Of the three products that I tried, the conditioner was my favorite, but the shampoo also impressed me. I was able to use it less than most other shampoos, and my hair always felt cleaner and less greasy the day after. Of the three, I found the mask to be slightly confusing to use and time-consuming to properly apply, so it would be my option to skip if you were choosing.
Prose Custom Skin Care Review
I genuinely loved the Prose facial cleanser, and it’s the product I most strongly recommend ordering a la carte if you don’t want to commit to a subscription. I also had a good experience with the moisturizer and serum, and overall. I’ve tested a lot of skin care lines in my career, including the customized skin care offering from Geologie, and Prose definitely has a more pared-back approach with a very edited selection of three products: a moisturizer, serum, and face wash.
While the face wash was the clear standout, I had a good experience with the entire regimen. I would’ve liked the chance to spring for an undereye serum, but I think three products is the right amount for a subscription service. This was my main problem with Geologie, Prose’s biggest competition for custom men’s skin care; Geologie’s set included way too much product for me.
Prose Custom Cleanser
This gel cleanser helped whisk away all of the acne-causing stuff that usually lurks on my skin without overly drying it out. It feels refreshing, and I chose a nice citrusy scent, though I normally avoid skin care products with fragrances, but I’m hooked on the lime-forward Pacifica scent, which also has notes of lavender, lemongrass, and cypress. The fragrance is definitely an area where Prose excels. Plus, folks with sensitive skin and noses can choose fragrance-free options, another win for personalization.
Prose Moisturizer and Serum
The Prose moisturizer was another standout for me. If you appreciate “a little goes a long way” type products, then I think you’ll like it, too. Just a dab or two was enough, and I learned quickly not to overapply this one. Based on my skin care profile, “Timothy’s Moisturizer” includes niacinamide, squalene, fermented rice, lime extract, and red algae extract. My serum was hyaluronic acid-based, with added botanicals.
The serum was my least favorite of the trio, but I enjoyed it as well. I didn’t love the consistency, which was a little too milky for me, but I did like the effects. I do wish one of these products contained retinol, although the serum does have bakuchiol, which Prose describes as a “natural, gentle alternative to retinol.” Personally, I say, give me the retinol!
Final thoughts: Is Prose worth it?
So, would I pay for Prose? Those who are ready to upgrade from drugstore shampoo and conditioner should definitely try Prose, which has earned its reputation in the hair care space. You can also try it for a month before signing up for a subscription, which makes it a low-risk investment.
I think the custom skin care set would be a smart investment for anyone who takes their skin care routine seriously (but not too seriously). Add in face sunscreen with at least SPF 30, and you’ve got everything you need to keep your skin looking its best.
Prose is on the pricier side compared to drugstore offerings. Seasonal promotions and subscription discounts can bring the price of the haircare subscription to $58; you can get the skin care set for $73 if you catch all the available discounts. I’d recommend starting with a more expensive one-time order and then signing up for a subscription if you see changes to your skin. Plus, you could probably skip every third month or so, as Prose sends subscribers products every four weeks that we’d be able to make last longer.
