I was lucky enough, last summer, to win a set of products from Sönd Skin’s Original range.
Specifically geared towards sensitive skin, the Original range utilises silica, a naturally occurring mineral. While we contain silica in our bodies, as we age stores become depleted and we need to boost our levels via diet or supplementation. Silica is required for collagen production, important for keeping skin looking youthful and building joint cartilage. Studies suggest that it has anti-inflammatory properties along with increasing calcium uptake, so helpful in keeping bones strong.
The products I received were:
- Replenishing Face Oil
- Revitalising Face Serum
- Hydrating Face Spray
- Energising Mineral Supplements
My first impression was that the packaging was clean and sleek and provided a clear indication of the function that each individual item was intended for, e.g – Replenishing Face Oil is to ‘Nourish + Plump’ On the back of the containers there are brief yet concise instructions on how to use each product to best effect.
Revitalising Face Serum 30ml (Firm + Smooth) –
I used this morning and evening after cleansing. One full pump was enough to provide full coverage for my entire neck and face. The serum itself is lightweight and almost scent-free, so great for those who are sensitive to fragrance in their skincare. After application, the fluid sunk in swiftly so there was no long wait time before being able to apply another product over the top. After use, my skin felt soft, smooth and slightly tighter than before, but not in an unpleasant or dehydrated way. I didn’t try applying makeup directly over the top, but with a primer in between, I didn’t suffer from any piling or flaking when I wore tinted moisturiser or foundation.
Replenishing Face Oil 30ml (Nourish + Plump) –
Designed to be used morning & evening, I personally chose to apply this solely at night time after the Revitalising Serum. I found when I used the oil in the AM, I had to wait a few minutes for it to fully sink in, holding up the rest of my routine. In the depths of winter, (when my skin has ambitions to be a piece of medieval parchment,) it would absorb swiftly, but as my skin became more hydrated, some oil would remain on the surface leaving me looking greasy – not a good daytime look nor a good base for makeup. Like the serum a little goes a long way; a couple of drops in the hand, smoothed over the face and neck will provide full coverage. Unlike the serum, the oil has a distinctive scent of peppermint which I found refreshing and invigorating.
Overall, I was a fan of this for night time use. It’s incredibly hydrating and helped to clear up some stubborn, flaky dry patches around my nose. Everything else I had tried caused stinging or irritation so that was a big win in my books.
One packaging design note: I did have some leaking issues with oil coming out of the top of the dropper, where the rubber teat meets the screw off lid. Not a problem at home as long as I wiped it down after use, but I had to wrap it securely on its own for travel. Over time it certainly leads to some product wastage which is disappointing.
Hydrating Face Spray 100ml (Hydrate & Refresh) –
This was my favourite of the Sönd products which I tried. The spray can be used after cleansing as a toner before serum and oil application. While I did try it this way, where the spray really came into its own, was when used throughout the day to moisten and refresh the skin. At home, I would spritz it on every few hours and it prevented my face from feeling dry or tight. It was also excellent for soothing my skin after baths and showers without stinging. This is when I’m most likely to suffer from redness on my cheeks and forehead. A liberal spritz can also perk up tired looking makeup if you don’t have time to reapply. Having used Caudalie Beauty Elixir before, that one is better if you need something more invigorating in scent and feel, while the Sönd Hydrating Spray is a better choice for times when your skin is sensitised and needs calming.
Energising Mineral Supplements 45g 60 x 750mg – Energise + Activate –
For those not content with trying to improve their skin solely from the outside, the Energising Mineral Supplements aim to provide you with the nutrients you need to work on it from the inside. Containing Silica, Magnesium and Calcium, the pot contains 60 capsules, 2 to be taken per day. I took mine in the morning with a glass of water and a small snack. Supplements don’t sit too well when I have an empty stomach.
It’s tough for me to say if these had any noticeable effect on my skin. I didn’t feel worse off for taking them. My nails which had been brittle and breaking showed improved strength which has lasted even after finishing the supplements. Also, a little extra calcium was handy for me, as I eat a plant-based diet.
Conclusion:
While I wouldn’t say that I have the most sensitive of skin types, I am prone to outbreaks of redness/blotchiness during the chill of the winter months & after taking a bath or shower. Overall my complexion felt smooth and hydrated throughout my use of the Sönd regimen, without any major breakouts or skin irritation. Redness was reduced and my skin felt soothed after using these products when it did strike. Also, I managed to defeat some stubborn dry patches which had been troubling me for months. I would recommend Sönd’s Original range for those who have dry to combination skin. The face oil may be too heavy for those naturally prone to oiliness or best saved for winter use only. I see that Sönd have recently launched a new line of alkaline skincare and I’d be interested in trying that out having found the Original range to be high quality and easy to use.
Star Product: Hydrating Face Spray
Tested for: 5 months
Worth noting: Products are Vegan, cruelty-free and contain no parabens. They do contain sulphates.
Buy from: Sönd
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