little white truths

I received this product a while ago from The Parcel and it's one of those items that I've kept putting aside after testing once or twice because I just don't like how it feels on my skin and I've had better things to reach for.

But I wanted to use it for a short while so I could at least review it, so I've done that over the past few weeks and can now move it from daily rotation. In short, I don't like this serum because it's sticky and feels odd on my skin, but for this reason you can use it as a primer so all is not lost. More on that below.

• A silky serum that stimulates collagen by repairing and protecting the epidermal layer of your skin
• An intensive blend of certified organic rosehip oil and innovative plant peptide technology
• Enriched with plant peptides to revive, nourish and regenerate
• Regular use will smooth and soften wrinkles, and promote a youthful complexion
• Plumps and fills in wrinkles and fine lines
• Improves firmness and elasticity
• Resurfaces your skin: this treatment tightens pores to visibly refine skin texture
• For all skin types
• Dermatologically tested
• To use: apply 1-2 pumps to cleansed face and neck, morning and night before your moisturiser
• RRP $29.99 for 30ml, but do shop around

I just want to say from the outset that I haven't used this for a couple of months consistently (as I normally would when it comes to serums) because I don't like it enough to do that, so I won't be able to comment comprehensively on what this product has done for my skin over time. 

But I wanted to write this review anyway because I suspect I'm not the only one who doesn't like how this feels, so it's worth noting my comments on that and how I've decided to use the product instead, since that may be useful for others who don't love how this feels either.

It's an ivory-coloured serum that feels more like a cream than it does a standard serum, and it's quite thick but it spreads easily enough. The product has a faint, earthy scent that shouldn't offend most people, and a little goes a long way so you don't need much product each time.

What I don't like about this serum is that it dries down to a super tacky finish that just doesn't want to go away. I'm really aware of the stuff sitting on my skin after use, and this makes me wonder how well it absorbs and delivers nourishment where it's needed, and indeed my dry skin doesn't feel at all hydrated after application - just sticky and coated, a sensation I don't like.

While I can't comment on the long-term effects, I'd be surprised if it achieved any of those, given that I don't think it absorbs but instead sits on top of the skin. But it does have a temporary impact on fine lines, so it plumps the skin as claimed.

I've seen that the third listed ingredient is glycerin, which would explain not only the stickiness but also the slight plumping effect too. This might also explain why my moisturiser doesn't absorb well after using this: I reckon the glycerin creates a coating that interferes with my moisturiser's ability to work.

So while I don't rate this product at all as a serum, I think it works pretty well as a primer under makeup because the formula is so sticky, meaning it grabs onto makeup and holds it in place. Now my skin is dry so it generally clings to makeup anyway, but I have noticed that my makeup stays in place a little longer when I use this, so that's a plus at least.

All in all, I don't like this product as a serum but all is not lost because you can re-purpose it as a primer if like me you've found yourself with a bottle of the stuff and don't love it. I'd be interested to hear how those with oily skin find it when used as a primer, so let me know if you've tried it this way and how you've gone if so.

I wouldn't buy this because I still don't like how it feels on my face, even if I apply it as a primer over my skincare, but I will use it because it's not terrible and I've found a place for it in my collection.

I'd definitely test this before buying it because I suspect I'm not the only one who won't be a fan of the stickiness.

Not for me.