Kokova Magazine

When BLUR LONDON were crowned overall champions and awarded Best Free From Skincare Product 2024 for their Cloudskin Moisturiser, we just had to try this for ourselves.

As someone with sensitive skin, who seems to break out or react to everything new they try, I find investing in a new skincare product needs a little more thought and research, as I have previously made many costly mistakes. In these situations, having the option to purchase a sample before committing to a larger purchase is essential. So I was delighted to discover BLUR LONDON offers an amazing starter pack which suits my budget, and offers a fair review of their award-winning range.

Their Discovery Set is made up of trial-sized versions of their skincare collection and includes: -

1. Everyday Cleanser (10ml). A gentle cleanser that purifies and rejuvenates your skin by penetrating deep into your pores and removing excess sebum and impurities.
2. Rebalancing Toner (10ml). A state-of-the-art hydrating toner that brightens, and protects your skin. It’s formulated to down-regulate excessive sebum production and protect against screen-emitted blue light.
3. Cloudskin Moisturiser (7ml). Elegantly formulated to hydrate and balance your skin, while strengthening your skins protective barrier. It creates a soft touch skin texture that’s mattified with a healthy glow. That’s the definition of Cloudskin®.

My set arrived within 48 hours of placing the order (yes, I bought the set) and I was keen to get started and see what made the Cloudskin Moisturiser a GOLD winner. The trio trial is a solid step to starting a new skincare routine, especially if yours is a bit ad-hoc, like mine. As skin ages, it definitely benefits from a little help on a daily basis.

So what did I think?

BLUR LONDON's Everyday Cleanser did a great job of exfoliating my face, especially around the nose, leaving my skin smoother than it has been for quite some time. An easy 'rub on - wash off' so it is nothing complicated. Following the cleanser, the Rebalancing Toner was easy to use. It didn't cause a reaction and calmed my skin, especially around my nose which seems to be my problem area. As someone prone to applying too much cream in the hope that it will work wonders, I employed considerable restraint next, with the Cloudskin Moisturiser. Using a small pea-sized drop, I found it covered quite a lot more than expected, and I pressed it into my skin as directed (rather than rubbing vigorously with my hands and leaving most of the moisturiser sinking into my palms). After applying the Cloudskin Moisturiser, I waited for any reaction. There was none - and I was left with surprisingly smooth and silky skin.

After a week of trying this trio, I am surprised that I am still using them, partly due to my lack of commitment to a regular skincare routine, and partly due to how long the trial size set has lasted. I am just about ready to cut them open to get to the very last drop. I can't find anything I would change, aside from the feel of the Everyday Cleanser. This has a slightly drier feel on application than my usual cleanser but washes off well and leaves my skin clean. Would I buy the set again? I am travelling soon and think it will be a great kit to take with me. The full-sized set is also available to buy direct from BLUR LONDON - Visit https://blurlondon.com/

It takes time to find out what is right for your skin, with a lot of trial and error, but that is why trial-sized sets are such a great idea. There is also a lot to be said for staying within the brand as their products are made to work together. However, this may not suit everyone, so different products from various brands may be your ideal and then you need to mix and match to find your winning skincare solution.

The Free From Skincare Awards were launched in 2012 to encourage and reward manufacturers of skincare products that are 'free from' either fragrances/fragrance allergens, animal ingredients, food allergens, or artificial ingredients, as well as potentially other sensitisers or potentially problematic ingredients, which some consumers need to avoid.

It was a good year for first-time participants to the Awards, with debutantes taking over half of the category Gold medals, and it was terrific to see that many were smaller independent brands, from Ireland, Sweden and the Baltic States, as well as the UK. New cosmetic formulation talent is definitely Europe-wide.

Awards Director, Alex Gazzola

Winners and medallists can be seen at http://www.freefromskincareawards.co.uk/winners-2024