Review: Urban Jungle x Karina Irby Plump Fiction Face Oil

Look, I've been trying to save this year, and it's officially the middle of February, and it doesn't seem to be going anywhere. I know what it looks like, but trust me when I say that I've actually been better this year than I was the previous years! I'm really trying to curb my spending, so that I can splash out on things that bring me the most joy, and for me in 2026, that has to be travel. I am really looking forward to heading to Europe later this year, and exploring all the cobblestone streets, laneways and castles. I mean, when you read it in a sentence like that, how can you possibly not get itchy feet?

 

However, when you spend your money on things like the Urban Jungle x Karina Irby Plump Fiction Face Oil, it's hard to feel any regrets! I will admit - much like a magpie, the shininess of the label caught my eye initially, but I was reeled in by the description of the oil on Sephora's website, and I just had to try it! This is said to be deeply nourishing for the skin, while also helping to plump and calm it, all while protecting the skin against pollutants and blue light.

 

It's also meant to help prevent the formation of hyperpigmentation, while decreasing skin inflammation and irritation by soothing it. Apparently, this is said to smell like Summer, but I'm not sure that this scent, which smells to me like that of slightly sweet stone fruit, creamy flowers and oil, to be particularly that of Summer. This face oil is made up of a blend of different oils, starting with sweet almond oil, which is packed full of fatty acids, and brilliant for helping even out the skin tone, while improving the appearance of puffiness to the skin.

 

It also contains cold-pressed hemp seed oil to aid in maintaining the skin's barrier, and this is responsible for reducing redness, calming and soothing the skin, so that your skin can stay comfortable. Additionally, there's Blue Oleoactif®, which is what's helpful for treating and protecting the skin against pollution and blue light. Of course, where would we be without Vitamin E? Before any other actives, this was my go to when I was young, and it continues to be amazing in keeping the skin soft and feeling conditioned.

 

I love that this oil, while initially oily, and even a little surprisingly heavy, seems to sink into the skin without staying on the surface for too long a period of time. I love that this doesn't interact with any other bits of skincare, and my skin seems to be happier for it. It does seem to soften the skin and keep it very moisturised without feeling tacky, but it's not life changing. It retails for $46 for 33ml of product, and I feel like I've almost finished half of it at this point, which feels faster than I'd anticipated myself running through it. What do you want from your face oil?