This 3-Step Kit Gave My Skin the Hydration Reset It Needed

Identifying products that work for my skin type has (historically) been pretty easy because it's been the same for so long. But this summer, I was thrown for a loop when my usually sensitive combination skin felt drier than ever. The increased exposure to sun, surf, and chlorine certainly didn't help, but it was clear that my go-to regimen for combination skin (which has previously been on the oilier side) was no longer working for my newly parched skin. So when Versed Skin announced it was launching a new Hydration Collection, I knew I wanted to give it a try. My skin needed all the moisture it could get, and the Hydration Trio ($41) looked like a promising — and affordable — way to reset my routine entirely.

Hydration Trio

From

$41

$41 at VersedSkin.com

The collection's trio features three Versed Skin products — the Soft Launch Gentle Hydrating Cleanser ($13), Water Rush Intensive Hydrating Serum ($15), and Water Rush Hydrating Eye Gel ($13) — that are said to provide the ultimate hydration boost when used together. To relieve my skin of the tightness and dryness I was experiencing, I tested the hydrating lineup. To see if the three products helped quench my skin's thirst, keep reading for my honest thoughts ahead.

Soft Launch Gentle Hydrating Cleanser

From

$13

$13 at VersedSkin.com

Water Rush Intensive Hydrating Serum

From

$15

$15 at VersedSkin.com

Water Rush Hydrating Eye Gel

From

$13

$13 at VersedSkin.com

First and foremost, I loved that Versed decided to bundle these three products when the new collection dropped. It took the guesswork out of overhauling my skin-care routine at a time when my skin was particularly vulnerable (AKA dry AF). With the exception of a moisturizer and SPF, my new, more-hydrating routine was basically set with just the trio.

When I started using the Soft Launch Gentle Hydrating Cleanser, I immediately noticed its creamy, gel-like texture. It didn't foam, have any fragrance, or strip my skin at all — which I appreciated as my previous cleanser often left my skin feeling tight and dry. After cleansing, I used the Water Rush Hydrating Eye Gel, which really impressed me because it reminded me of a more expensive eye gel that I had used previously — but without fragrance and less tacky. The Versed eye gel was lightweight, refreshing, and helped with the appearance of tired eyes in the morning.

As someone who had never consistently incorporated a hyaluronic acid serum in their routine before, I was curious to see if it would make a noticeable difference in my skin. After using the Water Rush Intensive Hydrating Serum, it became clear that this was the step I'd been missing all along. I applied the serum on freshly dampened skin (immediately after cleansing or after a rosewater toner), and my skin immediately drank it up. It was fast-absorbing, but helped lock in the moisture under my moisturizer. My skin felt bouncier, more supple, and refreshed.

Altogether, these three products helped to hydrate my complexion and retain moisture throughout the day. I had no more dry patches in sight — and despite continuing to swim and spend days in the sun, my skin felt more comfortable than ever.

Begin by washing your face with the Soft Launch Gentle Hydrating Cleanser (if you double cleanse with an oil or balm, Soft Launch will be the second cleansing product in your routine). Then apply the Water Rush Hydrating Eye Gel to your undereyes. Finally, use the Water Rush Intensive Hydrating Serum on your face and neck. Allow the serum to sit for two minutes before applying a moisturizer and sunscreen of your choice. The brand says all three products can be used in your morning and evening skin-care routines. Note: if you're wondering where to include retinol in your nighttime routine, I opted to use it after the Versed serum and before my moisturizer to prevent dryness as much as possible.

I personally didn't have any reservations about trying the trio, especially because of its affordable price point. However, it's worth noting that reviews for each product vary on the brand's site. While I found the products to be hydrating and soothing, some users said the products felt either too heavy or not hydrating enough. Whether you like the products or not will be highly dependent on your skin type and any concerns you're trying to address.

This trio of products is suitable for all skin types, but the brand notes that it's made for aging skin and problem skin, and for addressing dryness or dullness. I would add that I found the hydrating products to be very gentle — which makes them a great option for anyone with sensitive skin.

The Hydration Trio is available to shop exclusively at the brand's site. You can also purchase the products individually at Target.

★★★★★

Alida Araica is a newsletter manager at PS, where she oversees and executes editorial and client email strategy and production. Occasionally, she lends her expertise to writing product reviews. Alida has over five years of marketing experience in digital media.