[unpaid/sample/affiliate/ad] It’s impossible to test every single skin care item I get sent although I do my very best even if its just a surface test as is the case here. There are two items in the Kate Somerville HydraKate Recharging range so far and they’ll suit anyone who a) doesn’t like heavy creams or b) doesn’t find they get quite enough hydration from existing creams and need an extra layer and c) combination skin that is dehydrated but can’t take too much oil without more breakouts.

The formulas for both the Recharging Water Cream and the Recharging Serum are incredibly light – they don’t really leave any tangible residue sitting on the skin and I would suggest, expensive as they are, one won’t do as well without the other. It’s really for dehydrated skin – if your skin feels tight, looks less than glowy or isn’t as smooth as you’d like it to be then it could be that your skin is dehydrated and there is a lack of water in your complexion. It’s the usual culprits – going from hot to cold and vice versa, central heating, air con, not drinking enough water and the latter should be your first port of call. It’s a good idea to have herbal tea on hand – I like a really basic minty one from Typhoo or any from Tea & Tonic – which somehow seems for drinkable than plain water when it’s cold outside. So, I’d suggest upping your fluid before you try anything else and if you can tolerate oils, ensuring you put one over your moisturiser to maximise keeping water in your skin.

All that said, some people are just more prone than others – lifestyle plays a part – and a bit of help is no bad thing. With the Water Cream (£65) you get a lovely, brief cooling after you’ve applied and an instant silkiness – the same can be said for the serum (£67) without the cool bit. I’m not even going to try and dive into the ‘AquaPort Technology’ but it’s true to say that after one use you will feel the benefit both in terms of hydration and silky feeling skin – I started this on my hands (often a bell weather for dehydration) and as soon as I felt the result it went straight onto my face! I’m currently testing another brand just now otherwise I’d give it a bit longer – those algae and marigold extracts are doing something for certain. You can find both the products HERE and there is 20% at the time of writing using code FAMILY20.

Non affiliate HERE.