little white truths

I've been meaning to review this serum for a while, it's just that I've had so many other posts to write and I also don't like this product because it's been a chore to use, so I've skipped using it wherever possible and this review has therefore taken me longer to post than it otherwise would have.

Long story short, it doesn't absorb well so it doesn't hydrate (it can't hydrate if it's not absorbing), and it also leaves a coating on the skin so it doesn't let anything else hydrate my skin through it. Indeed, it's definitely not for me and I'm looking forward to finishing it. I've even given it a 'disappointing products' tag.

Andalou claims/product details:

• This seriously moisturising serum from Andalou is perfect for dry or ageing complexions
• Powerful antioxidants including a bioactive 8 berry complex including goji and acai berry, resveratrol from red grapes and co-enzyme Q10 support skin health and functionality 
• Also helps with the production of collagen and elastin, which support skin texture and youthfulness
• Made in the USA with a minimum of 70% Certified Organic Ingredients
• Certified GMO Free, Vegan, Certified Cruelty Free, Certified Gluten Free
• FSC Certified and recyclable packing used
• RRP $29.99 AUD for 32ml, but do shop around (I bought mine at half price)

Verdict

This product doesn't work for me at all, although note that it's had some excellent reviews online (see eg nourishedlife), so it obviously works well for some - but it doesn't gel with my skin and it's one of the most disappointing products I've tried this year.

First, I wouldn't call this a serum. It's more of a thin cream or lotion in texture, and it's rare to come across something in this texture that calls itself a serum because it really isn't. This mightn't be an issue, but for the next point.

Second, it just doesn't want to absorb. No matter how little I apply, I'm left with white streaks all over my face that won't rub in. It's bloody annoying, and I don't have time for all that - especially in the mornings when I'm rushing to get the kids organised. 

Third, not only does it not absorb, but it completely coats my skin so that my moisturiser can't penetrate through it. I used it again this morning and not only did it leave my skin feeling incredibly dry after use (as though it had sucked all the life from my skin), but my face still felt dry and uncomfortable even after I'd whacked on both an oil and a moisturiser over the top. So it doesn't hydrate, and it also prevents anything else from getting in there and nourishing my skin. 

Fourth, it's sticky and it leaves a tacky coating on my face. Indeed, the finish this leaves behind is one of the stickiest I've come across. It's stickier than my primers. No wonder nothing will penetrate through it. Blurgh.

Fifth, it hasn't done anything positive for my skin. I mean, of course it hasn't. If it's not absorbing, then it's not going to do anything effective. So in my experience, it doesn't meet any of its claims and it prevents my other products from meeting their claims too.

In other news it has a nice fruity smell and I like the packaging - it looks good and I like that it comes with a pump - but they're really the only good things I can say about it.

Overall I obviously don't like this product and I can't recommend it. The only way I've been able to use it is to mix a small amount with my face oil, so then the mix hydrates my skin and doesn't leave a coating. But it's going to take me ages to finish it that way and I'm honestly close to just turfing it.

Disappointing.