C E Ferulic Serum Review - It's like having Thanksgiving on your face

From their site:

C E Ferulic® is a revolutionary antioxidant combination that delivers advanced protection against photoaging by neutralizing free radicals, boosting collagen synthesis, and providing unmatched antioxidant protection. More protection means more youthful looking skin and better defense against environmental aging.

• Provides advanced environmental protection against UVA, UVB and infrared radiation A
• Stimulates collagen synthesis to improve signs of aging
• Increases firmness and replenishes lipids to reduce wrinkles
• Once absorbed, this serum can’t be washed or rubbed off. It remains effective for a minimum of 72 hours, making it an excellent addition to sunscreen.

Ever wonder what it'll feel like to have a slab of turkey on your face? It might smell and feel like C E Ferulic. I wanted to like this serum after all the rave reviews and people I know in the beauty industry swear by it. I finally gave in, put my La Mer aside, and tried it for a week. I absolutely hate it. I wanted to stay on it longer so I can write a really in-depth review, but my skin started breaking out and my face was greasy all the time, I just couldn't stay on it anymore.

This is one of those products that looks so good on paper, but fails to deliver, at least for me. I know a lot of people that really like it, so maybe it just didn't sit well with my skin. If you have combination/oily skin, you might not want to use this, because it is very oily and my face was shiny the entire time when I was on this. And because it is so oily, my skin started breaking out where I normally wouldn't break out.

I thought it would improve as time goes on, but my skin started looking worse each day to a point that I just had to stop using it. The worse thing about this product is that it smells like turkey! I thought I got a bad bottle, so I went back to check on another bottle and did some research online and apparently, it just smells bad. I felt like I was rubbing a Turkey dinner grease all over my face when I put this on and the smells lingers on your face throughout the entire day. I also have severe allergies so the smell was not helping either.

Honestly, I am sure the product works well with some people, but I just can't get over the smell and the greasiness of it all. I also did not see anything positive other than my pores being enlarged and pimples started appearing.

Verdict: Skip it!
C E Ferulic is $146
http://www.skinceuticals.com/_us/_en/category/c-e-ferulic.htm

 

Complete La Mer Serum Rundown Review- Regenerating, Radiant, and Intensifier

The Regenerating Serum: 
Fortified with a high concentration of The Miracle Broth™, The Regenerating Ferment™ and The Marine Peptide Ferment, this active yet comforting skincare powerhouse helps complement skin's natural production of “youth proteins,” collagen and elastin. You will see a difference in a day as skin is rejuvenated on contact. Over time, the appearance of lines, wrinkles and pores is diminished as a firmer, more lifted, beautifully ageless look is revealed.

This is my absolute favorite serum of all time. The difference is overnight. It also cleared my breakouts as well. This is one of the few products where I can see the difference in my face and I've recommended it to everyone and everyone had great results from it. It reduce the lines on your face and clear any imperfection.. It was very hard for me to find a serum that was both anti-aging and soothing to the skin so I don't breakout. After the first week of using this, my face was completely clear and dewy.

This is by far the best serum from La Mer. The texture is very milky and sinks into your skin right away. It's great for both day and night and it kind of creates a soft canvas for your lotion/cream. I've noticed when using this serum during the day, I don't get as shiny as if I were to use another serum. This is one product I will always recommend to anyone that is looking for something anti-aging where you can see the results.

So worth the money!

Verdict: RUN OUT AND BUY IT! 
Regenerating Serum is $260
http://www.cremedelamer.com/templates/products/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY23101&PRODUCT_ID=PROD15901

The Radiant Serum:
This ultralight gel serum boosts skin's ability to reflect light.

The Radiant Serum illuminates the complexion immediately on contact, awakening a brilliant new clarity. Targeted skin tone correctors dissolve the look of discoloration. Water borne anti-oxidants help skin remain looking more even and bright into the future.

La Mer's Radiant Waters™ smooth away dull surface cells that obscure light. Pores are purified and refined. Exclusive marine extracts firm and plump skin's appearance, breathing life into the complexion.

I've tried this serum many times. I like it, but I don't love it. The texture is kind of sticky and and it dries on your skin leaving a strange texture for your lotion/cream to go on. The main reason for my ambivalent feeling about this serum is the fact that I didn't notice any results from it. Originally, I thought I would like this more than the Regenerating Serum because this one is supposed to purify the pores and refine the skin and get rid of discoloration, but it didn't do any of that. Actually, the regenerating serum gets rid of breakouts more than this and does a better job at evening out the skin tone.

