Upgrade U: Smartskin budget skincare range

by - March 07, 2012

Even though this blog post falls in my Upgrade U recommendations, it is technically a downgrade. I have been unemployed for nearly four months. The last time I sat on the couch for this long was when I first finished university. The difference between then and now is I didn't have any bills or many keys on my keyring. In other words, growing up hadn't punched me in my young face yet.

This time I had a phone contract and even though I moved home to live with Dad Pham and Little Sissy Pham so wasn't paying rent I still had leftover household bills from Melbourne life and moving costs and new bedroom furniture costs because in my absence my old Brisbane room had become mouldy. Enough about grossness, more about Upgrading U! Though on a related note: in university I didn't wear make-up or use skin products - you were lucky if I wore deodorant so skincare was not part of my budget then.
I came across the Smartskin budget range of skincare on my journey to living within my means. Actually, I was walking to the checkout when I happened to see a pack of the Smartskin cleansing wipes in a bargain bin for only $1! It was on sale for half price, down from a whopping $2. The ones I got were scented, which I don't particularly like but I've since switched to one without fragrance. I also changed my Nivea Q10 cream over to the Smartskin Q10 because at approximately $5 it's about a third of the cost.

As far as I can tell with my limited and lazy research (I looked on the packet then googled the company name) Smartskin is made by the McPherson's Consumer Products who also produce Lady Jayne hair accessories and Manicare nail care - two brands that I use and trust. The cream and wipes feel good on my skin so I think I'm going to stick with the brand even though I am now officially employed again.  Another plus is the brand is available in Woolworths, where I have to go every few days because Dad Pham drinks about 6L of the store brand reduced fat milk every 3-4 days. There's also a Q10 Night Cream and Anti-Eye Wrinkle Cream from what I've seen on shelves.

UPDATE: I received a blog comment below from some one who had an allergic reaction to the Smartskin day cream. She has sensitive skin, so if you do too, please be careful and do a test spot to see if you're allergic before using the cream! Thanks. JP

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11 comments

  1. Hi there Jade,

    I just started using this product and wanted to say I love it.
    I came across your blog, because I googled "Skin Smart Q10", so I thought I would let you know how happy I am with it, not only the great price, but the results I am getting from the creams (and I've only been using for a few days/nights). I bought the day, night, and eye creams and love them all! Recommend!
    Cheers to you. X

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    1. Hello! Thanks so much for getting in touch. I'm so happy to hear my little blog helped you find a skincare range you love. I'll have to try out their eye and night creams! x

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  2. I have used it and my face is covered in rash and one eye can hardly open its so red and swollen this is the second time this happened with the same cream wasnt sure the first time what caused it but im definately allergic to it so if you have sensative skin stay away from it

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    1. I'm so sorry to hear about your allergic reaction! I'll update my post so people with sensitive skin are aware.

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  3. Hi Jade, thanks for the review. I found this product in Woolworths in Melbourne recently, and couldn't believe the price. There wasn't much product info on the packaging... so I googled it, and found your blog. Lots of fun to read, thanks. How do I follow? Keep writing... you have a terrific style. Cheers, Lisa S. Feb'14

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    1. Hi Lisa, thanks for reading! Glad you enjoy my blog. You can follow my Facebook feed, where I post all my blog posts: https://www.facebook.com/jadestopthat Or, I see you have a Blogger Account. You can go to: https://www.blogger.com/home and in your 'reading list', you can add my URL to keep up to date with my blog posts. Thanks again! Jade

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  4. I have sensitive skin and use the anti-wrinkle range and absolutely love it. No burning and redness unlike every other product I've tried. Can't believe how cheap and effective the products are.

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  5. A DIsgusting, disgraceful Products. I used Q10 Smartskins day/night creams and eye creams 3 Days later my whole face, neck and eyes were covered in 2nd degree burns ans blisters. I had to endure unimaginable pain for 3 months. I lost 10 klios due to not being able to eat as my lips were also seriously burnt, blistered and swolllen constantly bleedding. I lost so many layers of skin over all of that time leaving my face bleeding all the time as well. I have used dozens of different brands of Face Creams for decades and I HAVE NEVER EVER had to suffer as I did with these DISGUTING CREAM. These creams are not made by McPhersons at all, made in Thailand....................... BE CAREFUL PLEASE...........

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  6. I also had a reaction even though it says for sensitive skin and I don't have sensitive skin. My eyes became swollen and itchy for days. It caused me great discomfort for several days at a time until I eliminated my make up and realised it was the wipes. Terrible product not worth the money even though it was only two dollars.

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  7. Hi i just started using the wrinkle filler. So far no reaction. I tried Dr Lewinn's eye cream ($$$) and it made my eyes burn and swollen. It could be an ingredient that can cause a reaction, so not because the product is cheap. Always test before regular use with any product regardless of price.

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  8. I just wish I could find their "renew oil" again...major supermarket previously stocking it says "not available in my area"...could understand if i was in a remote town, but I'm in Sydney...?

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