bareMinerals is a brand that I’ve admired for years. They have a good, responsible ethos and they truly revolutionised the make up industry with the launch of their mineral foundation back in the 90s. Their cruelty free make up and skincare products contain some absolute gems that I’ve purchased many times (Skin Longevity serum anyone?)…

One of their newest skincare launches is the Smoothness range which is formulated to hydrate, nourish and protect all skin types whilst working to improve the skin’s texture. I’ve been using the Smoothness Hydrating Cleansing Oil as well as the Smoothness Bare Haven Soft Moisturiser for over a month now and they’re honestly both a hit for me.

We all know that I love a balm or oil cleanser and that they’re my favourite formulas for cleansing. First up the scent is gorgeous (we all know I also love a scent), very fresh and luxurious. But my favourite thing about this cleansing oil is that it is one of the lightest cleansing oils that I’ve tried so far. The texture of the oil itself isn’t at all thick and gives a real silky feel to the cleansing process which really helps get a good facial massage going to break down any make up, grime and impurities on the skin. The oil contains sunflower oil to add and maintain moisture in the skin’s layers as well as pomegranate which is a great antioxidant that also promotes a healthy, radiant glow to the skin.

I use 3-4 pumps on dry skin and it breaks down any make up I’m wearing in seconds, even the heavy duty foundations. On contact with water, the oil transforms into a milky emulsion that leaves the skin feeling clean, nourished and hydrated. There’s also zero residue left behind when removed which is a bonus. I also found that I can use this on my eye area with no problems or irritation too which isn’t common for me with a lot of oil cleansers. After use my skin feels really comfortable and clean, I don’t feel like my skin has been stripped of its natural moisture and it feels super soft to touch. It’s a beautiful product to use.

The moisturiser claims to increase the skin’s moisture levels immediately by a whopping 191% and while I have no way to measure this claim, I can tell you that my skin definitely feels very hydrated after using this. The formula is a light gel-cream texture that sinks into the skin quickly which has made it my go-to day time moisturiser for the past month. A quick slick and I’m ready to apply make up in the morning. Anything that helps save 5 minutes, I love.

It’s packed with botanical extracts, peptides and ceramides to help improve the skin’s overall texture. To be honest I can’t comment much on this benefit as my skin generally is quite smooth and texture isn’t often something that I struggle with, but my skin does feel baby soft after applying this. It also contains St John’s Wort which is said to be a powerful, natural antioxidant to protect the skin (another benefit of using this as a daily moisturiser). My only gripe about this product is the packaging, it comes in a pot that you scoop out which isn’t the most hygienic. I’d love to have seen this come in a tube or pot with a lid dispenser, but it’s certainly only a minor gripe.

In all, I’ve loved both products and don’t find myself itching to swap for other products which is commonplace with a skincare junkie. If you’re in the market for something gentle, soothing but effective that does what it says on the tin, then I think these products are worth looking at. The oil cleanser retails for £26 for 180ml and the moisturiser comes in at £31.00 for 50g. both of which I find reasonable price points.

Have you explored bareMinerals skincare products before? Tell me in the comments!

Thanks for reading!

Lynsey xox

*this post contains press samples that were sent to me for review with no obligation to post.