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I have written and rewritten this introduction so many times over the last couple of days because I wanted to make sure I do the brand justice. Jordan Samuel Skin — a skincare line I wanted to try for the longest time. If you are a skincare enthusiast, you will know Caroline Hirons, the Queen of skincare and her Facebook skincare group. CH adores the brand herself and every day there’s at least one person in the group raves about JSS. Oh, and if you watch Caroline on YouTube, then you’d have seen Jordan’s guest appearance a couple of times on her channel.
Well, for those who are unfamiliar with Jordan Samuel, let me give you a little background. Jordan Samuel’s a former professional ballet dancer turned aesthetician. Drawing from his own experience on stage, he set out to create a product line that is heavy-duty enough to remove stage makeups yet very gentle even for the most sensitive skin, helping others achieve clear and glowing skin. You will notice the product names are also inspired by the ballet world.
Ok, so why’s taken me this long to try out the products? Well, up until January 2020, JSS was only sold directly to consumers from his website so while international shipping has always been available, I just personally find that a bit of a chore, on top of having to pay customs or duties. I’m one of those people that if I have to pay for shipping and duties, then I should order EVERYTHING to make the most of it. But I held out for as long as I could since I heard that JSS was coming to the UK/EU back in 2018. Two years later, woohoo! It’s finally here.
There are thousands of products on the market that every company wants you to think you NEED. With JSS, the line is very simplistic and edited, his line is about ‘less is more’ which I appreciate. It’s not an overwhelming product line, very straight forward with good quality ingredients at a very affordable price point. It’s up to you to customise items to fit your skin concerns. It’s clean beauty at its core without shoving it down your throat.
Without further ado, here are the goodies I’ve purchased to try out a few weeks ago and I’ve been using them since.
But wait…
I should mention that I went to an impromptu meet up while Jordan came to London where I got to ask his recommendation on the cleanser I should go. With my skin being sensitive oily acne-prone, I felt I could go with either the Matinee or Aftershow cleanser, he recommended the Matinee because the salicylic acid in it would be beneficial and it’s still a very gentle cleanser. Onto facial oil, he did caution me to not go overboard to avoid any unnecessary congestions.
Matinee Gel Cleanser
What is it?
A non-foaming, water-soluble gel cleanser with gentle surfactants, chamomile, cucumber extracts and a touch of salicylic acid.
What it does
A gentle cleanser without stripping the skin, thanks to the aloe leaf juice, an ingredient for cooling and soothing the skin. Salicylic acid (BHA) provides anti-inflammatory benefits and is great for keeping pores clear.
The Matinee Gel Cleanser Ingredients
Ingredient Listing: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Glycerin, Polyglyceryl-10 Laurate, Propanediol, Coconut Alkanes, Carbomer, Coco-Betaine, Water/Aqua/Eau, Decyl Glucoside, Phenoxyethanol, Salicylic Acid, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Cucumis Sativus (Cucumber) Fruit Extract, Sodium Hydroxide, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate.
Who’s it for
Combination, Oily, Acne-Prone, Sensitive
Everything else
Packaging
Overall, branding and product packaging are very minimalistic. The product came without any excessive outer packaging i.e cardboard box and all the instructions and ingredients are printed on the product tube which I appreciate. I’m one of those people who love checking back on the ingredients list now and then and this has made things so much easier. It’s a squeeze tube, a bit more squidgy than a normal toothpaste which I quite like. It’s packaged to keep its light- and air-sensitive ingredients stable. This is a very travel-friendly product.
Colour, Texture & Scent
- This is a fragrance-free, essential oil-free translucent gel, kind of like hair gel consistency. It’s neither thick nor runny like a milky cleanser. It’s just the right.
- Spreadability is great, it’s very silky on application, it doesn’t foam or emulsify.
- pH: 5.26 – well under the neutral 7 level with optimal being 4.5 to 5.5
How to use it
Apply The Matinee gel cleanser to wet skin. Massage the cleanser on the skin concentrating on areas of congestion.
Jordan Samuel instruction
Typically, I use this as my 2nd cleanse in the evening, apply the Matinee gel cleanser to still-damp skin. I do try to massage it for a bit longer on areas where I have some congestions like t-zones and jawlines. Then I remove with a damp washcloth. (You can rinse off which I’ve also tried a couple of times and it worked fine too).
