[unpaid/sample] I’ve got a lot of skin care waiting to be tested, but when founder of Dual, Bethany Parladorio, said ‘give it three days’, I pushed it to the front of the queue and a whole week later I’m still using it. It’s one I’ll be sorry to stop testing to be honest because it’s come to market at exactly the time that I feel there is beauty overwhelm in the skin care category. Dual Skincare’s USP is that there are two products (there will be a cleanser eventually) that do it all.
That concept, I think, is speaking to anyone looking at their beauty cupboard post lockdown and wondering why it’s full to the brim. There have been so, so many new start ups in the skin care market, mostly targeting the millenial and Gen Z audience, but already they’re starting to flounder because they’re so alike the USPs don’t stand up. The Definitive Day & Night Cream can be used day or night – no need to differentiate and no need for separate eye cream or neck cream. It’s quite a rich texture which makes you initially think it’s too much for day but give it a few moments to settle and it feels at one with your complexion very quickly.
The brand is using an interesting mix of not-so-usual ingredients such as pomegranate (targets inflammation), peach kernel (for skin softening), Japanese seaweed (nourishing), alongside more familiar heavy hitters, Niacinamide (skin barrier), Vitamin C (brightening), Tripeptides (smoothing and firming) and Hyaluronic acid amongst other things.
The High Potency Complex contains some retinol which I have found to be exceptionally gentle – I’ve been using this under the Definitive Day & Night in the mornings and sometimes on its own. Both work well under make up – so far. So, what I can say is that my skin is holding moisture very well (and I have been having dryness issues) and it feels and looks smoother than it did before. If I was going to trial this on-going I would expect those early results to only increase over time with further benefits. I can also say I’ve used creams at treble the price with the same results so to know that the Definitive Day & Night is £34 and the High Potency Complex is £27. Actually, in just quickly fact checking now, I see I was supposed to only use the HPC twice a week but I’ve used it every day to no ill effects whatsoever.
I can see that Dual will quite easily gather a loyal following (which is, what I think is causing the demise of the start ups mentioned earlier – no loyalty because no USP) amongst the 35+ market who’d rather spend more wisely but without compromising efficacy. As full disclosure, I know Bethany from her years as a beauty PR – we caught up via video call recently after a hiatus of five years or so and she is as full of life, funny, sincere and clever as ever. You can find Dual Skincare HERE.
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All products are sent to me as samples from brands and agencies unless otherwise stated. Affiliate links may be used. Posts are not affiliate driven.
13 comments
I’ve seen a few companies start off with this “you’ll only need our 2/3 products” approach then end up adding and adding to their range – Dr Sam Bunting springs to mind. Do you think this will stay true to its pared back roots?
I asked the question actually which is how I know there is a cleanser coming – I think that even if more product options appear, you will still be able to stay with the two products and that’s a complete regime for your skin. So, I don’t feel the message of just two products being all your skin needs will change but there might be extras you want to opt into – or not 🙂
Looks like the cream includes all the things I’d usually look for in a serum (vitamin c for example) so interesting to see if you get the same effects…could definitely do clearing out the bathroom cabinet! Thanks for sharing
I think we could all do with a clear out :-)))
I am a guy but I still love your blog!
great – thank you!
Did you have any kind of retinol purge with the Dual correcting complex?
No, I can’t say that I did – is it happening to you?
I haven’t used the Dual retinol, but I’ve had purges with other retinol serums and creams. This two system approach looks with Dual looks ideal though!
Hi! I’ve been using the Dual retinol & cream. The retinol is great….but the cream pills like no one’s business?! I put a decent layer on (as I would any moisturiser), massage it in and when I go to touch or add makeup a few minutes later it just rubs off 🙁 Confused bc you say in your review that the cream works well under makeup. I’ll contact the brand to see if they have any answers x
So, pilling occurs when (usually) ingredients of both the cream and the foundation work against each other. If silicone is in both products, the silicone particles can clump together. It sounds like your moisturiser and your foundation don’t get on – you could try a different, silicone free foundation or silicone free moisturiser (and use your Dual at night time for example) or try giving your cream more time to settle on your skin before adding your base.
I am very interested in this brand but the website is not working. Are they still in business?
I realized I’m reading this post one year after. Maybe they shut down?
They have an instagram page – maybe you could contact them there. The last time I was in touch with the brand (several months ago now) it was focusing on overseas sales but I’m really not sure of their status now. x