Vitamin C skincare – 7 days to brighter skin
We're mad about Vitamin C and how it can transform your skin. Here's the lowdown on a new product we've been testing...
When it comes to really great skincare, it doesn't take a lot to get us excited (there's plenty of 'wooping' and 'hollering' when a fab, new serum or moisturiser wings its way to us at Verymakeupmad HQ)! And after the last few dismal and monotonous months, we've been craving excitement more than ever (Joe Wicks workouts and banana bread bakeathons just haven't cut it!) We've both felt in need of something to perk us up - we're talking mentally and facially😉!
Enter Clinique's Fresh Pressed 7 Day System with Pure Vitamin C, £25. A surefire way to brighten our faces... and moods. Because if there's one step to our daily routines that we both rely on and swear by, it's vitamin C. Vitamin C serums, lotions, masks, pastes, capsules - you name it, we've tried them. This ingredient works to protect and detoxify the skin and when it comes to anti-ageing skincare, it's the gold standard! It brightens, smooths and firms skin and works on fine lines and wrinkles. It boosts collagen production and improves signs of sun damage and ageing while protecting against further environmental damage.
The Clinique system is designed to be used for 7 consecutive days - Vitamin C is a particularly unstable ingredient, especially when exposed to UV light and/or oxygen, which is why this product is so clever, because it uses special, protective packaging to keep it fresh with each use. And after 7 days the product loses its potency (although Clinique suggests you can use it for up to 14 days).
Admittedly, on day 1 we found it to be a bit of a 'faff'...it doesn't help that we couldn't quite decipher the instructions. But rest assured, we quickly worked it out (and even filmed a video with a little extra guidance - click here to watch) and here we are bringing you the lowdown on this product... the good, the bad and the not so ugly!
First up, the Renewing Powder Cleanser. There are 7 sachets of this in the pack and it's designed to be used every morning. You simply empty the sachet into your hands, add water and apply to the face. Take note - you need a fair amount of water for this. On day 1, V simply moistened her hands, so the powder didn't properly dissolve and she felt like she was washing her face with sandpaper! Ouch! But when you add enough water, the powder transforms to a beautifully silky, slightly foaming, rinse-off cleanser that feels amazing on the skin and is a great way to perk you up in the morning. M shrewdly shared the sachet with her teenage daughter, because it's safe to say that there's plenty of it to go round!
Next, it's time for the Daily Booster, which can be used am and pm. Simply peel back the foil, press down the orange pump twice to mix the vitamin C powder with a special 'emulsion' and then shake for at least 15 seconds.
And you must remember to shake this before each use. Press the pump carefully to release a couple of drops of the serum into your palm, and mix with your moisturiser before applying to your skin. Now this is powerful stuff! Although it's a gentle introduction to vitamin C (this is 10% - other products on the market offer higher concentrations), this booster was a little strong for V's dry, delicate skin. She used it for the full 7 days, but experienced a little tightness and some redness too.
Although it wasn't all bad - she's sure that the lines around her eyes have softened. M, on the other hand didn't have any issues with sensitivity and definitely noticed that her skin looked brighter and clearer after a week. We reckon, that as a one-off, 7 day system, to get your skin glowing for a special occasion, to 'pep' you up if you're feeling sluggish, or just because... this is a really brilliant product! And be sure to buy on Beauty Expert and take advantage of our 20% discount code VMMBE at checkout. You can thank us later!
Whilst we're on the subject of Vitamin C, here are some more products to try, all with the Verymakeupmad seal of approval:
Lixirskin Vitamin C Paste, £32
Use this meltingly gorgeous morning mask to soften and smooth skin and prep it for the day.
Pestle & Mortar Vitamin C 2 Phase Serum, £68
Definitely a splurge, but this brilliant oil/water bi-phase serum leaves skin looking young and radiant and feeling great.
Elizabeth Arden Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules, £42
If your skin is on the dry side, this wonder capsule will leave it looking dewy and even-toned and feeling super soft.
Lumene Nordic C Glow Boost Essence, £29.90
This silky serum hydrates and nourishes skin and makes it enviably 'glowy'.
Remember that you can use our discount code VERYMAKEUPMAD20 when shopping at Lookfantastic. And don't forget to get in touch for any bespoke skincare and makeup recommendations and to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for daily beauty inspo and banter!
Love & Bright Skin,
Vikki & Mala xx