May Lindstrom The Youth Dew

Describe the brand in three words.

Artisanal. Organic. Luxury.

What is it?

A hydrating serum.

Who is it for?

Everyone.

What’s in it?

Persea Americana (Avocado) Oil, Limnanthes Alba (Meadowfoam Seed) Oil, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Oil, Prunus Spp (Plum Kernel) Oil, Hippophae Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Oil, Rosa Rubiginosa (Rosehip Seed) Oil, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Oil, Calophyllum Inophyllum (Tamanu) Oil, Borago Officinalis (Borage Seed) Oil, Aleurites Moluccans (Kukui Nut) Oil, Oenothera Biennis (Evening Primrose) Oil, Pelargonium Graveolens (Geranium Rose) Essential Oil, Citrus Paradisi (Grapefruit) Essential Oil, Citrus Sinensis (Sweet Orange) Essential Oil, Citrus Limon (Lemon) Essential Oil, Rosa Damascena (Rose Absolute) Essential Oil, Rosa Damascena (Bulgarian Rose) Essential Oil, Citrus Aurantium (Neroli) Essential Oil, Daucus Carota (Carrot Seed) Essential Oil, Ubiquinone (CoEnzyme Q10)

What's not in it?

parabens, propylene or butylene glycols, petroleum, sulphates, PEGs, TEA, DEA, phthalates, GMO, silicones, pesticides, artificial dyes, fragrances or 'suspected carcinogens'

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?

essential oils

Suitable for pregnancy?

Yes

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?

Vegan, organic, sustainably farmed and wild-harvested

Tested on animals in home country/EU/sold in territories that require testing?

No/No/No

How does it smell?

Divine. Intensely overwhelming in the best, relaxing, way. Slightly floral but light.

How do you use it?

I apply one pump into the palm of my hand, do the therapist swipe, and go straight onto the skin, massaging as I go. After acids, under moisturisers.

Can it be taken around the eyes?

Yes, it's lovely as an eye serum

Best for winter or summer?

Both

How long did I test it for?

I've been using this for a couple of years, on and off.

How much is it? /Size

£96.00/$120.00 for 20ml

Works well with?

Anything, but if you use it under things like The Blue Cocoon, it's almost savage in its intensity and glow. And that's a compliment.

What’s the website like?

Good. Not a ton of information but it lists ingredients and has videos demoing application etc.

How’s the distribution? Available freely or limited?

Selected distribution across lovely doors like Barneys, Cult Beauty and Liberty.

What’s good about it?

This is a divine serum-oil that contains 20 botanical oils along with CoQ10 via ubiquinone, a fat-soluble vitamin-like substance that although naturally found in the body, is the first antioxidant to disappear from the skin as soon as we are exposed to sunlight. CoQ10 levels also decrease as we age (doesn't everything?!) and it is hard to absorb, hence adding it to a fatty, liposome formula to aid penetration. 

The oils are a mixture of nourishing, regenerating, hydrating, omega-heavy and healing. The serum is extremely light, almost runny in its texture, and absorbs immediately. Long-term effects are softer, smoother, brighter skin, that is more protected due to the CoQ10.

What’s not so good about it?

It's not cheap and it's only a 20ml bottle, but in this case you're getting extremely high quality oils/ingredients for your money. Due to the natural state and quality of the ingredients, it's almost orange in colour, which may stain your pillowcases if you lay down too soon. This is a natural colour and will vary slightly by each batch depending on the crop.

Would I purchase/repurchase?

Yes. Obviously I did not pay for it, but I would/will when the time comes.

Do you need it?

Yes, if you can afford it. If you can't afford it at the moment, look at The Ordinary's Buffet and mix it with their Rosehip Oil. It won't be the same, but we have to work with what we can afford financially!

Similar products?

