We’re suckers for a good facial oil (or hair oil, or body oil), so when we first encountered relative newcomer MUN, we were pretty excited.
MUN is the brainchild of international makeup artist Munemi Imai. Imai has worked with the likes of Vogue, ELLE and Harper’s Bazaar, but it was during a period of illness that she discovered the benefits of natural products. Eventually she developed MUN’s No. 1 Aknari Nighttime Dream Youth Serum.
Sure, it’s a mouthful, but hear us out. This serum is a light facial oil. We use it in place of a moisturizer before bed, but it absorbs quickly enough that we would feel comfortable applying it in the morning too.
The formula, as per MUN:
Organic Prickly Pear Seed Oil in its pure organic form, has traditionally been used to protect and heal the skin from the harsh and burning desert wind in Southern Morocco. One of the most precious plant oils in the world, it is extracted through a time-involved, hands-on process; 1,500 lbs* of Prickly Pear fruit is needed to produce 1 liter of the rare oil. Prickly Pear Seed Oil is exceptionally rich in Essential Fatty Acids and Vitamin E, a natural antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radicals. Its inherent anti-aging benefits help reduce the appearance of fine lines and prevent premature wrinkle formation. Additional optimal properties moisturize, nourish, revitalize, soften and smooth the skin, and effectively brighten dark under-eye circles.
Argan Oil (ECOCERT Organic) is referred to as ‘liquid gold’ in the region of Morocco to which it is exclusive and unique, is extracted from the nuts of the Argan tree. Used by Berber women in Morocco for centuries, its moisturizing and revitalizing properties restore the skin’s barrier while neutralizing free radicals, making it ideal for daily skincare. Suitable for all skin types, it possesses anti-inflammatory properties that diminish the redness caused by enlarged capillaries in the skin, making it the perfect treatment for acne and sunbathed skin.
Rose Oil is created from one of the world’s most beloved flowers, variously known as the Queen of Flowers and a symbol of love, purity and fragrant perfection. Abundant in antioxidants, our Rose Oil, native to Morocco, features rejuvenating properties that soothe and silken while scenting the skin with its delicate bouquet.
The oil itself is relatively thin as facial oils go. The scent is a heavenly rose that smells fresh and light, rather than the musty, aged rose scent we’ve encountered. It makes going to sleep weirdly pleasurable experience. As previously mentioned, it absorbs almost instantly, so you won’t be battling oily pillowcases.
After a few days of using the serum, our skin was notably plumped. We’ve been battling consistent wintertime flaky patches, which have since vanished. Our skin tone has looked more even, too (though we’ll admit that our skin has seemed generally better lately since we cut dairy products from our diet).
Now, just over a week in, we’re starting to come to terms with the fact that we are probably going to need a full-sized bottle. The size of our sample vial precludes us from attesting to its long-term results, but we are endorsing this as One You Need to Check Out.
For a holiday gift you can really feel good about, MUN are selling their Serum with a textured copper cuff for $95. A portion of the sales will go to The Komera Project, a non-profit dedicated to helping young girls in Rwanda pursue secondary education
MUN. No.1 Aknari Nighttime Dream Youth Serum, $95. Available at www.munskin.com and Aha Life.
