Superdrug has gone out of its way to offer more skincare bundles over the past year - including a few of its own. Its Naturally Radiant Get the Glow Collection retails at £9.99 but, in the run-up to Christmas, was on offer for under £8. We snapped one up and put it to the test over the festive period.
What's in the Box?
This four-piece collection includes:
Naturally Radiant Hot Cloth Cleanser (muslin cloth supplied) - 30ml
Naturally Radiant Glycolic Toner - 30ml
Naturally Radiant Glow Soothing Face Cream - 50ml
Naturally Radiant Glow Intense Shot (serum) - 15ml
This represents all the products you will need for a routine.
You will note that the product sizes are small, making them ideal for travel or simply giving a glow-boosting regimen a try. If your skin needs a pick-me-up after all the festivities, this set is definitely worth taking a look at.
How long each product lasts will depend on how often you use them. We estimate, you will get around two weeks' worth of skincare out of this collection if used most days. If you mix and match the products with your existing skincare essentials, they could last up to a month.
Hot Cloth Cleanser
What Superdrug says: "Awakens the skin’s natural glow, smooths, tones and brightens."
Our verdict: Removes baked on make-up and grime effortlessly. You only need to use a small amount, massaged into wet skin, to benefit from a deep-down cleansing facial. Leaves the skin feeling super-clean and fresh as well as hydrated.
This product is a great alternative to a cleansing balm and as good as branded hot cloth cleansers we've tried in the past.
It definitely smooths the skin. As for toning and brightening, we think you would have to use the product for longer than two weeks to notice a real difference.
The only drawback with this cleanser - and the same goes for the glycolic toner in the collection - is the fragrance. While not overpowering, it is akin to a men's aftershave. Fragrance-free or a citrus scent would work much better.
Overall: A good product.
Glycolic Toner
What Superdrug says: "Formulated with a unique energising complex and infused with Kiwi Fruit and Mulberry extracts. Highly concentrated in Glycolic Acid, a powerful Alpha Hydroxy Acid (AHA), the refreshing tonic also refines pores, moisturises the skin's surface and smooths fine lines, providing a brighter, healthier and more youthful complexion."
Because of the results you can achieve with a glycolic toner, this product is likely to be used most days and, therefore, last the least amount of time. The trick is to be economical and use the product sparingly. We applied it with a cotton wool pad, being careful not to use too much product.
Our verdict: Smoothing and refines pores. The toner left the skin feeling fresh, clear and very smooth. Noticeable difference in skin tone (it was more even) after one week's use. However, the aftershave-like fragrance detracted from the overall experience.
If you want to lift the look of your skin and give it a glass-like smooth finish, this product does the trick. Perfect for prepping the skin before using a make--up primer.
Overall: It works.
Face Cream
What Superdrug says: "This soothing prebiotic face cream helps to nourish the skin and reduce irritation and redness, leaving skin feeling luxuriously smoother and softer."
Our verdict: The cream has a medium to heavy-weight, rich consistency and feels very soothing on the skin. It has a balm-like finish and, another plus, delivers a slight blur effect. The generous-size pot means this product is likely to last the longest. Best used in small amounts if applied before make-up to prevent pilling. This cream left the skin feeling soft and radiant. Perfect for no make-up days.
Overall: Reduced redness and delivered softness. Good moisture barrier and ideal for use over a serum.
Serum
What Superdrug says: "This prebiotic concentrated booster transforms dull and dehydrated skin and blurs imperfections. Skin will be left feeling clearer and brighter, restoring the skin’s natural glow."
We had a problem getting this product out of the bottle. It has the consistency and look of old fashioned shampoo, complete with silky sheen. It was gloopy, making it very hard to draw the serum up into the pipette. Hence, we have only managed to use very small amounts on the skin.
Our verdict: Unable to reach a conclusion due to the lack of product used. This is a shame because of the claims that it transforms skin and blurs imperfections.
A Complete Skincare Set for Under £10
We thought the Naturally Radiant Get the Glow Collection from Superdrug delivered on nearly all of its promises. For under a tenner, it was well worth buying and kick-started a glow-boosting routine for the start of a new year. In fact, we were so impressed, we plan to give the brand's hydrating skincare collection a try next.
There is nothing in this set that you wouldn't use. The cleanser is a stand-out performer and we also rate the toner and face cream. For £9.99, what's not to love?