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I am a sucker for all things skincare. Tell me it’s going to keep my pores clear and complexion glowing and I’d quite honestly rub fresh manure into my face. Calling all skincare salespeople: my bank account is here for the taking.
While places such as Korea and Japan have long extolled the virtues of a good skincare regime, the western world has taken a little while to catch up - often focusing on makeup to cover up, rather than stripping it back to foundations.
But, thanks to YouTubers, influencers and the arrival of affordable brands such The Ordinary, we’re (slowly) getting there and my seven-step cleansing routine, including at least three face oils, is now less controversial in my friendship group than it was a year or two ago.
So when my editor asked me to try out Egyptian Magic, I considered myself the perfect candidate to put it through its paces.
Egyptian Magic is somewhat of a cult product and touts itself as an ‘all purpose skin cream’. Made from a short ingredients list: olive oil, beeswax, honey, bee pollen, royal jelly and propolis extract, and to be used anywhere on the body, lips or face. But I’m intrigued as to whether any product can really be used on any skin type anywhere on the body.
As someone whose face can be temperamental and sensitive to change, I am (as any other spot-sufferer will agree) skeptical of anything that claims to do it all in one little pot. And honestly, if it’s not as good as product as it claims to be, we could be in for a blemish-filled few weeks.
“My lips like it and wake up feeling as plump and moisturised as eight hours before.”
Due to my reservations about rocking the face boat, my first test was my lips. I decided to use it as an alternative to my usual lip balm just before I went to bed.
First impressions are that the texture - waxy that melts into oil on contact with your skin - is dreamy. It also smells like honeycomb and feels luxurious. My lips like it and wake up feeling as plump and moisturised as eight hours before. So far, so successful.
Next was an unintentional test on my legs and arms when I went on holiday and my usual cream moisturiser exploded everywhere in my suitcase (fun) leaving me with nothing to put on after shaving in the shower. I returned to the Egyptian Magic and much to my surprise it was the perfect solution - moisturising, hydrating and kept my limbs soft even when out in the August sunshine.
I continue doing this when I come back from holiday, as I’m enjoying how much further it goes than my moisturiser and I feel like Cleopatra covered in bees wax and honeycomb. Sorry Nivea, you’re so 2018.
Week two rolls around and I’m still using it on my lips – I don’t take it out in my handbag but it’s the perfect base layer before going to bed and to start the day when I’m putting my makeup on – and my legs.
Both parts of my body are an excellent testimony to the ‘all purpose’ claims. But I’m yet to test it on my face – the crucial moment and the point at which I am convinced our otherwise great relationship is going to crumble into dust.
“I'm brave enough to use it only once I'm drunk..."”
Along comes week three and I know I need to pluck up the courage to commit it to my face. Go hard or go home. So on one particularly brave evening (I might have been drunk) I cleanse my face and use it as my overnight moisturiser.
I wake up the next morning hungover, but blemish-free. So far, so good. But as the day goes on I notice a small whitehead appearing on my chin. Nothing devastating but still I have to wonder whether it would be there at all if I hadn’t changed my routine. Perhaps it was the alcohol? (Although that never normally happens.) Slightly frustrated, I tell myself to be patient for the magic to be revealed.
Apart from the minor inconvenience on my chin, the rest of my skin does look good – it’s dewy and clear. I tend not to wear any foundation or concealer day-to-day and love products that help you maintain that ‘glow’ throughout the day. So for me, this is a good look.
It also keeps my skin well-hydrated, which I like, because lots of moisturisers get absorbed like a sponge and then my skin demands more (very needy). So, after some consideration throughout the day (and an examination under the dreadful office toilet lights) I stick to my guns and try it for a second night in a row only to find the same result - another small spot. And to think I tried to blame the poor alcohol!
At this point, if I’m being totally honest, I am tempted to kick in the can and proclaim I can’t sacrifice my skin for the sake of beauty journalism (apologies). But then I reason so many people love it there must be something else here yet to discover? I vow to just use a smaller amount – a brush over my face rather than a good old-fashioned massage – and hope for the best.
The third day things do seem to be picking up a bit. I use it combined with a bit of my old turmeric oil instead cause I leave the house in a rush and forget and my skin seems happy. It seems to be something that if used in small doses my skin can get on board with. Also it’s worth mentioning that historically I suffered with hormonal spots that would last for a few days, if not a whole week.
The spots with this are more superficial however – a tiny whitehead in the very upper layer of the skin that leaves without a trace in 24 hours. My ultimate aim will always be zero spots, but clearly my face prefers being uber-hydrated to being dry (which is when it gets angry).
I continue using it on and off – it’s now been three months – and I’m still only a third of the way through the tub. Of course people might choose to use more of the product than I do, but I think if your skin is in need of deep hydration and prone to being dry after cleansing then you could do a lot worse than this. I also like knowing exactly what all the ingredients are within it - you can’t say that for many products.
The Verdict
So what did I think overall? Would I buy it? Yes, I think so - even if it can’t do everything it is definitely a good product to have at the back of the cupboard for legs, arms, lips and dry patches on places like my elbows. And for my face when I’m feeling in need of some deep hydration. It might not be perfect for everything, but it’s getting me 90% of the way there. And for the price - it retails at roughly £30 for 118ml - I think I’d part with my cash. It is a nice product to use, my skin seems pretty happy (all things considered) and it lasts a while.
But remember, this verdict is coming from someone who spends a lot on skincare (I’m the same person who said they’d be willing to spend money on animal dung if it worked) so if you’re looking for something at the cheaper end of the scale, or something that is less oily, then it might not be for you.