I am delighted to announce that a few weeks ago, I was selected to be a part of Monu’s preview panel – reviewing and trying out their brand new products before they become available to purchase. I am a huge fan of Monu and was first introduced to them by Glossy Box several months ago, who featured one of their sample products. After reviewing the product, I was contacted by the Monu team asking if I would like to be a part of their preview panel!
Excitedly, I replied with a ‘yes’ and waited to hear back! I was astounded that a fantastic brand like Monu would be interested in hearing my opinion (as I’m no expert, I just have a lot to say and an opinionated writing style!) and that they would take my views into consideration for future products. One of the perks of being a blogger is the chance to have a say about a product in question, hopefully giving an insightful and helpful review and in doing so, letting the brand know what they have done well and what we love and what could possibly be improved next time! So, thank you Monu for letting me have a say and valuing my opinion – I can’t wait to work with you!
One of my first ‘preview panel’ tasks is to trial and test out the complete professional skincare range offered by Monu – which has been tailored and selected specifically for my skin type. As I go on and on about it fairly regularly, you will probably know by know that I have quite dry and dehydrated skin that I neglect fairly regularly. I wish I could say I have had a ‘skincare routine’ in place for years, but quite honestly – I can’t keep it up! Also (although I’m not excusing my terrible routine – or non routine), I travel quite a lot and stay in different places/houses a fair amount of the time depending on who I’m staying with/working for or interning with – so travelling with lots of different lotions and potions can prove quite difficult at times. Helpfully, Monu provided me with a small bag to keep all my travel sized essentials in – so I will have no excuse now!
Rather than diving straight in and reviewing all the products in a mad rush like I normally do, I decided to give the range a few weeks to work on my skin and then write up a review – as this is probably a more accurate representation of the effect of the products rather than just a few days testing. The products included in the range I received were: Collagen Eye Cream, Hydrating Mask, Collagen Cream, Gentle Cleanser, Night Cream, Micro Exfoliant and the Gentle Toner – which are all aimed at dry/dehydrated skin.
After a few days I formulated a little routine and began to see the effects of the products. Although I wasn’t initially sure what to use in what order, I started to get to grips with what the product did – and tailored this into what my skin needed throughout the day.
The Collagen Eye Cream works wonders and I have used it every day to refresh my eyes, moisturize and hydrate. Whilst I don’t have any wrinkles or lines around my eyes just yet, I like to follow the idea that I am helping to prevent them from appearing by using this cream, especially as I apply it in a circular motion – aiding and stimulating the blood flow. Again, I am no expert – but I did read somewhere that when you are young, you should use eye cream in a circular motion morning and night to keep this area hydrated and supple – preventing future lines.
The Gentle Cleanser and Toner are great for cleansing your face after a long day, and remove the last traces of make-up (which is vital as you don’t want these bits of make-up clogging up your pores!). I do still use a make-up wipe to remove the majority of my make-up, as otherwise it would take a lot longer using just a small pad – however I have definitely noticed the difference in my skin using the cleanser and the toner rather than just a make-up wipe!
The only thing they are missing (if I’m being extremely picky) is a little ‘how to’ step-by-step guide that explains what to use, in what order for newbies like me who want to make the most out of all of the products on offer. Although many of you will probably have a skincare regime in place and will know which products are to be used in what order, there are some of us (more disorganized) people who need a little help in this department and would appreciate a subtle hint as to how to improve our skin using the products provided – in what order. I’m sure it doesn’t really matter which order, as long as you use your common sense and don’t apply all of the creams only to wash them all off with the cleanser, you will be fine. However that’s my only small criticism about the travel bag provided, and that’s only if I’m being extra fussy!
Overall, I loved the products and thought that they each worked harmoniously to improve skin and keep it looking far healthier, softer and give it a much needed glow. I love that skincare kits can be tailored and chosen dependent on your skin-type, as many brands just lump them all in together and say their products are ‘for all skin types’. I am thoroughly looking forward to reviewing and trialing more of Monu’s products in the future!
Overall, I really loved all of the products Monu kindly provided. They were quite strongly scented, which I was initially a little apprehensive about, as normally the fragranced skincare lines upset my skin – however, the fresh, floral scent of the products luckily didn’t bother my skin this time and I have noticed a visible improvement after just a few weeks. My only criticism aside from the step-by-step guide, is the packaging, which although is very chic and minimalist (creating a very professional, clean and fresh image) is rather hard to read. The writing is light purple on a transparent background, which means you have to squint to read anything clearly. Although I’m sure this wouldn’t be a problem for some people, I really enjoy reading what’s on the packaging as it helps to create an overall image and expectation of the product – so this is the only factor I would criticize.
