Skincare Review for Acne-Prone, Sensitive Skin: Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum Complexion Correcting

I love this serum!!! One of the things I adore is that I can also apply it on my eye area, which allows me to skip my usual eye serum on the nights that I'm super exhausted and just want to get my skin prepped and zzzzzzzzzz. In this sense, it's like a 2-for-1 offer, isn't it?! The best part is, I get what I have paid for. I slept at 4a.m. on several occasions, but still my complexion looked brighter than I had expected the next morning. I realize it also managed to overcome the dullness brought by the strong medicated acne treatment I was using (and which failed to curb the horrible breakout) before purchasing Avene Cleanance Cream-Gel (see review HERE). This is a fantastic news because I now have a serum that can make me look better over my very depressive, blemished days. And since it's hypoallergenic, I can use it during my worst skin breakout with no worries at all. What's more, I think it also speeds up the recovery of my blemishes. My skin has stopped breaking out within days of beginning my new skincare regime with the new Avene purchases (HERE), and the spots are minimizing and fading out at a very desirable pace. It's been less than 2 weeks by now, and with only light makeup, my friends are hardly aware that I had just gone through one of my worst skin breakouts! 

Texture-wise, the Radiance Serum feels a bit sticky when I first apply it on my skin. I usually leave it for a few minutes before applying moisturizer to allow the serum to sink in. You will know when it's ready as it will feel noticeably less sticky. The stickiness actually owes to its hydrating property. Now that the weather is still humid, I only apply it on my blemishes and areas that require brightening, say the apples of my cheeks and my undereyes. But my guess is, I can use it over my entire face when the wintry weather sets in. 

Oh, one last thing. Don't forget that the serum contains a star ingredient, grape seed polyphenols, a natural, highly potent antioxidant that helps delay or slow down the skin aging process that we all detest. In other words, it's an antioxidant, hydrating, and brightening serum. It's great especially for acne-prone, sensitive skin and it's definitely a value-for-money product (even better if it comes in a gift pack!) that you should seriously consider including in your coming beauty haul.  

UV Fighters IV: Lancome Blanc Expert Melanolyser Whiteness Activating Spot Eraser

Asian girls, including myself, are known for their obsession over fair complexion. I wasn't lucky enough to be born with snowy fair skin, but my experience says proper skincare regime and treatments plus UV protection can essentially make up for what nature's brought me. I don't want to use the word 'whitening' here since only products that contain bleach or alike can really whiten your skin. I'm madly indulged in brighhtening products and I actually think everybody needs it. Even if you're a beach babe who prefers bronze complexion, you won't wanna end up with freckles, dark spots, and uneven skin tone. Choosing a good serum is utterly important here because that's what plays the magic in your daily skincare routine.

I tested out Lancome Blanc Expert Melanolyser Whiteness Activating Spot Eraser for a month. The product says that it will dissolve pigmentations and discoloration, minimize melanin production, and speed up the exfoliation of surface dead cells which are packed with melanin to reveal finer, fairer, and more even skin texture. To a considerable extent, it does.

Unlike some of the online reviews which joyfully reported that their spots faded out the next morning, I haven't observed such a dramatic effect and I believe I never will. Looking into the mirror, my overall skin tone is indeed significantly brightened and evened out. I know I'm repeating, but I have to stress that the product has really done quite a good job in evening out my skin tone. I THINK my blemishes and spots are slightly lightened as well...for this, frankly, I'm not sure if it's just a "placebo effect"...anyway, on the whole, I'll give this product an A-. 

Why an A-? 

I always expect serums to be super lightweight, and I think they have to be lightweight. Look, it's only the first layer of product that I'll apply on my face after cleansing and toning. At the very least, there'll be a moisturizer or emulsion layering on top of it...that's provided I'm not wearing makeup...This Melanolyser is however a bit too rich for a serum. It's perfect for those who prefer a more moisturizing formula. It leaves a moisture layer on my skin, and even before applying my emulsion, it already feels like I have! You may find that a good news if it means your moisturizer or emulsion can last a bit longer. Yes, I'm really using a smaller drop of emulsion these days. But no, I'll still hunt for another brightening serum for summer and adore Blanc Expert Melanolyser in our dry fall and winter. Anyway, don't get me wrong - it's a good product! *wink*