Written by the Priceline Pharmacy Pacific Fair team. Reviewed by Jason Markey, BPharmSci, MPharm, Owner and Pharmacist, Ahpra registration PHA0001976405.
General health information from a registered pharmacist. It doesn’t replace advice from your own pharmacist or doctor. How we write and check our articles.
Boring Without You, often shortened to BWU, is an Australian skincare brand made for one skin type: combination skin, where your T-zone (forehead, nose and chin) gets oily but your cheeks are normal or dry. The range is small: a gentle gel cleanser, a hydrating milk serum, a gel moisturiser and a two-in-one mask. Add an SPF50+ sunscreen every morning and you have a complete routine.
Here’s how we’d explain it at the counter.
What is Boring Without You?
Boring Without You was founded by cosmetic scientist Davey Rooney, a New Zealander based in Melbourne, and it focuses only on combination skin. It’s sold nationally through Priceline.
What is combination skin?
Combination skin has more than one skin type on the same face. Usually the T-zone is oily and shiny, with bigger-looking pores and the odd blackhead, while the cheeks and jaw are normal, dry or easily irritated.
That’s why one product rarely suits the whole face. A strong cleanser or oil-control product that suits your nose can leave your cheeks tight and flaky, while a rich cream for dry cheeks can feel heavy on your forehead. On the Gold Coast, humidity can make the T-zone oilier in summer, and air-conditioning can dry out the rest of your face. Our guide to skincare in humid weather has more tips.
The BWU range
| Product | What it is | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Forgiveness Gentle & Soft Osmolyte Gel Cleanser | A gentle gel cleanser | Use morning and night |
| Make Me Wet Aquaporin Hydrating Milk Serum | A light, milky hydrating serum with 10% glycerin | Apply after cleansing, before moisturiser |
| Face Flood Aquaporin Soothing Hydrating Gel Moisturiser | A lightweight gel moisturiser | Light enough for an oily T-zone |
| For Face Sake Multi-Mask | Two masks in one jar | A soothing jelly for the cheeks and jaw, and a whipped mask for the T-zone |
Glycerin is a humectant, which means it draws water into the top layer of the skin. Light, water-based textures like the serum and gel moisturiser are a good fit for combination skin, because they hydrate drier areas without feeling greasy on oily ones.
The multi-mask is the brand’s answer to treating two skin types at once. The T-zone side is designed to absorb oil and contains a BHA (salicylic acid), which DermNet explains helps loosen the dead skin cells that block pores. Use it once or twice a week rather than every day.
A simple routine for combination skin
In the morning:
- Cleanse with a gentle gel cleanser.
- Apply a hydrating serum.
- Apply a light gel moisturiser, more on dry areas and less on your T-zone.
- Finish with an SPF50+ sunscreen. Our guide to the best sunscreen for the Gold Coast can help you find a light, non-greasy one.
At night:
- Cleanse to remove sunscreen and make-up.
- Apply your serum and moisturiser.
- Once or twice a week, use the multi-mask, putting each formula where it’s needed.
Not sure what order to use other products in? See our skincare routine order guide.
Tips for combination skin
- Don’t over-cleanse. Washing more than twice a day or using harsh, foaming cleansers can leave your cheeks dry and irritated without making your T-zone less oily.
- Use blotting papers rather than extra washing if your T-zone gets shiny during the day.
- Choose non-comedogenic products (products that are less likely to block pores), especially sunscreen and make-up.
- Add active ingredients slowly. If you want to try retinol or acids, introduce one at a time and use them only where you need them. Our retinol for beginners guide explains how.
How can our team help?
You’ll find Boring Without You at Priceline Pharmacy Pacific Fair. Our beauty advisors can help you work out your skin type and build a routine through our skincare advice in store. Our pharmacists can help if you have acne, rosacea, eczema or very sensitive skin, use prescription creams, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. You can also browse the facial skincare range on priceline.com.au or ask us at Pacific Fair.
Comparing brands? See our guides to CeraVe, La Roche-Posay, The Ordinary and Medicube.
When to see a pharmacist or GP
- Breakouts are painful, leaving marks or scars, or not improving after 2 to 3 months. Our guide to acne treatment at the pharmacy explains your options.
- Your cheeks are red, flushed or stinging often, which can be a sign of rosacea.
- A product causes burning, swelling or a rash that doesn’t settle when you stop using it.
- You have eczema or patches of very dry, itchy skin.
The GPs at Help Medical, an independent general practice located inside our store, are one option while you’re at Pacific Fair.
Sources
- Inside Retail – What Davey Rooney learnt building Boring Without You
- Fashion Journal – Davey Rooney on skincare for combination skin
- Priceline – Boring Without You
- Priceline – Make Me Wet Aquaporin Hydrating Milk Serum
- Priceline – Face Flood Aquaporin Soothing Hydrating Gel Moisturiser
- Priceline – For Face Sake Multi-Mask
- DermNet – Salicylic acid
This article is general information only and isn’t a substitute for personal advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist or you’re worried, talk to your pharmacist or GP. In an emergency, call 000.
Not sure which product suits you?
Ask our beauty advisors in store, where you can compare textures, shades and scents before you buy. No appointment needed. We’re on the ground floor of Pacific Fair (Pac Fair), Broadbeach, open 7 days and until 9pm on Thursdays. Park in the Orange car park, directly under us. Gate 7 is the closest entry, and the first 4 hours are free.