Tuesday, 17 June 2025

The INKEY List Hydrating Cream-to-Milk Cleanser Review: A Gentle Essential for Dry & Sensitive Skin

The INKEY List Hydrating Cream-to-Milk Cleanser: A Gentle Start to Effective Skincare

skincare

Cleansing is the foundation of every skincare routine, and The INKEY List Hydrating Cream-to-Milk Cleanser proves that a cleanser can be both effective and nourishing. Formulated for all skin types—including sensitive and dry—it’s a smart choice for those seeking a gentle, hydrating start to their routine. Let’s dive into

Monday, 2 June 2025

e.l.f. Cosmetics' Bright Icon Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Serum

Brighten Up Your Skincare Routine: Exploring e.l.f. Cosmetics' Bright Icon Vitamin C + E + Ferulic Serum

skincare

In the ever-evolving world of skincare, vitamin C serums have secured their place as a staple for achieving

Saturday, 17 May 2025

Aussie Oh My Gloss Haircare Review: Shampoo, Conditioner, Mask & Serum for Mirror-Like Shine

Aussie Oh My Gloss Haircare Range Review: Glossy Hair Goals Made Easy?

haircare

If you’ve been dreaming of ultra-glossy, light-reflecting hair, the Aussie Oh My Gloss haircare range might just be the secret weapon your hair routine

Monday, 12 May 2025

By BEAUTY BAY Plumping Moisturiser Ectoin + Superberry Complex

Plump, Protect, and Perfect: A Review of By BEAUTY BAY Plumping Moisturiser Ectoin + Superberry Complex

skincare

In the ever-evolving world of skincare, a well-formulated moisturiser can be the cornerstone of a balanced and effective routine. The By BEAUTY BAY Plumping Moisturiser Ectoin + Superberry Complex positions itself as a powerhouse daily hydrator, promising to deeply nourish, defend against environmental stress, and visibly plump the skin. Here's a closer look at what makes this product from beauty bay a standout in the skincare category.

Key Ingredients: Science-Backed and Skin-Loving

The formula is driven by two hero ingredients:

  • Ectoin: A stress-protection molecule naturally found in extremophilic microorganisms. In skincare, ectoin helps to shield the skin from environmental aggressors such as pollution, UV damage, and temperature changes, while strengthening the skin barrier and maintaining hydration.

  • Superberry Complex: A blend rich in antioxidants and vitamins derived from nutrient-dense berries. This complex supports skin vitality, helps brighten the complexion, and protects against free radical damage.

Together, these ingredients work synergistically to keep skin calm, resilient, and visibly healthier over time.

Texture and Application

Housed in a sleek 50ml tube with an innovative applicator, this moisturiser stands out with two built-in roller balls designed to glide effortlessly over the face and neck area. As you apply the gel-cream formula, the roller balls help de-puff, massage, and cool the skin, enhancing absorption and boosting circulation. The texture is lightweight and absorbs quickly, leaving no greasy residue — making it ideal for use both morning and evening. The added benefit of a gentle massage makes this step feel more like a mini spa ritual than just another part of your routine.

Skin Benefits

  • Plumping hydration: Ideal for dry, dehydrated, or tired-looking skin. It provides instant hydration and helps maintain moisture levels throughout the day.
  • Barrier support: With ectoin, the moisturiser reinforces the skin’s protective barrier, essential for those exposed to urban environments.
  • Antioxidant protection: The Superberry Complex brings added defense against premature ageing and dullness.

Suitable for All Skin Types

The formulation is gentle and non-comedogenic, making it suitable for sensitive, oily, combination, and dry skin types alike. It’s especially beneficial for those seeking a balance of hydration, protection, and radiance without overwhelming the skin. Extra coolness can be achieved by storing it in a cool fridge for that instant wake me up in the morning or for when you need a cool=down in the evening. 

Final Verdict

The By BEAUTY BAY Plumping Moisturiser Ectoin + Superberry Complex is an excellent example of modern skincare that fuses gentle science with visible results. Whether you're looking to boost your skin's hydration, fortify its defenses, or achieve a naturally radiant glow, this moisturiser delivers on its promises — and at a price point that respects your budget x Neil. 

Sunday, 4 May 2025

Review: The INKEY List Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex

Review: The INKEY List Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex – The Future of Skin Regeneration?

skincare

If you’re looking to elevate your skincare routine with cutting-edge ingredients, The INKEY List’s Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex serum might just be your next obsession. Here’s everything you need to know about this innovative product.

What Is It?

