AN INTRODUCTION TO GLOW RECIPE SKINCARE

- Advertisement information: this post discusses items gifted to me with no obligation to share them (marked *). My blog has Skimlinks and RewardStyle installed to automatically monetise purchases of products I link on my blog, therefore this post may contain affiliate links. All opinions remain my own and please refer to my Disclosure Page  for further detail -

Glow Recipe is a South Korean capsule skincare line that's all about getting that dewy, radiant, 'glass skin' look. The packaging is very cute and the products are all based around a fruit extract. A month or two ago Cult Beauty (their exclusive UK stockist) kindly sent over the collection for me to try, so today - having got through a decent amount of each product - I'm returning my verdict...


First up let's talk about the Blueberry Bounce Gentle Cleanser* | £31. If you're a regular reader of my skincare posts you'll know that a gel cleanser is never really my first choice! This cleanser has a slightly different, firmer texture than your usual gel - almost more like a jelly than the runny consistency I'm used to from this sort of formula. It also melts onto the skin in a different sort of way and - although it foams up - it isn't super-bubbly. I used this for a while as a morning cleanser and it was fine - it wasn't stripping my skin or drying it out - it was doing the job, but it just wasn't rocking my world. Then I noticed it said on the bottle that it was 'makeup erasing'. I've never really thought of gel cleansers as being makeup-removers so I was dubious about this claim. However... it seriously works! I don't know how something that's not oil-based is so effective, but it is. I simply massage this on and remove it with a damp cloth. It leaves my skin clean and makeup-free after use which I didn't think would be possible with this type of cleanser, especially on tough waterproof eye makeup. It also doesn't sting my sensitive eyes! This contains blueberry extract and a tiny amount of AHA chemical exfoliants. I personally didn't really see any wider skincare benefits from using this, however if you're oily-skinnned and don't like using oil-based cleansers; try this for makeup removal.

I've been using the Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist* | £25 | as my everyday toner after cleansing and even to set or refresh my makeup. This is a super-fine cloud mist formulated with hibiscus flower AHAs, watermelon extract and hyaluronic acid. I personally don't feel like a mist is going to have the same effect as a standard toner when it comes to AHAs because you don't have that cotton wool pad to remove dead skin cells when you're applying it. However the watermelon and water-gripping hyaluronic acid are amazing for softening and plumping out the skin, as well as giving my complexion that dewy glow. This is a dual phase product so give it a good shake before going to town so the ingredients all make it onto your skin. Overall I really like this product and would buy it with my own money.

One of my standouts has to be the Pineapple-C Brightening Serum* | £46. This is a very fluid serum, which I like because it's fast-absorbing and easy to spread. It does have a slight scent to it, which is very natural and derived from the star ingredient as opposed to being artificial and sickly. I am a little surprised this is in clear packaging because usually Vitamin C is found in an opaque bottle to keep the formulation stable, however it could just be because I've not tried a pineapple-based formula before. (Update: according to Glow Recipe this is actually tinted and has a UV protective layer.) This serum is formulated with 22% Vitamin C-rich pineapple juice, natural enzymes, AHAs and ascorbic acid. I wouldn't say it's one of those Vitamin C formulas I really notice reducing the appearance of dark spots (so if that's your main aim with this ingredient, the Glow Recipe product might not be your best option) but this does create a brightening effect and gives my skin a dewy luminosity, which I LOVE! I am also really liking how soft and smooth my skin has been since I started using this serum. I personally think it's a winner for sure.

My other absolute highlight is the Watermelon Glow Pink Juice Moisturiser* | £36. This is a water-based gel moisturiser that's oil-free and melts right into the skin. I have combination-dehydrated skin and it just drinks this stuff up. This moisturiser also gives me this gorgeous dewy glow. It's perfect if you want that fresh, juicy skin look without using something too heavy. It might not be enough for dry skin types but I really recommend it if you're combination, normal or even oily. It's soothing, calming, hydrating and plumping and the fluid formula means you only need one pump for your entire face. It contains moisturising and restorative vitamins, antioxidants, hyaluronic acid and amino acids. I love this stuff and would definitely pick it up again. 

Finally, we have the original product I tried from this range a little while back: the Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask* | £41. This is a jelly-textured overnight mask that doesn't only contain lactic acid and pumpkin enzymes to exfoliate the skin but also watermelon extract, amino acids, vitamins and antioxidants to hydrate and restore. You simply apply it before bed (I like that it's neither thick nor does it leave a weird film on the surface of your skin) and wake up in the morning to more radiant skin. I'm not sure of the exact chemical exfoliant percentages in this product but it causes me no irritation so I'm betting it isn't high-concentration. Whilst the glow-boost it provides may not be enough for long-time chemical exfoliation fans; I think this is a great starter product. My skin looks and feels more even after long-term use and it provides that immediate refresh for my skin that works overnight.   

Have you tried / do you want to try anything from Glow Recipe?

Don't forget to follow me on:

Twitter | Bloglovin | Instagram

Read more posts from this series here!