February Purchases
So here it is, my first blog post! I aim to post as much extensive content as I can on my Instagram page, however it can be limiting. So here we are, another skincare blog but this time by an aesthetician.
I want to offer you all my honest, no bullshit approach to skincare, treatments and the industry as a whole.
If you follow my instagram, I posted in February that I would be trying some new lower budget friendly items away from the Inkey list. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Inkey List, I just think it’s great to have tried as many products and brands as I can in the same price range. I think it allows me to provide a better service to my clients.
Elf
The skincare line they offer isn’t the largest but looking at the growth of the industry over the past year, I would be lying If I didn’t think there was a new product line on the horizon.
Website: https://www.elfcosmetics.co.uk
I ordered from my elf many moons ago when they first launched their makeup (Yes, I am old). If I am brutally honest, I wasn’t keen on their products but they have constantly improved year on year. Their price range has always been low to medium budgets.
What did I purchase?
Hello hydration face cream – Day cream £12.00 for 50g
Nourishing facial oil – Night oil £10 for 15ml
Supermask – Weekly hydrating mask £12 for 50g
Hello Hydration Face Cream
Would I repurchase? 100%
Rating? 7/10
Okay, let’s get into the detail..
Initial thoughts
Initially thick yet light and absorbs nicely. My dry skin didn’t feel it wasn’t hydrated after use.
Scent
I didn’t get the fragrance free one as my skin isn’t easily irritated by fragrance and it kind of reminded me of my nana. Yes, I know that sounds AWFUL as I really like the product but here me out. My nana always uses the blue nivea hand cream multiple times a day and it smells so much like this. All kinds of childhood memories triggered.
From Elf’s website
Key Ingredients
- Hyaluronic Acid helps provide hydration by locking in moisture and reducing water loss resulting in a plumped up, bouncy complexion.
- Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) to help brighten and even skin tone.
- Squalane helps improve moisture balance and elasticity.
- Peptides to help promote collagen for a more refreshed complexion.
- Vitamin B5 to help soothe and hydrate the skin.
Full ingredients list
Water (Aqua), Isohexadecane, Stearyl Heptanoate, Glycerin, Butylene Glycol, Isopropyl Isostearate, Niacinamide, Cetearyl Olivate, Trehalose, Squalane, Dimethicone, Stearic Acid, Aluminum Starch Octenylsuccinate, Polymethylsilsesquioxane, Silica, Sodium Hyaluronate, Palmitoyl Tripeptide-1, Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7, Panthenol (Vb5), Sorbitan Olivate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Glyceryl Stearate, PEG-100 Stearate, Polyethylene, Disodium EDTA, Polyacrylate-13, Polyisobutene, Polysorbate 20, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Fragrance (Parfum), Carbomer
Ingredients deep dive
To be honest the only ‘nasty’ would be the fragrance and that’s at a push. I really don’t hate fragrance in skincare at all. I think fragrance should be avoided if it is irritating to you but really it tends to mask the delightful smells of the original formula. Nicer smelling products = better consistency of use.
It’s key to note that the product has some really lovely hydrating ingredients, one being Glycerin. High glycerin moisturisers are really good for treating severely dry skin.
There is also Squalane which explains why the formula leaves a non-heavy feel when applied.
The moisturiser has some great ingredients for the price point.
Formula
Appears like a rich cream but actually absorbs like a light gel. I tend to recommend oil free gel moisturisers to my clients with acneic skin and this would be a great addition to a AM routine. Especially with niacinamide in this formula too.
Packaging
Yes I know… This doesn’t affect the performance of the product in any way shape or form but I love good packaging. And this packaging, it did it for me. I think packaging is a huge part of the experience and excitement of unboxing a product. It felt expensive, almost dare I say semi luxury. Super impressed given it is a £12 moisturiser.
Would I recommend this?
Yes for pretty much all skin types. However if you’re extremely dry or super oily, I would recommend other products.
Is it good value for money?
Absolutely
Is it my favourite ?
No but I do tend to come back to the product a few fair times a week.
Overall I did like the product for the price paid. It is a great budget product but I wouldn’t say it’s a wow staple moisturiser, you know?
Any brands/ products/ treatments you would like more information on or a review, please do let me know.
Let’s keep that skincare addiction ripe, happy purchasing!
Megan.
P.S I haven’t given the other products I bought enough use or time to give them a fair review, so let’s start with the moisturiser.
