At the end of my everyday skin-care routine, my goal is to look like a glazed donut—plain and simple. I’m all about trying out dewy, hydrating products, but the goal here isn’t just to look extra glowy and moist—I also want these products to nourish my skin on the deepest level possible.
When I think of buzzy skincare products that promise (and deliver) a glow, my mind immediately goes to Glow Recipe… heck, it’s in the name, but that’s not even why. It’s because of their iconic, best-selling Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops ($34). When I tell you I’ve never put something so stunningly beautiful on my skin, I swear I’m not exaggerating. And when I found out about the brand’s latest launch, I just knew I needed to get my hands on it.
This week, Glow Recipe released its Strawberry BHA Pore-Smooth Blur Drops ($32), and while these aren’t meant to be “dew drops,” trust me when I say they will most certainly leave you with a satin blur. And if you have oily or combination skin, this is a product you might actually find yourself liking. Instead of highlighting the oils on your face, these Blur Drops absorb them while giving you a glow. Science… pretty neat.
I wanted to learn more about what these Strawberry BHA Pore-Smooth Blur Drops can actually do, and if the ingredients are legitimaely beneficial to the skin. So I chated with board-certified dermatologist Jeannette Graf, MD, who filled me in on all the formula’s berry goodness.
What makes strawberry so special as an ingredient?
Strawberries have naturally occurring vitamin C, salicylic acid, and malic acid, three actives you may recognize from elsewhere in your beauty routine.
“Strawberries have powerful antioxidants like vitamin C, which can help protect the skin from environmental stressors such as pollution and UV radiation,” says Dr. Graf. “They also contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) which can help to exfoliate the skin, brighten the complexion, and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. What many people don’t know is strawberries are a natural source of salicylic acid, which can help to unclog pores and prevent acne.”
The Blur Drops are also made with rice and tapioca, aka, starches, and these specifically target excess oils, soaking them up and refining pores over time. Together, the ingredients work to not only balance oils, but also to leave you with blurred-like skin.
How to use the Glow Recipe Strawberry Blur Drops
What initially intrigued me about the Strawberry BHA Pore-Smooth Blur Drops was the promise of pore-smoothing, and that’s all too easy with a simple pump of the product. The formula can be used before moisturizer to control oil production, after moisturizer as a makeup primer, and even as a treatment during the day or night.
Dr. Graf believes this specific product will work best for those with oily or combination skin, but that’s not to say you can’t give it a try on an any type of complexion. “Since there are oil-absorbing ingredients, I would recommend this product for those with oily or combination skin types,” she says. “Those with dry or sensitive skin could find this product to be harsh on their skin due to its exfoliating properties.” If you’re unsure of how your skin will react or haven’t consulted with your own derm, just do a simple skin patch test.
My honest thoughts
I couldn’t wait to get my hands on Glow Recipe’s Strawberry BHA Pore-Smooth Blur Drops, and after learning all about them prior to testing them out, I had high hopes.
I decided to see what it looked like in my T-zone, since I tend to get oily and porous in that area. After pressing the drops into my skin, I noticed immediate blurring and smoothing results—the product very much delivered on its promise. I could see someone with oily skin falling in love with this product, especially since it’s so good at absorbing excess oils.
And while I can’t speak to the long-term benefits of the drops, I can say that what the product provides short-term is nothing short of incredible. I definitely plan on adding these into my everyday skincare and makeup rotation.
Glow Recipe’s Strawberry BHA Pore-Smooth Blur Drops are currently available for purchase online through Glow Recipe and Sephora, and will hit Sephora in-store on March 3.