Skyn Iceland skincare review

A few weeks ago, I indulged in a little beauty hauling in my local M&S after they revamped their beauty hall.  One of the products I picked up was the Quench Kit for Thirsty Skin (£34) by a skincare brand called Skyn Iceland.  Just so you know, I tend to have fairly boring normal skin with the occasional outbreak at that time of the month, but I do like to use richer products at this time of year.

For those newbies to the brand (myself included), their products are "specifically formulated to treat the effects of stress on facial skin using pure and potent natural ingredients from Iceland."  They are free of parabens, sulphates, mineral oils, phthalates, synthetic fragrance and dyes.  Oh, and they're 100% vegan and cruelty-free.

I always like carefully curated kits like this; I think they're the perfect way to try out a new brand, without the guilt of wasting much product if you end up hating it.  This one was ideal as it contained all you needed to cleanse and moisturise day and night for a month.

In this kit, you'll receive try-me sizes of their Pure Cloud Cleanser, Arctic Hydrating Balm, Oxygen Infusion Night Cream, and their Icelandic Relief Eye Pen, plus one muslin cloth (although this was about the size of a postage stamp!)

Pure Cloud Cleanser:  Doesn't that sound comforting?  This is a gentle, but effective no-frills cream cleanser.  It will easily take off my all my day's makeup (although I cannot attest to waterproof or heavy eye makeup, as I don't do either).  I think its supposed to smell citrus-y, but I reckoned it smelled like cardboard (!)  Once massaged in, you just rinse off with a wet muslin cloth.  I have to say that my skin definitely felt softer after, not tight, and felt clean.  I used this morning and night, and I have to say that this tube only lasted me a fortnight.

Arctic Hydrating Balm with Cryo-Protective Complex:  I think the word "balm" is a little misleading here.  Although this is meant to be deeply moisturising and used in the day, do not think of this as your typical thick greasy ointment.  This actually feels quite light on, but does make my skin feel nourished and prepped for any makeup.  It didn't really have any fragrance to it either, so great if you have sensitive skin or hate strong smells.

Oxygen Infusion Night Cream:  The texture of this is lovely, like Greek yoghurt!  It has quite a fresh floral scent which soon disappears.  I liked to use this after massaging my face with a facial oil for an extra pampering treat, and my skin felt plumped and glowing the next day.  Nice.

Icelandic Relief Eye Pen:  Comes in a click-pen device with a handy applicator-tip.  Does feel cooling going on, but don't think it really did anything noticeable for my dark circles, or fine lines.  Nothing too special about this one really.

All in all, I thought this was a really lovely fuss-free kit, great for travel (especially in winter), and I think my skin has loved me for it.  I think there's something to be said for keeping your skincare regime quite simple.  With the exception of the cleanser, the products have actually lasted me a month (I'm still going on the night and eye creams).  None of the products have caused me to break out in any way.

Would I re-purchase any of the items?  Well, I do now own a full-size of the Arctic Hydrating Balm.  I think it could be used day or night really, plus I've also got their Pure Cloud Cream (couldn't help myself - like the cleanser, it just sounded so comforting and gentle!)

Have you tried any new skincare brands lately?