Refy launches new skincare products – but do they live up to the hype?

Refy’s face cleanser has been designed to be the first step in your morning and evening skincare routine. To apply, pump a small grape-sized amount in your hands and lather it with warm water to activate the formula. Initially, it has a serum-like consistency that feels silky smooth against the skin, but it quickly lathers into a foamy texture. I found light make-up washed away easily, but you’ll need a separate eye make-up remover for waterproof or heavy-duty mascara. The formula is fuss-free and feels gentle, with the entire process taking around a minute.

A common bugbear with cleansers is that they can often strip the skin’s natural barrier of oils and moisture, resulting in dry and tight skin after use. For this reason, I’m wary of some cleansers and gravitate towards formulas aimed at sensitive skin. But I’m certainly impressed with Refy’s formula, it left my skin feeling nourished, which is quite something as usually after cleansing I’m desperate to moisturise, but this formula left my skin calm and suitably hydrated.

While the formula is fragrance-free, it does have a very subtle spa-like scent that creates a calming aroma. Plus, the sleek grey packaging isn’t an eyesore in the bathroom. For £24, you get a generously sized 95ml bottle and a little goes a long way. A week into use, my post-Christmas blemishes have been clearer and my skin feels smoother and brighter (although that might also have something to do with Dry January).

A skincare take on Refy’s sculpting make-up products, the brand’s new moisturiser claims to lift, visibly define and hydrate the skin. The brand states the product is the first of its kind, with the built-in facial roller design to do the hard work for you.

The applicator is inspired by lymphatic drainage techniques, with the five roller balls having a cooling and defining effect on the skin. I was impressed with the applicator and the roller balls certainly felt as though they were working to sculpt and firm the face, in a similar way a gua sha tool does. Although, if you have sensitive skin or painful acne, I suspect that the applicator could cause soreness and irritation.

The brand suggests squeezing a grape-sized amount on the applicator before massaging it in upward motions around the face with the applicator. You then blend the remaining product in with your fingertips, but it is impressively fast-drying with a non-greasy finish, so much so, that I applied make-up straight away without it piling.

The moisturiser’s gel-like texture is lightweight, so it’s the ideal formula for oily or combination skin, but might not be as hydrating on dry skin. The brand claims that the ingredients will work to reduce fine lines and firm, hydrate, and reduce redness. In terms of the latter, I cannot attest to the long-term effects, but I certainly did notice that my blemishes were soothed.

My only gripe is the price. Most of Refy’s cult products cost less than £20, but this moisturiser will set you back £38. Having said that, if you’re looking to invest in effective skincare, the tube should last you a while, helping to make the price a little more palatable.