This is the second time I have gone back to revisit Helios. I was using it a few years back also.
It takes getting used to, as it does not froth and foam at the mouth like a typical shampoo, but it is indeed doing the work!
After suffering some serious neuropathy (causing itching and pain) I decided to try this again for any relief.
I am not sure if it will eliminate my issue because it is nerve related - but it already feels more soothing. And it does leave hair clean and soft!
I finally clued in that I could use a shower cap to "marinate" the product, and that has helped so much!
I had not gotten City oil since the updated formula, and I was pleasantly surprised! I love the smell and the texture and how it feels to apply.
This is a versatile product that can be applied morning or evening. It feels great!
Nice oil before bedtime. I don't use a lot because it spreads so nicely. Skin stays moisturized till the morning.
Nice cleanser, good for morning wash or at the end of the day. Skin doesn't feel tight afterwards, just clean and supple.
This is a great kit! The Aurora balm not only smells wonderful but melts down easily and removes makeup including mascara and washes off clean. Equinox serum afterwards absorbs well, no irritation, and makeup goes on nicely overtop. My skin feels wonderful after using them.
I was hesitant to order products from Stark because my barrier was already compromised and I didn't know if the botanicals would irritate my skin more. I've used other brands with botanical heavy ingredients and that led to more irritation, burning, stinging, dermatitis, etc. I am so happy that I had no reaction to this product and that it feels so deeply nourishing and healing. Living in dry Alberta with harsh winters has my skin drinking this balm up. Thank you Jess, excited to try more from you!
I love Petrichor. New holy grail product for me — the scent, the feel, the hydration/bounce. I have to restrain myself from recklessly re-applying all day long. On my next order I'll probably purchase 2. My skin simply adores.
I took a plunge with this one — my hair is fine, but not wavy, so I wasn't sure how Helios would work for me. But I truly love it. I've been using it as both a solo cleanse and as a full-head conditioner following a clarifying shampoo, alternating my approaches to use to make sure my strands don't get weighed down. My hair is bouncy, hydrated, never tangled (a big issue for me, typically) and air drying SO nicely. The scent is also gorgeous; reminds me of a salon!
This is basically an all in one product for me! It’s given my wavy hair body and fullness while keeping it soft and shiny. And the scent is delightfully complex, earthy, and fresh. Thank you for your work in formulating this Jess!
This oil serum feels like such a luxury to use—I look forward to the fresh, bright scent with deep earthy undertones every time I wash my face. It sits beautifully u see my sunscreen and causes no sensitivity or irritation. Love and will order again!
This heavenly aromatic creamy cleanser is a dream to use. I look forward to using it and hope that its moisturizing effects are as great as it smells and feels. Love it!
Lovely to use. 4 stars as I haven’t used it long enough to see any results. What I can say is that it has not irritated my skin at all. Every other retinol serum I have tried have indeed irritated my skin, so I count this as a win.
I love everything about Aurora! It feels so luxurious and does an amazing job at taking off my makeup but also leaves my skin moisturized. And the smell is absolutely amazing! I use this everyday and it’s my favorite thing from Stark!
I wanted to wait a little before writing a review because, with skincare, real results take time. When I first started using this product, my skin was dry and dull. After just one month, I’m genuinely impressed with the results. Since skin cell turnover is about a month, I wanted to see the difference without becoming dependent on it.
Even on days I skipped, I noticed my skin feels more stable, smooth, nourished, and clean—and wrinkles are visibly diminishing. I use this product alongside Equinox underneath and their enzyme cleanser, and I’m planning to add retinol next.
Skincare is a slow process, and it’s important to remember that real transformation takes time. Immediate changes are usually just a result of giving very dry skin some instant nourishment—but the long-term improvements are what truly matter.
I’m incredibly happy with how my skin is healing and improving. I’ve done extensive research on both high-end and lower-end products, and I can confidently say that the ingredients in this formula are thoughtful, precise, and effective.
Buy it, enjoy the amazing scent, and watch your skin transform.
I honestly don’t even know where to begin, because this cleansing balm has become one of those rare products that makes you fall in love with your skincare routine again. From the very first time I put it on my skin, I was hooked. The texture, the glide, the way my skin responds to it — it’s like my face just drinks it up. My skin couldn’t get enough.
What I love most is how incredibly versatile it is. On nights when I’ve worn makeup all day, I don’t even bother double cleansing anymore. This does it all. It melts makeup away effortlessly, cleanses deeply, and leaves my skin feeling clean but never stripped. And the all-in-one aspect? Total game changer. You can cleanse with it, remove makeup with it, and then — if you want — apply it again as a hydrating layer or even leave it on as a mask. One product. So many uses.
Every single night before bed, I cleanse my face with this balm, and then I leave a thin layer on as an overnight mask. When I wake up in the morning, my skin looks unbelievably fresh — plump, hydrated, moisturized, and calm. The kind of skin that makes you do a double take in the mirror. My boyfriend actually noticed the difference, and that says a lot.
I’ve been using this consistently for about a month and a half now, so this isn’t a first-impression review. This is real results. And let me just say — this is way more than five stars. The jar may look small, but don’t let that fool you. A little goes a long way, and it lasts.
I have very sensitive, mature skin — I’m 47 — and even though this balm has the most beautiful scent, my skin has had zero reaction. No irritation. No redness. Nothing. The scent is honestly delightful — it smells like Christmas to me. Like those chocolate-covered oranges people have during the holidays. Warm, comforting, and nostalgic. And despite the fragrance, my ultra-sensitive skin is perfectly happy.
I’m still amazed that a product this good comes from an indie Canadian company. Truly. This is one of those rare finds that makes you want to stand up and applaud. Bravo, bravo, bravo. This has officially earned a permanent place in my routine. 💛
I love this cleanser as a second cleanse. It’s excellent for a scalp massage and mask in the shower, loosening any dead skin and calming down any inflamed spots. This is a necessary part of my shower routine. I also love transferring a little to a small container for travel when I don’t want to pack both a shampoo & conditioner.
I love how a little of this serum calms my redness. It also absorbs quickly and is a perfect fist step for morning and night. I have contact dermatitis, rosacea, and ingrown chin hairs on a regular basis and this serum helps my skin calm down.
My sensitive dehydrated skin and skin barrier hate hylauronic acid, finding something soothing and truly hydrating in the modern market always seemed nearly impossible. But this serum has become my saviour. It’s light, refreshing and instantly (and long term) soothing. Exactly what I’ve dreamed of
Midnight is a must have product if your skin is at all dry or dehydrated. I use it after Equinox and the combination has made a huge difference to my skin. It is calmer, well hydrated and make-up (when I wear it) looks much better than it did before I started using Stark. The texture is magical - smooth and absorbs well as well as having a wonderful smell. You will not be sorry if you buy this product - and add Equinox as well, your winter skin will thank you! I really couldn’t be happier with my purchase.
Equinox has quickly become one of my favourite products from Stark. It is soothing and hydrating and I never want to be without it now! Combined with Midnight, it is saving my skin this winter. Highly recommend!
During the winter months my skin gets very dry. I always struggle to find something that actually helps my chapped lips. I keep the moondance lip mask next to my bed and apply it every night. I wake up with smooth moisturized lips. I haven't had a problem with them since using this. I'm not that big on the smell, it mostly smells like lanolin but I would definitely recommend.