Hey guys,
Long time
no see! As far as I am concerned I just turned a year older today L but hey, our favorite brands
are here to sell us tons of miracles, right?!
I thought
I would take the opportunity to post some reviews on skincare I have been using
in the past few weeks. In this post I will be focusing on serums.
 |
| Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illunimator; Clarins Double Serum; Shiseido Ultimune |
1.
Estee Lauder Idealist Even Skintone Illunimator
See full
description here http://www.esteelauder.com/product/681/14025/Product-Catalog/Skincare/Idealist/Even-Skintone-Illuminator
“Over time: skin
looks noticeably clearer and brighter, vibrant and more even-toned. Powerful
breakthroughs including CorrectTone Technology address the look of every key
sign of uneven skintone.”
My thoughts:
Well I will be
really quick on that one as I don’t think it works as a serum (in my opinion) I
started using it as a serum and could not see any difference at all, it really
felt completely useless, which is a shame given its price and promises. So as
it is a bit sheer and quite light (it is not an oily/greasy formula at all) I
started using it with my foundation (I would add a pump to my daily
foundation application) and for this purpose (illuminator / brightener) it works wonders!
So again, it is a
disappointment for me as I don’t use it as a serum but it is a really good illuminator
with a great texture for make-up purposes. Just a bit expensive to be used as an
illuminating primer, I agree…
Retails
at £69 (50ml) looks discontinued though :S
2.
Clarins Double Serum Complete Age Control Concentrate
See full
description here http://www.clarins.co.uk/double-serum/C010408020.html
“More than just a
serum, this is the only intensive anti-ageing treatment rich in 20 plant
extracts that boosts the skin's vital functions. An innovative, two-phase
system that targets all aspects of skin ageing in one complete concentrate. A
complete serum:
- skin looks
firmer, wrinkles appear smoother
- the complexion
looks more even and regains its glow
- pores appear
less visible”
Alright, I
have heard a lot about this serum but thought I did not need it because it was
an “anti-ageing” serum. Even though I know that most of the time when you
read “anti-age” it might just as well mean that you are buying a moisturizing
serum or cream and not much else. So one day at London Heathrow Airport I saw
an amazing deal: 2 serums for £69 (one retails at £55 in the UK). I got one for my mum
(she is by the way really happy with this serum) and I took the other for me J
This
serum is not a newborn. Clarins has had a product named Double Serum in their
line for years. They reformulate the previous version every couple of years and
re-launch.
My
thoughts:
I think
this serum does its job. It has two separate containers. Each time you depress the pump the
serums combine dispensing one fluid. It is just a bit too rich for my type of
skin (combination). It does penetrate really quickly though and does not leave
any greasy film but I feel like my skin does need that much. So I don’t use it every
day but every other or I just skip 2 days and use it again. It is part of my
bedtime routine. I cannot tell if it has any effect on the ageing of the skin.
It is really rich though so it can definitely help the skin look firmer and
smoother.
Now there are a lot
of different ingredients in there. 20 plant extracts!!
Check the review done by Paula’s choice http://www.paulaschoice.com/beautypedia-skin-care-reviews/by-brand/clarins/_/Double-Serum-Complete-Age-Control-Concentrate.
She explains how one of this serum's natural ingredients is actually a problem
for all skin types. But again, we all react differently to one same product.
Best way to know? Trying out!
Retails at £55
(30ml)
3.
Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
See full
description here http://www.shiseido.co.uk/ultimune/
“ This
immune system is complex, involving various cells. Among them, skin’s
Langerhans Cells play a vital role. Ultimune is the first and only product ever
created to directly approach Langerhans cells to enhance the power source
behind your skin’s immunity.”
This
concentrate is supposed to be unique on the market right now as it is supposed
to help boost defensive functions that have declined in the deep Langerhans
Cells. It also apparently acts better as a pre-serum treatment/care that
activates any serum or cream applied right after. Indeed in order to enhance the
impact of any skincare regimen, it is advised to use your daily serum and/or cream (targeting
your needs i.e. dehydration, anti-age, oiliness…) in addition to Ultimune.
My thoughts:
On pump can be enough but I think that two work best. It spreads very
evenly and penetrates quickly into your skin’s surface. The smell is lovely and
helps you feel relaxed. It is a very fluid formula non sticky nor greasy at
all.
To be
honest I think that after a week of using it (on its own) every morning and
night I saw and felt a difference on my skin. My skin just looked brighter and
smoother.
Now after
more that a month I don’t see any particular change. It seems that the effect
was quite immediate and that after two weeks it wouldn’t do anything anymore. That
is maybe because it did its job within a timeframe needed for my skin. I might
just stop using it for maybe two or three weeks and go back to it.
But
again, I really saw a difference almost straight away so I really believe that
it does what it says. And that it can be used as a real temporary treatment and
not a routine. Definitely recommend.
Retails
at £60 (30ml)
I hope you guys found this post and reviews useful. Feel free to comment and share your thoughts as well :)
Have a lovely week
Kristina x
