Smita Diwan
At whatSHElikes, we’re always on the lookout for skincare that resonates with the modern Indian woman—practical, high-performing, and elegant. Enter Dab & Dew, a brand that’s creating serious buzz for all the right reasons. When their beautifully curated hamper landed at our doorstep, we knew we were about to experience something special.
From the very first look, the packaging had our attention—sleek, minimal, yet thoughtful. But what truly mattered was how each product performed during this season of unpredictable humidity, sudden rain showers, and heavy air pollution.
So we tested every product in Dab & Dew’s skincare range, over days and nights of monsoon skincare trials.
Here’s our honest and detailed review.
Why Dab & Dew Works for Indian Skin
India’s climate doesn’t make skincare easy—there’s intense heat, stickiness, pollution, and sweat. That’s why we were impressed that Dab & Dew is designed specifically for Indian skin and weather. Their formulas are lightweight, non-greasy, and breathable, making them perfect even in muggy, tropical weather.
Unlike many international products that feel too rich or oily, Dab & Dew products glide on effortlessly, soak in quickly, and feel like a second skin. No pore-clogging, no midday shine, and definitely no breakouts.
Let’s dive into each product we tested.
1. Butter Rinse Cleansing Balm
Melts away makeup, SPF, and city grime—without stripping your skin.
This was our first step in the morning routine, and what a treat! The Butter Rinse is a gentle, luxurious cleansing balm that effortlessly melts away even the most stubborn waterproof mascara, sunscreen, and everyday pollution.
Key Ingredients We Loved:
- Avocado Extract & Murumuru Butter: Deeply nourishing, hydrating, and softening.
- Vitamin E: Provides antioxidant protection and aids in skin repair.
Our Verdict:
Leaves your face feeling clean but never tight. Perfect for all skin types, especially if you’re tired of harsh cleansers that strip away moisture.
Price: Rs 569
2. Balancing Tonic (Calendula Toner)
Hydrates, exfoliates, and calms in a single spritz.
We’re always skeptical of toners that promise too much, but the Balancing Tonic genuinely delivers. It’s a refreshing mist packed with real Calendula petals—not just pretty, but incredibly soothing for sensitive or redness-prone skin.
Hero Ingredients:
- PHA (Polyhydroxy Acid): Gently exfoliates without irritation.
- Calendula & Mango Extracts: Calm and hydrate, leaving the skin fresh and glowy.
Our Verdict:
Use it post-cleansing and throughout the day to cool down, tone up, and reset your skin. Great for monsoon humidity and midday refreshes.
Price: Rs 549
3. Plump Drops (Blueberry Face Serum)
This serum is the star of the show—radiance in a bottle.
Lightweight yet rich in skin-plumping benefits, the Plump Drops serum felt like a silky, soothing hug for the skin. This is the one product that visibly changed the texture and glow of our skin after a week of use.
What Makes It Special:
- Blueberry Extract: Packed with antioxidants to fight dullness and boost radiance.
- Buildable Glow: Unlike serums that give instant but short-lived effects, this one improves your skin with every use.
Our Verdict:
A must-have in your daily ritual. It’s not just skincare, it’s your daily indulgence, your mini spa moment before facing the world.
Price: Rs 1,029
4. Hydra Restore Moisturizer (Raspberry Moisturiser)
Dewy, plump skin in just one step.
We tried the Hydra Restore as our night moisturizer—and some of us even used it during the day on dry-skin days. Its cushiony texture was instantly comforting after cleansing.
Hero Actives:
- Raspberry Extract: Rich in antioxidants to soothe and protect.
- Ceramides, Hyaluronic Acid & Vitamin B5: A dream team for repairing the skin barrier and deep hydration.
Our Verdict:
If your skin feels dry, tight, or irritated post-shower or in air-conditioned environments, this is your best friend. Wake up to visibly plumper and calmer skin.
Price: Rs 679
5. Cool Quench Moisturizer (Kakadu Plum Moisturiser)
Your daily dose of Vitamin C and oil-control magic.
Monsoon breakouts? Oily T-zone? We hear you. That’s where Cool Quench steps in. This gel-based moisturizer is light, cooling, and instantly refreshing. Perfect for combination to oily skin types.
Why It Works:
- Kakadu Plum: A natural Vitamin C bomb to brighten and even tone.
- Niacinamide: Controls sebum, refines pores, and boosts glow.
Our Verdict:
Apply in the morning, and you’ll notice less shine, fewer breakouts, and a healthy, natural glow. Plus, it layers beautifully under SPF or makeup.
Price: Rs 679
Final Thoughts: Is Dab & Dew Worth the Hype?
Absolutely. What stood out for us at whatSHElikes was how each product complemented the others. This isn’t a random mix of products. These products are clean, effective, and 100 percent cruelty-free and vegan products. It’s a thoughtfully designed system that works together to cleanse, calm, nourish, and protect your skin.
