazing!  Usually floral-scented products have a chemical floral smell along the lines of air freshener.  Bulgarian Rose, however, smells like a bouquet of fresh roses.  It is soft, natural, and absolutely lovely!

"Petal Skin" is the toner step of this line.  I really liked this toner because it smelled wonderful and did not dry my skin in the least, unlike many other toners I have tried.  It left my skin feeling fresh and clean but not dry or tight.  

Next up is Holika Holika Bulgarian Rose Serum.

This is what the Holika Holika website says:

Holika Holika Bulgarian Rose Serum has an extraordinary intensive moisturizing effect for normal to dry skin, contains precious Bulgarian Rose Water and rose essential oil that leaves the skin rejuvenated and helps to retain moisture. It is also infused with other ingredients such as Nutritive Oil complex and Manuka honey that revitalize and the nourish skin.

Benefits:

• Moisturizes
• Rejuvenates
• Nourishes

How to Use:

After using Rose Skin, moisturize daily by applying an even layer to cleansed face.

This is what I have to say about the Bulgarian Rose Serum:

My skin is just not dry enough to need both a serum and emulsion, so while the directions say to use toner, then serum, then emulsion, I used just toner and serum, and tried the toner/emulsion combo on a seperate occasion.

The serum was thinner than lotion with a clear-ish white appearance. It had the same awesome scent as the petal skin. I smoothed it on to my face and it left my skin feeling moisturized without being overly moisturizing. I liked the results of just the petal skin and serum. I woke up the following morning with smooth and fresh skin. I would recommend this serum if you have normal to dry skin, especially if your skin is more on the dry side. This line is definitely a moisturizing line and not appropriate for oily skin.

Finally, there is the Bulgarian Rose Emulsion.

This is what the website has to say:

Holika Holika Bulgarian Rose Petal Emulsion contains 20% Bulgarian rose water and rose essential oil. It leaves your skin perfectly hydrated, soothes, softens, and prevents skin dehydration. This emulsion does more than just moisturizes, it also firms and provides a better overall skin complexion.  

Benefits:

• Hydrates
• Soothes
• Softens
• Moisturizes
• Firms
• Improves Skin Complexion

How to Use:

After serum/essence, apply an appropriate amount to entire face.

This is what I have to say about the Bulgarian Rose Emulsion:

As I mentioned, I did not use the serum and emulsion together, because I have normal skin and I thought the combination would make my skin get greasy.  The serum was a one-time-use pouch, but the petal skin and emulsion bottles were large enough that I was able to try the product for a few days.

I had high hopes for the Bulgarian Rose line...I am a big fan of Holika Holika in general, and I liked the pretty packaging and scent of this product.  Sadly, though, I think I finally discovered a Holika Holika product that is really not for me!  This emulsion comes out thick and white like lotion and has a bit of an oily feel to it.  The first night I used it, it was a bit greasy going on, but it absorbed and I woke up with moist but not quite oily skin.  On the second day of use, my skin felt a bit greasy the next morning.  I really wanted to like this, so I kept going...  By the third day, I was seeing some small pimples budding on my cheeks and had to quit.  The emulsion was just too much moisture for my normal skin.  

Don't get me wrong, everything about this line seemed up to the high standard I expect from Holika Holika, but I would only recommend the Bulgarian Rose to those with dry to very dry skin.  If you have normal skin, but still want to give it a try, I suggest going for the petal skin and serum and skipping the emulsion.  

So, have you tried the Bulgarian Rose line?  What did you think?