De Mamiel Intense Nurture Antioxidant Serum
Vintner's Daughter
Black Chicken Love Your Face Serum



May Lindstrom The Youth Dew is £96.00 from Cult Beauty.com or $120.00 from MayLindstrom.com




*This post does not contain affiliate links to May Lindstrom's Youth Dew as May is one of my professional clients, but some of the other product links are affiliated.
For full details on how that works see my full disclaimer here: http://bit.ly/1rpEmSq and as always any questions just ask.
The views expressed on this site are the author's own and are provided for informational purposes only. The author makes no warranties about the suitability of any product or treatment referenced or reviewed here for any person other than herself and any reliance placed on these reviews or references by you is done so solely at your own risk. Nothing on this site shall be construed as providing dermatological, medical or other such advice and you are always advised to seek the advice of a suitable professional should you have any such concerns.

Dehydration Week - Black Chicken Remedies Love Your Face Serum

Ok so everyone outside of Australia will complain about this one, but I figure my Aussie readers get SO screwed with exchange rates and so many products are unavailable to them, that they needed one of their own that they had the chance to buy all on their own!

You have seen Black Chicken on the blog for a couple of years, and on my Instagram for longer. The products are beautiful and they really work. I had forgotten just how good this serum is, but dipped into it again recently and am annoyed I had let it sit around waiting for too long!

What is it?

'An indulgent anti ageing, deep penetrating, skin boosting, super hydrating, plumping face serum.'

Who is it for?

All skin types, all skin conditions.

What’s in it?

Apricot Kernel oil*, Jojoba oil* , Evening Primrose oil*, Vitamin E oil, Argan oil*, Rosehip oil*, Neroli essential oil , Sandalwood essential oil, Palma Rosa essential oil*, Rose Maroc Absolute essential oil, Ylang Ylang essential oil

*organic

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?

essential oils

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?

natural/organic/vegan

98% organic

Tested on animals/sold in territories that test on animals?

No/No

What's not in it?

petrochemicals

parabens

no artificial fragrances

How do you use it?/Where to use in your routine?

After cleansing apply a few drops to the palm of your hand, rub together and massage onto the face. Use under moisturiser or on its own morning and night or as and when.

What’s good about it?

This is a really beautiful, hydrating serum. You wouldn't think such a little bottle would pack such a big punch. My skin the morning after I use this is baby soft. Super baby soft. This is one of those occasions where you need to test the formula, not just read the ingredients, before making your mind up.*

The oils are carefully put together and thought out to ensure maximum efficacy. It's a good 'fatty acid' oil, hence it aiding dehydration so well. It hydrates, smoothes, softens aid visibly fixes signs of dehydration. I'm so jealous of you Aussies right now.

What’s not so good about it?

I would personally prefer BCR to ditch the organic, go just for natural and make the bottle much bigger. I know I know - that's the entire point of the range so I'll shut up. It's just that this is so good that I want to slather it on. Repeatedly.

Black Chicken Remedies Love Your Face Serum is $79.00 Aussie dollars (£37ish) and available here: blackchicken.com.au/love-your-face-serum

The good news is that Cult Beauty is stocking the range in 2016 at the end of next week! To be honest, they didn't take much persuading. ;)

*I still receive regular comments saying 'Beautypedia/Paula Begoun don't rate this product. It obviously causes cell damage/destroys your cells!!!' etc etc

Please do be aware of a key difference between this site and that one. And I say this for information only, not to be antagonistic.

I loved Paula when I met her (just to be clear, again!) - but their reviews are based on reading labels, not testing products on the skin. There is no way of knowing, really knowing, how well something works - or not - without testing it on your skin, in my opinion. 

It's why I don't fully review something until I've tried it. Beautypedia works differently. It's a valuable resource, but it is, once again, another opinion. For me it is about the ingredients and the formula, not just the label. 

Some of my favourite products, such as Clinique TTDO Balm, I would probably not have picked up had I only read the label....

Hall of Fame - Zelens Z Luminous and a 30% discount across Zelens.com

Ah Dr Lens. My favourite Italian. After Rocky Balboa. This bottle of whiteness saved my face from significant pigmentation and is therefore going straight into the Hall of Fame.

What is it?

'This advanced serum visibly brightens, smoothes and hydrates the skin.'