I really don't see a reason buying this over the Regenerating since they are the same price. I can see people using this for the day and the regenerating at night, otherwise, just use the regenerating.

Verdict: Try it
The Radiant Serum is $260
http://www.cremedelamer.com/templates/products/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY23101&PRODUCT_ID=PROD16769

The Lifting Intensifier:
This targeted treatment utilizes a mesh-like matrix containing Blue Algae Lift Ferment™ and other key ingredients to help skin promote its natural collagen and elastin network where support is needed most. It instantly tightens skin's surface and works over time to "train" skin to sustain a smooth, resilient, more lifted appearance.

First off, I want you to know I don't have a lot of visible wrinkles that needs to be fixed other than expression lines, so I can't give you a feedback on if it actually lifts the skin. However, a friend of mine tried it and said she really likes it, but still prefers the Regenerating Serum.

The Lifting Intensifier used to be sold as a duo along with the Lifting Serum, but I guess with all the new serums that are obviously doing better, they got rid of the Lifting Serum and just kept this one. I don't really like the texture of this serum. It is very sticky and it leaves a sticky film on the skin and for some reason, I feel like my skin cannot breath under this serum. I also noticed I am more prone to breakout when I'm on this serum. So this is not exactly my favorite one.

As for lifting, I don't really feel it personally. I am not sure I will come back to this and invest the money when Regenerating Serum is far superior. Also, this is more of a targeted treatment than for the entire face....though I used it for my entire face!

Verdict: Try it...maybe. 
The Lifting Intensifier is $155
http://www.cremedelamer.com/templates/products/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY23101&PRODUCT_ID=PROD6842

La Mer also came out with a Brightening Serum, which I've used and will write a review soon (don't buy it, it's not that good).

The La Mer Concentrate is amazing for scars. Way better than ScarsGuard and Merderma. It's great for the face, too, but for $400, i think you should just save that for scars.

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster Review

From their website-
Like a daily vitamin for your face, this high powered vitamin C complex helps smooth out lines and wrinkles and prevents further damage. Loaded with antioxidants to fight off environmental aggressors and moisture-binding ingredients to keep your skin nourished and protected, this aromatic serum is absorbed instantly and penetrates to the deeper layers of the skin to provide long term results. Sensitive skin prone to irritation will benefit immensely from the calming properties of this oil-free serum.

Ingredient benefits

Grapefruit and orange extract Purifying, astringent, brightening
Green tea extract Protects against damage with antioxidants
Rosehips extract Repairs and strengthens with concentrated vitamin C
Sodium hyaluronate Binds moisture to the skin
Vitamin C Calms, heals and strengthens collagen
Vitamin E Heals, restores and nourishes


Vit C serums are great for people that want to get rid of sun spots or discolorations, and also it is full of antioxidants to combat aging. I liked this serum for a few reasons. It smells amazing, like oranges, and it sinks into the skin very well. It kept my skin hydrated without feeling greasy even with my lotion on top.


For those that are not familiar with Ole Henriksen, he is a celebrity facialist and has a spa on Sunset Blvd behind on the restaurants at the Sunset Plaza. It's kind of hard to find at first, because the entrance is behind the building in the parking lot..... (there's a yummy cupcake store right next door!)


I love his colorful packaging and this Vit C Serum is definitely one of his most popular products. I do think there are stronger anti-aging products and whitening/brightening products on the market, but this is a great start for someone that is looking to start their anti-aging routine!

Verdict: Try it! 

Ole Henriksen Truth Serum Collagen Booster is $72 (there's a smaller size for sale as well, but get the big one)
Read more on their site- http://www.olehenriksen.com/p-68-truth-serum-collagen-booster.aspx

La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Serum Review

La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Serum

The most potent product of the system, combining anti-aging, anti-pigmentation and luminescence with pearlescent pigments and liquid crystals to inhibit melanin production, detoxify and beautify.

Dark spots and uneven coloring can give your skin an aged look beyond its years. This potent anti-pigmentation serum interrupts the cycle that creates age spots, stopping discoloration before it begins. As existing spots fade, the skin takes on a new brightness. 