My experience
Overall, I like this product as my 2nd cleanse. I tried using this to remove makeup once and it’s ok but I think it’s not designed for that. Otherwise, it goes on very nicely onto slightly damp skin and you can massage with it for a good 30 seconds, you will still get a bit of ‘slip’ when most cleansers will either disappear or having a wild bubble bath on my face. This pretty much stays the same throughout. My skin looks and feels clean but not stripped after cleansing with this cleanser. I’ve used it for about two weeks and it has already helped with some congestions. This reminds me of the Sunday Riley Ceramic Slip old formulation in terms of the result and the experience (I know it had a different ingredients deck).
Oh and have a look a the price and quantity you get below, it’s a whopper size!
Price: £25 – 180ml (CultBeauty)*
The After Show Treatment Cleanser for Sensitive Skin
What is it?
A balm-to-oil cleanser
What it does
A very gentle and soothing cleanser designed to remove makeups and SPFs without
Key ingredients:
- Olive, grape seed and jojoba oils: This trio of plant-based oils is antioxidant-rich, they work on cleansing the skin without stripping your skin of essential moisture.
- Chamomile extract: A calming and soothing plant extract used to help keep inflammation and sensitivities at bay.
- Green Tea extract and aloe-leaf juice: Antioxidant-rich, help to calm and soothe irritated or sensitive skins
The Matinee Gel Cleanser Ingredients
Ingredient Listing: Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Glycerin, Aqua/Water, Sucrose Laurate, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Anthemis Nobiliss Flower Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Seed Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil, Tocopheryl Acetate, Propanediol, Caprylyl Glycol, Phenoxyethanol.
Who’s it for
Perfect for combination, dry and sensitive skin types
Everything else
Packaging
My version is a limited edition for Caroline Hiron’s Spring Kit, the standard one is in the same black and white branding and packaging just like the Matinee Cleanser.
Colour, Texture & Scent
This is a fragrance-free, essential oil-free translucent balm, it’s thicker than the Matinee Gel Cleanser. It melts onto the skin very quickly and spreads very easily. If you add water, it does emulsify slightly into a milky fluid, but it’s on the thin side.
How to use it
Massage The After Show thoroughly into dry skin to break down makeup, SPF, dirt and grime. Use a warm wet washcloth to remove cleanser and every trace of makeup. Or simply rinse clean to have hydrated glowing skin.
Jordan Samuel instruction
I’ve tried this cleanser in multiple ways, including removing makeup. I’ve not had a chance to wear a full face of makeup including mascara recently so I’ve only tested this on removing a light layer of SPF and foundation, the cleanser has worked brilliantly for that with only a pea-sized amount. I always remove oil cleanser with a warm wet cloth and this is no different. This leaves the skin cleansed and soft.
I’ve also tested the rinse clean method and for me, it’s not as easy or thorough, it would leave a film on my face and I would still need to go back with a warm cloth to remove the film.
My experience
I really enjoy this cleanser as either morning cleanse or evening first cleanse. For my skin type, sensitive and oily, I think the combo of using this as first cleanse and then follow by the Matinee cleanser is a winner. This cleanser is so soothing and calming for my skin. It reminds of the Oskia Renaissance Gel Cleanser but this is fragrance-free so it’s definitely a bonus for me.
Price: £20 – 94ml (CultBeauty)*
Soothing Facial Oil
What is it?
A soothing facial oil loaded with nourishing and protective ingredients along with soy bioflavonoids and CoQ10.
What it does
To nourish and help sensitive or sensitised skin become calm and less inflamed with the added benefit of antioxidant protection from CoQ10.
Soothing Facial Oil Ingredients
Ingredient Listing: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Seed Oil, Rosa Moschata Seed Oil, Squalane, Sclerocarya Birrea Seed Oil, Caryocar Brasiliense Fruit Oil, Ubiquinone, Glycine Soja (Soybean) Seed Extract.
Who’s it for
Combination, Dry, Sensitive
Everything else
Packaging
Same clean design but in a glass opaque bottle which helps keep the formula stable. The bottle has an eyedropper applicator.
Colour, Texture & Scent
Again, a fragrance-free, essential oil-free formula. There’s no noticeable scent in this faint yellowish oil. While it’s not the lightest oil I’ve tried, it’s not a thick heavy oil. It sinks in very quickly and doesn’t leave a film or grease on your skin. It leaves my skin feel nourished and calmed.
