Hello and welcome back to another brand highlight!
I’m finally on my uni break! I pretty much have five weeks off, though I have nowhere to go. Hopefully I can pump out a bunch of blog posts and new content for you guys! Anyways, today I’m talking about The Inkey List, an affordable skincare brand that popped up everywhere in the last few years. Often I’ve heard people compare it to The Ordinary, though I have only tried a limited range from TIL so I can’t exactly compare the two brands. Anyways, let’s get into it!
A quick Google search told me that TIL was founded by Colette Newberry and Mark Curry. Within that same Google search, I was bombarded with all these websites that stocked the brand, and I didn’t find a lot of information about the owners/origin of the brand, until I specified the search. TIL is available at Sephora AU, which is where I purchased my products from. I purchased their niacinamide and their kaolin mask. I had previously tried TO’s niacinamide and loved it, but this time there was a Sephora sale that I took advantage of and purchased this because I was breaking out like crazy that time and niacinamide helps calm down my skin. I also picked up a few other things and got the kaolin mask because it’s so affordable and I needed a new wash off mask.
Now let’s talk packaging. I’m not too well versed on the products like I mentioned above, but for the niacinamide it came in a plastic bottle that had a cap that you pressed on one side and then it opened on the other side. As for the kaolin mask, it was a simple twist off cap. Now with the niacinamide, I wasn’t a huge fan of the packaging. It sometimes made it difficult to dispense the product, not to mention, if someone were to forget to click it closed, the product would spill everywhere – not ideal. As for the kaolin mask, I liked the packaging on this because it’s effective and more hygienic – compared to masks in tubs. Also I am able to get all the product out because I can cut the tube open once I can no longer dispense any product through the original opening.
Time for a closer look on both products:
Niacinamide:
A serum that helps to control excess oil and blemishes on the skin, as well as reduce the appearance of redness.
This naturally occurring Vitamin B3, Niacinamide, is a great choice for blemish-prone skin as it helps to reduce excess oil and redness. Formulated with 1% Hyaluronic Acid, it also helps to soothe and hydrate the skin. Improve the look of blemish-prone skin with this daily serum.
Directions:
Use AM and PM.
On cleansed skin apply a pea-sized amount to face and neck.
Follow with preferred serums and moisturizer.
Ingredients:
Water (Aqua/ Eau), Niacinamide, Glycerin, Propanediol, Butylene Glycol, Squalane, Leuconostoc/Radish Root Ferment Filtrate, Hyaluronic Acid, Phenoxyethanol, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Phospholipids, Xanthan Gum, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Extract, Allantoin, Disodium Edta, Polysorbate 60, Panthenol, Glycolipids, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Sterol, Disodium Phosphate, Citric Acid, Sodium Phosphate.
My thoughts:
This has a runny texture and the directions suggests using a pea sized amount for the face and neck but I found that that was way too little to cover two big areas. I used about 3-4 pea sized amounts for my face and neck twice a day. I kind of had high hopes for this because I have previously used TO and also repurchased it because I had great results. Unfortunately with this, I didn’t find much of a difference in my skin. It looked the same, it felt the same and I’m a bit disappointed.
I probably won’t purchase this again either, but I’m glad I tried it.
Kaolin mask:
Directions:
A gentle white clay that effectively absorbs excess oils and removes toxins from the surface of the skin.
This powerful clay helps to draw out impurities and unclog pores for an even complexion. Gentle and non-drying, it is perfect for all skin types as a deep clean once to twice per week.
Ingredients:
Aqua, Kaolin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin,Glyceryl Stearate, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed Oil,Stearic Acid, Helianthus Annuus Seed Oil, Cetearyl Alcohol, Magnesium Aluminium Silicate,Sodium Stearate, Sodium Magnesium Silicate, 2-Phenoxyethanol, Dimenthyl Sulfone, Centella Asiatica Extract,Glyceryl Caprylate, Decyl Glucoside, Cellulose Gum, Cocos Nucifera Oil, Cetyl Alcohol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sodium Carbomer, Tocopherol, Macrocystis Pyrifera (Kelp) Extract, Sea Water Extract, Chondrus Crispus Extract, Vitis Vinifera seed oil, Lonicera Caprifolium Flower Extract,Sodium Hydroxide, Lonicera Japonica Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Panthenol, Oryza Sativa Bran Oil, Geranium Maculatum Extract, Taraxacum Officinale Extract, Equisetum Arvense Extract, Spirulina Maxima Extract, Prunus Armeniaca Kernel Oil
My thoughts:
I was quite surprised by this! It wasn’t drying at all and actually helped with reducing my oiliness. I used it every week and it lasted about 2 months I believe. Like I mentioned above, I love the packaging because I could cut it open. Really good and affordable kaolin mask!
I would purchase this again, but I’m in no rush because I purchased the Sephora Favourites skincare box which had a bunch of sample sized masks.
I definitely would like to try more TIL products in the future, I’ve actually got a bunch saved in my wishlist that I’m waiting for to come back in stock before I purchase.
That’s it for this brand highlight, I would love to know if you’ve tried TIL before and what your favourite products are!
Have a great week!
With love,
VQP. usu BEAUTY