If you’re like me and deeply entrenched in the world of skincare, chances are Typology has already captured your attention. This relatively new French skincare and cosmetics label has been causing quite a stir online, with its irresistible combination of aesthetics that seem to seamlessly blend the luxurious minimalism of Aesop with the straightforward efficacy of The Ordinary.
From its sleek, Instagram-worthy packaging to its carefully curated product lineup, Typology exudes an air of sophistication and allure that’s hard to ignore. It’s the kind of brand that makes you want to proudly display its products on your vanity, not just for their potential skincare benefits, but also as a testament to your obviously impeccable taste.
But, as any discerning skincare enthusiast knows, there’s often more to a product than meets the eye. So, in order to determine whether Typology is truly worth the hype, I put its offerings to the test.
About my skin
I’ve got a complicated situation going on with my skin. I had severe acne for years and went on Accutane, which made my skin dry and prone to dehydration. I still get shiny in my T-zone, experience the occasional hormonal breakout, and like to stick with products that are clean and simple. My skin isn’t particularly sensitive (especially since I’ve done all I have to it over the years), but I do react very poorly to benzoyl peroxide. Overall, I have combination skin that tends to be dull and lackluster.
How I tested
Starting with the brand’s digital diagnostic quiz, I dove face-first into my Typology trial. I was impressed by the questions, each of which led to its own follow-up questions that dug as deep as possible without seeing or feeling my skin. I took the quiz three times, each time altering my answers subtly (yet still truthfully), and each time I got the same results — so I began my new routine confident that the recommended skincare really was for me.
As I do with all my skincare trials, I slowly incorporate my new products into my routine before letting Typology completely take over. I tested all cosmetics for application, wear time, coverage, packaging, and amount of product offered.
What I tested
9-Ingredient Face Moisturizer
Pros:
- Most effective hydrating ingredients, leading with hyaluronic acid
- Only 9 vegan and naturally derived ingredients
- No unnecessary additives
- Thick and creamy formula
- Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive
Cons:
- Often sells out or goes out of stock
Moisturizers have always been a tough one for me. Either they’re not truly hydrating enough or they simply sit on my skin, too emollient to be absorbed. The Typology 9-Ingredient Moisturizer strikes the perfect middle ground. The ingredients are primo: hyaluronic acid, coconut oil, glycerin, and purified water. The water acts as a vessel for the hyaluronic acid to be absorbed, plumping and truly hydrating the skin. This may be my new go-to.
Tinted Serum with Vitamin C, Squalane & Aloe Vera
Pros:
- Vitamin C brightens, squalane hydrates, and aloe soothes
- Lightweight formula doesn’t cake (at all)
- Medium coverage
Cons:
- The pipette can sometimes be finicky to work with
- Limited shade range
My skin tends to reject base makeup. either it sits atop my skin, masking my freckles and caking up, or it’s simply not enough coverage. Again, Typology hits it right on the mark. This serum not only feels like skincare, but it might as well be with its top-notch ingredients. Squalane hydrates, aloe soothes, and vitamin C brightens over time. But the medium coverage in a serum this lightweight is really what stands out to me. I have acne scars to cover, after all, and this tint not only does the job but somehow makes my skin still look like my skin…just on the best day ever.
Tinted Lip Oil
Pros:
- Seriously smooth and hydrating; not at all sticky
- 5 shades to choose from
- Small doe-foot applicator for precise application
- Mineral oil and silicone-free
Cons:
- Not very long-wearing
Exfoliating Serum with 10% Glycolic Acid
Pros:
- 10% glycolic acid
- Chamomile and alpha-bisabolol soothe the skin
- Mastic pistachio extract tightens pores
- Can be used every night
Cons:
- Take care not to expose your skin to the sun unprotected when using this serum
While I do give credit where credit is due and love the Tinted Serum for its coverage, it may actually be this Resurfacing Serum that’s been making my skin look brand new. It doesn’t sting (even slightly) despite having a good amount of glycolic acid in it, nor does it have any scent at all. It accompanies the glycolic with chamomile and alpha-bisabolol, both of which soothe and calm the skin and decrease irritation and inflammation. It’s been the perfect little concoction for my dehydrated, acne-prone, and somewhat scarred skin.
Tinted Concealer
Pros:
- Caffeine, niacinamide, and cornflower hydrolate correct undereye puffiness and pigmentation
- Perfect for acne coverage, as it doesn’t cake, hydrates, and soothes
- Packing allows you to get every last drop
Cons:
- Limited shade range
Caffeine gets circulation going, niacinamide color-corrects, and cornflower hydrolate decongests in this do-it-all concealer. It’s highly pigmented — the cherry on top of this otherwise perfect daytime eye cream. I find it brings down the swelling and redness of my spots as well, so it’s truly become a skin savior in my morning routine. I will say that the shade range is limited, and my fair skin falls somewhere in-between the lightest and second lightest shades. I recommend getting the two closest to your skin and mixing them, if you’re able to.
Mattifying Loose Powder 1% Zinc PCA
Pros:
- Hyaluronic acid helps absorb excess oil without a ghostly, powdery finish
- No caking!
- Zinc PCA regulates sebum production, so you actually need less powder over time
- Supports skin hydration while keeping it matte
Cons:
- Packing can be a little finicky and messy if you’re not careful
Powders, man. For me, they’re a doozy. My combination skin needs T-zone mattifying but my dryer areas can barely handle powdery coverage at all. What I love about Typology’s Loose Powder is that it’s extremely fine — no powder particles sit on your skin, but rather mattify shinier areas and simply brush away from the dryer ones. It’s actually got hyaluronic acid in it, which helps the powder to retain up to a thousand times its weight in water. It’s practically made for combination skin, and I absolutely love the finish it gives me all day, every time.
The verdict
I live, work, and breathe the world of hyped products, so I’m a natural skeptic, yet, Typology has blown me away. The feel of every product is every bit as luxurious as the packaging inspires, the ingredients are premier and effective, and the price point is (sometimes significantly) lower than competitors in the same niche. I will be buying from Typology regularly now and can’t seem to recommend it to people in my life enough.
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