Tried & Tested: This Acne Serum + Gel Duo Is the Lazy Girl’s Guide to Clear Summer Skin

Let’s be honest—summer is brutal on skin. One day you're glowing, the next you're dealing with surprise breakouts, oily T-zones, and pores that look like moon craters. Been there. Which is why I was intrigued when I came across Magical Blends, a skincare brand that promises personalized solutions (without asking you to take a 37-question skin quiz first).

I decided to test-drive their latest launch: the Pore Refining Serum paired with their Light Hydrating Gel—a two-step routine aimed at acne-prone skin. Spoiler alert: it worked better than I expected for my acne-prone skin.

First Impressions: What’s in this magic?

The Pore Refining Serum is packed with Tea Tree Oil and Salicylic Acid, both of which are tried-and-tested heroes in the acne department. If you’ve been battling oily skin or breakouts lately, this formula is gentle enough to use all over—and powerful enough to be used as a spot treatment. I dabbed it directly on two particularly angry pimples, and by morning, they’d lost their attitude.

Pair that with the Light Hydrating Gel, which is infused with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E, and you’ve got a soothing, non-greasy base that doesn't leave you looking like you just ran a marathon.

How I Used It (And You Should Too)

The brand recommends mixing 2–3 drops of the serum with a pea-sized amount of the gel directly in your palm. I tried it at night, after cleansing, and again in the morning before sunscreen. It absorbed in seconds. No stickiness. No burning. Just fresh, calm skin. Honestly, it felt like my skin drank a tall glass of cucumber water.

If you’re someone who tends to skip skincare steps (guilty), this duo is the dream. No layering. No confusion. Just one quick blend and done.

What I Noticed After a Week

• Breakouts? Way less angry.

• Pores? Looked less obvious.

• Skin texture? More even.

• Oil slick by noon? Gone.

It’s lightweight, fuss-free, and actually does what it says. Plus, on days when I’m wearing makeup, it sits beautifully underneath without pilling or melting.

Why It Deserves Space on Your Shelf

Aside from the fact that it’s dermatologically tested, plant-based, and free from all the usual nasties (no parabens, no sulfates, no synthetic fragrances), it’s also affordable. The combo starts at just INR 600, which is rare for a product that actually delivers results (as it delivered for me).

Final Verdict

If you’re looking for an easy, beginner-friendly skincare fix that works without overwhelming your skin or your bank account, the Pore Refining Serum + Light Hydrating Gel from Magical Blends is worth trying. Especially during the sweaty, unpredictable summer months when your skin needs calm and clarity more than ever.

Good to Know:

• No artificial colors or fragrances

• 100% cruelty-free

• Suitable for sensitive, oily, and acne-prone skin

• Can be used both AM & PM

Price: Starts at INR 600

Buy here: Magical Blends Website