Basking in the spring, almost summer sun, it’s time to switch out some products in our routines! Then I Met You’s newest launch next to their Honey Dew Lip Mask is such a great swap to a lightweight hydrator with their Calming Tide Gel Cream.
My skin type: “Normal” to dry. I quote normal because everyone’s skin is “normal” and beautiful.
Then I Met You claims:
For all skin types
Cruelty free and vegan
Free of artificial colorants, parabens, synthetic fragrances, silicones and alcohol
Read Then I Met You’s philosophy here:
Product details
The Calming Tide Gel Cream is a “light-as-air” gel cream to boost hydration and allow for suppleness and firmness to the skin.
Dessey tip: Depending on the consistency, gel creams can also be used and layered as a serum — at least for me!
Recommended for:
All skin types. (I think my oily skin type friends will love this!)
Texture and scent:
Texture — Incredibly watery and lightweight. The cream dispenses as a water gel, and though it doesn’t “run” down, the second I massage it in, let alone touch it, it melts into the skin like water. If I had a scale, 5 being really thick, I’ll put this at a 1.
Scent — A refreshing and light hibiscus, Froot Loop type of vibe. Very scrumptious but subtle!
Ingredients:
— Tri-Tide Complex™: Featuring three powerful peptides that work well together to repair, firm and stimulate collagen production within the gel cream formula.
What are peptides? Peptides are made up of amino acids. When formed, combined and formulated a specific way, they make specific types of proteins. (Collagen, keratin, elastin).
— Niacinamide: An incredibly powerful ingredient to help smooth out skin texture, rebalance and brighten your complexion, aid with hyperpigmentation and reinforces elasticity.
Side note: I'm on SUCH a Niacinamide kick lately. I’m so happy to see it’s part of this formulation!
— Hibiscus: With a ton of replenishing benefits, hibiscus seeds contain the highest concentration of lipid soluble antioxidants. It’s a natural plant extract vitamin E, vitamin C and polyphenols which are micronutrients that we get through a variety of plant-based foods.
— Ceramides: Ceramides help retain moisture and protect the skin barrier from any potential irritations. They are lipids that are comprised of your skin’s natural barrier.
Personally, my skin doesn’t really react well to ceramides, so I was initially a little worried to try it at first… It’s the 10th ingredient which is about top-middle in the ingredient list.
— Madecassocide: Known for its soothing and calming properties, Madecassocide is a major compound found in the centella asiatic plant. It aids in reducing redness, wound healing and reducing any inflammation.
Fun fact: Every time I see this ingredient, it brings me back to when I first got into K-Beauty. One of the first sheet masks I fell in love with had Madecassocide as its hero ingredient!
View the full ingredient list for the Calming Tide Gel Cream here.
I think the ingredient and formulation is gorgeous. I love the mix of plant-derived ingredients to powerful punches with Niacinamde and Madecassocide. With the five highlighted ingredients still being at the top of the ingredient list, it’s short and sweet. To note, there is Citrus Aurantium Bergamia Fruit Oil (Bergamot) at the bottom of the ingredient list which I personally don’t have any issues with as it’s the last ingredient that adds an aromatic experience alongside the hibiscus.
To note: This does not contain polyglutamic acid.
My experience + thoughts
An absolute burst of freshness.
To note before I go into my thoughts, I rarely, if ever, gear towards any type of water gel cream. My dry skin always thirsts for more, and usually they don’t sink in too well. With the exception of a few, I’ve grown to understand them more, including this beautiful pebble.
With ceramides in the formula, I was scared my skin would react negatively but it did the complete opposite. Every time I try a product with ceramides packed in it, my skin takes a hit resulting in texture around my cheeks and breakouts that last for a couple of days, then leave me alone. Taking my iffiness towards water gel creams into account, too, I’m so incredibly surprised with how much my skin loves this. For me, though, I can’t use this a cream. It’s INCREDIBLY thin and watery that I have to use it as a serum, which I don’t have a problem with! That being said, though, it’s SO hydrating and sinks into my skin like a dream. I don’t feel dry or dehydrated by the end of the day and notice that every time I use it, my redness around my cheeks soothes out and my skin tone looks and feels way more balanced and even.
I’ve tried it as a moisturizer alone and really enjoyed it, but enjoy it even more when I layer it with another moisturizer on top. Personally, I use it in the morning but since it’s now become more of a serum to me, I’ll have to try using it in the evening. It pairs beautifully with The Giving Essence which is another TIMY favourite of mine.
I love that a product can work differently in different ways, and that’s definitely the first thing I can say for this cream specifically. So personally, I’d recommend it as a serum for my dry skin friends and an incredibly refreshing moisture boost for my oily skin friends.
From its soothing properties to a boost of hydration, I’m so happy the Calming Tide Gel Cream is a winner for me.
Packaging + user experience
Can I just say that every detail in Then I Met You’s packaging, marketing and branding is completely and utterly immaculate? The delicate pebble design of the bottle feels so nice to hold and looks so precious on my shelf. It props up nicely with the little bend on the back like you can see above. It’s lightweight just like its formula.
Overview:
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Price: USD $42.00 / CAD $58.00 approximately converted for 50ml / 1.69 fl oz
Please keep in mind that I’m in Canada which means I review my products with a Canadian price tag / conversion in mind.
Does a little go a long way? I don’t know about a long way, but a good pea size or a tiny bit more works for me.
Would I repurchase? Probably, but only in the warmer months. Although this product has been kindly gifted by Then I Met you with no expectation to post, I’d say I’d purchase it with my own money but maybe not right away. I’m still playing around with it so my thoughts can always change!
Do I think it’s worth CAD $58.00? It’s a little steep. I’d much rather pay C$42.00 instead of the converted USD exchange to it totalling almost C$60.00. I think the ingredients are great so I can see it justifying a price point of CAD $42.00 much more than C$58.00. Reason being? I don’t see myself using this year round. If I did, I would say yes, but because I can’t, I’m not too sure! Price really does play into a product overview for me.
Available for purchase:
Have you tried the Calming Tide Gel Cream yet? Are we swooning over the packaging? Let’s bring the conversation over to @desseydoll and in the comments below!