How to use it
Apply 3 to 5 drops as the final step in your routine (before SPF in AM), and/or add a few drops to your favorite hydrators and moisturizers.
Jordan Samuel instruction
I’ve been doing no more than 3 drops in my palms, have a quick swipe and then press onto my skin right before the Performance Cream.
My experience
While my skin is oily acne-prone, it can also easily get irritated and dehydrated (with some visible dry flaky patches). So I find the use of a soothing facial oil helps to keep things at bay, but it’s a balancing act. You need to know your skin well to assess how much is enough or too much. I only use this oil twice a week and on post-retinol days as I know my skin needs extra nourishment the most. Right now, I have a couple of red dry flaky patches and this oil has soothed those areas without causing any congestions or breakouts on other parts of my face.
Price: £30 – 30ml (CultBeauty)*
Performance Cream
What is it?
A lightweight moisturiser with three different peptides, olive leaf and chamomile extracts in its formula.
What it does
Keeps the skin calm, hydrated and restored to optimal condition.
The Performance Cream Ingredients
Ingredient Listing: Water/Aqua/Eau, Glyceryl Stearate, Squalane, Glycerin, Jojoba Esters, Propanediol, Cetearyl Alcohol, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Wax, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Water, Acetyl Octapeptide-3, Acetyl Hexapeptide-8, Acetyl Hexapeptide-51 Amide, Sodium Stearoyl Lactylate, 1,2-Hexanediol, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tetrasodium Glutamate Diacetate, Xanthan Gum, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Butylene Glycol, Olea Europaea (Olive) Leaf Extract, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Acacia Decurrens Flower Wax, Polyglycerin-3, Citric Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Ethylhexylglycerin.
Who’s it for
Marketed to all. (I think if you are super dry, you might need to consider mixing with an oil option)
Everything else
Packaging
Same opaque squeeze tube as The Matinee Gel Cleanser. See above.
Colour, Texture & Scent
This is an oil-free, silicone-free lightweight formula with a consistency that I’d describe as right between pillowy lotion and whipped cream. It’s a simple white cream that spreads easily and absorbs super effortlessly. Its emollient-rich formula provides hydration and moisture without an ounce of grease. You can apply SPF or makeup right after this, it layers very well.
How to use it
Use alone as a light moisturizer or mix, match, layer and be creative! Simply layer after a hydrator and before an oil, or mix with Hydrate Serum and/or one of the oils to choreograph your bespoke skincare performance
Jordan Samuel instruction
I apply approximately a pea-sized amount to cover my entire face, both AM and PM.
My own experience
It feels like a serum/moisturiser, it leaves a satin feel. It’s not matte nor dewy. It’s natural-looking. Usually, by the time I get to my moisturiser, my skin is either drenched with hydrating essence/mist or already well prepped with serums or the facial oil, so this moisturiser is just the right level of hydration for me. Before this routine, I had a separate morning and evening moisturiser, with the evening one slightly richer so I’m still adapting to using one moisturiser for both routines. So far, it’s been surprisingly sufficient. The best way I can describe this cream is that it leaves my skin feels balanced and very comfortable. You won’t even notice you’ve got the cream on but in a good way!
Price: £34 – 60ml (CultBeauty)*
Final thoughts
I’m quite fond of the packaging & branding as I mentioned already, having instructions and ingredients printed on the products are awesome. The ingredients are good, no unnecessary fragrance, essential oils or preservatives, they are very edited and well-formulated, nothing jumps out that can cause irritations. They all feel incredibly gentle yet effective. I have a lot of confidence in his products and would explore the whole line.
The other amazing thing about Jordan Samuel Skin is a direct-to-consumer brand i.e. you order from his website and it is shipped directly to you with no middle-man, allowing the costs to stay pretty low. For UK/EU, Cult Beauty is its exclusive partner. To be honest, I’m surprised that the prices are kept very comparable to the States. Overall, the prices are very affordable, they are not drugstore prices but then you are not getting a drugstore product either, his products are far superior.
One last thing, Jordan has an amazing YouTube channel that’s highly addictive, informative and entertaining to watch, he shares his skincare knowledge and of course some products development. You should definitely check out.
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Have you tried any JSS products yet? What are your favourites?
Available: UK (CultBeauty) or US (JordanSamuelSkin Website)