I Tried Dr. Sam Ellis' Skincare Routine For A Month - Here's What Happened
A well-respected voice within the beauty community, Dr Ellis’ ever-informative YouTube channel is a voice of reason to many. Expanding on her experience, she tells us, “As a dermatologist, I’ve seen, used, and recommended a lot of skincare, ranging from drugstore brands to prescriptions and luxury cosmeceuticals. Despite the available options, I’ve always felt a greater need for more advanced, elegant formulations that are both affordable and actually inspire people to care for their skin consistently.”
To put the range to the test, we’ve enlisted the help of Euan, our Digital Partnerships Coordinator and self-confessed skincare veteran, to commit to a curated routine for 28 days and report back. Spoiler alert, the results are pretty impressive...
Topline On The Prequel Range
• Dermatological skincare
• Fragrance free
• Suitable for all skin types
• Solution-focused skincare products
• Infused with active ingredients
Euan's Prequel Skincare Routine
Step one: Pre-Gleanse Cleansing Oil
What it does: Lightweight cleansing oil that’s a great first step to a double cleanse, to remove makeup and heavy SPF.
How it feels: This cleansing oil is very thin and slippery, which I really like, as some oils can feel too heavy and overwhelming on your face and fingers. It didn’t leave behind any greasy residue!
Who it’s best for: It did a great job at removing my day-to-day makeup, but if you wear heavier formulas you may prefer a balm. I have oily, acne prone skin so I definitely need the next cleansing step, but drier skin types would probably like this oil on its own!
Step two: Gleanser Non-Drying Glycerin Cleanser
What it does: Softening, foaming cleanser, infused with 50% glycerin to keep your skin supple without feeling stripped. Ideal for your second cleanse! You can also use this on your body, which is great for a deep, post workout cleanse.
How it feels: It foams up exceptionally, creating deep, nourishing cleanse. I didn't suffer from that dreaded 'tightness', yet my oil was balanced. It does take a while to rinse off but I use it in the shower both morning and night, so that doesn’t bother me.
Who it’s best for: I love this product! I feel like it’s the Prequel product that everybody raves about and it's rare to find a foaming cleanser that's suitable for dry and sensitive skin while also being effective for oilier types. For the price point, you actually can't beat this! You get a massive bottle and I love the clinical vibes of the packaging.
Step three: Multi-Acid Milk Peel AHA Exfoliating Solution
What it does: This exfoliating liquid has transformed my skin. People have been commenting on how lovely and smooth my skin looks and I know this is why. It truly makes your skin glow. I also applied it to the ‘strawberry skin’ on my arms (small, raised, red bumps) and it went within a week!
How it feels: I’m an experienced retinol user and my skin is used to a BHA exfoliator every day but this was still definitely a level up! At first, I was quite scared of this product because it does tingle and I had redness, but it’s become my favourite product! It packs a punch and that’s why I love it, the results I've seen are next level, but it’s probably a bit of a marmite product as it’s not for the faint hearted.
Who it’s best for: This is a highly effective product for experienced skincare users that want a deep exfoliation and resurfacing treatment. I will definitely be repurchasing, however I wouldn’t recommend it for sensitive or dry skin. I’d recommend introducing it to your routine gradually, by using it a couple of times a week.
Step four: Multi-Quench Plumping Hydration Serum
What it does: This serum gently moisturises and hydrates and it didn't break me out. It really calmed down my skin after using the milk peel and helped my skin barrier tolerate the intense exfoliation.
How it feels: I love how lightweight it is, as it absorbs well and layers nicely with other products. Essentially, it gives you juicy skin and makes your skin feel more plump, but the visible results aren't miraculous.
Who it’s best for: Unlike the milk peel, this is suitable for sensitive skin! If you like the B5 hydra from medik8, you'll like this, as it's really similar.
Step five: Half and Half Fluid Moisturizer
What it does: This milky moisturiser is infused with peptides and ceramides. I used this before my usual night cream or overnight mask as a hydration boost.
How it feels: The texture looks and feels thick initially, but once it’s rubbed in it’s really light, which seems to be a common theme from Prequel! I love the pouring motion of the packaging, it feels really fresh.
Who it’s best for: Somebody that avoids heavy moisturisers! It would definitely work well as a milky toner or moisturiser, depending on your skins needs or the time of year.
Euan's verdict on Prequel
My skin looks amazing, it's clearer, brighter, smoother and more glowy. I’m really pleasantly surprised by the whole range, as it’s not often you like everything you try. Nothing broke me out, it’s a good staple routine and I'd recommend the brand to anyone. I've been talking about it non stop.
THE PROS: It’s a great entry level, dermatologist backed brand, that people can get started with if they want to improve their skin. I’ll definitely be re-purchasing the Gleanser and the Multi-Acid Milk Peel.
THE CONS: I think the Multi-Quench Plumping Hydration Serum could have been slightly more hydrating, but I did like the light texture. The Multi-Acid Milk Peel does taste funny if you accidentally get some on your lips, but then again, you’re not meant to drink it.
Watch Euan's Prequel Skincare Review
Link to be added once videos are uploaded
Read More
• The Prequel Formulas That Will Help Strengthen Your Skin Barrier
