PLouise Candy Bears skincare collection review

PLouise knows makeup. But does the brand know skincare? That was the big question when it first launched a skincare line. After the soaraway success of the Obsessed For Less bundle, and in particular the high-performing Plump Me Pretty moisturiser, I was left in little doubt: they’ve got the basics well covered. Then they launched something altogether more serious… I've got the PLouise Candy Bears products (from the Bear Necessities collection), I've done the testing and I'm ready to spill the tea (and the serum).

Just because something looks colourful and fun, it doesn’t mean it can’t perform on a profound level. Behind the slushy-sweet pink and green packaging, not to mention a fruity fragrance inspired by gummy bears, lies transformative products. In fact, several of them are so good they give premium anti-ageing brands a real run for their money.

Skincare products from the Candy Bears range, part of PLouise's Bear Necessities collection.

So, what’s this Candy Bears range all about and what does it include?

Products in the PLouise Candy Bears collection

As well as a Candy Bear Obsessed For Less bundle (which includes products for a great double cleanse and the iconic Plump Me Pretty moisturiser) and a new Bad Bitch Energy lip care set, I got the following:

• Bubble Burst Popping Serum

• Here I Glow Again Recovery Mask

• Sugar Me Up Face Scrub

• Peel The Love Peel Off Face Mask

• All Scrubbed Up Body Scrub

For the purpose of this review, I’m going to concentrate on the first two products - because they are transformative.

As well as putting a PLouise twist on the gummy bear theme, the formulations in this collection give a nod to green, tech-driven skincare with an algae-like appearance. Algae holds huge promise in the skincare world, particularly on the efficacy and sustainability fronts, so this was a savvy theme to choose. 

However, before I move onto the products I want to tell you about, I must mention the Sugar Me Up face scrub. A little goes a long way. This product retails at £18 for 60g and delivers a hit of hydration as well as gentle exfoliation. I’ve slotted this product into my routine, using it instead of a vibrating cleansing brush. Currently, I use the scrub twice a week but aim to increase this to three times a week. On the skin, it feels like a hybrid cleansing balm. It’s infused with natural oils and botanicals - and you can feel it. Lovely!

Skin transforming products in a fun format

Right, let’s get down to business. There are two new holy grails served up in the PLouise Candy Bears range - the Bubble Burst Popping Serum and the Here I Glow Again Recovery Mask. In fact, they are so good, I’ve already stocked up. 

Ahead of going into specific product details, I want to tell you what they’ve done for my skin. The reason? Because skincare, decent skincare, isn’t just about how something feels on your face, it’s about how it makes your skin look. Since incorporating these two products into my routine, I’ve noticed my skin is plumper, smoother, more even toned, and radiant.

Just to confirm my thoughts, I subjected my face to the Perfect ® AI skin analyser. It told me that my skin age is seven years younger than my biological age, which is nothing short of a miracle after all the cancer drugs I’ve had pumped into my body. It also revealed that I have high skin hydration levels (well over 85%). The score for radiance was similarly high. The fine lines around my eyes are minimal and the score for wrinkles was negligible. I’m 59, by the way. 

Bubble Burst Popping Serum

Does it have bubbles in it? Yes. Do they pop? Possibly, but I can’t say it’s something I’ve particularly noticed. I’ve been too busy savouring the 'WOW' of a massive moisture hit on my face. This product is a step up from your average multi-weight hyaluronic acid. It has an elevated ‘drenched in moisture’ sensation when applied to the skin but goes beyond delivering merely hydration. It truly does plump.

As well as ingredients that make up hyaluronic acid, the serum is packed with root and stem extracts. It’s a botanical burst of ‘Ahhh’ in a bottle. Priced at £18, Bubble Burst Popping Serum is sold in a huge 50ml dropper bottle. 

I apply the serum morning and night. In the evening, I apply it after cleansing and toning and ahead of heavier serums and, of course, Plump Me Pretty, which locks everything in to do its magic while I sleep. In the morning, I apply the product after a gentle cleanse and before a makeup primer (often Plump Me Pretty, because it’s a multi-tasker) and SPF. 

The Bubble Burst Popping Serum.

Here I Glow Again Recovery Mask

This product is sold in a 100ml tri-colour swirl pump bottle and retails at £20. I’ve bought primers in this format before and it’s often been the case that I blink and the bottle is empty. This serum-mask actually lasts. Because the product is pumped from the bottom of the bottle, I’ve been keeping an eye on the shift upwards. It’s doing well!

OK, so this is a thick, syrup-like mask that feels like a heavy, sticky serum. It can be applied over clean skin and left for a quarter of an hour before being removed with warm water. It can also be used as an overnight mask - and that’s how I’ve been using it. I apply three to four pumps after a full cleanse and tone, and over the Bubble Burst Popping Serum. I wait (with my hair secured away from my face) for around three-quarters of an hour. Then, once it has lost its rich treacle-like, sticky texture, I apply my holy grail (Plump Me Pretty) to seal it in. In the morning I rinse it off with a light foaming cleanser.

PLouise recommends using this mask a few times a week. I’ve been using it every other night, and experienced some great results. 

The biggest benefit I’ve gained from this product is much clearer skin. No more uneven tones! As for the redness around my nose? Well, that has virtually gone. This sleep mask has actually made a noticeable difference. 

It goes without saying that Here I Glow Again Recovery Mask contains brightening and calming properties, including Vitamin C and, again, berry-derived acidic botanicals. It is also infused with, wait for it, black truffle and hyaluronic acid. 

The Here I Glow Again Recovery Mask.

Do I recommend PLouise Candy Bears skincare?

Yes, I bloomin’ do! I am sure there are lots of women in my age range who discount the efficacy of skincare from a makeup brand. This range has to also overcome the fun theme but, honestly, if you can bend your mind around those purely mental barriers, you won’t regret it. Behind the girly sweetness lies skincare products inspired by Korean formulas - and they work.

Heads up - I produce a free, monthly magazine for my readers. Grab the latest issue below. It can be read online or downloaded to read later.