It's a serum to tackle dull and pigmented skin.

Who is it for?

Anyone with pigmentation issues, dull skin, skin with discolouration issues.

What’s in it?

Aqua (Water), Niacinamide, Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cyclopentasiloxane, Pentylene Glycol, Squalane, Phytic Acid, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, Zinc Glycinate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Bisabolol, Hydrolyzed Pearl, Silanetriol, Silica, Polysilicone-11, Benzophenone-3, Polysorbate 60, Sodium Metabisulfite, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum (Fragrance), Linalool, Sodium Hydroxide

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?

fragrance

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?

A mix of naturals and super hi-tec/vegan

Tested on animals/sold in China?

No/No

What's not in it?

mineral oil

parabens

How do you use it?/Where to use in your routine?

I applied 2/3 pumps all over twice a day until it ran out. After acids, under moisturiser.

What’s good about it?

Z Luminous was 95% responsible for removing the patch of pigmentation in between my eyebrows that I gained over the summer (despite using SPF50). Almost singlehandedly. 

Whilst I was still using my acids and some retinols, I used this consistently throughout September/October until it ran out and my pigmentation has substantially faded. It's pretty much indistinguishable unless you're looking for it.

It is easily the most effective serum for my pigmentation that I have used.*

Dr Lens (Marko to regular viewers of my channel) is the King of Serums. The formulas are all well thought out and they work. There's really not much more to say.

Niacinamide, resorcinol, zinc-glycine complex and phytic acid all work together - at high %s - to target all signs of pigmentation/dullness and discolouration. I first wrote about the effects of niacinamide over 5 years ago here.

What’s not so good about it?

It's £135.00. But in some cases, you pay peanuts, you get monkeys. The second ingredient in this is niacinamide. It's an expensive formulation, and the proof is in the pudding. 

To celebrate landing in the Hall of Fame, Zelens are giving all of you lovely readers, even those of you overseas, a 30% discount across the board from Zelens.com until next Wednesday evening. 

As an extra, you will receive 1 x free Skin Perfectors Collection (worth £82.50) with a spend of £125 and above on anything purchased between now and Monday evening.

The 30% off code will remain open until 11.59pm UK time on Wednesday 2nd December.

Your Code is HIRONS30.

www.zelens.com

*Bear in mind everyone's skin is different. I attacked my pigmentation early, and although it was a seasonal flare-up, how good something will work is dependent on a lot of other factors. I'll try and answer as many of your questions in the comments as possible to help ascertain if this is for you or not.

**No affiliate links and I have not worked with Dr Lens since Dec 2013. 

Those of you that I know will ask - You will know what is in my Cult Beauty Box before this offer ends.

This is not in it.

Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum

I should start this post with an apology. There are a few product reviews coming your way this week and they're none of them cheap. They're all LUSH, but we're not talking £20 here. We're not even talking £50.00. In most cases we're over £100.00. 

Same rule applies as always though, if you can't afford it, please don't buy it. Simples.

If you would spend that amount on shoes or a handbag however, and have pictures of said shoes or handbag on your Instagram openly for all to see, please save your 'HOW MUCH?' comments for another time. If you choose to spend your hard-earned money on shoes or bags but not products, that's 100% your call and your business. 

No, I would not spend £400 on a face serum (well I haven't been persuaded thus far), but I wouldn't spend that on shoes either so..... choose your priorities. Your money. Your call. Same for me.

With that (slightly borderline rant) out of the way, Vintner's Daughter is one of my three favourite serum oils around at the moment. The others are coming your way this week.

What is it?

'Vintner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum is a luxurious multi-correctional infusion of 22 of the world’s most active organic and wildcrafted botanicals.'

Right. A lovely serum/oil then.

Who is it for?

Everyone. Although I would personally would recommend to someone slightly older - i.e. 30+.

What’s in it?

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?

essential oils

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?

organic/natural - no definitive list of what is organic vs natural on the site. I assume it's organic and high quality naturals - most 100% organic products bang on about it so much that it's hard to miss ;) 

Tested on animals/sold in China?

