Q+A: The educational and affordable skincare brand we all need in our lives

This is my Q&A about Q+A.

Have you ever found yourself questioning what products to use on your skin? Or, even if you have that part nailed, at what step in the skincare process should you use them? Let's be real, we all have, and it has likely resulted in some skin mishaps or disappointment purely because we used the wrong product for our skin type or used it incorrectly. This is where Q+A comes in and answers all of my skincare questions and prayers in one quick sweep. In a world where skincare advice saturates our social media feeds, new skincare brands are popping up everywhere, and TikTok trends are telling us right from wrong, it's a bloody minefield out there. It's as frustrating as it is confusing to know what you actually should be doing for your skin, as one wrong move or product can set you back months in your skincare journey. This is why Q+A's clear, simplified, and educational packaging is so helpful, as the brand clearly understands our puzzlement and is on a mission to demystify skincare. All products come with a Q+A checklist, indicating which ingredients work best for which skin types. Before we get into it, I am very finicky when it comes to skincare. I have combination skin, and she can be unhinged at times if she's fed the wrong ingredients. So I've been through it when it comes to my skin, but I can say with confidence that I absolutely loved this brand and will continue to use it. With that said, all skin is unique. What works for me may not work for you.

Ceramide Barrier Defence Face Cream

This creamy godsend quickly became a favourite for me. Outside of its adorable packaging (I mean, who doesn't immediately feel happy seeing sunshine yellow?), it is packed full of skin-loving ingredients. As you can see below, it immediately announces that this is safe and will be effective on all skin types. It also tells you what areas it will get to work in. [caption id="attachment_587260" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Credit: Q+A & TheWorksPR[/caption] This small tub contains a cocktail of hard-working and powerful skin boosters: Pineapple fruit extract, which is rich in Vitamin E and K and naturally occurring ceramides, is known for fighting signs of ageing, boosting moisture, and brightening the skin. The ceramides within work to improve moisturization and elasticity, as well as protect it from environmental stressors. It is also infused with provitamin E, which acts as an antioxidant to protect the skin and promote good skin health. It's also a great moisturiser, perfect for targeting areas of dry and flaky skin. Its creamy and gentle consistency, as well as the marked improvement in my skin's moisture, are 100% due to the addition of natural squalane, which is a vegan-friendly alternative to squalene made from olive oil.

Hyaluronic Acid Facial Serum

A serum that will quench the thirstiest of skin. I'm not sure if it's just me, but whenever I've used hyaluronic acid in the past, I've loved how my skin looked but did find it would be a little tight (the opposite of what the acid is intended to do). That issue was not present with Q+A's hyaluronic hero. [caption id="attachment_587261" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Credit: Q+A & TheWorksPR[/caption] As a combo-skin girl, walking the line between dry skin flare-ups and full-on breakouts is a balancing act but this, combined with their Ceramide Defence Barrier Cream, has allowed me to avoid any dry, inflamed or angry-looking skin since I began using it, without oiling it up too much. The moisturising-binding ingredient leaves a bouncy, relaxed, and velvety texture on my skin, which has seriously improved how it looks with foundation on. When I experience any dryness, my foundation tends to cling to those patches, making sure every man, woman, and child I meet knows I'm having a flare-up, so this plumping product has been my new best pal. I won't bore you with the very-sciency-sounding ingredients that have been carefully selected for this serum, but I can't deny that they result in a stellar skincare product.

Grapefruit Cleansing Balm

Now to the product that has genuinely made the biggest difference in my skincare routine: Makeup wipes have never suited my skin, and, frankly, they don't suit the environment either, micellar water leaves my skin as dry as the winter version of Love Island, which leaves me lost in the abyss of what to remove my makeup with. It's arguably the most important step in a skin routine, as leaving any old makeup behind can lead to breakouts, irritations, and a whole host of other unwanted skin issues. This cleaning balm is the product I've been missing my entire adult life. [caption id="attachment_587262" align="alignnone" width="2048"] Credit: Q+A & TheWorksPR[/caption] In addition to smelling incredible, this is a very soft and delicate cleansing balm that can be applied directly to a full face of makeup. It dissolves everything from mascara to foundation in under a minute in the most gentle of ways and doesn't leave a stinging or tight sensation that I've experienced with other forms of makeup remover. Despite how delectable this grapefruit goddess is, the checklist recommends those with sensitive skin stay clear, but don't worry, they have the Oat Milk alternative in stock for this skin type. Now that you've met my personal skin-loving trifecta, why not get to know yours? Q+A has a helpful skin type quiz that can be taken prior to purchasing this extremely affordable brand. I'm not a girlie who is used to being complimented on her skin, and I've made my peace with that, but in the last week alone two people have gone out of their way to comment on my 'good' or 'youthful looking' my skin is. I am obsessed and I want you to be too! Available to shop at www.qanda.com and in a number of Irish chemists and stores.

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