The Benefits

• Promotes even skin tone by decreasing transfer of dark pigment to the surface of the skin
• Lifts and firms with Golden Caviar Extracts and anti-aging peptides
• Reduces wrinkles caused by repeated facial expressions
• Delays aging signs with powerful antioxidants including Tomato Fruit Extract, Larch Tree Extract, and White Tea Complex

This has become one of my favorite serums! It is a beautiful pearlescent serum that melts into your skin that brightens up your entire complexion while reducing wrinkles caused my repeated facial expression!

I'm at the age where I'm starting to see some expression lines and this serum has helped minimize them from daily use. I use this day and night. I have received some great compliments on my skin while on this and I've noticed my skin tone looks a lot more even and some minor dark spots have faded.

You can hide a lot of flaws when your skin is on the whiter side that's why Asians are obsessed with whitening/brightening their skins. And please note, whitening does not mean bleaching of the skin, it simply means brightening of the skin and the overall texture so it looks like you have a light shining from within.

I love the pearlescent texture of serum. It literally looks like a melted pearl when you put this on your finger tip and it goes on smooth like velvet.

I would definitely recommend this serum. I don't think you need the face cream from this line, because personally, the face cream was a bit too dry for my combination skin. So if you're going to but either or, I would choose this serum over the cream, and the serum has more of the active ingredient anyway.

It is $470 (yikes), but it falls into the category of "You only have one face! So take care of it!" Definitely worth it.

Verdict: Buy it!

La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Serum is $470

Givenchy Le Soin Noir

This has been my favorite line of products on the market, but it has been increasingly hard to find them in the States. Sephora used to carry the face cream, but it's been out of stock for awhile now and it doesn't seem like they will be taking on the serum anytime soon.

I am so tempted to order this from the UK and have it shipped to me, because it is that good! I am currently using the left over jars as candle holders on my coffee table (for display only, would not actually burn the candles) and its been a great conversation piece. The jars are beautifully made.

Anyone has any luck tracking down where to buy this line in the States?

Tom Ford Intensive Infusion Concentrate Extreme $250

The Tom Ford Infusing Complex infuses skin with a potent combination of specially selected nutrients that help skin stimulate its natural repair mechanisms. By helping skin cells replenish their natural energy, it fundamentally rejuvenates the complexion, so it looks and feels brighter, fresher and less tired. High-performing antioxidants help protect the skin, creating a vital-looking face. The skin is left looking renewed, resilient and smoother.

This is by far one of the worst luxury serums at this price tag I've ever used. It is also the only serum I've ever returned to the store. First off, the Tom Ford Beauty salesperson I talked to at Neiman Marcus didn't even know what is in this product. I asked him what exactly is in the "infusion complex" and he just kept repeating "some of the most precious and best oils in the world", and then I asked what oils are in it and he said it's a secret that they are not even told.

Really?? Let me tell you, simply flip the box over and all the ingredients are listed, and it's nothing special. After reading the ingredient, I felt cheated. This is the perfect example of a designer simply selling something expensive for the brand name. I am a huge fan of Tom Ford, that's why I was so disappointed. I think Tom Ford is a genius and branded himself so well in the world of luxury. He couldn't do anything wrong in my eyes, but his skincare just fell short. However, I've heard amazing things about his makeup line. So do give that a try.

The serum itself is pure oil. So if you have oily skin or even the slightest tendency to get some shine on your face, this would not be right for you. It's the equivalent of dipping your face in oil. I used this at night so I didn't have to walk out of my door with a grease face. I didn't notice any difference to my skin at all.

Normally I could find some redeeming quality to any product, but with this price tag, I just couldn't. I think the serum is worth $60 top. Since it's pure oil, I couldn't use this during the day either, so I eventually ended up returning the product.

Verdict- Skip it! 

The Tom Ford Beauty Intensive Infusion is $250
Read more on Neiman Marcus site- http://www.neimanmarcus.com/p/Tom-Ford-Beauty-Intensive-Infusion-Concentrate-Extreme-Skin-Care/prod138620123/

La Prairie - WHITE CAVIAR ILLUMINATING EYE SERUM $265

White Caviar Illuminating Eye Serum combines anti-aging, anti-pigmentation and luminescence with pearlescent pigments to inhibit melanin production, detoxify and beautify. The skin surrounding the eye becomes brighter and more even-toned with improved firmness.