No/No

What's not in it?

parabens

phthalates

synthetic fragrances

PEGs

SLS

How do you use it?/Where to use in your routine?

1/3 dropper into the palm of your hand, therapist swipe, straight onto skin. Massage in.

I've been using about 1/3 of a dropper directly on to my skin, underneath moisturiser to counteract the drying/flaking effects of my prescription retinoid. 

What’s good about it?

I'm not great with jargon at the best of times. This is a lovely formulation. It gives 'oomph' to the skin - especially a mature skin, and more importantly, an extra cushion of oil in faces that may need it more, as we all tend to do at this time of year.  The formula is very nicely refined and absorbs beautifully. I'm really enjoying using it - and my skin loves it.

There is more information on the Vintner's Daughter website here but it's very jargon-heavy, be warned.

What’s not so good about it?

A grapeseed oil is not the most expensive base, but it does contain a whole host of other oils and leaves including dandelion, nettle and alfalfa - 22 to be exact.

I personally like the smell, but it is strong, so worth bearing in mind if you aren't keen on essential oils/scents.

'Gives Good Glow' score - 8/10

Vintner's Daughter Active Botanical Serum is £150.00 and available from CultBeauty.com or
$185.00 from www.vintnersdaughter.com 

Similar products?

Sjal Bio-Regeneratif Serum - http://bit.ly/1Lx6Lko

Anne Semonin 100% Active Serum - http://bit.ly/1Lx7xO5

Sunday Riley Luna/Artemis/Flora - http://bit.ly/1GtiQs5

Perricone MD Chia Serum - http://bit.ly/1Gtj2aJ

Zelens Intense Defence

This weather offers the perfect time to talk about Zelens Intense Defence.

What is it?

'A potent antioxidant serum formulated with a unique blend of synergistic ingredients to defend from environmental assaults.'

Who is it for?

Everyone.

What’s in it?

Aqua (Water), Glycerin, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Squalane, Cyclopentasiloxane, Sodium Hyaluronate, Superoxide Dismutase, Thioctic Acid, Ubiquinone, Ascorbyl Tetraisopalmitate, Bisabolol, Perilla Frutescens Leaf Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Centella Asiatica Extract, Ginkgo Biloba Leaf Extract, Pinus Strobus Bark Extract, Echinacea Angustifolia Leaf Extract, Tocopheryl Acetate, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Dimethylmethoxy Chromanol, Hydrolyzed Sesame Protein PG-Propyl Methylsilanediol, Tripeptide-1, Lactic Acid, Polyacrylamide, Phenoxyethanol, Dimethicone, Acrylates Copolymer, C13-14 Isoparaffin, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Laureth-7, Ethylhexylglycerin, Polysilicone-11, VP/Polycarbamyl Polyglycol Ester, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Xanthan Gum, Parfum (Fragrance), Linalool

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?

Fragrance 

Natural? Organic? Man-made? Vegan?

Man made/vegan

Tested on animals/sold in China?

No/No.

What's not in it?

Parabens

How do you use it?

Apply underneath moisturiser daily. I use AM but it can be used both AM and PM.

What’s good about it?

Clinically proven* to reduce the amount free radical activity on the skin by 74% after an hour and 50% after 5 hours, Zelens put their money where their mouth is. This is like wearing a suit of armour underneath your moisturiser. Most antioxidant products only focus on one type of free radical damage, and use vitamin C to do so, when, in fact, there are 3. Oxygen, carbon and nitrogen. So using an antioxidant product that only attacks one group of free radicals is akin to leaving the house wearing a bra, blouse, sweater and fur coat and nothing at all on your bottom half. You're not fully covered. 

This serum also includes chromane, of which clinical studies show is more effective in the inhibition of oxidative stress than resveratrol, ferulic acid and vitamin E.

Being Zelens, they've thrown in an abundance of other actives - 18 to be exact, to enhance collagen production and act as massive anti-inflammatories.

