Update: Lancome Genifique Youth Activator

Earlier I did a first impression post on this product and I have now passed the 7 day difference period and my thoughts on this product has thankfully not changed. It purchased this in a set in Myer for $120 for the 30ml (1 fl.oz) less my staff discount. It came with deluxe sample sizes of the eye cream, day cream and night cream.

This is quite a unique product as it is not a serum but is worn before your serum and after your toner. I use a pump on my face and another pump on areas of concern and the neck area, day and night. I don't know what is in this but I feel like it has given my SK-II Whitening Source Dermdefinition serum a boost and has somehow accelerated its corrective power. My face has a luminous quality about it that I have not seen before.

After using this product for 7 days (a bit more) I have seen a visible improvement in my skin tone and texture. My skin feels softer and firmer to the touch, my pores seem slightly smaller and my expression lines on my forehead have reduced. I was skeptical about this product at first but now I'm glad that I gave in. I can't wait to see more results after long-term use. 

This is my own experience and I do advise you try and obtain samples if possible before purchasing this product as every skin reacts differently and it also on the expensive side. I'm glad my experience was just very positive.

First impression: Lancome Genifique Youth Activator and Eye Cream

I purchased the Lancôme Youth Activator 30ml set in the beginning of the week which also contained deluxe samples of the eye cream, day cream and night cream. I've alway wanted to try the Youth Activator but was discouraged by the extreme mixed reviews - it worked for some and did nothing for others. But two of my favorite bloggers/youtubers hollyannaeree and theraeviewer both love this product so I decided to jump in and try it for myself and to my luck I am not disappointed (so far). Some noticeable differences included improved softness, plumpness and radiance. The product claims to show results within 7 days but I started seeing results on day 2. I'm really impressed. 

I have not seen any difference with using the eye cream but so far its kept my eyes hydrated. I have yet to try the day cream or night cream since I'm still trying to banish my dark spots from acne scaring and sun damage with my SK-II whitening products, so I cannot give my thought on these just yet. The Genifique is working very well in conjunction with my current skincare regimen.

This is just my initial impression as I'm only on day 4 of using this product. I'll do a proper review later on once I've had a good feel of the product. 

Onto another topic - I'm looking to purchase the Clarisonic Plus or Mia 2 cleansing system as Nordstroms now ship to Australia. My Myer store has been out of stock of the Plus (we don't have the Mia here) for a while now. Its also considerably cheaper in the US if I combine replacement brush heads into the same shipment. I'm still deciding between the Mia 2 or Plus but I'm leaning towards the Plus since I have blemishes on my body which I've been struggling to get rid off and I'm hoping the body function would work on that. Thoughts?

Review: SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil 250ml

I am a firm believer in this product. It is definitely my HG when it comes to makeup removal. It's suitable for the eye area and it takes my makeup off like nothing I've used before, even waterproof mascara. I usually follow it up with my SK-II Gentle Facial Cleansing Foam and it works like MAGIC! No makeup residue (toner test) and it doesn't leave my face feeling stripped of moisture.

I used to use the Clinique Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm which worked, but in my opinion was such a mess to use and unhygienic as it was in a jar container. This cleansing oil is contained in a pump bottle which makes it so much easier to dispense a sensible amount. You don't need very much of this. I dispense a to my fingertips, and apply it to a dry face starting from the nose outwards using a gentle massaging motion. I then dampen my fingertips and massage more until it emulsifies. I repeat the last step again and then rinse thoroughly with water and then followed by my cleanser. My skin is left soft and clean.

Even though my skin is quite oily and acne-prone I haven't found that this product has in any way reacted adversely to my skin. All-in-all I will continue to use it and repurchase unless I find something that is cheaper and works just as good, as this was quite pricey. I think I got it for about $75AU after discount (RRP $90AU). But then again, it has lasted me so long. I've used it virtually every day since I purchased it back in April and I'm just about half way through. So technically a bottle would last me just over a year. That's not expensive if you ask me, especially if the product works.

This product deserves my 5 star approval.

Beauty Haul...

In my latest haul I picked up some products that I've been wanting to try for a long time now.

WHAT'S IN THE HAUL-BAG?

- Missha Signature Real Complete BB Cream SPF27+ in no.23 $36.90AU from Missha
- SK-II Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil $90AU from Myer
- YSL Touche Éclat in no.2 $55 from Myer

I will give these a try for a few weeks before I go ahead and review them. Stay tuned in :)

SK-II Haul

This was the Gift with Purchase offer that was available at Myer when I went on my recent SK-II haul. The gift was too good to pass. With purchases over $250 you received a vanity case and 3 deluxe samples and if you spent over $500 you received an additional trolley bag (the four wheels type - pretty cool!).    

WHAT'S IN THE HAUL-BAG?

(excuse my messy dresing table and the luvo in the background)

(my favourite foundation on the far right - BOBBI BROWN Natural Finish Longlasting Foundation)

Facial Treatment Cleanser ($80AUD)

I haven't tried this product yet, since I still have some of my Laneige cleanser left. But thought I'd purchase it to take advantage of the offer. Will update my thoughts on it ..

Facial Treatment Essence Limited Anniversary Edition 250ml ($245AUD)

A back-up purchase, since I am almost half way through my large bottle. This was the very first product I purchased from SK-II apart from the facial masks. The mask was what convinced me to invest into their skincare range since it is really expensive and I didn't want to spend so much on something that may not work. But a fter a few weeks of using this product, I have noticed my blemishes clearing up and an overall improvement in the clarity of my skin. I've been using it for almost two months now and within the first two weeks I received compliments on my skin improvements. So overall, thumbs up and I definitely think it was worth the price I paid. Highly recommended ! It's my number one skincare product. 

Facial Clear Solution ($140AUD)

I bought this one about a month ago as a day moisturiser and use it after the Facial Treatment Essense. I love the gel formula as it quickly absorbs into my skin without being sticky or greasy at all. I have noticed that my skin is less oily throughout the day and my dry U-zone is also kept moisturised. It kind of smells like cucumber as well which is pleasant.

Skin Refining Treatment ($210AUD)

This is by far my favourite night cream. I received samples of it when I purchased the Facial Clear Solution and loved it. I use it after the Facial Treatment Essence before bed at night. It did everything it said it would. It has really helped with my large pores, especially in my nose and cheek area. My skin appears smoother and more brightened every morning when I wake up. Again its not oily or greasy, but incredibly moisturising. It doesn't come cheap for a 50g jar but because it's a night cream it should go a long way. Again, definitely worth the price. My skin has never felt so soft.

And this is exactly why I am always so BROKE ! My expensive love and need for luxury brand cosmetics.