As the beauty junkie hoarder collector that I am, I'm always very excited about new releases, new collections, and most of all, new brands. During the past few weeks I've heard about SKOON. skincare from reading South African beauty blogs. Reading All Dolled Up's September favourites (you can read it here) really piqued my interest when they raved about the Ruby Marine overnight hydrating mask. They also mentioned that you can do a skin analysis on SKOON.'s website and then they send you samples to try.
I completed the skin analysis on the website and received an email a few days later saying that samples from my personalised skincare routine was on its way. In today's post I'll be telling you which samples I received, and what my initial thoughts are on them.
Background
Firstly, SKOON. is a proudly South African skincare brand who only uses the finest natural ingredients. They have a whole FAQ section that you can browse where they answer questions about how to use the products and give information about what the terms used on their labels mean (natural, organic, etcetera). They also have an in-house chemist who can be contacted for more information. SKOON. does not have strict rules about which products to use in what way, they say that you can use their products in any way, as long as you find something that works for you.
The products
The products are all in glass jars or pipettes - no sample packets here! The samples were all bundled up in a beautiful drawstring pouch with the brand's name/logo embroidered on it. The paper the parcel was wrapped in also had their named on. I love their attention to detail!
As someone with combination oily skin I absolutely love clay masks and clay cleansers, as I just feel that clay really purifies my skin. This cleanser isn't a thick muddy clay, it's softer but not quite as runny as the clay cleanser from Dermalogica. It has a gentle smell and smoothes onto the skin nicely. I am quite heavy handed when it comes to facial cleansers, but I've used this about five times and there's still left in the pot! I first remove my eye makeup with micellar water, so I can't really comment on the makeup remover abilities of this cleanser. I can, however, say that it leaves my skin clean and bright, and definitely not stripped. I will definitely be purchasing a full size version of this.
This product really intrigued me as I couldn't find it on the website and I wasn't sure when to use it. The vivid yellow-orange colour scared me as did the words "prescription peptide" and "resurfacing". It leaves my skin slightly orange, so I prefer to apply this at night. I don't know if it's this product alone or if it's the new skincare combinations I'm currently playing with, but oh my goodness. I used this two nights in a row and on both mornings after I applied it, I could see a difference in my skin. A big difference. Now, I'm not sure what this cream is *supposed* to do, but I can tell you that it improved the tone and texture of my skin. My red patches were gone and the little spots that I get on my cheeks from trying out new things were also gone. The morning after I hadn't applied this cream, the redness and spots were back, so you do the math! Price permitting I think I will need a full size tub of this in my life.
I haven't really had a chance to try out these two day moisturisers, as I'm currently trialling a few other things, but I'll use them in due time and report back!
White Wash Purifying Cleanser
As someone with combination oily skin I absolutely love clay masks and clay cleansers, as I just feel that clay really purifies my skin. This cleanser isn't a thick muddy clay, it's softer but not quite as runny as the clay cleanser from Dermalogica. It has a gentle smell and smoothes onto the skin nicely. I am quite heavy handed when it comes to facial cleansers, but I've used this about five times and there's still left in the pot! I first remove my eye makeup with micellar water, so I can't really comment on the makeup remover abilities of this cleanser. I can, however, say that it leaves my skin clean and bright, and definitely not stripped. I will definitely be purchasing a full size version of this.
Regulating Toner (Elderflower)
The toner comes in the cutest little spray bottle. It smells like the grape-flavoured allergy syrup I used to drink when I was little (it's a compliment, I promise!). Two sprays use up pretty much half of the contents of the bottle, so I can't really say whether or not it has changed my skin. It is lovely and cooling, though. And it smells nice.Prescription Peptide Cream - Resurfacing Moisturiser
This product really intrigued me as I couldn't find it on the website and I wasn't sure when to use it. The vivid yellow-orange colour scared me as did the words "prescription peptide" and "resurfacing". It leaves my skin slightly orange, so I prefer to apply this at night. I don't know if it's this product alone or if it's the new skincare combinations I'm currently playing with, but oh my goodness. I used this two nights in a row and on both mornings after I applied it, I could see a difference in my skin. A big difference. Now, I'm not sure what this cream is *supposed* to do, but I can tell you that it improved the tone and texture of my skin. My red patches were gone and the little spots that I get on my cheeks from trying out new things were also gone. The morning after I hadn't applied this cream, the redness and spots were back, so you do the math! Price permitting I think I will need a full size tub of this in my life.
Moisture Gel Super Fluid and Balancing Fluid Mineral Matte
I haven't really had a chance to try out these two day moisturisers, as I'm currently trialling a few other things, but I'll use them in due time and report back!
Overnight Hydrating Mask
I don't like to exaggerate, but believe me when I say this mask will change your life. It's a pale pink cream that you leave on overnight, and it smells like coconut biscuits. When you apply it to your skin it's quite oily due to the coconut oil, but just stick it out. If you hate coconut you will probably not like this, as the smell tends to linger. Luckily I love coconut, so the scent was a bonus for me. You don't need to use a lot of product as the oiliness makes it spread easily. I try to pop it on a few hours before bedtime so that it has time to sink in. Otherwise I just use a tissue and lightly blot the oily areas before I get into bed. The next morning my skin looks plump, even toned, and healthy! I have a glow that I haven't seen in ages. I'm prepared to say that, regardless of how much it costs, I will be purchasing a full size of this!Serum and Concentrate
The people at SKOON. skincare believe that you should be able to customise your skincare routine to suit your skin. I am fortunate to have a couple of moisturisers and a couple of facial cleansers on rotation so that on a particular day I can use what my skin needs that day. This is where the concentrates come in. (Side note: I absolutely love the little glass pipettes with the clean white and black labels!)
I received the "Moisture Now Serum - Skin Sips" and the "White Cloud Manuka". I still need to experiment some more with this, but currently I mix a drop or two into my moisturiser before applying it to my skin. You can even add a few drops to your foundation for a lovely glow. How you use it is completely up to you. I love the fact that I can mix and match my skincare routine and that I'm not bound to "rules" concerning how to use the products.
The ladies at SKOON. are currently flooded with requests for samples, but they did promise to give samples again soon, so please be patient! Remember, good things come to those who wait...
Until next time!
Hildegarde
xoxo
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