Skincare Review: First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum

We in the makeup world probably don't talk about skincare as much as we should. I know I've been guilty of neglecting to look after my skin in the most basic ways in the past - having a full skincare routine can be time consuming, and the last thing you want to do when you've finished studying at 2AM is anything other than falling into bed.

this summer, working my first office job, I realized I didn't have time for my full makeup routine in the morning - eyeshadow, mascara, lipstick and a little concealer were about all I could manage consistently. I realized I was getting really fed up with my skin - the texture, massive pores, sebaceous filaments in my nose, the pimples - and my face isn't even bad most days.

Any acne I get is mostly hormonal/stress/heat related. I'm also really bad at NOT LEAVING MY SKIN ALONE - remembering not to touch my face throughout the day, not missing with my blackheads, etc.

So this summer I set out on a journey to find a skincare routine.


It's important to note that you should first patch test everything on your arm before you use it on your face, only add one product to your routine at a time, and make sure to give it a full 30 days before you assume its actually doing anything to your skin. It generally takes around a month before your skin fully adapts to whatever product you've added.

So I've been set on my cleanser for a long time - Vichy Normaderm, in the big green bottle from Shopper's drug mart. It's not overly expensive, a bottle lasts me about 6 months, its gentle, and my skin doesn't feel overly tight after I use it. I also love my FOREO Luna Play - I got it in the Sephora Favourites set and will be buying the Luna Mini when the Play runs out of battery. My pores have been noticeably smaller and clearer since using it.


But moisturizer. Moisturizer is REALLY important part of one's skincare routine! Even if you don't think you should be using it, you should probably be using it. My skin tends to get oily because it's dry - it overproduces oil to compensate for dryness.


I thought I was doing well with a Garnier gel moisturizer, but nope, still an oil slick by noon. Then I tried a massive VIB sample of the Fresh Creme Ancienne - from last year's VIB sample bag - which lasted me a month. It retails for CAD $172/oz. I can't afford those prices, so while I really loved that product, it's not happening. Not until I make partner.

First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum / sephora.com

So moving on, I moved to the Ultra Repair Hydrating Serum from First Aid Beauty. It retails for CAD $45/oz. I found this product a bit confusing - it's described as a hydrating gel with hyaluronic acid that hydrates, plumps, and reduces fine lines and wrinkles. It also says that it's perfect for layering under your favourite AM or PM moisturizer. So is it a moisturizer? Or do I use it under a moisturizer? I...am not sure. I've been using it on its own, because I really don't want that many products in a skincare routine.


Guys. I do NOT like it. I dislike the scent, the texture, and the feel on my skin. It also doesn't actually seem to be doing anything.


Scent - it has a weird no smell scent - like its vaguely medical. First Aid Beauty says they're 100% scent free, so if you tend to have problems with scents, this is actually a bonus for you! They do market to sensitive skin, so I can understand this choice. My personal preference is for moisturizer to smell more luxurious, though.

Texture - The serum is a clear gel. It actually reminds me of a mask or peel that you would squeeze out of a tube - its thick, and very tacky. It feels really sticky, and not smooth.

Application / Wear - Fail. The product feels sticky going on, doesn't really rub in, and stays sticky for awhile after application. I've found that as I wear it, the stickiness changes, but doesn't go away. My skin doesn't feel soft or smooth - it feels kind of tacky, and reminds me of a bad sunscreen. My face feels less oily, but it also doesn't feel soft and smooth. I really would not anyone touching my face affectionately right now, because it just - ugh. I almost want to wash it off.

So I didn't love the product, but some of you might? if gel moisturizers have been your thing in the past, you might want to give this a try - but I definitely recommend trying to get a sample first. Of note - this brand is cruelty free! I don't like this specific product of theirs, but I would definitely support them on this basis if I find something else I like in the future.


IN SUM:
Love the company, don't like the product. Hated the texture and application/wear, didn't mind that it wasn't scented. Would not repurchase.