Erborian is fast becoming a favourite brand of ours, having taken Korean beauty philosophy and translated it for French (and other Western) users. However, though this may be inspired by the Korean 'way',  it still feels completely counterintuitive that something that's basically black would get your skin clean. Well, keep the faith. Because this is a super-effective cleanser which (despite being described as 'Purifying') is rich enough for all skintypes, and gets skin super-clean.

Destined to become a 'cult' product, we've a hunch, Erborian Black Cleansing Oil massages into skin to lift away all make-updirt and impurities – and our chosen removal technique is a trusty muslin cloth or flannel. (Give skin a good massage, for extra 'glow'. It's a nice way to move your face around.)

It's evidence of why charcoal is becoming a 'thing', in beauty – turning up in everything from toothpastes to body products. And this is just the start, we're telling you. Time to come over to the dark side, we think.

Erborian Black Cleansing Oil/£24 for 190ml at houseoffraser.co.uk