If it seems like there's a product that goes viral every second day, that's because there... is. But one such product that's gained massive (and continuing) hype is Hailey Bieber's Rhode Glazing Fluid.
Heard of it? Course you have. We all have.
But chances are, you haven't managed to get your mitts on it - because the brand still doesn't ship to Australia. Sad, we know. But what if we were to tell you there's an Aussie dupe that works the same, if not.... better?
Well, there is.
Yes! Really. It's called esmi Probiotic Skin Mylck.
Excited? Intrigued? Want to hurry up and get it on your face already??
Well, I've been trialling it for the past few weeks and have some thoughts.
In case you haven't heard of esmi (friend, are you okay?), let me give you a quick background check. esmi Skin Minerals is an Australian skincare brand (a kickass lady startup, in fact!) of clean, vegan and cruelty-free products, that are focused on using the highest quality ingredients.
Now, before we get into my review – just a note on my skin. She's dry, sensitive and loves throwing a tantrum or two whenever I switch it up too much. The joys!
I've also recently been travelling and hopping on and off flights, so things are feeling *extra* dehydrated, dull and needy as of late, and my chin region is thoroughly enjoying hanging out a cystic breakout (or ten).
So, that's what we're working with. Just to give you an idea.
I was keen to try esmi's Probiotic Skin Mylck because it just looks like it's a product that's going to comfort, calm and do lots of good things to sensitive skin. Also, I've been itching to try the cult Rhode Glazing Fluid for yonks, but haven't been able to get my hands on it – so I was keen to see how this rumoured dupe shaped up in comparison.
Ready to find out? Here are my honest thoughts.
What is esmi Probiotic Skin Mylck?
A good place to start, wouldn't you say? Let's talk about what esmi Probiotic Skin Mylck actually... is.
Probiotic Skin Mylck is a lightweight moisturising lotion that works to help strengthen hypersensitive skin (ME. THIS IS ME).
Here's what she looks like (ain't she cute!).
The frosted glass bottle is weighty, feels luxe and has a dropper to dispense the creamy, milky-like lotion.
When it comes to the important stuff inside, it's formulated with 100 per cent Australian-made probiotics. In case you haven't brushed up on your science studies (you're forgiven), probiotics are good bacteria that help balance the skin's microflora, strengthen the skin barrier and boost the skin's moisture levels. Lots of good stuff!
For needy skin that's inflamed, damaged and ultra-sensitive, that's literally the dream. This powerhouse anti-inflammatory formulation also features a slew of other fantastic ingredients, including redness-reducing Jojoba oil, as well as vitamin E and B-complex vitamins, and a bunch of plant-derived emollients to help seal in moisture.
Yep, she's a big all-rounder and couldn't be more perfect for a sensitive girlie like me. (And yes, she's fragrance-free!).
How did you go with it?
Okay, now for the juicy part! I've been trialling esmi's Probiotic Skin Mylck for the past two weeks and can honestly say it's the most beautiful, nourishing and soothing formula my grumpy skin has needed since, forever.
Confusingly lightweight and fast-absorbing, the lovely creamy, milky texture is the dream for anyone with sensitive, dry or tricky skin.
I used it both morning and night after cleansing (pressing it into my face, neck and decolletage) and loved how it felt on my mug as a prep-step to moisturiser – it instantly calmed and comforted my skin, making it feel smooth, plump, dewy and happy.
It also sat beautifully under makeup. I usually struggle with signs of dryness and creasing when wearing foundation (1pm hits and I usually look in the mirror to find half my face is just... flaking off), but the formulation actually kept my skin feeling hydrated, smooth and comfortable throughout the entire day - no flaking, peeling or any of that BS.
I also really enjoyed how it played nice with other serums and acted as a great formula for sandwiching moisture. I also experienced zero piling – which is honestly just a great time. (Approximately no one likes pilling, thank you very much.)
Not only did the do-good ingredients help support my skin and repair my messed-up skin barrier (turns out even beauty editors burn their acid mantle!), but I also noticed less redness and irritation around my chin and nose, and my flare-ups and breakouts were considerably less angry and in-your-face.
Everything just looked more even, hydrated and brighter.
The verdict.
Now, as someone who tries and tests a lot of different products, I can genuinely say not too many products hang around my everyday routine for long – I'm forever switching and swapping in various formulas.
However, this newbie has managed to slide its cute, milky little way into my skincare cabinet – and it's staying there. Because this is one of those products I feel I'll always fall back on.
A true all-rounder in every sense – it balances my skin out, makes it feel strong and supported, bringing it back to its healthiest, best self. Like a big ol' hug for your face.
My favourite part? Just how close it is to the viral Rhode Glazing Milk. (Sorry, Hailey).
Everything from its application to the texture and the benefits is really quite similar – only esmi's version is way more affordable, retailing for $65 and actually accessible in Australia. We love to see it!
So, if you've been on the hunt for a Rhode Glazing Milk dupe, get your hands on it and try it for yourself!
Shop esmi's Probiotic Skin Mylck, an all-rounder product for hydrated and brighter looking skin. Use code MAMAMIA20 for 20 per cent off sitewide, valid until December 31, 2023.
Feature image: Supplied/Erin Docherty.