Spa Technologies Vitamin C Moisturising Serum

RRP: £35

--What does the promo say?--
"Our bestseller, this Moisturizing Serum combines powerful Botanical Extracts and two forms of Vitamin C. Vitamin C Serum, delivers the moisture-locking properties of rich creams. Seaweed and Antioxidants stimulate collagen synthesis for firmer, healthier-looking skin."

--Packaging--
The glass bottles used by this brand are substantial, practical and sophisticated. The double metallic brand (which is a different colour depending on which product the bottle houses) is a good identifier for the brand itself, proving modern, unisex and minimalist while still standing out. The pump-action mechanism is easy to use, and also to detach for recycling purposes.

--Application--
Smooth over face and neck at night-time after cleansing.

--Appearance--
A creamy yellow (a colour which, I suspect, comes from the buriti as well as the shea) serum that in fact has the richness of a cream rather than the typical wateriness of a serum. However, it leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--
Again, the Amazonian superfruit, the buriti, is responsible for this serum's creamy orange-like scent. Delicious and different!

--Texture and consistency--
Rich and creamy, but sinks in instantly.

--Effects on the skin--
While I felt this was a bit too rich for my oily/combination skin type, clogging my pores a bit on my face, it did a terrific job on my neck (where the skin is more 'normal'), keeping it naturally smooth and moisturised.

--Value for money--
While seeming a bit expensive on the face of it, this product lasted me a very long time - more so than the cleanser and toner I was sent by the same company. The ingredients are also of high quality provenance and the serum's moisturising properties speak for themselves. Even though I snagged this for free, I would genuinely spend my own money on this product thanks to its natural formulation, pleasant texture, and excellent moisturisation. Based on the quality of this product, I would also be inclined to try the company's Marine Serum, which I understand is more tailored to acneic skin.

perfect partners
Laminaria Oil, £22
Luminous Eye Serum, £35
Restore Kit, £80

Spa Technologies Luminous Eye Serum

RRP: £35

--What does the promo say?--
"Brighten up your eyes. Formulated with Marine Extracts and a blend of Peptides and Transresveratrol to reduce the appearance of dark circles and fine lines and wrinkles around the eyes. Seaweed Polysaccharides firm the skin’s connective matrix and repairs sun-exposure damage to cellular DNA."

--Packaging--
The brand's characteristic double metallic band adorns this chunky glass bottle, which all makes you feel like you are getting something substantial yet sophisticated with a clear brand identity. The pump action system is efficient and easily detachable for recycling.

--Application--
Use your ring finger (why? It's got the weakest muscle of all your fingers and will pull at the delicate skin around the eye area the least) to gently rub the cream into the skin around the eye area morning and night.

--Appearance--
A translucent white cream that leaves no visible residue on the skin.

--Scent--
Nothing from the ingredients list particularly stands out; it just seems clean and natural.

--Texture and consistency--
Sinks into the skin instantly and feels rich and creamy without weighing the skin down.

--Effects on the skin--
Moisturises well and adds radiance too. Skin seems to regain some elasticity with dark circles being reduced.

--Value for money--
This easily competes with some high-end labels price-wise (the eye serums of Estee Lauder, Shiseido and Origins are all priced similarly), but it's still affordable, and even the tiny sample pot I was sent lasts FOREVER (I'm still using it a couple of months later!), so by my reckoning this bottle would last you a good year at least. Luxurious, utilitarian and natural? Simply brilliant.

perfect partners
Laminaria Oil, £22
Firming Booster Kit, £59.99
Skin Brightening Kit, £59.99