Results-driven skincare can be pricey, so when I discover a product that does the job without leaving me eating instant noodles for the rest of the month, it’s safe to say I get preeeetty excited.
My latest obsession? A potent retinol treatment that costs less than a tenner, thanks to rising brand The Inkey List – a no-messing beauty line that aims to take the confusion (and cost) out of skincare.
This wallet-friendly formula contains a total of 1% RetiStar alongside 0.5% Granactive Retinoid. (Which basically means that it leads to brighter, smoother skin, and you'd normally have to shell out serious cash for it.) Equally impressive is the slow-release formulation, which means you get gradual results without the peeling side effects. Combine this with a dose of mega-hydrating squalene, and you’ve got serious skincare at a frankly silly price.
Now I'm not going to lie – the price of this high-promising serum left me a tad sceptical, and the packaging doesn't feel quite as decadent as a weighty glass bottle or airless pump. But I can report that regular use has faded pigmentation patches, helped minimise the appearance of my pores, and left my complexion looking noticeably brighter.
And it’s not just a bargain retinol that this clever new brand is gaining loyal fans for – there’s a whole host of high-performing products that defy their tiny price tags. Dry skin? Oh hey £5 hyaluronic acid. Dark circles? Try this excellent circulation-boosting caffeine serum.
Well done - you’ve saved a tonne of cash! Now go and lose your mind over this ridiculous Rodial sale.
Roberta Schroeder is the Senior Ecommerce Editor at Harper's Bazaar, ELLE and Esquire, overseeing shopping strategy and content across fashion, beauty, and travel. Roberta has reported on everything from market-leading skincare brands to the world’s most iconic fashion pieces, while also regularly updating a range of shopping guides, including LED masks, heritage cashmere brands and niche new dress brands to know.
Roberta has more than 15 years' experience in the luxury sector, spanning editorial consultancy, trend forecasting and journalism. Over the years, she has worked for global brands including Farfetch, Chanel, and Vogue.
When not testing beauty products, trialling trends and curating content that spotlights the very best in fashion and beauty, Roberta can usually be found trawling resale sites and vintage stores for a long-coveted designer find. Follow Roberta on Instagram at @roberta__schroeder
