Describe the brand in five words.
Independent. Colour. Fresh. Clean. Young.
What is it?
'An alcohol free, skin-balancing toner formulated with the powerful antioxidant CoQ-10. The hydrating and refreshing mixture helps close pores and balance the skin's pH level using Aloe Vera and Hyaluronic Acid. '
This is a traditional 'toner'.
Who is it for?
Everyone, especially 'normal to dry' skin types.
What’s in it?
Purified water (aqua), Aloe Barbadensis, Coenzyme Q10, Hyaluronic Acid, Anthemis Nobilis (Chamomile), Salvia Officinalis (Sage), Carica Papaya Leaf Extract, Cucums Sativus (Cucumber) Extract, Citrus Aurantium Flower Oil, Phenoxyethanol and Ethylhexylglycerin (both derived from natural sources)
What's not in it?
alcohol, acids, parabens etc
Indie Lee's entire ethos is based around 'clean' ingredients, more info here: indielee.com/ingredients-to-avoid
Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?
Citrus potentially, but it's unlikely unless you know you have an allergy.
Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?
A mixture. Natural is the safest word to use.
Tested on animals/sold in territories that advocate testing?
No/No
How does it smell?
Clean and fresh.
How does it feel on the skin?/Absorption rate?
Like silk but without the silicone after-feel. Skin is softer after applying.
How do you use it?/Where to use in your routine?
After cleansing or after acids.
I tend to use it in the mornings if I don't fancy acids, and in the evenings after acids as a second tone - although by definition, this could just as easily be called '1st stage of layering'.
How long before you should see results?
You'll feel a difference immediately, skin will feel much softer and smoother after a couple of uses.
How long did I test it for?
I've had it for a few months.
How much is it? /Size
£29.95/$32.00 for 4ozs/113 mls.
This is a good, solid, treatment lotion used at the traditional 'toner' stage, although to dismiss it simply as a toner would be a mistake. Toners these days are much more likely to be essences or lotions, used as the first stages of rehydration and treatment, as opposed to 'remove traces of cleanser'. As I've said numerous times, if you're cleansing properly, that isn't necessary.
This feels like food on the skin, containing aloe vera, hyaluronic acid and CoQ10 as an antioxidant, which in this case, would benefit the skin as it is left on, not removed. Camomile, sage and cucumber keep it soothing and calming. I love using this after something strong like P50 or Dennis Gross Extra-Strength Pads.
Perfect for those of you that cannot/do not want to use acids at all, and want something 'wet' for your serums/moisturisers to adhere to.
What’s not so good about it?
Nothing. I love it.
Works well with?
Anything after this will feel like it's working better on your skin, whether that's Indie' other products or your own serums that you already own.
What’s the website like?
Great. Good information, clear visuals, represents the brand well. Full ingredients listed.
How’s the distribution? Available freely or limited?
Available in the UK via online retailers below. Needs bricks and mortar to really fly. Available from Anthropologie and Saks in the US, along with lots of independent retailers.
Would I purchase/repurchase?
Absolutely.
Similar products*?
Darphin Intral Toner BioEssence Hydra Tri-Action Su-Man Rehydrating Toning Essence Emma Hardie Plump & Glow Hydrating Mist *none of these are exactly the same, but they're nice non-acid toners. Indie Lee CoQ10 is £29.95/$32.00 and available from abeautifulworld.co.uk and indielee.com *This post contains some affiliate links. If you are happy to click on them and support the blog, thank you very much. If you would rather not, just google the product. It's all good. See my full disclaimer here: http://bit.ly/1rpEmSq The views expressed on this site are the author's own and are provided for informational purposes only. The author makes no warranties about the suitability of any product or treatment referenced or reviewed here for any person other than herself and any reliance placed on these reviews or references by you is done so solely at your own risk. Nothing on this site shall be construed as providing dermatological, medical or other such advice and you are always advised to seek the advice of a suitable professional should you have any such concerns.
