Ulta Love Your Skin Event PSA: Algenist GENIUS Ultimate Anti-Aging Vitamin C+ Serum

Just a PSA that the Algenist GENIUS Ultimate Anti-Aging Vitamin C+ Serum is half-priced today ($59 vs. the regular price of $118).  I'm a fan of this vitamin C serum, but refuse to pay the full price.  I originally discovered the GENIUS Ultimate Anti-Aging Vitamin C+ Serum last year during Ulta's Love Your Skin event, and after using the full sized bottle I do think it made a difference in how my skin looked.  

I took advantage of some sample offers on the serum that Sephora was running to tide me over once I used up my bottle, so this offer could not come at a better time!  You can see my full review on the GENIUS Ultimate Anti-Aging Vitamin C+ Serum here.  Ulta also has a skincare sampler GWP offer, although I needed to add something to my bag in order to hit the $70 trigger point. 

Ulta has two skincare box bundles of deluxe sized samples that are currently half price, and I got this one. Considering I also purchased the Bioassance Weightless Hydration Essentials set this week from Sephora in order to take advantage of their 2X points for skincare purchases plus a sample bag,  I should be set all year now!

Algenist Genius Ultimate Anti-Aging Vitamin C+ Serum Review

Disclaimer: I purchased this.

I bought the Genius Vitamin C+ Serum by Algenist for half off during Ulta's Love Your Skin event back in January, and I just finished the bottle this week. Time to review! Did this super pricey serum ($118) live up to it's claims or should you save your money?

First of all, let's talk about what it claims to do:

• Replenishes, nourishes and delivers smoother looking skin
• Visibly minimizes the depth and volume of deep wrinkles
• Reduces the appearance of skin discoloration
• Boosts brightness and radiance for a uniform complexion

The formula features a derivative of Vitamin C called 3-O Ethyl Ascorbic Acid. The active form of Vitamin C is called ascorbic acid, and all derivatives must be converted to ascorbic acid on the skin to be effective. Vitamin C is a notoriously unstable vitamin, but 3-O Ethyl Ascorbic Acid is supposed to be a more stable form and the airtight pump packaging should also keep light and air sensitive ingredients protected. No refrigeration required for this baby :-)

Algenist is also known for it's Microalgae ingredients, and indeed this brand's genesis began as a biotechnology company studying Microalgae as a source of environmentally sustainable, renewable energy. Apparently, Microalgae secretes a compound that allows it to thrive and regenerate despite the harsh environment it lives in.  The compound that allows this was harnessed, rigorously tested, validated to help protect and regenerate the microalgae cell, and named Alguronic Acid.  Other ingredients of note in the serum are Niacinamide, peptides, ceramides, and antioxidant plant extracts. 

I've got the admit that the combination of Vitamin C and Niacinamide had me concerned, as I've heard the two should not be used together, as they cancel each other out and the combo can even be detrimental to skin. However, this article appears to negate those concerns. I've also seen criticisms of Vitamin C serums that are yellow in color (and this one is), as it is implied that manufacturers are masking the oxidation of Vitamin C, which turns yellow and even darker as it oxidizes. However, the combination of Vitamin C and Niacinamide produces a yellow color, and is not evidence of oxidation. Also, I should mention the smell of this serum: it's distinct, almost like chocolate but not as pleasant. From everything I've seen, vitamin C solutions smell funky, so it just comes with the territory. I did not find it off putting, but I've seen reviews from others who did.

I used two pumps of the serum once a day in the mornings, and the bottle lasted me not quite 3 months. Recommended usage is morning and evenings, which means a bottle would last a little over a month, and considering the price...well, I'm not willing to spend $118 every 6 weeks. But, I really like this serum and my skin does look smoother and more refined. I've got dark spots on the left side of my face that look slightly fainter, but they are still there. Overall, my skin has improved since I started using the Vitamin C+ serum, so when I saw a 10 day trial offer of foil samples as a Sephora special, I made 3 separate purchases using the code in order to get 30 packets, which equals a full sized bottle. 

I'm hoping to get 3 uses from each packet, which should give me another 3 months before I have to decide if I'm willing to pay for another bottle.  Cause gosh, I do like this a lot! 