The INKEY List Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex is a forward-thinking serum formula designed to support skin regeneration, hydration, and glow. It features next-gen skincare tech—exosomes—combined with hydrating and barrier-repairing ingredients to restore radiance and smoothness to stressed or aging skin.

Base & Emollients

  • Aqua (Water / Eau): The base of most skincare products; acts as a solvent to dissolve other ingredients.
  • Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride: Derived from coconut oil and glycerin; an emollient that helps smooth skin and reduce moisture loss.
  • Dipropylene Glycol / Propanediol / Butylene Glycol / Pentylene Glycol: Humectants and solvents that hydrate the skin, enhance penetration of other ingredients, and improve texture.
  • Coconut Alkanes / Cococaprylate/Caprate: Natural silicone alternatives derived from coconut; give a silky, smooth feel and lock in moisture.

Humectants & Skin Soothers

  • Glycerin: A powerful humectant that draws moisture into the skin and maintains hydration.
  • Allantoin: Soothes, protects, and promotes skin healing; great for sensitive or irritated skin.
  • Hydrolyzed Sodium Hyaluronate / Sodium Hyaluronate: Forms of hyaluronic acid that deeply hydrate and plump skin by attracting water to the skin’s surface.

Active Ingredients

  • Ectoin: A stress-protection molecule that shields the skin from environmental stressors like pollution and UV rays; offers anti-aging and anti-inflammatory benefits.
  • Ubiquinone (Coenzyme Q10): A potent antioxidant that helps combat signs of aging by protecting skin cells from oxidative stress.
  • Tripeptide-1: A signaling peptide that promotes collagen production and skin repair, helping reduce wrinkles and improve elasticity.
  • Centella Asiatica Leaf Extract: Known for its healing, anti-inflammatory, and collagen-boosting properties.

Plant Extracts

  • Hydrolyzed Opuntia Ficus-Indica Flower Extract (Prickly Pear): Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, this extract hydrates, calms, and protects skin.
  • Lecithin: A phospholipid that enhances penetration of active ingredients and softens skin.

Skin Conditioning Agents & Delivery Enhancers

  • Cetearyl Olivate / Sorbitan Olivate: Olive oil-derived emulsifiers that mimic skin lipids; help improve skin barrier function and deliver active ingredients.
  • Dextran: Often used in peptide delivery; stabilizes and enhances the penetration of active ingredients.

Texture Enhancers & Preservatives

  • Sodium Acrylates Copolymer: A texturizing agent that gives products a lightweight, gel-like feel.
  • Dimethicone: A silicone that smooths and protects skin, improving texture without clogging pores.
  • Phenoxyethanol / Ethylhexylglycerin: Preservatives that keep the formula stable and prevent microbial growth.
  • Sodium Phytate: A natural chelating agent that stabilizes and enhances the effectiveness of preservatives.

Summary of Benefits

  • Hydration Boosters: Glycerin, Hyaluronic Acids, Glycols
  • Barrier Support & Soothing: Ectoin, Allantoin, Centella, Lecithin
  • Anti-Aging: CoQ10, Tripeptide-1, Centella Asiatica
  • Antioxidant Protection: Prickly Pear, Ubiquinone
  • Texture & Feel: Natural silicones (Dimethicone alternatives), Olive-derived emulsifiers.

What Does It Claim To Do?

  • Rebuild skin glow and smoothness in just two weeks
  • Improve firmness and elasticity
  • Support a healthier skin barrier
  • Boost skin regeneration

How To Use?

Apply a few drops of the serum to clean, dry skin in the morning and/or evening, ideally after cleansing and before heavier serums or moisturizers. It layers well under other products, and its lightweight, silky texture absorbs quickly without pilling.

My Experience

I was intrigued by the exosome technology and how it would perform compared to traditional peptides or hyaluronic acid. After two weeks of consistent use, I noticed:

  • A smoother, more hydrated surface
  • Subtle firming with plumper skin
  • An overall brighter, more even complexion

It didn’t cause any irritation or breakouts—always a win for sensitive skin. Plus, it gave a healthy glow without looking greasy.

Final Thoughts

The INKEY List Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex Serum delivers on its promises of hydration and radiance, and it’s a smart pick for anyone looking to incorporate regenerative skincare without splurging. With science-backed ingredients and an accessible price point, it’s a standout in the brand’s lineup.

Would I repurchase? Absolutely. Especially during seasonal skin transitions or when my skin needs a regenerative boost. Purchase from The INKEY List here: Exosome Hydro-Glow Complex x Neil. 

© Blonde Male
Maira Gall