Refy was one of my most reached-for make-up brands in 2024. From the Blur lip liners I’ve now worn down to a stub to the Lash Sculpt Mascara that left me looking like I’d had lash extensions, the brand did not miss the mark once last year in my books. So when I got invited to sit down with Refy co-founder Jess Hunt to talk about their secret new product category, I jumped at the opportunity. 

I couldn’t have been the only one yearning for the brand to launch a foundation, so I was surprised when Jess placed a cleanser and moisturiser in front of me. In true Refy fashion, it was doing the unexpected and launching into skincare. “I’d always imagined this end goal I’d eventually reach where my skin would be perfect but I understand now that that’s never going to happen,” Jess tells me. Surprisingly, this realisation inspired her to branch into skincare. 

Like many, Jess struggled with hormonal acne in her teens and even went on the contraceptive pill and an antibiotic to solve the breakout problem. This worked until she decided to ditch the pill and the struggles started all over again. She tried everything from facials to buzzy skincare products to get her skin back on track. “I spent so much money trying everything and it was still no better. Everyone kept giving me unsolicited advice but nothing worked.” The brand co-founder then set herself the challenge to create something better. 

“I learnt the hard way that simplicity is best,” she explains, and this philosophy is echoed in the skincare range, which includes just two products: Face Cleanse (£24) and Face Sculpt (£38). The first is a non-stripping, make-up-removing cleanser; the latter is a 2-in-1 face massager and moisturiser – I was intrigued.

She describes the products being “selfishly created for her own journey” but admits it was a passion product years in the making. Her skin journey isn’t solely about products; minimising stress and remembering to eat breakfast made a huge difference, she admits, but this pared-back approach and listening to her skin, rather than social media trends, got her back on track. 

She claims the Korean-made formulas will be unlike any other textures I’ve tried, which is no small feat. She also reassured me that neither product would upset my sensitive skin nor be so heavy they would break me out, and I was keen to see whether she was right. 

The Face Cleanse

Usually, anything that remotely resembles foam has my sensitive skin running for the hills but this one bubbles, rather than foaming up. Turns out, this makes a huge difference in the hydration department.

It starts off as a serum-like texture and then the fun starts when you apply a little water. The formula contains hydrating glycerin, restoring trealix and oil-like emollients, so you can remove everything from make-up to SPF without stripping the skin or causing breakouts.

I have to admit, the bubbly texture does make it fun to use and I was surprised that it didn’t leave my skin feeling tight after rinsing. I did need more than the recommended one pump to get it to blitz through make-up though. 

I feel like my dry skin does need a bit more hydration during these colder months but I predict that I’ll be reaching for this constantly during the summer when my skin is a bit slicker. Plus, the handy pump dispenser means you don’t have to faff about with a lid with your eyes closed. Bonus. 

Face Sculpt

If I had to pick between the two, Face Sculpt would come out on top. While I’ve had moisturisers and serums with a massage applicator before, I usually find you end up wasting a lot of product and the tool itself isn’t as effective as using one on its own (although, who has time for this in the morning? Give me an extra ten mins in bed instead, please).

However, this successfully lets me stretch all the niggles in my jaw that build up overnight and leaves my skin looking dewy afterwards, thanks to the glycerin, mushroom extract and Inst’Tight™ blend. The latter, which I’ve never come across previously, claims to tighten and smooth the skin.

Unlike many 2-in-1 massager-product-hybrids I’ve used before, you can easily control how much product you’re dispensing, so nothing gets wasted. It’s the ideal quick fix on those mornings when your skin is taking a little longer to wake up and your eyes are looking puffy. The cooling gel soaks into the skin instantly, so you’re left with a glow but no greasiness.

Again, when my skin is severely lacking in hydration, I’d need a moisturiser with a bit more oomph, but for a morning cream when I’m going to apply SPF afterwards anyway, this is ideal. It also plays well under make-up, so there’s no pilling in sight. 

My verdict on Refy Skincare

Although the category of each product isn’t totally new, it’s clear that innovation is at the forefront of both; from the packaging to the textures. Considering Refy is all about dewiness, it’s refreshing to see that they haven’t packed this line with pore-blocking oils and instead have taken a lightweight approach to upping hydration levels.

I didn’t experience any breakouts or sensitivity when introducing either to my routine, which is a rarity for me. I think if your skin is super dry, you may need something a bit thicker to get you through the colder weather but otherwise I can’t fault the range. 

Plus, the way the Face Sculpt applicator has reduced my jaw tension is a game-changer for both my puffy morning face and my frequent headaches. 

Image: Charlotte Bitmead