What’s not so good about it?

Not much. It's not cheap, but then neither is the formula. Dr Lens is my first port of call for serums and anti-ageing. His day-to-day job is protecting the skin, he knows what he's doing.

Works well with?

Zelens Daily Defence

Similar products?

Grown Alchemist Antioxidant +3 Detox Serum

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

Exchange rate – does it punish the UK?

No. Zelens is UK based.

Zelens Intense Defence is £125 and available at Zelens.com

*Papers published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (Assessment of the kinetics of the antioxidative capacity of topical antioxidants).

Zelens Z Luminous Brightening Serum

What is it?
'This advanced serum visibly brightens, smoothes and hydrates the skin.'

Who is it for?
'Someone who wants to diminish the appearance of dark spots and discolouration, even skin tone and enhance radiance, while refining skin texture.'

What’s in it?

Aqua (Water), Niacinamide, Dimethicone, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Hydroxyethyl Acrylate/Sodium Acryloyldimethyl Taurate Copolymer, Cyclopentasiloxane, Pentylene Glycol, Squalane, Phytic Acid, Phenylethyl Resorcinol, Zinc Glycinate, Sodium Hyaluronate, Tocopheryl Acetate, Bisabolol, Hydrolyzed Pearl, Silanetriol, Silica, Polysilicone-11, Benzophenone-3, Polysorbate 60, Sodium Metabisulfite, Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane, Disodium EDTA, Phenoxyethanol, Ethylhexylglycerin, Sorbitan Isostearate, Diethylhexyl Syringylidenemalonate, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate, Parfum (Fragrance), Linalool, Sodium Hydroxide

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?
fragrance

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?
Man-made/vegan

Tested on animals/sold in China?

No/No

What's not in it?

mineral oil

parabens

PEGs

sulfates

How do you use it?
Apply after toning am and pm before moisturiser. I personally prefer to use in the mornings. *GLOW*

What’s good about it?
I'm a tad in love with this serum. I have a little pigmentation from old sun damage that occasionally tries to peep through when I've been outside. This helps to disguise that, but the best part is the glow it gives. It makes your face look as if unicorns are hidden just under the surface of your skin and are trying to shoot glitter through your pores.
All unicorns and foolishness aside, it contains niacinamide (a lot of) to reduce pigmentation, even skin tone and strengthen the skin by increasing the fatty content of the epidermis which helps it to retain moisture.
Resorcinol to decrease melanin content of the skin and brighten. Zinc-Glycine complex and phytic acid to soothe inflammation, reduce melanin production and mildly exfoliate.
In essence, it's loaded with genuine active ingredients. Marko Lens does not mess around when it comes to his products. Unlike 95% of brand names, he writes his own formulas. These products have not been taken off a shelf in a lab and just had a 'Zelens' label put on them. Everything in here is in here for a reason - and it shows.

What’s not so good about it?
It's £135.00. A no-go if you are on a tight budget, but I would seriously consider checking this out if you are older and have pigmentation or dull skin. I noticed a difference immediately. Please bear in mind I am talking about pigmentation, not melasma or old scarring. That's as different kettle of fish, more of which you can read about here: carolinehirons.com/melasma

Similar products? (These are only designed to work in a similar way, I'm not suggesting they are as good as the main product being reviewed.)
Chantecaille Vital Essence with Arbutin
OSKIA Get Up and Glow
Dennis Gross MD Hydra-Pure Vitamin C Brightening Serum
Tata Harper Rejuvenating Serum
Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum

Exchange rate – does it punish the UK?
No. The UK is Zelens' base country. *Score!*

Zelens Z Luminous Brightening Serum is £135.00 and available from www.zelens.com 

Tomorrow:  Zelens Intense Defense Antioxidant Serum

Clinic - Serums

Whilst we're mid-month of Serums focus I thought it would be good to do a quick Q&A/Clinic on the topic so that further reviews during the month may prove to be more helpful.

As always, I will try and answer around 25 questions - although it's usually a few more once the dust settles.

