Drunk Elephant was founded by Texas stay at home mum in 2012, and has since grown into the hugely successful skincare brand it is today, stocked globally. After finding a passion for skincare, and more importantly, ingredients to avoid; she eventually started to work with a chemist to create formulas that are made to work on every skin type. Now, the line features over 20 products and is quickly growing – even releasing a new hair care range at the height of COVID.

Before I go on, if you’re interested in hearing more about her journey I’d highly recommend this podcast where Tiffany Masterson dives into her past and how her passion became her business. It’s a story of trial and error, passion, pushing through despite other people’s opinions. At the height of my late twenties quarter life crisis, it’s refreshing to listen to someone discuss later life success for a change.

Oh, Drunk Elephant, take my money. If you follow skincare religiously (or barely) you’ll have heard of Drunk Elephant. Sold in Mecca here in New Zealand, it’s hard to miss their assortment of colourful packaging and bold promises. I was lucky enough to be sent most of the line earlier in the year, and after taking a couple of months to try it out I’m here to let you know what I think. So, is it worth the hype?

*range kindly gifted by Mecca Cosmetica*

Lala Retro™ Whipped Cream

I’ve been using this moisturiser for years. Long before Mecca kindly gifted me a lot of these Drunk Elephant products, my friend Grace gave me a kit with a mini of this in it. That didn’t last long. I bathed in it. This is still my go-to during winter because it does a brilliant job of moisturising my chapped winter skin. It’s thick, comfortable on the skin and it comes in my favourite push to pump packaging. I’m fussy with my choice of moisturisers because it’s something I can’t go a day without, so I’m confident when I say: Lala Retro™ Whipped Cream is an absolute yes for me.

Beste™ No. 9 Jelly Cleanser

This cleanser was included in that same kit but I barely touched it. I, as with my moisturiser, am fussy. As you probably know from my previous posts I’m obsessed with my Banila Co Clean It Zero cleansing balm. Like bulk-buy obsessed. So when I gave this a go I tried but quickly realised it’s just not for me. My skin is dry and this left it feeling that way. It doesn’t remove your make-up like I wish it would but that’s to be expected with this type of cleanser. A classic kind of gel cleanser and nothing special in my eyes but you might like it if it’s your thing. 

C-Tango™ Multivitamin Eye Cream

Drunk Elephant coming through with another great product. I love a cream consistency when it comes to eye creams so this is already a winner. I just feel like it sits on the skin so much better than gels, especially under make-up. I’ve tried so many that remind me of dating. Sexy packaging, packed full of promises and absolutely no follow-through. At the least, it is really hydrating. At the most, it promises to “plump fine lines and wrinkles, fights free radical damage and repairs existing signs of ageing such as discolouration and loss of firmness.”

B-Hydra™ Intensive Hydration Serum

This serum is one for my fellow scaly skin gals. I’ve been layering this under my moisturiser at night for extra hydration and I wake up with the healthy glow of the gods. The most noticeable difference is that the fine lines I have on my forehead are barely there when I wake up. Hello, I’m 21 again. Simply a great serum to plump the skin for those who need it. I’ve heard rumours that this is great as a light moisturiser in summer too.

F-Balm Electrolyte Waterfacial™

This product despite it’s confusing title is a hydrating mask can be left on overnight. The key ingredient here is Niacinamide which repairs the skin’s barrier function and prevents the appearance of pigmentation. I’ve been using this most nights and I have found my skin to be noticiably smoother when I wake and of course, hydrated. It’s not a thick mask like Summer Friday’s Jetlag Masque, so it’s not going to ruin your pillowcases or it be wasted on them. Simply a great extra step in your routine if you need it. If you’re on a budget, I’d skip this and invest in the powerhouse B-Hydra™ Intensive Hydration Serum instead.

T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Night Serum

I’ll just say this upfront; I love the T.L.C. Framboos™ Glycolic Night Serum. I’ve mentioned this serum many times on my blog over the years and with good reason. This is an absolute staple in my skincare routine. It exfoliates, clears congestion and improves pigmentation all in one. I feel like glycolic is an acid that works well with my skin type and this is the best serum I have ever used with Glycolic in it. It’s an absolute staple.

C-Firma™ Day Serum

Another serum I have loved over the years and it still ranks number #1 in Vitamin C serums for me. I use this in the morning before my moisturiser and it leaves me with the most glowy skin throughout the day. Makeup sits really nicely on this slightly tacky formula too. The only thing I don’t like about this serum is that it goes off fast – once opened DON’T STOP using it otherwise it will oxidise. Take it from me, you’ll be gutted when that happens.

A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream

Another Retinol that reminds me why I love Retinol so much. Ever since summer ended I’ve struggled to keep my skin looking fresh and ‘youthful’. I just want to be asked for my ID forever, okay? Then I remembered I had this in my cupboard. I pulled it out and haven’t looked back. The more I use it, the more I love it because the results speak for themselves. Another weapon in the battle against fine lines which you can mix with the B-Hydra™ Intensive Hydration Serum for best results. 

Virgin Marula Luxury Facial Oil

I’m a lover of oils. I’d swim in them if I could (READ: I have really dry skin). So this product couldn’t do much wrong in my eyes. I use it along with my Drunk Elephant A-Passioni™ Retinol Cream at night to keep the scales at bay. It doesn’t feel too rich on your skin for those of you that are hesitant about clogging your pores. Plus, every time I use it I feel like I’ve come straight from a day spa. Self-care at its finest. 

So, is it worth the hype?

Short answer: yes! I’ll be the first to warn that it comes with a heafty price tag. Do I think everyone needs a $100+ serum? Probably not. Will I continue to buy it despite the cost? Absolutely.

What I love about this brand the most is that I can trust it blindly. I never hesitate to slap layers on like there’s no tomorrow, even without spot testing it first. It’s a rare thing in the beauty industry. My skin is fickle so I find it hard to trust a brand across the board, but this is one I can hold my hand up and say YES! Every time.

I’d recommend popping into your closest Mecca store and asking for samples first. If there’s one line I’d 100% spend the money on it’s the serums because you’re paying for quality ingredients which you can’t get for drugstore prices. Things like face wash and moisturiser is really up to your personal preference and budget.