Ulta Love Your Skin Event and Haul

Ulta is in the midst of their Love Your Skin event (Jan. 8-28), and there are some really good skincare deals to be had. Each day features one or two items at substantial discounts, and on the very first day the Algenist Genius Vitamin C Serum was 50% off, so I bought the largest size for $59 (regularly $118).

There was also a GWP variety sampler for purchases over $70, so I added the Clean Slate Guide to Glowing Skin sampler (looks to be sold out now) to take advantage of that.

Love that Ulta is putting together this types of sample boxes now! They seem to be copying the Sephora Favorites, and even include a $5 off in store coupon if you decide to buy something from one of the featured brands. There is another sampler box called Fresh Start that is still available, marked 50% off in the regular sale section right now. Definitely a deal/steal if these are items you've been considering.

I've just started using the Algenist Genius Vitamin C Serum but will do an in depth review in a month or so. In the meantime, here's all the items included in the Clean Slate box and GWP sampler. Lot's of lovely stuff to play with!

Ciracle Vitamin Source C-20 Serum Review

Disclaimer: I purchased this.

Way back in December I purchased a vitamin C serum from Memebox - Ciracle's Vitamin Source C-20. I had been reading about all the good things vitamin C can do for the skin, and I thought to myself "I want me some of that."  I just finished the bottle today, so I guess it's time for a review :-)

First off, a little about vitamin C for the skin: it's a temperamental little beast. Maybe temperamental is not the right word I'm looking for. Delicate perhaps? You see, it has to be formulated at the right pH level (less than 3) to be effective yet not too low (above 2.5?) or it can irritate the skin.

Vitamin C is also notoriously unstable and starts to degrade when exposed to heat, light, and air. So whatever vitamin C product you go with should be in an air tight, dark bottle that gets stored in the refrigerator.  Based on all this, I'm sticking with temperamental and delicate as adjectives.

Yet an effective vitamin C serum can do such good things for the skin! Vitamins C and E paired together protect the skin from both UVA and UVB rays and scavenges for damaging free radicals. Vitamin C can reverse the chemical compound that causes skin discolorations for a more even complexion. Vitamin C is also thought to aid in collagen production, which means tighter, firmer skin. It's a skincare powerhouse, pure and simple. For reference, I've got super oily skin with under the skin bumps caused by sebaceous hyperplasia, sun damage from years of not wearing sun screen and living on the Gulf Coast, and I'm old :-)

Source FutureDerm: The Science of Beauty 

Ciracle's C-20 is a thin, slightly viscous pale yellow liquid.  I used about half a dropper's worth for my face, neck, and back of my hands.  It stings (tingles?) slightly after applying, and has a somewhat sticky finish. When I did wear it during the day I did not notice it interfering with my makeup in the least, and that slight stickiness could work as foundation primer, I suppose. This did not irritate my skin nor did it cause breakouts.

Ingredients: Water, Ascorbic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Rosa Davurica Bud Extract, Alcohol, Sodium Lactate, Glucose, Carthamus Tinctorius (Safflower) Flower Extract, Sodium Hyaluronate, PEG-60 Hydrogenated Castor Oil, Bis-PEG-18 Methyl Ether Dimethyl Silane, Sodium Bicarbonate, Diethoxyethyl Succinate, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Beta-Glucan, Xanthan Gum, PEG-180, Gluconolactone, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/VP Copolymer, Lecthin, Tocopheryl Acetate, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Ubiquinone, Diisopropyl Adipate, Glycerin, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (Orange) Oil, Panthenol, Niacinamide, Zinc PCA, Phenoxyethanol, Methyparaben

Here is something I just learned a few weeks ago: vitamin C's effects on the skin last 72 hours, which means you really don't need to apply it daily. I felt pressured to use up my bottle ASAP due to the limited shelf life (1 year from opening, but then there are those pesky oxidation issues nipping at your heels), so I'm not sure knowing about the 72 hour lasting effects would have slowed me down any.  The bottle I purchased from Memebox ($25) had an expiration date of 1/28/16, but it worked well right up to the last drops. It still took me a good 8 months to finish off this bottle using it 3-4 times a week, as I would sometimes forget because it was in the refrigerator. Out of sight, out of mind, you know.