So if there is anything you want to ask/need to know/have always wondered about serums, just leave a comment below.

Please note I will not be answering the questions until tomorrow as I am away from my desk all day - and as always I will only publish the questions I am answering otherwise due to the sheer volume, it becomes an impossible read.

Thank you everyone!

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum

What is it?

A hydrating serum.

Who is it for?

A serum for 'women with sensitive skin looking for deep and lasting hydration'.

(Dear Vichy, Seems a tad sexist no? What about the boys?)

What’s in it?

AQUA • GLYCERIN •DIMETHICONE • PEG/PPG/POLYBUTYLENE GLYCOL-8/5/3 GLYCERIN • PEG-60 HYDROGENATED CASTOR OIL • DIMETHICONOL • SODIUM HYALURONATE • PHENOXYETHANOL • CHONDRUS CRISPUS (CARRAGEENAN) • AMMONIUM POLYACRYLDIMETHYLTAURAMIDE • POLOXAMER 338 • DISODIUM EDTA • CAPRYLYL GLYCOL • CITRIC ACID • BIOSACCHARIDE GUM-1 • ACRYLATES/C10-30 ALKYL ACRYLATE CROSSPOLYMER • PARFUM /FRAGRANCE

Ingredients listed on website?

Not one of the retailers that sell this in the UK lists the ingredients. Not Boots, Feel Unique, Look Fantastic, Escentual or Vichy's own website. They are not even listed on L'Oreal's fancy new Derma Center store, it just says 'main ingredients'. What a wasted opportunity. 

I had to track them down via the USA.

Were it not a much-requested review I seriously would not have bothered. 

Personally, I don't think I'm being over the top to ask a retailer to take responsibility and LIST THE INGREDIENTS. We want to give you our money, we would like to know what is in the bloody thing.

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?

glycols

silicone

fragrance

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?

man-made

Tested on animals during production/sells in markets that require animal testing i.e. China?

No/Yes

What's not in it?

parabens

mineral oil

How do you use it?

Apply onto dry fingertips, spread onto fingertips of the other hand, apply directly to skin.

Where to use in your routine?

Serum, post-toning, pre-moisturiser.

What’s good about it?

This gives immediate relief for a dry, dehydrated skin, It's 'wet', which sounds strange but basically means it's a water formula, whereas Hydraluron for example, is a gel texture. I would still use this the same way, under a moisturiser, and I would still avoid a heavy silicone-led moisturiser/product and go for wet moisturisers on top of this. 

It will make sense if you've been reading the blog for a long time but:

Clinique Moisture Surge is wet.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair is silicone.

It won't be enough if you're dry, you'd still have to use a good oil-based moisturiser on top, but if dehydration is your main concern, and with the price point, I would definitely recommend that you check this out.

Sali Hughes is obsessed and synonymous with it.

What’s not so good about it?

This serum should not work. But it does.

It contains glycols, silicones and fragrance. I don't mind them, but it's the kind of product that would give Beautypedia a hernia. 

Therein lies the mantra of one size most definitely does not fit all. If you don't like those ingredients, avoid. If you're dehydrated, and of the thinking 'whatever works', go for it.

Similar products?

Hydraluron

Hyalamide

Hydraquench - Clarins 

(are we seeing a pattern here) :)

Exchange rate – does it punish the UK?

Not really. We're close enough to France. I imagine the Americans and the Australians are screwed though.

Vichy's Aqualia Thermal Serum is available in a lot of retailers in the UK priced anything from £17.00 - £22.00. 

However, none of them list their ingredients so they can jog on for a link.

Step forward vichyusa.com. 

Deciem Hylamide SubQ Anti-Age

What is it?

'A highly active concentrate of advanced hyaluronic complexes, next-generation peptides and biotechnological technologies to target rehydration on and below skin surface, while visibly improving lines, wrinkles, sagging skin and textural damage.'

Who is it for?

Everyone. Especially those with signs of ageing, problems with dryness and dehydration.

