From luxurious overnight masks and day creams for wrinkles, to smoothening face and eye serums, here are some of the best anti-ageing skincare products reviewed by the team.
Kiehl’s Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum 30ml, HK$525
Available throughout HK
shop.kiehls.com.hk
I had always been a little nervous about Retinol, given its reputation for causing redness and irritation. So, when Kiehl’s announced the launch of a new Retinol serum with a daily micro-dose, I was keen to test it out.
The serum contains a trio of ingredients – pure Retinol delivered in a precise daily dose (genius!) along with ceramides and peptides. The recommendation is to use the serum two to three times a week to start with, then adding it to your daily morning or night-time routine. You simply apply it before your normal moisturiser; the serum glides on beautifully and is easily absorbed – I’ve felt no discomfort at all.
I’ve been using it now for five weeks and my skin certainly feels great. Best of all, fine lines around my eyes seem to be fading.
This is a great entry-level Retinol product, which so far looks like it will deliver!
Kate Woodbury
Glow Recipe Avocado Melt Retinol Sleeping Mask, HK$330
This nourishing overnight cream is thick, luxurious but non-greasy. I love to use it after cleansing before bedtime. It contains the perfect blend of ingredients like avocado fruit extract (rich in vitamins C and E), encapsulated retinol, and matcha to reduce those fine lines, even out skin tone, and clear the skin, making it bright and nourished. It’s also free of any parabens and nasties, which is great. The packaging is cool too. It certainly gets my vote!
Jacqui Young
La Prairie Skin Caviar Nighttime Oil, HK$4,450
Available at La Prairie counters in Lane Crawford, Sogo, Elements
Newly launched this month is this night-time oil in the luxury skincare brand’s beautiful signature cobalt blue glass jar. The product’s caviar retinol works its magic at night while the skin is in its regenerating stage, with the oily texture forming a light skin barrier to retain water loss. Although it’s an oil, the handy dropper releases a tiny amount, which goes a long way. Its non-sticky texture soaks well into my skin, leaving it velvety smooth.
I’ve found that it has visibly smoothened some of my fine lines and wrinkles without compromising on hydration. It’s the perfect combination to counteract the skin dryness that sometimes happens from sleeping with air-conditioning. The only downside is the hefty price tag!
Jacqui Young
Dermedics Meso Gen X
I use the serum twice a week and massage it into my skin using an electric face massager. The combination of the two is amazing. I like to focus on areas that are prone to ageing, such as below my chin and neck. If you’re a mum like me, I suggest doing this ritual in the evening as you’ll want to take your time to really massage the serum in your skin and be relaxed.
Dermedics is definitely a splurge, but I could see a real difference in my skin after just the first try. My wrinkles looked slightly smoothened, and my skin felt tight and glowing. I looked like I was 30 again – yes! It’s also free of nasties including fragrances, parabens and colourants. I love how it absorbs quickly into my skin without leaving any stickiness, so it’s great for Hong Kong’s humid months.
Susan Knudsen-Pickles
Lierac Supra Radiance Eye Radiance Serum 15ml, HK$595.50
I like the fact that this is a natural formula, the texture is good and there’s no fragrance. Based on nutritional and environmental medicine, this cream-serum combines white horehound extract and Hyalu-3 concentrate. It’s also enriched with pagoda tree and butcher’s broom extract.
Although I didn’t find Lierac’s face moisturisers hydrating enough for my skin, I really like the eye serum and do think it has made a difference. The powders and pearlescent particles also help reduce the look of fatigue and brighten any dark circles and puffiness. I have dry skin with wrinkles and I would recommend it for that.
Rebecca Bisset
This article first appeared in the Winter 2021 issue of Expat Living magazine. Subscribe now so you never miss an issue.