So did I see any difference in my skin? Yes, I believe this did make a difference. The dark spots on the left side of my face are slightly lighter and the overall tone and clarity of my skin seems better. I liked using a vitamin C serum enough that I want to keep one in my skin care routine, although I'm not sure it will be Ciracle's C-20. Memebox no longer carries it, but I do see it on amazon.com for about $35 and at the official Ciracle site for $39.30. I just purchased a reasonably priced vitamin C serum from a US brand called Simply Radiant, so I'll have something to compare. I've also heard good things about Drunk Elephants C-Firma Day Serum, but I'm not quite ready to spend $80 to try it out :-)

DHC Acerola Gel

Now that warm weather has arrived, I've switched to using DHC's Acerola Gel.  Billed by DHC as a "non-greasy gel that’s fortified with the wonder-berry acerola’s remarkably high vitamin C content, this formula helps defend against the damaging effects of free radicals that can age skin prematurely." 

Acerola cherry has a vitamin C content that is 65 times greater than an orange, which means one cherry has a vitamin C content that is equal to the minimum daily recommended requirements. It is one of the richest sources of vitamin C in fruit, second only to camu-camu.  The acerola cherry also contains approximately double the magnesium, potassium and vitamin B5 of an orange and high levels of vitamin A. In addition to vitamins A, B and C, acerola cherries also contain key minerals calcium, iron, phosphorus as well as flavonoids and anthocyanins (polyphenols)  [Source:  nutriciousfruit.com].  Anthocyanins help fight carcinogens and cause cells to die when they should, instead of reproducing uncontrollably.  Hmm, wonder fruit! 

Acerola Gel by DHC is a clear gel moisturizer that absorbs easily into the skin without adding any sheen, which I find perfect for my oily skin in the summer!   At $17.00 for 1.4 oz, it's also relatively economical.  DHC has an entire acerola line which includes a cream, toner, and treatment extract as well as the gel, and a set with all of the products is available for $67.50. 

Ingredients:  water/aqua/eau, butylene glycol, carbomer, phenoxyethanol, potassium hydroxide, salix alba (willow) bark extract, malpighia glabra (acerola) fruit extract, yeast extract, acetyl tyrosine, olea europaea (olive) leaf extract, paeonia suffruticosa root extract, pueraria lobata root extract

Ole Henriksen African Red Tea Age Defying Duo

African Red Tea Age Defying Duo is an antiaging kit designed to renew and revitalize the complexion.  I purchased this from Sephora for $14 a few months back and while the set itself is no longer available, the two products featured in it can be purchased separately.  I love generously sized trial sets like this that allow you to extensively sample a product, as it usually takes me several weeks of use to determine if I'm going to like it. 

Highlighted ingredients of each product from Sephora's site, with full ingredient list in the below photo:
African Red Tea See The Difference Serum
-African red tea: A powerful antioxidant that strengthens the skin's immune system, slows the aging process, and soothes the skin.
-Sea kelp: A skin-firming and detoxifying extract that's naturally rich in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids.
-Gingko biloba: Contains phytochemicals that help improve circulation and has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
-Grapefruit, orange, and tangerine extracts: These extracts are astringent, antiseptic, aromatic, purifying, and brightening. 


 Express The Truth Creme

-African red tea: A powerful antioxidant that slows the aging process.
-Ester C 10% vitamin C complex: An antioxidant that stimulates collagen production.
-Polylysine: A peptide that improves elasticity and muscle tone.
-Hyaluronic acid: A humectant that binds moisture to skin.
-Zinc, copper and manganese gluconate: Antioxidants with calming, soothing, and collagen-production properties. 

The serum, as would be expected, has a lighter texture than the creme.  I used the serum during the day and the creme at night, as my oily skin really does not need a heavy moisturizer during the day.  The creme had a pleasant, slightly nutty smell (it does contain macadamia oil, so perhaps that's why) and the serum a light citrus fragrance.  Both are supposed to be good for all skin types, but my initial impression of the Express the Truth Creme was that it was too rich for my skin.  I've since decided that it works well for me during colder months when my skin does dry out a bit from indoor heating and I've been using it every night.  Not much of the creme is needed, as it is very emollient.  You can see how much is left, even though I've been using it for about a month now.  The serum, on the other hand, is about 2/3 gone, as I use two pumps of it each time. 