What’s in it?

aqua (water), glycerin, ethoxydiglycol, hydrolyzedyeast extract, sodiumhyaluronate crosspolymer, pentylene glycol, tamarindus indica seed gum, pseudoalteromonas fermentextract, hydrolyzed sodiumhyaluronate, sodiumhyaluronate, polyacrylatecrosspolymer-6, trisodiumethylenediamine disuccinate, lactobacillus/eriodictyoncalifornicum fermentextract, saccharideisomerate, copperlysinate/prolinate, palmitoyl tripeptide-38, myristoyl nonapeptide-3, ahnfeltia concinna extract, ethylhexylglycerin, methylglucoside phosphate, cetylhydroxyethylcellulose, hydroxypropylcyclodextrin, polyglucuronic acid, hexylene glycol, salicylic acid, lecithin, phospholipids, caprylyl glycol, sodiumhydroxide, citric acid, potassium sorbate, sodiumbenzoate, sodium citrate, chlorphenesin, phenoxyethanol, leuconostoc/radish rootferment filtrate.

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?

Nope.

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?

Most definitely man made and vegan.

Tested on animals/sold in China?

No/No

What's not in it?

Mineral oil

Fragrance

How do you use it?

Serum stage. After toning, before moisturiser.

What’s good about it?

This is an excellent serum. Despite its claims of penetrating deeper than ever before, you can't reinvent the wheel. Nothing penetrates that deep without a needle. You can, however, make your delivery system the best it can be and this certainly does that. 

Hylamide instantaneously hydrates for the immediate gratification effect, yet skin still feels hydrated at the end of the day. 

Contains 5 forms of hyaluronic acid of differing molecular weights to target all areas of dehydration/dryness including fine lines and surface dehydration - the two most visible. Matrixyl Synthe 6 is an updated version of the Matrixyl peptide, used widely in skincare to help boost collagen and support existing collagen, and copper lysinate/prolinate to aid penetration, enhance stability and again, aid collagen support and production. 

It's a hefty serum without a hefty price tag. However, I would have rather they added a fiver to the cost and changed the packaging.......

What’s not so good about it?

If you really are 'next-generation' you might want to stop using 1920's apothecary packaging. 

The eye product is even worse. The product is really good, but it's too runny to be in a dropper. Where you want to use a couple of drops you end up with enough to use around your eyes, lips and elbows if you're even a little heavy-handed. Sorry Deciem. 

*Update

I received the below from Brandon, the owner of Deciem shortly after this review went up. As always, I'm happy to give brands a response to any post on here and Brandon's was very interesting:

'The biggest formulation nightmare is always the same: your skin likes oil and repels water (contrary to popular belief). Since almost all good technologies are water soluble, for a serum to be truly absorbed into the skin (very different to below the skin in the comparison you made to injections), you need very good delivery mechanisms (and they really really do exist today) and these systems generally yield very thin liquid formulations when in water-only formulations. 

Most premium products (or most products really) offer emulsions of oil and water (creams, emulsion "serums", etc.) to simply offer a thicker, richer formula that "feels" more effective and lovely but, as importantly, opens the door to any type of packaging you wish to have but this viscosity adjustment does nothing other than impede absorption of water technologies in any formula. It's simple: If you feel something on your skin, less got in. 

When you avoid such systems, you're left with highly liquid formulas. With such low viscosities, airless pumps are definitely the wrong choice as the pressure causes a harsh spurt to come out and splash in your hand. Regular air (pump) systems have the same problem to a lesser extent. The other alternative is truly very narrow nozzle tubes which waste about 15% of the product that cannot get out at the end. Please believe me. We were not being cheap. Those simple glass bottles and droppers with a label cost about 50% more than the most sophisticated airless bottles. I am sure there will be a solution soon in the world. It's just not obvious today. 

As a result of this position, our most complex formulations in Hylamide, NIOD and WhiteRx are in dropper systems. We really were not trying to look apothecary or cheap. The alternatives were simply more problematic and I didn't want to sacrifice the formula.'

Thanks Brandon. Isn't it great when brands take the time to make their point/case clear?

