As a brand all about connecting nature and innovation (and offering the first skin care made with 100 per cent New Zealand deer milk), Kotia is definitely making its mark in the skin space. That unique formulaic fact had us hooked, and so our editors knew they had to test out some of the brand's standout skin buys.

Here's exactly what they thought when they put the Kotia Hydrating Day Cream ($80 at Kotia) and the Kotia Brightening Eye Cream ($60 at Kotia) to the test...

Kotia Skincare Reviews

Kotia Hydrating Day Cream Review

($80 at Kotia)

Delaney Loane, BEAUTYcrew's Editor

First impressions

"The packaging is understated but elevated, with the products housed in a pistachio green shade that reflects the brand’s nature-first approach - I must say it fits in beautifully with my bathroom colour scheme, so full marks there. After a peek into the pot, I was also enamoured by the whipped frosting-like texture of the cream. Enticing to say the least…"

My experience

"I’m sticking to the icing comparison, because that’s what it felt like I was putting on my face - but in the best way. It’s fairly thick, really decadent in texture, and doesn’t disappear from the skin entirely within five minutes. I enjoyed the ritual of applying every morning, and I found that my makeup went on smoother - the cream creates a super soft, hydrated canvas for foundation, which is something I’m always after. My only issue was that I prefer a pump over a pot for my moisturisers for ease of application (and the exact same amount each time), but as long as hands are clean, dipping into a jar does feel decadent."

Verdict

"My skin requires a hearty moisturiser and that’s exactly what this is. If you’re after the type of face cream that you can feel your skin drinking up as you apply, this should work a treat for you. It’s rich, very creamy and makes my face feel silky soft - so if you too deal with dryness and crave a richer cream year-round, a deer milk-enriched day cream may just be a game-changer."

Briar Clark, BEAUTYcrew's Beauty Editor

First impressions

"As someone with dry skin I really appreciate the thicker moisturiser formula of this day cream, it feels really smoothing and hydrating on the skin.”

My experience

“When I was applying my makeup my complexion looked plump, firm, healthy and hydrated, and it offered a similar range of multi-purpose benefits as a moisturising makeup primer, which is a staple in celebrity makeup artist kits.”

Verdict

“On reflection, I think this moisturiser is rich enough to simplify most skin care routines. It’s full of skin care ingredients, so I would happily streamline my dry skin routine in summer, and just use this as a serum-moisturiser-primer hybrid product. In winter, I might need to add in the serum to keep my skin extra hydrated though.”

Shop now for $80 at Kotia

Kotia Brightening Eye Cream Review

($60 at Kotia)

Delaney Loane, BEAUTYcrew's Editor

First impressions

"My prayers for a pump bottle were answered with the eye cream, and I was thrilled to say the least. Texture wise, this formula is a lot lighter, with more of a milky consistency- I’ve always struggled to find an eye cream that feels like it’s making a difference without sitting on the skin in an annoying greasy way, so I was optimistic this silkier milk-cream would solve that dilemma."

My experience

"I loved the feel of applying this eye cream - I tapped it on straight out of the shower morning and night and it delivered a really nice cooling sensation every time. I was right about the lighter texture being what I was looking for - even when I applied it under makeup, I didn’t notice any pilling, just that my concealer went on a bit smoother around eyes each morning. I did find myself having to sweep a shadow brush over my crease (the only area I deal with midday oiliness, so TBH this is more of a me issue, the cream just meant there was added moisture in that area), but I could always skip the ‘on the lid’ application on makeup days. I definitely felt like I looked a bit more awake on bare-faced days, though, something I'll be committing to keeping up."

Verdict

"If you can’t be bothered fussing around with an eye cream pot whilst getting ready or unwinding, this pump makes an often forgotten step quick, easy and seamless. That was my favourite part - what used to be a ‘nice to have’ skin care formula feels like an essential one now, and I’d miss the post-shower cooling ritual if I skipped it. I haven’t noticed any wild visible changes, but I would say my eye area looks and feels fresher with and without makeup, with the skin appearing a little less parched."

Briar Clark, BEAUTYcrew's Editor

First impressions

“I don't actually use eye cream as a part of my regular skin care routine, because I've failed to find a formula that doesn't negatively impact my eye makeup during the day. However, I was pleasantly surprised by this one. The texture is silky, and it moisturised and smoothed the skin around my eyes almost instantly.”

My experience

“The brightening eye cream lays beautifully under makeup as well, and I can attest that it is indeed brightening — I didn't have to apply as much concealer as I usually do to dull the dark shadows under my eyes.”

Verdict

"I'd definitely recommend this to people with dry skin like me, or mature skin types."

Shop now for $60 at Kotia

Image credits: Supplied

Want more reviews? Here are the eyeliners real women love and use every day...