This light-infused eye serum is a high-performing antidote to undereye darkness and discoloration. It detoxifies the skin and helps stop dark patches from forming on the skin.

As existing darkness fades and the skin appears lighter and brighter, the eyes look more wide-awake and energized. In addition, puffiness is reduced and the skin is lifted, firmed and smoothed with wrinkle-reducers.

Normally, I'm not a big fan of La Prairie. I think most of their products are too active (and too pricey) for my skin and I've had a bad reaction to a few of their products. However, I love the entire White Caviar Line. This is the only Eye Serum I've used that have dramatically lighten my dark circles. I saw a difference over night. The serum itself looks pearlescent when you put it on your finger, you'd think it'll make your eyes look glittery, but don't worry, it disappears onto your skin. I think the pearlescent effect also helps to reflect the light under your eyes to make them look brighter.

When La Prairie first launched this, it was a stand alone product, but since then they have launched the White Caviar Eye Cream to use on top of this serum. Personally, I think the eye serum itself is moisturizing and effective enough on its own. It's hydrating and and I like that because it's a serum, it sinks into the skin around your eyes rather than sitting on top of it.

I have the entire White Caviar Line, but so far this is the only product I've used long enough to provide a review. As time goes on, I will write reviews on the other items in the collection.

The downside to this Eye Serum is the hefty price tag. I love this product, but I find it very hard to justify the price tag. It definitely works, but I just think it's way too pricey.

Verdict: Buy it if you have the money!

The WHITE CAVIAR ILLUMINATING EYE SERUM is $265
You can read more on their website-- http://www.shoplaprairie.com/c-112-the-white-caviar-illuminating-systme.aspx

La Mer "The Essence" Facial at Hotel Bel-Air

This was at the entrance of the room

So I had the luxury of being invited by La Mer to try "The Essence" facial at Hotel Bel-Air yesterday and I absolutely LOVED it.


The Essence by La Mer is one of the world’s most expensive beauty products, priced at $2100. Its extraordinary packaging was designed by La Mer’s team, including Jesse Chertoff, design director, and Shane Butler, package designer.

The Essence contains magnetized tourmaline, which keeps its active ferments suspended. Magnets hidden inside the package keep the tourmaline’s ingredients magnetically charged.

The Essence is a milky texture, very much like the Regenerating Serum, and it feels like a mixture of The Concentrate and Regenerating Serum on the skin. It absorbs very quickly into the skin like most of La Mer Serums.

I literally had a halo glow effect to my face after the facial. The facialist applied the Cream on my face after the facial and normally it would've been too heavy during the day, but for some reason the combination of the Essence and the Cream provided the perfect balance for my skin.

Obviously for $2100, most people would just pay a visit to the dermatologist for injections, but for those that are looking for an alternative, you might want to give this a try.

"The Essence Facial" included-

• Cleansing of the face with The La Mer Cleansing Foam and Tonic
• Exfoliation by La Mer Refining Facial (which is basically a fine scrub, I will review it in the future) 
• Massage with La Mer Cleansing Gel
• La Mer Mist 
• The Mask-- which is basically a heavy thick layer of Creme de La Mer for 10 mins
• The Hydrating Infusion (Will Review in the future)
• The Essence (LOVE!) as the serum 
• Creme de La Mer as the finishing touch!

Then you leave feeling like a million bucks and glowing for the next few days!

CHANEL HYDRAMAX + ACTIVE SÉRUM $115

An ultra-hydrating serum for dry or very dry skin goes to the source of skin's hydration needs.. At the heart of the formula: CERATONIA PFA* powerfully stimulates hydration; a Hydrabarrier System™ locks it in, resulting in healthy-looking, smooth, supple skin. Enriched with Aquaperfyl™, a complex of moisture-boosting components, this silky serum sinks in on contact for immediate dry-skin relief.

If you have dry skin or flaky skin, you should definitely give this serum a try. I don't think there's any anti-aging properties to it other than intense hydration, so it's not something I would actually use as a regular serum personally. However, I have found myself using this during the winter when my face gets really dry.

I have heard from my friends that makeup goes on very smooth with this serum, but then again, besides hydration, there's no anti-aging properties. I say if you're a young person dealing with dry skin, then give this a try, otherwise I think you can get a better serum within the same price.

