Simple Skincare Review

Recently, the lovely people at Simple Skincare sent me some products to try out and review. Simple is a popular brand in the UK that is now available here in the U.S., in 2011 they were counted as the #1 facial skincare range. You go, Simple Skincare! The Simple line of products can be used by all skin types, but it was specifically for sensitive skin. There are no dyes, artificial perfumes or harsh irritants, the entire line is hypoallergenic, non-comedogenic and pH balanced.

I tried three of the products - the Hydrating Light Moisturizer, Refreshing Facial Wash Gel, and Eye Make-Up Remover. First impression: I love the packaging, it's so simple (see what they did there?) and clean. I smelled everything, and there were no weird or unpleasant odors.

First up, the Hydrating Light Moisturizer. It sounds kind of "duh, Vanessa" to say, but it totally lived up to its name. It was an light moisturizer (no sticky, heavy residue on my skin) that hydrated my skin. The product info says it'll hydrate for 12 hours, I didn't count the hours, but it did last all day.  The nitty gritty of it all tells me that the moisturizer contains glycerin to nourish and hydrate skin, as well as borage seed oil for added moisturizing benefits. There is also Pro-Vitamin B5 to restore, soften and smooth skin, and Vitamin E for moisture.

I used the Refreshing Facial Wash with my Clarisonic, and my skin felt fabulous. No tightness, drying or residue. I loved the gel texture, it felt cool and clean on my skin and yes, very refreshing. I followed it up the next day by using it again, but without the Clarisonic to compare. Still pretty good, guys! Even without the help of super powered scrubbing, my skin felt clean and soft. That's thanks to the Pro-Vitamin B5, y'all. I love the fact there there is no soap in the formula. Some people are turned off by the low to no suds effect, but soaps and detergents just dry out your skin. That's what leaves you with that tight feeling on your skin, like after washing your hands. Who wants that?

I saved my favorite for last, the Eye Make-Up Remover! I've been using my Philosophy Oil Cleanser as way to remove my make-up every night. Sometimes though, I don't want to have to wash my whole face in order to get the eye make-up off. I love, love, love the Simple eye make-up remover! It's oil free and has Pro-Vitamin B5 for smooth, silky skin. It's gentle on the skin, but totally removes every bit of make-up - including my ridiculous amounts of black eyeliner and mascara.

I liked this line so much, I actually went out and bought the cleansing facial cloths on my own. I know! I was really eager to try Simple Skincare, I have a weird fascination with overseas brands and I loved the packaging. Don't laugh, these companies know what they're doing! Like I'd mentioned before, the line was made for sensitive skin, but any skin type can use it. It's available at drugstores, and FYI, I went searching for it at Target and found it in the "all natural" product section (aka the Burt's Bees aisle). If you've got sensitive skin, or have noticed that your regular skincare products are now too harsh, Simple might have the gentle touch your skin needs.

*Simple Skincare images provided by Unilever
**Keep It Simple poster by Ministry of Posters