Similar products?

Not really. This is quite unique. It matches up to most collagen-led serums on the market, is more affordable and does work. If you can get past the packaging, it's brilliant. 

Exchange rate – does it punish the UK?

No. Deciem tends to launch their products here so we lead the way.

Hylamide is a very good product for £30.00 and is available here: www.hylamide.com and from Boots.

NUDE ProGenius Omega Treatment Milk

What is it?

Not that you'd know it from the name, but this is a serum dedicated to improving hydration and nourishment quickly. 

Who is it for?

Anyone, but brilliant for sensitive and dehydrated skins.

What’s in it?

Water (Aqua), Isoamyl Laurate, Glycerin, Squalene, Glyceryl Stearate Citrate, Cetearyl Alcohol, Argania Spinosa Kernel Oil, Salvia Hispanica (Chia) Seed Oil, Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil, Hippophae Rhamnoides Oil, Punica Granatum Extract, Euterpe Oleracea Fruit Oil, Oryza Sativa (Rice) Extract, Avena Strigosa Seed Extract, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract , Pinus Pinaster Bark Extract, Carthamus Tinctorius Seed (Safflower) Oil, Bisabolol, Tocopherol, Sclerotium Gum, Lecithin, Lysolecithin, Xanthan Gum, Pullulan, Diglycerin, Glyceryl Caprylate, Levulinic Acid, Sodium Levulinate, P-Anisic Acid, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate, Sodium Benzoate, Sodium Hydroxide, Phytic Acid, Fragrance (Parfum), Citral, Limonene, Benzyl Salicylate

Possibly acne/allergy/troubling for some ingredients?

Fragrance

Benzyl Salicylate

Natural? Organic? Man made? Vegan?

Natural ish.

Tested on animals/sold in China?

No/No

What's not in it?

PARABENS, SULPHATES, PEGS, TEA, DEA, PROYLENE GLYCOL, PHTHALATES, PETROCHEMICALS, SYNTHETIC COLOR, SYNTHETIC FRAGRANCE, MINERAL OIL AND SILICONES

How do you use it?

Onto fingers, then onto face, in the serum stage of your routine.

What’s good about it?

This is a lovely product, good for those of you with various sensitivities including redness and rosacea. It is loaded with 10 plant oils, rich in 5 omega oils. Some of the more 'chemical-laden' brands would cast doubt on the effect of topical omegas, but personally, I've seen results and am a plant oil advocate through and through. This is a lovely product. I would use it more for soothing and plumping than anti-ageing, but of course stopping dehydration in its tracks is technically anti-ageing so if you are in your late 20's/early 30's and have no other concerns, this could be perfect for you.

What’s not so good about it?

Well, the name. I would immediately dismiss this as a moisturising lotion if I saw it on the shelf. I have no doubt this has hindered the popularity of this product, people may simply not be using it thinking it's a moisturiser for combination skins.

Similar products?

Aurelia Revitalise and Glow

REN Vita Mineral Omega 3 Serum

Vichy Aqualia Thermal Serum

OSKIA Get Up and Glow

NUDE ProGenius Omega Treatment Milk is £62.00 for 30ml, available from www.nudeskincare.com and needs to be renamed as a matter of urgency. ;)

The Month in Skincare - January

I can't believe January is at an end already! Those of you that aren't on Instagram will be unaware that I've been keeping a daily record of the products I'm using. Not so much for me, more to encourage you to mix it up a little (where you can afford to - obviously), there is never a need to only use one brand. (Although I wouldn't mix a load of retinol products. You stay classy San Diego.)

Myself, the Mr and Max are all a little under the weather so there won't be a video tomorrow - I'll aim for Monday/Tuesday - but I need to rest up.

Feel free to ask any questions about the products shown or any routines etc in the comments. Although with this cold, bear with. Yes/no will be easier than essays this weekend! :)

Also: I'm focusing more on budget skincare in February. I'd be interested to hear from you with some of your favourites. :)

Have a lovely weekend everyone!