Verdict: Skip it if you're looking for anti-aging /Try it if you have dry skin  

CHANEL HYDRAMAX + ACTIVE SÉRUM  is $115

You can read more about it on their website- http://www.chanel.com/en_US/fragrance-beauty/Skincare-Moisturizers-HYDRAMAX-%2B-ACTIVE-S%C3%89RUM-89463

La Mer Radiant Serum $260

The Radiant Serum illuminates the complexion immediately on contact, awakening a brilliant new clarity. Targeted skin tone correctors dissolve the look of discoloration. Water borne anti-oxidants help skin remain looking more even and bright into the future.

La Mer's Radiant Waters™ smooth away dull surface cells that obscure light. Pores are purified and refined. Exclusive marine extracts firm and plump skin's appearance, breathing life into the complexion.

I am a big fan of La Mer. I know a lot of people out there look down on the brand saying they sold out after the company was bought out by Estee lauder and changed all the formulas. I heard they did change the formula at the beginning, but have since received so many complaints from their loyal customers that they had to go back to the way they formulated the products. Some skin care experts refuse to use Creme de La Mer because there's mineral oil in it, which causes breakout.

I use the cream at night and both versions of the lotion depending on the weather of the day and it actually helped clear my breakouts. I'll write more about their moisturizers when I review them.

The Radiant Serum is an ok serum for me. I have friends that love it more than the regenerating serum, which is still my favorite. The Radiant Serum has a watery texture and it sinks into your skin pretty quickly. The one problem I have with the serum is that it makes my face feels kind of dry, and I have combination skin that's more on the oily side. Also, I feel like my lotion doesn't glide that well on top of this serum. I don't wear makeup, so I don't know if people wearing makeup have the same problem. Definitely leave a comment if you have tried it.

I'm not sure if it "reflects" light as it claims, but it does help improve the overall tone of your face. I also feel like the Regenerating Serum refine my pores better than this one. Again, everyone's skin is different so you might have a different experience with this than I did.

If you are someone with a lot of acne scars and sunspots, I don't think this would be strong enough to get rid of them. I would go with their Brightening Intensive Serum instead for dark spots.

Verdict: Try it! 

La Mer Radiant Serum is $260

You can read more on their website- http://www.cremedelamer.com/templates/products/spp.tmpl?CATEGORY_ID=CATEGORY23101&PRODUCT_ID=PROD16769

The Essence by La Mer $2100

“The Essence” is the latest and most expensive of the La Mer series and, in a three-week regimen, makes the skin glow like a newborn’s. The three emerald-green phials contain the “Miracle Broth,” a combination of seaweed, minerals, vitamin and wheat germ, marine algae and the essence of daffodil bulbs. All three soothe the skin and boost the energy reserves of skin cells.

Will finally be getting my hands ( or should i say face?) on The Essence of La Mer next week. Will come back to give you guys my thoughts.

THE CURE PURE SERUM $250

THE CURE PURE SERUM is a sophisticated, exclusive and highly rejuvenating concentrate that combines revolutionary cosmetic ingredients to detoxify and repair damaged cells and elevate the levels of skin hydration from within. This exceptional formula contains SIRT-AP, a cutting-edge and advanced peptide complex obtained from Soy and the Oryza Sativa rice that modulates the activity of Sirtuin 1 and Sirtuin 3 which prolong the lifespan of cells, repair the damaged cells and protect them from oxidation. SIRT-AP reduces the levels of aging biomarkers such as the p-16 protein and prolongs the skin's youthful appearance.


I've tried many serums on the market and this is one of the 5 that I would recommend. I really like the smell and as far as anti-aging goes, the results are noticeable. It takes about a week and a half for this serum to detoxify the skin and release impurities. So you might experience some minor breakout at the beginning stage of using the serum, but don't worry, it'll all go away in time and your skin will be glowing! 

I almost gave up on this serum this first week because I broke up a little, but I stuck with it and was I glad I did! After 2 weeks of using this, I noticed my face had a nice glow and was more youthful looking than before. I had a few friends that asked me what I've been doing to my face and I guess that's when I realized it was this serum at work. 

I would definitely recommend this for anyone that is looking for a solid anti-aging serum. $250 seem to be the new norm for luxury serum, so if you have the money, I say go for it. 

Verdict: Buy it!

The Cure Pure Serum is $250
Read more on their website-- http://shop.naturabisse.com/_product_43627/THE_CURE_PURE_SERUM