Ingredients (click to enlarge)

Of the two, my favorite was the Express the Truth Creme.  I experienced no irritation or break outs from either, the creme is definitely hydrating and makes my skin feel smooth, and the serum was nice and light under my makeup.  I don't have many wrinkles and would like to keep it that way for as long as possible, so I appreciate the presence of a peptide and antioxidants.  However, I do question packaging in clear glass, as antioxidants like vitamin C break down and oxidize when exposed to air and light, so not sure how stable and/or effective these would be long term.  On the plus side, the creme does contain a 10% concentration of vitamin C complex, which is the minimum recommended for effectiveness.  Another plus is that expiration dates are included on the packaging, as these types of ingredients can and do go bad.  Since vitamin C that has gone bad (oxidized, indicated by a yellow or brown color) can potentially increase free radical development, expiration dates are important!

Éminence Mandarin & Rooibos Antioxidant Masque

I have what I consider to be problematic skin. It's oily, congested, prone to breakouts, has under the skin bumps due to sebaceous hyperplasia, and is showing some tell tale signs of aging. Beyond the daily routine of cleansing, toning, and moisturizing, I use masques to give my skin some extra lovin'. Éminence is a Hungarian skincare company that has an extensive line of certified organic products. I discovered them at a spa that I frequent and have now sampled quite a few of their products. As described on their web site, the Éminence tradition began in Hungary more than 50 years ago in a small village where family knowledge of using herbs, fruits and plants in natural remedies spanned generations. Today the ingredients are still hand-picked and hand-mixed in small batches and are combined with thermal hot spring water to create products that contain potent healing and beautifying properties.

The masque I will be reviewing today is the Mandarin & Rooibos Antioxidant Masque, which is described as an immunity supporting and rejuvenating masque for all skin types, with:

• Rooibos: high in antioxidants, alpha hydroxy acid and zinc for healthy, smooth skin; useful when applied to skin irritations like itchy skin, eczema, sunburns, diaper rash and acne
• Mandarin Juice: stimulant; high in Vitamin C, it helps to clear impurities from the skin
• Orange Juice: antioxidant, nutrient; delivers high levels of Vitamin C, nourishes and enriches the skin
• Grapefruit Juice: antioxidant, antiseptic; gentle cleanser
• Biocomplex™: an antioxidant booster of Vitamins A, Ester C, E, Coenzyme Q10, Alpha Lipoic Acid; delivers a balanced mix of essential antioxidants and effectively combats free radicals

One of Éminence's strengths, in my opinion, is the use of whole fruits and vegetables in their products. You can see and smell them, right down to the pulp. Each container comes with it's own spatula so that you do not have to stick your fingers in them and potentially contaminate the product. This particular masque has a citrus smell and the consistency of a jam. You scoop some of the masque into your palm and mix with a few drops of water prior to spreading on your face and then let sit for 5 minutes or longer. I usually leave the masques on for 30 minutes or so, as I tend to use them while watching TV in the evenings. To remove, soak a wash clothe in warm water and rub your face, as the ingredients will have dried a bit by this point. I then rinse thoroughly and proceed with the rest of my nightly routine.

My skin always feels extra soft and more refined after an Éminence masque. I view using masques much like exercise - a one time session will not get you in shape, although you will feel invigorated and more motivated to get moving again. By dosing my skin with concentrated ingredients like those found in Eminence masques, I'm providing my skin with a boost that contributes to its health, and over time, has led to better looking skin. Éminence products are priced more towards the higher end of the spectrum and the Mandarin & Rooibos Antioxidant Masque retails for $52.00 for 2 ounces.

Éminence products can be purchased online from various retailers, including Skin 1 and Dermstore or from spas that carry the line.


Ingredients: Rooibos Tea Extract, Mandarin Juice, Orange Juice, Grapefruit Juice, Honey, Natural Moisturizing Factor, Tara Tea Extract, Biocomplex (Vitamin A, Vitamin C Ester, Vitamin E, Coenzyme Q10, Alpha Lipoic Acid), Vegetable Glycerin, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Sweet Orange Oil, Mandarin Oil, Lemon Oil, Sodium Salicylate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate.