A simplified skincare routine with U Beauty

These products were kindly gifted to me, without obligation.

I had never heard of U Beauty* before a parcel landed on my desk in the latter months of last year, but when I started to read the information, I was instantly intrigued because the basis of the brand is that you don't need to use a large number of products - just a cleanser and two U Beauty* products - The Resurfacing Compound* and The Super Smart Hydrator*. As a beauty junkie, I enjoy a good pamper session, but there are certainly times when a short and simple, but effective, routine sounds perfect. For me, that was when these products arrived, as I had double pneumonia, which left me very low on energy, and it still hasn't shifted, so I was really able to test these products, as the timing was perfect.

The brand was founded by Tina Craig, who says that in her culture, having good skin means self-love and a sense of confidence. She created the brand so that everybody could experience that self confidence, but with a simplified routine. Now, regular readers will know that I enjoy DIY facials, I enjoy layering products, and that I have dry skin with some texture, so I really was curious if these two products could replace the number that I usually use.

This is a smart brand, which uses SIREN capsule technology (patent pending). This technology detects the stressed areas of the skin, which may not like active ingredients, and instead directs the actives towards the damaged skin/areas that need treatment. I had never heard of a technology like this before now. Not only that, but it also attracts damaging free radicals to it, like a magnet. I'm no scientist, so I can't tell you how it does it, but the patent is pending, and when approved, I assume it will be there for us to read (or those who understand science better than I do!). The technology aims to make the gradual increase of tolerance to actives a thing of the past (so, no more trying a product two nights weekly and gradually increasing usage).

The brand doesn't recommend any cleanser in particular, so just use whatever works best for you, then apply The Resurfacing Compound*, which aims to renew, brighten, tighten, protect and hydrate the skin. It has a fluid/gel texture and I haven't found it to sting at all upon application. It contains Vitamins C and E, hyaluronic acid, peptides, anti-oxidants and AHAs. Initially, it is used morning and night for two weeks and then reduced to every night. I found two pumps to be ample. After 30 days, I can say that my skin was smooth, plump and with refined pores, but my stubborn small patch of pigmentation is still visible - I'll continue using and update you on whether it gives results in that area. It isn't cheap, starting at £85 for 15ml, but when you think that it replaces a number of products, you can see the value. It is available in three sizes.

This is followed morning and night with Super Smart Hydrator*. Again, this uses the SIREN technology (patent pending), and sends hydration to where skin needs it most (everywhere in my Sahara-like case), and it also protects the skin's barrier function. It contains five different sizes of Hyaluronic Acid, which can penetrate the skin at different levels, Antioxidants, which prevent free radical damage,  and a cream base, which is comprised of Peptides, Oat extract, Avocado oil, Shea butter (which strangely, doesn't make my skin break out),  and Squalane - all of these pack a punch in terms of moisture and hydration, which lasts all day. The texture appears light when pumped out, and then quite thick when initially applied to the face, after which is dissolves and absorbs easily and quickly. I apply it all over my face and neck. I have used eye cream since my early 20s, so this was a real leap of faith for me, but it paid off! My skin felt nourished and plump!

I have to say that I was a little skeptical at first, but it arrived at the perfect time, as I was so ill, and I thought that if anything could make my skin look better during this time, it would pretty much be a miracle worker. The results really surprised me, so much so, I am still using the products - not on a daily basis, as I've had other products to test, but my health is still very poor and I have days where I have zero energy but not doing my skincare routine is not an option, so this duo is perfect. If I ever decided to pack everything in, and go travelling, I would invest in the largest sizes of this duo as I know my skin would have all it needed in this duo (imagine - I would actually have fewer toiletries than my husband!). I think it's also ideal for busy parents, who just don't have the time or energy to devote to a 6/7 or 10 step routine, but still want their skin to look good!

The products are cruelty-free, don't contain mineral oil (if that bothers you), no fragrance (again, if that bothers you), no parabens, sulfates or paraffin - the list goes on. I don't think that anyone could be offended by the ingredient list!

Available from Cult Beauty* and Space NK*.

Could you imagine swapping your entire skincare routine for a cleanser and two other products? I would love to hear your thoughts!

Thanks for reading!

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All products are bought by me, unless otherwise stated. Anything marked with a * has been kindly gifted, without obligation. I don't do sponsored posts. Opinion is always my own. Affiliate links may be used.